Animal trafficking and poaching: major threats to the biodiversity

Abstract

Animal trafficking and poaching pose significant threats to global biodiversity, causing irreversible ecological, economic, and social consequences. The illegal trade in wildlife, encompassing both live animals and their body parts, is a lucrative enterprise driven by demand for exotic pets, luxury goods, traditional medicine, and trophy hunting. This multi-billion-dollar industry exploits vulnerable species, pushing many towards the brink of extinction. Loss of keystone species disrupts natural food chains, alters vegetation dynamics, and diminishes biodiversity, thereby compromising the overall stability of ecosystems. Animal trafficking and poaching represent grave threats to global biodiversity, jeopardizing the ecological integrity of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the detrimental impacts of these illicit activities on wildlife populations and ecosystems.