The Global Crisis of Wildlife Trafficking

10 Most Trafficked Animals Worldwide

Wildlife trafficking is a global issue that endangers biodiversity and pushes species towards extinction. This problem arises from the greed of individuals seeking raw materials derived from precious animals. Here are the 10 most trafficked animals around the world:

• Pangolins

  Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals globally. Their scales are in high demand for traditional medicine, while their meat is considered a delicacy.

• Rhinos

  Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. This has led to a significant decline in their population.

• Elephants

  Elephants are killed for their ivory tusks, which are used to make jewelry, ornaments, and other luxury items.

• Tigers

  Tigers are poached for their fur, bones, and other body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and decoration.

• Lions

  Lions are hunted for their bones, which are used as a substitute for tiger bones in traditional medicine.

• Leopards

  Leopards are killed for their fur, which is used in the fashion industry, and their bones, which are used in traditional medicine.

• Monkeys

  Monkeys are trafficked for the pet trade, research, and entertainment industries.

• Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

  Tortoises and freshwater turtles are trafficked for the pet trade and for their meat and shells.

• Parrots

  Parrots are trafficked for the pet trade due to their ability to mimic human speech.

• Rays and Sharks

  Rays and sharks are hunted for their fins, which are used in shark fin soup, a popular delicacy in some Asian countries.

It is crucial to raise awareness about wildlife trafficking and take action to protect these animals from exploitation and extinction.