Most Trafficked Animals in the World

Sadly, animal trafficking has become one of the most lucrative industries on the planet. Though illegal, wild animals and their body parts in particular, continue to be transported from state to state, country to country in unethical ways. It involves the illegal trade, smuggling and abduction of animals. Illegal wildlife trade is decimating wildlife species all over the world as poachers, traffickers and highly organized criminal gangs are relentlessly pursuing profits at all costs to satisfy customer demands. Here are five of the most trafficked animals.   \r \r 1. African Elephants\r \r About ninety percent of African elephants have been wiped out during the last century. As such, they are undoubtedly the most well-known animals to have suffered severely from illegal trade and wildlife trafficking. Illegal African ivory continues to flood Asian markets although there are international laws against this practice. Rangers have been tasked with protecting the elephants however elephant poachers don’t let them get in their way of wealth and the rangers are often executed. The ivory is carved into ornaments and jewelry which is quite valuable.  \r \r 2. Macaws\r \r The colorful plumage, large size and ability to talk have made macaws a widely sought after bird. These show birds and attention getters are being trafficked although it is illegal to buy and sell wild-caught hyacinth macaws. However, those born in captivity can be traded. They can cost anywhere from $10,000. One would think that national and international agreements would suffice in protecting the species but that isn’t the case. In recent years, traffickers ship the eggs to Europe, incubate them, and then misrepresent the live birds as having been hatched in captivity. This Amazon bird’s eggs have now become black-market gold. \r \r 3. Snow Leopard\r \r One of the most elusive cats in the entire world is the graceful, well-camouflaged snow leopard. Snow leopards live in Asia’s steep and rocky high mountains. Their thick, white-gray fur help them to withstand the harshest weather conditions. They are poached to be used in the black market. Their fur is used to make clothing and traditional medicine is made from their bones and other body parts. The market demand for these parts appears to be fueling an expansion of this illegal trade.\r \r 4. Hawksbill Turtle\r \r Hawksbill turtles are a rare species and the numbers are reducing rapidly. This is because they are heavily trafficked and slaughtered. Their carapace is used as ornaments and jewelry and it is a symbol of great wealth. Although trafficking of this sea creature is illegal, it continues to be practiced as this commodity is in high demand and traffickers are sure to make a hefty sum from their sale. Over the last century, the population of hawksbill turtles has declined by more than eighty percent and as such, they are endangered. They are usually found in remote areas making them an easy target for traffickers.\r \r 5. Tigers\r \r Trafficking of tigers is still a major threat although this practice is illegal. The population has dwindled and it is thought that there are just a few thousands found in a few countries. Criminal gangs are involved in the trafficking of the skin and body parts of slaughtered tigers. There is quite a bit of superstition surrounding possessing parts of tigers and the bones are thought to have medicinal properties, making it one of the most sought after species. Fur coats, wall hangings and rugs are also made from the fur of tigers. This illegal trade is still supported by breeding facilities, commonly referred to as “tiger farms.”\r \r  \r \r  \r \r