Wildlife Smuggling in Africa: A Threat to Biodiversity and Security

African wildlife smuggling poses problems for conservation, law enforcement, public health, and regional stability in addition to harming the wildlife and their habitats.

The Scale and Drivers of Wildlife Smuggling in Africa

According to U.S Congressional Research Service, illegal wildlife trade, which is thought to generate up to $23 billion annually worldwide, includes wildlife poaching and trafficking in Africa. While trafficking refers to the illegal movement or trade of wildlife or wildlife products, poaching refers to the illegal hunting or capture of wild animals.

Certain high-profile African wildlife products, like ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and live primates, are targeted for poaching and trafficking due to international demand, particularly from Asia. These goods are desired for many different things, including traditional medicine, ornaments, luxury items, and exotic pets.

The Impact of Wildlife Smuggling in Africa

Wildlife smuggling in Africa has multiple negative impacts on the environment, society, and security of the continent. Some of the consequences are:

Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services: Wildlife smuggling threatens the long-term viability of some species, such as African elephants and rhinoceroses, which are endangered under international conventions and the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The loss of these keystone species can have cascading effects on the ecological balance and functioning of their habitats, affecting other wildlife and human well-being.

Support for transnational criminal and militant groups: Wildlife smuggling is often linked to other forms of illicit trade, such as drugs, arms, and human trafficking.

Some reports suggest that wildlife trafficking provides a source of income or resources for armed groups operating in conflict zones in Africa, such as the Lord's Resistance Army in Central Africa, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and Boko Haram in Nigeria. These groups may use wildlife products to finance their operations, purchase weapons, or bribe officials.

Spread of zoonotic diseases: Wildlife smuggling can facilitate the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, posing a risk to public health and global security.

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have originated from a wildlife market in China, where trafficked animals from Africa may have been sold. Other examples of zoonotic diseases that have been linked to the wildlife trade include Ebola, SARS, and HIV/AIDS.

Weakening of the rule of law: Wildlife smuggling undermines the authority and legitimacy of governments and institutions in Africa by eroding their capacity to enforce laws and protect natural resources. Wildlife crime also fuels corruption, violence, and human rights abuses along the supply chain, affecting local communities and civil society.

The Response to Wildlife Smuggling in Africa

Wildlife trafficking in Africa is a complicated and multifaceted issue that calls for a coordinated and thorough response from many stakeholders at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The following are a few of the measures that have been implemented or suggested to address this issue.

Strengthening law enforcement and prosecution: Through education, tools, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, efforts have been made to enhance the identification, investigation, and prosecution of wildlife crimes in Africa.

For instance, in September 2020, Zimbabwean authorities seized 25 young monkeys they discovered caged in the back of a truck entering the nation from Zambia and headed for South Africa. The four men in the truck were detained by the authorities and given a six-month prison term for wildlife trafficking.

Enhancing conservation and community engagement: Initiatives have been launched to protect wildlife habitats, monitor populations, combat poaching, and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities in Africa through funding, technical assistance, education, and awareness campaigns.

For example, the U.S.-based Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) is a coalition of 23 wildlife centers and sanctuaries across the continent that provides rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for confiscated primates and other animals

Reducing demand and consumption: Through legislation, regulation, enforcement, advocacy, and behavior modification, steps have been taken to decrease the demand for and consumption of wildlife products in destination markets. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, China, for instance, announced a ban on the trade and consumption of wildlife for food in February 2020.

However, there are still some exceptions and loopholes, such as those for research and medical use. The natural heritage, security, and development of Africa are all seriously threatened by wildlife trafficking. To stop this crime, ensure the survival of Africa's wildlife, and protect its people, it takes a concerted and cooperative effort from all stakeholders.