CMY3702
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2025
, Crime Typologies
Essay Question:
Provide a comprehensive discussion of the factors contributing to the illegal trade in
endangered species in South Africa. In addition, apply a case study of one such species
to serve as an example of this type of crime.
Illegal Trade in Endangered Species in South Africa: A Criminological Perspective
1. Introduction
South Africa is internationally renowned for its rich biodiversity, yet it faces a growing
crisis due to the illegal trade in endangered species. Wildlife crime has evolved into a
form of organized transnational crime with far-reaching social, economic, and ecological
consequences (Lindsey et al., 2017). This essay explores the key factors that drive the
illegal trade in endangered species in South Africa and provides a case study of
rhinoceros poaching to illustrate the complexity and scope of this issue.
2. Factors Contributing to the Illegal Trade
2.1 High Demand for Wildlife Products
One of the main contributors to the illegal wildlife trade is the persistent global demand
for animal parts. Products such as rhino horn, lion bones, and pangolin scales are
highly valued in East Asian markets for traditional medicine, ornamentation, and as
status symbols (EIA, 2022). Rhino horn, in particular, is erroneously believed to have
medicinal properties despite being composed of keratin (Biggs et al., 2013).
2.2 Socio-Economic Inequality and Poverty
High levels of unemployment and poverty, especially in rural communities bordering
conservation areas, often push individuals to engage in poaching as a source of
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2025
, Crime Typologies
Essay Question:
Provide a comprehensive discussion of the factors contributing to the illegal trade in
endangered species in South Africa. In addition, apply a case study of one such species
to serve as an example of this type of crime.
Illegal Trade in Endangered Species in South Africa: A Criminological Perspective
1. Introduction
South Africa is internationally renowned for its rich biodiversity, yet it faces a growing
crisis due to the illegal trade in endangered species. Wildlife crime has evolved into a
form of organized transnational crime with far-reaching social, economic, and ecological
consequences (Lindsey et al., 2017). This essay explores the key factors that drive the
illegal trade in endangered species in South Africa and provides a case study of
rhinoceros poaching to illustrate the complexity and scope of this issue.
2. Factors Contributing to the Illegal Trade
2.1 High Demand for Wildlife Products
One of the main contributors to the illegal wildlife trade is the persistent global demand
for animal parts. Products such as rhino horn, lion bones, and pangolin scales are
highly valued in East Asian markets for traditional medicine, ornamentation, and as
status symbols (EIA, 2022). Rhino horn, in particular, is erroneously believed to have
medicinal properties despite being composed of keratin (Biggs et al., 2013).
2.2 Socio-Economic Inequality and Poverty
High levels of unemployment and poverty, especially in rural communities bordering
conservation areas, often push individuals to engage in poaching as a source of
