, CMY3702 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 – DUE
August 2025; 100% CORRECT AND TRUSTED SOLUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Key Concepts
3. Factors Contributing to Illegal Wildlife Trade in South
Africa
4. Case Study: The Illegal Trade of Rhinoceros Horns
5. Efforts to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade
6. Conclusion
7. List of References
1. Introduction
South Africa is globally recognised as one of the most biologically diverse
countries, hosting a wide range of ecosystems, including savannas, forests,
wetlands, and coastal regions that support an abundance of flora and fauna. Among
its most prized natural assets are its iconic wildlife species, many of which are
endemic and play critical ecological roles. However, this rich natural heritage is
under severe threat due to the persistent and escalating problem of illegal wildlife
trade, a global environmental crime that has found a particularly fertile ground in
Southern Africa.
The illegal trade in endangered species in South Africa is a highly organised and
lucrative criminal enterprise, often driven by transnational syndicates that exploit
socio-economic vulnerabilities, institutional weaknesses, and gaps in enforcement.
Despite the country’s comprehensive legislative framework—such as the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)—and significant
investments in conservation initiatives, including the deployment of anti-poaching
units and community-based wildlife management programmes, illegal hunting,
smuggling, and trafficking of wildlife continue at alarming rates.
This form of environmental crime is not only detrimental to the survival of
endangered species, such as rhinos, elephants, pangolins, and abalone, but it also
August 2025; 100% CORRECT AND TRUSTED SOLUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Key Concepts
3. Factors Contributing to Illegal Wildlife Trade in South
Africa
4. Case Study: The Illegal Trade of Rhinoceros Horns
5. Efforts to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade
6. Conclusion
7. List of References
1. Introduction
South Africa is globally recognised as one of the most biologically diverse
countries, hosting a wide range of ecosystems, including savannas, forests,
wetlands, and coastal regions that support an abundance of flora and fauna. Among
its most prized natural assets are its iconic wildlife species, many of which are
endemic and play critical ecological roles. However, this rich natural heritage is
under severe threat due to the persistent and escalating problem of illegal wildlife
trade, a global environmental crime that has found a particularly fertile ground in
Southern Africa.
The illegal trade in endangered species in South Africa is a highly organised and
lucrative criminal enterprise, often driven by transnational syndicates that exploit
socio-economic vulnerabilities, institutional weaknesses, and gaps in enforcement.
Despite the country’s comprehensive legislative framework—such as the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)—and significant
investments in conservation initiatives, including the deployment of anti-poaching
units and community-based wildlife management programmes, illegal hunting,
smuggling, and trafficking of wildlife continue at alarming rates.
This form of environmental crime is not only detrimental to the survival of
endangered species, such as rhinos, elephants, pangolins, and abalone, but it also
