CMY3702
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 20 August 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
3The illegal trade in endangered species remains a serious challenge in South Africa,
posing a threat to biodiversity, the economy, and national security. Although various
conservation efforts are in place, wildlife crime continues to rise, especially in areas rich in
natural resources but lacking strong enforcement. South Africa’s wide range of wildlife,
including rhinos, makes it a key target for poachers and criminal syndicates operating across
borders. This trade is driven by high international demand, weak legal systems, poverty, and
corruption. The essay will examine the major factors contributing to this trade and focus on
rhino poaching as a clear example of the problem. It will also use relevant criminological
theories and policy frameworks to show how these crimes are organised and maintained. In
doing so, the essay highlights the environmental, social, and financial impacts of wildlife
crime and the urgent need for stronger and more unified responses.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED
SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF RHINO POACHING
1. INTRODUCTION
The illegal trade in endangered species remains a serious challenge in South Africa,
posing a threat to biodiversity, the economy, and national security. Although various
conservation efforts are in place, wildlife crime continues to rise, especially in areas
rich in natural resources but lacking strong enforcement. South Africa’s wide range
of wildlife, including rhinos, makes it a key target for poachers and criminal
syndicates operating across borders. This trade is driven by high international
demand, weak legal systems, poverty, and corruption. The essay will examine the
major factors contributing to this trade and focus on rhino poaching as a clear
example of the problem. It will also use relevant criminological theories and policy
frameworks to show how these crimes are organised and maintained. In doing so,
the essay highlights the environmental, social, and financial impacts of wildlife crime
and the urgent need for stronger and more unified responses.
2. DEFINING KEY CONCEPTS
2.1 Illegal Trade
The illegal trade in endangered species refers to activities such as the unauthorised
hunting, possession, transport, export, or sale of protected fauna and flora, often for
economic gain. It violates national and international regulations such as the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (CITES, 2009).
2.2 Endangered Species
Endangered species are organisms at risk of extinction if conservation measures are
not implemented. CITES classifies them under three appendices, with Appendix I
species being the most critically endangered and protected from international
commercial trade (CITES, 2009).
2.3 Smuggling
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 20 August 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
3The illegal trade in endangered species remains a serious challenge in South Africa,
posing a threat to biodiversity, the economy, and national security. Although various
conservation efforts are in place, wildlife crime continues to rise, especially in areas rich in
natural resources but lacking strong enforcement. South Africa’s wide range of wildlife,
including rhinos, makes it a key target for poachers and criminal syndicates operating across
borders. This trade is driven by high international demand, weak legal systems, poverty, and
corruption. The essay will examine the major factors contributing to this trade and focus on
rhino poaching as a clear example of the problem. It will also use relevant criminological
theories and policy frameworks to show how these crimes are organised and maintained. In
doing so, the essay highlights the environmental, social, and financial impacts of wildlife
crime and the urgent need for stronger and more unified responses.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED
SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF RHINO POACHING
1. INTRODUCTION
The illegal trade in endangered species remains a serious challenge in South Africa,
posing a threat to biodiversity, the economy, and national security. Although various
conservation efforts are in place, wildlife crime continues to rise, especially in areas
rich in natural resources but lacking strong enforcement. South Africa’s wide range
of wildlife, including rhinos, makes it a key target for poachers and criminal
syndicates operating across borders. This trade is driven by high international
demand, weak legal systems, poverty, and corruption. The essay will examine the
major factors contributing to this trade and focus on rhino poaching as a clear
example of the problem. It will also use relevant criminological theories and policy
frameworks to show how these crimes are organised and maintained. In doing so,
the essay highlights the environmental, social, and financial impacts of wildlife crime
and the urgent need for stronger and more unified responses.
2. DEFINING KEY CONCEPTS
2.1 Illegal Trade
The illegal trade in endangered species refers to activities such as the unauthorised
hunting, possession, transport, export, or sale of protected fauna and flora, often for
economic gain. It violates national and international regulations such as the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (CITES, 2009).
2.2 Endangered Species
Endangered species are organisms at risk of extinction if conservation measures are
not implemented. CITES classifies them under three appendices, with Appendix I
species being the most critically endangered and protected from international
commercial trade (CITES, 2009).
2.3 Smuggling
