CMY3702
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 20 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 20 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
