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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction Page 3
2. Definition of Key Concepts Page 3
3. Factors Contributing to Illegal Wildlife Trade in South Africa Page 6
4. Case Study: The Illegal Trade of Rhinoceros Horns Page 8
5. Efforts to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade Page 10
6. Conclusion Page 13
7. List of References Page 16
, 1. Introduction
The illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) has escalated over recent decades, becoming one of the most
profitable transnational organized crimes globally, generating an estimated USD 23 billion annually
(CMY3702, 2015). This illicit trade poses a significant threat to both human security and national
governance, undermining regulatory frameworks intended to ensure the sustainable use of species for
present and future generations (du Bois, 1997). IWT is closely linked with other criminal activities,
such as money laundering, and trafficking in weapons and humans, while also presenting serious
biosecurity risks, such as the transmission of animal diseases to humans (CMY3702, 2015). The
severity of crimes related to natural resources, including IWT, has only recently started to receive
proper academic attention within criminology.
Addressing the illegal trade in endangered species is vital for both biodiversity conservation and the
stability of ecosystems, human livelihoods, and national stability. It worsens existing social
inequalities, particularly impacting developing nations and marginalized communities (du Bois,
1997). Given the transnational nature of wildlife trafficking, combating this crime demands
coordinated international action and cooperation among various authorities and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) (CMY3702, 2015).
South Africa, with its vast biodiversity, faces acute challenges in curbing IWT. The nation is home to
several species at high risk, including the rhinoceros, which has become an iconic example of this
crime. Rhino populations are under extreme pressure due to poaching driven by the demand for rhino
horn, pushing some subspecies to the brink of extinction. As of recent data, only approximately
14,950 rhinos remain in Africa, with just 2,850 in Asia. This paper will explore the multifaceted
factors contributing to the illegal trade in endangered species within South Africa, with a focus on
the rhinoceros as a primary case study.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
2.1. Illegal Wildlife Trade
The illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) refers to all unlawful activities related to the commercial
exploitation and trade of wildlife specimens, including both living organisms and harvested parts
(CMY3702, 2015). This broad definition encompasses a range of activities such as hunting, capture,
possession, import, export, transport, donation, or receipt of endangered species (du Bois, 1997).
Notably, "smuggling" involves the illegal import, export, or trade of goods like rhino horn or ivory,
often hidden within other legal shipments. The IWT is considered one of the most profitable
transnational organized crimes globally, generating an estimated USD 23 billion annually
(CMY3702, 2015). This illicit trade is primarily driven by a high demand for wildlife and their
by-products. Criminal syndicates involved in IWT often operate through complex networks,
including poachers, middlemen, and international smugglers, and typically resort to violence,
advanced technology, and corruption to conduct their operations (du Bois, 1997). Furthermore, IWT
is linked with other major crimes such as money laundering and trafficking in weapons and humans,
and it can result in biosecurity risks, such as the transmission of animal diseases to humans
(CMY3702, 2015).
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction Page 3
2. Definition of Key Concepts Page 3
3. Factors Contributing to Illegal Wildlife Trade in South Africa Page 6
4. Case Study: The Illegal Trade of Rhinoceros Horns Page 8
5. Efforts to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade Page 10
6. Conclusion Page 13
7. List of References Page 16
, 1. Introduction
The illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) has escalated over recent decades, becoming one of the most
profitable transnational organized crimes globally, generating an estimated USD 23 billion annually
(CMY3702, 2015). This illicit trade poses a significant threat to both human security and national
governance, undermining regulatory frameworks intended to ensure the sustainable use of species for
present and future generations (du Bois, 1997). IWT is closely linked with other criminal activities,
such as money laundering, and trafficking in weapons and humans, while also presenting serious
biosecurity risks, such as the transmission of animal diseases to humans (CMY3702, 2015). The
severity of crimes related to natural resources, including IWT, has only recently started to receive
proper academic attention within criminology.
Addressing the illegal trade in endangered species is vital for both biodiversity conservation and the
stability of ecosystems, human livelihoods, and national stability. It worsens existing social
inequalities, particularly impacting developing nations and marginalized communities (du Bois,
1997). Given the transnational nature of wildlife trafficking, combating this crime demands
coordinated international action and cooperation among various authorities and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) (CMY3702, 2015).
South Africa, with its vast biodiversity, faces acute challenges in curbing IWT. The nation is home to
several species at high risk, including the rhinoceros, which has become an iconic example of this
crime. Rhino populations are under extreme pressure due to poaching driven by the demand for rhino
horn, pushing some subspecies to the brink of extinction. As of recent data, only approximately
14,950 rhinos remain in Africa, with just 2,850 in Asia. This paper will explore the multifaceted
factors contributing to the illegal trade in endangered species within South Africa, with a focus on
the rhinoceros as a primary case study.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
2.1. Illegal Wildlife Trade
The illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) refers to all unlawful activities related to the commercial
exploitation and trade of wildlife specimens, including both living organisms and harvested parts
(CMY3702, 2015). This broad definition encompasses a range of activities such as hunting, capture,
possession, import, export, transport, donation, or receipt of endangered species (du Bois, 1997).
Notably, "smuggling" involves the illegal import, export, or trade of goods like rhino horn or ivory,
often hidden within other legal shipments. The IWT is considered one of the most profitable
transnational organized crimes globally, generating an estimated USD 23 billion annually
(CMY3702, 2015). This illicit trade is primarily driven by a high demand for wildlife and their
by-products. Criminal syndicates involved in IWT often operate through complex networks,
including poachers, middlemen, and international smugglers, and typically resort to violence,
advanced technology, and corruption to conduct their operations (du Bois, 1997). Furthermore, IWT
is linked with other major crimes such as money laundering and trafficking in weapons and humans,
and it can result in biosecurity risks, such as the transmission of animal diseases to humans
(CMY3702, 2015).
