The illegal wildlife trade is having a devastating impact on natural environments globally. This global trade has resulted in elephant and rhino species experiencing a drastic decline in their population numbers, and in the case of the northern white rhino, a complete decimation of that species.

The trafficking of wildlife is increasingly recognised as both a specialised area of organized crime and a significant threat to many plant and animal species. In response to this growing awareness, UNODC has been mandated to build a Global Programme on Wildlife and Forest Crime, and research is a key part of this Programme. This...