What is the extent of illegal trade in wild fauna and flora?
According to Interpol, illegal trade in wild fauna and flora is estimated to be the second after drug trafficking in terms of revenue involved. Illegal wildlife trade comes in many forms and involves sophisticated syndicates. It is therefore difficult to quantify with precision the exact volume of illegal trade but it is undoubtedly big business in Africa. Reports reveal that illegal wildlife trade is growing at an alarming rate as illustrated by the large quantities of contraband such as elephant ivory and live animals seized in the recent times. The lucrative markets existing both locally and overseas have exacerbated the situation.
