- – Wildlife Justice Commission reports significant decline in pangolin and ivory trafficking
- – International law enforcement efforts dismantle major wildlife smuggling operations
- – Nigeria’s proactive measures contribute to global reduction in illegal wildlife trade
A recent report by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) reveals a substantial decline in the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory since 2020, attributing this trend to intensified global law enforcement efforts and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on international transport.
The report, titled “Disruption and Disarray: An analysis of pangolin scale and ivory trafficking, 2015–2024,” highlights that large-scale seizures of these wildlife products have become increasingly rare, with significant interceptions now predominantly occurring within African nations before reaching international ports.
Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the WJC, emphasized the effectiveness of targeted law enforcement actions, noting that strategic arrests and dismantling of supply chains have significantly disrupted criminal networks operating on an industrial scale.
The report underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in this global effort, citing the country’s proactive measures in intercepting illegal wildlife shipments and collaborating with international partners to combat trafficking.
Despite these advancements, the WJC cautions that the decline in reported seizures may also indicate that traffickers are adopting more sophisticated methods to evade detection. The organization advocates for continued international cooperation, enhanced intelligence sharing, and early involvement of prosecutors to sustain and build upon the progress made in disrupting illegal wildlife trade networks.
