Fact Check: "Illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually."
What We Know
The claim regarding the value of illicit wildlife trade being between $7 billion and $23 billion annually is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, wildlife trafficking is one of the largest and most profitable crime sectors globally, with estimates of its value ranging from $7 billion to $23 billion each year. This range is echoed by the Global Environment Facility, which also cites similar figures, reinforcing the assertion that wildlife crime is a significant illegal business.
Moreover, a report from NPR highlights that wildlife trafficking has surged, with over 4,000 species being targeted for illegal trade, which includes animals sold as food, medicine, ornaments, or pets. This surge in trafficking has been attributed to various factors, including increased demand and the rise of e-commerce platforms.
Analysis
The sources supporting the claim are credible and provide a consistent narrative regarding the scale of the illicit wildlife trade. The NPR article discusses the ongoing investigations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and mentions the substantial financial implications of wildlife trafficking. It cites experts and data that underscore the enormity of the issue, including a significant increase in trafficking activities post-COVID-19.
The Global Environment Facility provides a succinct summary of the financial estimates, which aligns with the figures mentioned in the NPR report. Additionally, the ICE report offers a narrower estimate of $7.8 billion to $10 billion, which, while lower than the upper limit of the claim, still supports the lower end of the range.
The reliability of these sources is high. The United Nations and the Global Environment Facility are reputable organizations with expertise in environmental and wildlife issues. NPR, as a major news outlet, adheres to journalistic standards that ensure the accuracy of its reporting.
However, it is important to note that estimates of illicit trade can vary due to the clandestine nature of the activities involved, making precise figures difficult to ascertain. The range of $7 billion to $23 billion reflects this uncertainty but is nonetheless widely accepted in discussions about wildlife trafficking.
Conclusion
The claim that "illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually" is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that consistently report similar figures, highlighting the significant financial impact of wildlife trafficking on global ecosystems and economies.
