Fact Check: The illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually.

Fact Check: "The illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually."

What We Know

The claim regarding the financial scale of the illicit wildlife trade is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth at least $7 billion annually, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as $23 billion. This trade is recognized as a significant threat to biodiversity, pushing various species to the brink of extinction. The report emphasizes that both the United States and Asia are key markets for this illicit trade, which includes a wide range of wildlife products.

Additionally, a Mongabay article also corroborates this estimate, stating that the illicit wildlife trade is the world's fourth-largest criminal enterprise, valued between $7 billion and $23 billion per year. The article highlights the serious implications of this trade on global biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Further supporting this claim, the World Economic Forum notes that the illegal wildlife trafficking trade is valued between $7 billion and $23 billion annually, ranking it among the most lucrative forms of organized crime globally. The Global Environment Facility reiterates this range, emphasizing the organized nature of the networks involved in wildlife trafficking.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and derived from reputable sources. The GAO report is a government document that provides a detailed analysis of wildlife trafficking, making it a reliable source. The estimates of $7 billion to $23 billion are consistent across multiple reports, including those from established organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and the World Economic Forum.

The consistency of these figures across different reports lends credibility to the claim. The sources utilized are not only authoritative but also reflect a consensus in the field regarding the scale of the problem. The GAO's focus on both the demand and supply sides of wildlife trafficking further enhances the reliability of its findings, as it draws on a wide range of data and expert opinions.

However, it is important to note that while these estimates are widely accepted, they are still approximations. The illicit nature of wildlife trafficking makes it inherently difficult to quantify precisely, as much of the trade occurs underground and goes unreported. Nevertheless, the range provided is supported by substantial evidence and expert consensus.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "the illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually" is true. This conclusion is based on consistent estimates from multiple credible sources, including government reports and analyses from respected organizations. The evidence indicates that this trade poses a significant threat to global biodiversity and highlights the urgent need for effective conservation and law enforcement efforts.

Fact Check: The illicit wildlife trade is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually.