December 2012: A newly released WWF report, titled “Fighting Illicit Wildlife Trafficking: A Consultation with Governments,” summarizes the views of a number of governments and international organizations on illicit wildlife trafficking.

The report, produced by WWF and Dalberg Global Development Advisors, underscores that, based on surveys and interviews with governments and relevant stakeholders, current global approach to fighting illicit wildlife trafficking is failing, contributing to societies’ instability and threatening the existence of some illegally traded species. The report quotes John Scanlon, Secretary General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), saying the most recent incident of poaching elephants reflects a new trend detected across many range States, where well-armed poachers with sophisticated weapons can decimate elephant populations, often with impunity.

However, the report notes, opinions on the responsibility of different actors vary, with countries associated with demand concerned about enforcement on the supply side, and countries associated with supply concerned about education and enforcement on the demand side. The report also stresses that many international organizations and government representatives believe that this topic is not a priority for governments. Finally, it reports that most of the governments and stakeholders interviewed agree that illicit wildlife trafficking: compromises the security of countries; hinders sustainable social and economic development; destroys natural wealth; and poses risks to global health. [Publication: Fighting Illicit Wildlife Trafficking: A Consultation with Governments]