This archive report was first published on 10 July 2021.
Published on July 10, 2021, a report highlighted the intricate web of wildlife criminals involved in the poaching and sale of ivory and other wildlife trophies. The hierarchy of this illicit trade is reminiscent of a pyramid scheme, with each level relying on the success of those below it.
At the base of this pyramid are the poachers, who risk their lives to hunt and kill endangered species. They are often paid by middlemen, who in turn sell the trophies to higher-level dealers. These dealers may be based in cities or towns, where they sell the ivory and other wildlife products to even more sophisticated buyers.
Ultimately, the ivory and other wildlife products make their way to the end user, who may be unaware of the harm caused by their purchase. This lack of transparency and accountability allows the wildlife crime to continue, with devastating consequences for the animals and ecosystems involved.
The complexity of this hierarchy makes it difficult to track and prosecute those involved in wildlife crime. However, by understanding the structure of this illicit trade, law enforcement and conservation efforts can be more effective in combating it.
