The first step in the trafficking chain is poaching. Well-organized groups have been documented, and it is clear that some have turned environmental exploitation into a business. Not all players in the market are full-time professionals, however, and some of those sourcing wildlife products may be informal participants. Hunting remains a form of livelihood for communities in both Africa and Asia.2 Even if cashing in meant a long trek to a regional selling point, such a kill would represent one of the few opportunities for income in families otherwise focused on subsistence. Poachers may also approach local hunters with an offer to buy the wildlife products desired.
The concentration of endangered species in game parks may make the professional poacher’s job easier. If they are able to corrupt game wardens,they can secure access to a steady stream of welltracked and healthy animals. Every year, the national parks of Africa and Asia report thousands of cases of poaching. It is unclear how many of these cases involve the collaboration of rangers.
Once poached, the animal may be butchered for particular parts, or the whole carcass transported for further processing. Other species are captured and trafficked alive, to be used as pets, food, or medicine, though many die on the journey. Transportation, as described below, varies depending on the source and destination. As described below, the traffickers may be a completely different group of people than the poachers, acting as brokers with contacts in both source and destination countries.
From Africa to Asia
Every state in Africa with a wildlife population is affected by poaching, but some much more so than others.3 Governance seems to be an especially important factor in determining whether or not heavy poaching occurs.4 It appears that Central Africa is the main source of elephant ivory and Southern Africa the main source of rhino horn. Once the desired parts are removed, they may be transported and processed further in Africa before being shipped abroad. A number of African countries have been identified as carving sites for elephant ivory, for example. Some products are alsomoved north to the Middle East. While Yemen is a key destination for rhino horn, it is unclear how much of this flow is consumed locally and how much is for onward shipment to Asia. Small players may be important in sourcing ivory and rhino horn in some areas, but they also play a role in trafficking it internationally. Africa serves as a retail centre for animal parts, with individual buyers from Asia transporting small items home in their luggage. Continue reading at : unodc.org (CHAPTER 7. Environmental resources )
