The Illegal Wildlife Trade: Inside the World of Poachers, Smugglers and Traders (Studies of Organized Crime Book 15)

In this book the author examines the illegal wildlife trade from multiple perspectives: the historical context, the impact on the environment, the scope of the problem internationally, the sociocultural demand for illegal products, the legal efforts to combat it, and several case studies from inside the trade. The illegal wildlife trade has become a global criminal enterprise, following in the footsteps of drugs and weapons. Beyond the environmental impact, financial profits from the illegal wildlife trade often fund organized crime groups and violent gangs that threaten public safety and security in myriad ways. This innovative volume covers several key questions surrounding the wildlife trade: why is there a demand for illegal wildlife products, which actors are involved in the trade, how is the business organized, and what are the harmful consequences. The author performed ethnographic fieldwork in three key markets: Russia, Morocco, and China, and has constructed a detailed picture of how the wildlife trade operates in these areas. Conversations with informants directly involved in the illegal business ensure unique insights into this lively black market. In the course of his journey the author follows the route of the illegal wildlife trade from poor poaching areas to rich business districts where corrupt officials, legally registered companies, wildlife farms and sophisticated criminal organizations all have a share. A fascinating look inside the world of poachers, smugglers and traders. This work examines the illegal wildlife trade from multiple perspectives: the historical context, impact on the environment, the scope of the problem internationally, sociocultural demand for illegal products, legal efforts to combat it, and several case studies from inside the trade. Illegal poaching of animals is a worldwide problem that can cause species extinction and effect the stability of local communities. Beyond the environmental impact, financial profits from the illegal wildlife trade often fund organized crime groups, terrorist organizations and violent gangs that threaten public safety and security in myriad ways. This innovative volume provides insights into several key questions about the wildlife trade: why is there a demand for illegal products (for example: luxury fashion trends and medicinal uses), which actors are involved in the trade, how is the business ordered, and what are the harmful consequences. The author performed fieldwork in three key markets: Russia, Morocco, and China, and was able to construct a detailed picture of how the wildlife trade operates in these areas. The insights from this volume will provide key answers for researchers and well as policymakers interested in understanding the illegal wildlife trade and opportunities for detection and prevention of these crimes. This work will be of interest to researchers in criminology and criminal justice, environmental studies, and related fields such as sociology, public policy, and comparative law Front Matter....Pages i-xxvii Wildlife Trade Through the Ages....Pages 1-15 The Sixth Mass Extinction....Pages 17-32 Imperialism and Criminalization....Pages 33-47 Crimes Against Nature....Pages 49-74 Enter the Field of Wildlife....Pages 75-88 The Numbers of the Trade....Pages 89-116 Black Caviar....Pages 117-160 Monkey Business....Pages 161-196 Crime to Cure....Pages 197-253 Overarching Views and the Future....Pages 255-278 Back Matter....Pages 279-328