Illegal markets in wild fauna and flora

Lorraine Elliott

Chapter 6 in Transnational Environmental Crime, 2026, pp 97-121 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter introduces the market dynamics and environmental consequences of the illegal trade in wild fauna and flora, with equal attention to charismatic species and so-called neglected taxa. It examines the diverse demand clusters and drivers that function across the trade in live animals and plants as well as the parts and derivatives of individual species, exploring sectors as diverse as traditional medicines, the exotic pet trade, bushmeat and gourmet delicacies, horticulture, fashion, and ornamentals. The chapter interrogates some of the more prevalent securitized claims about links between the illegal wildlife trade and zoonotic disease, threat finance, and organized criminality and it makes a point of challenging assumptions that the illegal trade primarily involves and affects developing countries. Finally, it sets the scene for a deeper dive into the connections between licit and illicit wildlife trade economies.

Keywords: Wildlife Crime; Illegal Wildlife Trade; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; CITES; Traditional Medicines; Zoonotic Diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035374359
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