LINK: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado1142
The wildlife trade spans across various species and motivators, including pet ownership, collections, and derived products like food and medicine. While some trade is legal and sustainable, illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is growing globally, posing threats to species, ecosystems, and human health. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates global wildlife trade but lacks taxonomic coverage, especially for certain groups like invertebrates and plants. The European Union (EU) serves as a significant hub for wildlife trade, with loopholes in regulations allowing for the influx of illegally traded species.
Despite efforts like the EU Action Plan against Wildlife trafficking, existing regulations fall short of ensuring legal and sustainable wildlife trade within the EU. Proposals for novel regulations include comprehensive taxonomic coverage and open data to fill existing gaps and support biodiversity conservation globally.
The EU’s Wildlife Trade Regulation primarily regulates species listed under CITES but leaves many native and non-CITES-listed species unmonitored and unregulated. Establishing comprehensive databases and expanding monitoring efforts are crucial for tracking legal and illegal wildlife trade. The EU could learn from initiatives like the USA’s Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) and Australia’s Digital surveillance for Illegal Wildlife Trade (diwt.org) database.
Legislation akin to the US Lacey Act could enhance EU regulations by requiring transparency throughout the supply chain and aiding in combating illicit wildlife trade. Sustainability concerns also warrant attention, with efforts needed to ensure that trade practices align with conservation principles and consider impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Invasive alien species resulting from wildlife trade pose additional threats, highlighting the need for comprehensive legislation that addresses sustainability and invasive species concerns across various sectors, including timber and fisheries. Such legislation should complement existing mechanisms and promote sustainable resource management practices.