Wild animals - Illegal trade

75% of total trade in wild animals is illegal. That’s why the black market in wild animals worldwide is in third place on the list of organised crime based on the volume of business, after drugs and arms.

The animals used in trafficking are captured in their natural habitat or they are bred in captivity in illegal farms, later they are sold as animals or parts of animals (fur, tusks, etc.).

This illegal trafficking has a huge impact on the populations of the different species. Many of the species which are traded are now threatened (like chimpanzees or turtles) or even in danger of extinction (like the Asian elephant, the Barbary macaque or the Bengal tiger).

South America is the leading exporter worldwide of reptiles and parrots, and the second largest exporter of primates. 30% of illegal trade in exotic animals passes through Spain. This is because the most important entry point to Europe for the illegal trafficking of animals coming from the whole of South America and North Africa is Spain, from where they are re-exported to the rest of the European continent. Spain is the second largest exporter of reptiles in the European Union, after Germany.

• We investigate cases of illegal trade in wild animals. This maybe online, in shops, by large companies or by individuals.
• We investigate illegal private ownership of wildlife, as well as the legality and conditions and wellbeing of animals in different zoological centres holding wild and dangerous animals in Catalonia.
• We lobby politicians in order to restrict trade in wild animals and even to ban it.
• We report cases of illegal ownership of wild animals, illegal trade or abuse.
• We help to relocate and rescue wild animals that have been abandoned, found or seized.
• We put pressure on the authorities so that they fulfil their obligations: making them enforce the law, carry out inspections, impose punishments, create new laws, etc.

• Report cases of abuse, trade and illegal breeding or illegal ownership of wild animals to the authorities.
• Inform the welfare associations.
• Let your family and friends know about the problems associated with the ownership of wild animals and trading in them.
• Demand the creation of centres of recuperation of non-native wild animals
• Never buy a wild animal.
• If you want to own a wild animal and you want to help, adopt a wild animal that has been abandoned and which has been offered up for adoption by an animal welfare centre (such as La Madriguera, APAEC, EriSOS, etc.). Adoption should always be after you have learnt about the needs of that particular species and recognising the responsibility that goes with owning an animal.
• Volunteer or collaborate with an animal protection association.