Corruption and Wildlife Trafficking: Three Case Studies Involving Asia

Abstract

As wildlife trafficking or the illegal wildlife trade has taken a more prominent place on the global agenda, discussions are taking place as to how wildlife trafficking happens. An increased understanding has revealed that corruption is a key facilitator of this profitable and pervasive global black market, but limited research has explored exactly what that corruption looks like and how corruption enables wildlife to be trafficked. Furthermore, research shows that Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia, are focal points for the supply and demand of certain species of wildlife. Through a literature-based investigation, this paper unpacks the role specific acts of corruption play in the trafficking of ivory, reptile skins and live reptiles from, through or to Asia. It is proposed that not only do individual corrupt acts enable wildlife trafficking to happen, but also that corrupted structures (the criminal justice system, and economic and political foundations) in some societies enable trafficking to happen and also increase the resilience of trafficking to reduction measures. In collating detailed data about the forms of corruption facilitating wildlife trafficking, the gaps in knowledge, and therefore the important areas for further research, become evident.

Surviving the Wildlife Trade in Southeast Asia: Reforming the ‘Disposal’ of Confiscated Live Animals under CITES

“…Some studies have suggested that the existence of legal international trade enables the illegal trade in wild-caught animals [30,31]. For example, a legal quota system may facilitate illegal trade through deliberate or accidental misidentification of species and false permits [32,33]. Despite the international crisis, designation, regulation, and enforcement efforts still remain insufficient to effectively control this illicit trade [34] (p. 1), and with a globalised market driving demand, it continues to rapidly increase [17] (p. 2).…”

The elephant in the room: Madagascar's rosewood stocks and stockpiles

“…Stockpiles function as a buffer for lean periods and can also be used for speculation purposes (‘t Sas‐Rolfes, Moyle, & Stiles, 2014; Mason, Bulte, & Horan, 2012). Operators and traffickers can leverage stockpiles to take advantage of legal loopholes favoring sourcing and trading of products (Vandergrift, 2013), which can manifest in adaptation to political changes and market conditions facilitating illegal trafficking (Challender & MacMillan, 2014; Hall, Milner‐Gulland, & Courchamp, 2008; Wyatt, Johnson, Hunter, George, & Gunter, 2018). Market condition fluctuations can influence the flow of traded goods.…”

Illicit Trade and Infectious Diseases

“…Moreover, illicit trade is carried out through practices that can enable pathogens to jump between species. For instance, wild-caught animals are bundled in consignments carrying similarly looking captive breds (Wyatt et al, 2018). The close contact between animals can enable the spread of pathogens from wild-caught to captive breds.…”