Global Wildlife Trade Involves Twice as Many Species as Previously Estimated

Study Reveals Massive Underestimation

A new study published in *Science Advances* indicates that the number of plant and animal species involved in global trade is significantly higher than previous reports suggested. Researchers identified over 107,356 species currently being traded or used, more than double the prior estimate of 50,000 provided by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Key Findings and Drivers

• Diversified Trade: Wildlife trade encompasses more than just illegal smuggling; it includes massive sectors like fisheries, timber, fashion, and ornamental goods.
• Online Marketplaces: The rapid rise of the online exotic pet trade and the sale of ornamental items—such as taxidermy for decor—has created new, often unregulated pathways for exploitation.
• Data Gaps: Current monitoring systems, including those by CITES, are often too slow to keep pace with modern trade trends, leaving many vulnerable species unprotected until they are nearly extinct.
• Regulatory Loopholes: Researchers warn that weak regulation allows many species to be "laundered into legality," complicating efforts to track the true scale of the trade.

Implications for Conservation

Lead author Alice Hughes, a professor at the University of Melbourne, emphasized that existing global assessments are inadequate. For instance, current international progress markers rely heavily on data regarding fish stocks, which represent only a small fraction of the total trade. Experts are calling for more systematic data collection and faster response mechanisms to ensure that trade remains sustainable. Without improved monitoring, the researchers caution that the global demand for wildlife will continue to drive an increasing number of species toward extinction.

Interested readers can verify these findings by reviewing the original study published in the journal *Science Advances*.