A report by the Wild Justice Commission (WJC) concluded there is a decrease in the number of multi-ton seizures of pangolin scales and ivory since 2020.
In addition, there is a shift towards major interceptions taking place in African countries prior to export, which has resulted in no significant pangolin scale seizures reported at any seaport for the past three years.
The report titled “Disruption and Disarray: An analysis of pangolin scale and ivory trafficking (2015-2024), compares trafficking patterns in the pre-pandemic (2015–2019) and post-pandemic (2020–2024) periods, drawing on seizure data, open-source research, and WJC criminal intelligence.
Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the WJC, said “This significant reduction in the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory, is a testament to the critical impact of focused and collaborative law enforcement efforts. As our new report shows, proactive targeting of kingpins and high-level traffickers, strategic arrests, and strong international cooperation have fundamentally disrupted criminal networks operating at an industrial scale. Our partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service demonstrates how sustained pressure at key trafficking hubs can have a ripple effect across the global supply chain. By continuing to apply strategic pressure on the crime bosses and financiers who drive this illicit trade, we can build on this momentum and create lasting change in the fight against transnational wildlife crime.”
The report has recommended the dismantling of high-level criminal networks be prioritised in the fight against poaching, by identifying and targeting crime bosses, financiers and brokers who control supply chains.
Secondly, deepen long-term, intelligence-led investigations, to penetrate complex networks.
Thirdly, enhance international cooperation, essential to dismantle networks operating across multiple countries.
The report also recommends the involvement of prosecutors from the start, to ensure strong legal cases.
Picture of the WJC report