TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce) is a leading international non-governmental organisation that monitors and investigates the global trade in wild animals and plants. Established in 1976, TRAFFIC works as a strategic alliance between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its principal aim is to ensure that the trade in wild species is legal, sustainable, and traceable, thereby supporting biodiversity conservation and the implementation of international wildlife trade regulations such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Background and Establishment

TRAFFIC was founded in 1976 in response to the growing concern over the exploitation of wildlife through international trade. During the 1970s, the trade in wildlife and wildlife products—ranging from ivory and furs to timber and exotic pets—had reached unprecedented levels, threatening numerous species with extinction. Recognising the need for an independent, science-based monitoring system, WWF and IUCN jointly established TRAFFIC to act as a bridge between conservation policy, enforcement agencies, and market realities.
Initially focusing on research and data collection, TRAFFIC evolved into a global network that provides technical expertise to governments, facilitates international cooperation, and raises awareness about the ecological and economic consequences of unsustainable wildlife trade.

Objectives and Mission

The overarching mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals does not jeopardise the survival of species in the wild. Its core objectives include:

• Monitoring wildlife trade to assess its scale, trends, and impacts on species populations.
• Supporting the implementation of CITES and other trade-related environmental agreements.
• Providing scientific and policy advice to governments, industries, and international bodies.
• Enhancing enforcement capacity through intelligence-sharing, training, and collaboration among customs, police, and environmental agencies.
• Promoting sustainable trade practices, including the development of certification and traceability systems for wildlife products.
• Raising public awareness to reduce demand for illegal or unsustainable wildlife products.

Structure and Global Network

TRAFFIC operates as a global network with offices and regional hubs in over 30 countries. Its headquarters are located in Cambridge, United Kingdom, alongside the headquarters of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission.
The organisation functions through regional programmes in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Each regional office collaborates closely with national governments, conservation NGOs, and international organisations. The TRAFFIC International Secretariat coordinates global research, data management, and communications across these regions.

Areas of Work

TRAFFIC’s work covers a wide spectrum of wildlife trade issues, ranging from endangered animal trafficking to sustainable harvesting of plant and forest products. Key thematic areas include:

1. Illegal Wildlife TradeTRAFFIC investigates and documents illegal trade routes and criminal networks involved in the trafficking of species such as tigers, pangolins, elephants, rhinos, and marine turtles. The organisation works closely with law enforcement agencies like INTERPOL, the World Customs Organization (WCO), and national wildlife authorities to curb poaching and smuggling.
2. Sustainable Use and LivelihoodsRecognising that millions of people depend on wild resources for their livelihoods, TRAFFIC promotes sustainable, community-based trade models. This includes encouraging certified sustainable timber, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and medicinal plant trade under standards such as the FairWild Standard.
3. Policy and GovernanceTRAFFIC provides evidence-based recommendations to inform policy-making under CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and national wildlife legislation. It assists governments in drafting regulations, building monitoring systems, and aligning domestic laws with international commitments.
4. Demand Reduction and Behavioural ChangeTRAFFIC implements public campaigns to reduce consumer demand for products derived from threatened species. Using behavioural science, it designs targeted communication strategies to shift consumer behaviour towards ethical and sustainable choices.
5. Data Management and ResearchThe organisation maintains extensive trade databases, compiles reports on trade trends, and publishes analytical studies on key species and markets. Its flagship reports—such as The State of Wildlife Trade—serve as authoritative sources for policy-makers and researchers.
6. Capacity Building and TrainingTRAFFIC organises training workshops for customs officers, law enforcement personnel, and judiciary officials to improve detection, investigation, and prosecution of wildlife crimes. It also supports regional task forces and intelligence-sharing networks to strengthen cooperation among nations.

TRAFFIC’s Role in CITES Implementation

TRAFFIC plays a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). It acts as a technical and analytical partner by:

• Monitoring compliance with trade regulations.
• Providing data and analysis for the CITES Secretariat and member states.
• Identifying illegal trade trends and providing early warning information.
• Assisting in the preparation of species-specific management plans and non-detriment findings (NDFs).

Through its CITES-related activities, TRAFFIC ensures that trade in listed species is traceable, scientifically justified, and does not threaten wild populations.

Key Species and Issues Monitored

TRAFFIC monitors trade in a wide range of wildlife species and products, including:

• Elephant ivory and rhino horn, which remain high-value items in illegal markets.
• Pangolins, the most trafficked mammals in the world, traded for their scales and meat.
• Tigers and other big cats, often poached for skins, bones, and traditional medicines.
• Marine species such as sharks, rays, and seahorses exploited for fins and curios.
• Timber species, particularly rosewood and mahogany, subject to illegal logging and smuggling.
• Medicinal and aromatic plants, including orchids and ginseng, threatened by overharvesting.

By identifying hotspots, trade routes, and market drivers, TRAFFIC helps target enforcement and conservation measures effectively.

TRAFFIC in India and South Asia

TRAFFIC’s South Asia Regional Office is based in New Delhi, where it works in close collaboration with the WWF-India and national wildlife agencies. In India, TRAFFIC supports enforcement authorities such as the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Customs Department, and Forest Departments through intelligence sharing, training, and technical assistance.
Key initiatives in India include:

• Monitoring illegal trade in tiger parts, ivory, and pangolin scales.
• Tracking timber and medicinal plant trade in border regions.
• Conducting awareness campaigns on the illegal wildlife curio market.
• Supporting the development of wildlife forensics and digital monitoring tools.

TRAFFIC has been instrumental in capacity building through its “Wildlife Sniffer Dog Training Programme”, which trains dogs and handlers to detect wildlife products at airports, railway stations, and trade routes.

Publications and Databases

TRAFFIC produces numerous reports, briefings, and policy documents that inform global wildlife trade governance. Notable publications include:

• The State of Wildlife Trade Reports
• Pangolins: CITES Trade and Trends Analysis
• Demand Under the Ban: Rhino Horn and Elephant Ivory Markets
• Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network Annual Reports

Its trade databases, such as the TRAFFIC Wildlife Trade Portal, compile extensive data from enforcement actions, seizures, and global trade records to identify emerging patterns and threats.

Challenges and Global Concerns

While TRAFFIC has made significant progress in monitoring and curbing wildlife trade, several challenges persist:

• Increasing sophistication of transnational wildlife crime networks.
• Inadequate enforcement capacity in developing countries.
• Rising online and digital trade in wildlife products.
• Balancing livelihood needs with conservation imperatives.
• Limited international cooperation and data sharing in some regions.

Addressing these challenges requires enhanced global partnerships, improved legal frameworks, and sustained funding for monitoring and enforcement initiatives.

Significance and Impact

Over nearly five decades, TRAFFIC has become a cornerstone institution in global wildlife conservation. Its scientific monitoring, advocacy, and partnerships have contributed to major achievements, such as:

• Improved enforcement against wildlife smuggling in Asia and Africa.
• Inclusion of several species under CITES protection.
• Development of certification systems for sustainable plant and timber trade.
• Increased public awareness about the ecological costs of wildlife trafficking.

TRAFFIC’s evidence-based approach and close collaboration with governments make it an indispensable component of the global response to biodiversity loss and illegal trade.