Congressional Briefing Highlights the National Security Threats of Wildlife Trafficking

By Lisa Handy, EIA Senior Policy Advisor

The trafficking of illegal wildlife products threatens security, rule of law, and the survival of the species. Today, a panel of experts, led by retired United States Army General Carter Ham and Congressman Norm Dicks, the former Chair of Appropriations, brought this message to Capitol Hill during a congressional briefing, sponsored by Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), and supported by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and a coalition of other concerned groups. The panel discussed the role this burgeoning criminal activity plays in fueling political instability in Africa and beyond, and what the United States can bring to the table to combat the illegal trade.

Wildlife trafficking in elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife products has become an $8-10 billion industry in recent years, spurred on by demand from nations such as China, Japan, and Vietnam. It has surged to become the fourth most lucrative transnational criminal activity, and terrorist groups are increasingly looking to profit from the high black market value of rhino horn and ivory. The consumer markets driving this illegal activity are leading to the death of as many as 50,000 elephants and over 1,000 rhinos per year right now.

“Wildlife trafficking not only endangers species, but also threatens national and global security,” said Allan Thornton, President of EIA. “We applaud the United States’ efforts, as it must do everything possible to help the international community bring an end to this crisis.”

In 1989, a global ban on international trade in elephant ivory was instituted, and the African elephant began to rebound from decades of decline. Unfortunately this ban was weakened by two CITES-authorized “one-off” ivory sales in 1999 and 2008. Since then poaching rates have soared, with increasingly sophisticated and well-financed poachers utilizing AK-47 assault rifles, rocket launchers, and even helicopters to slaughter elephants en masse.

Wildlife trafficking also poses a danger to the rangers tasked with protecting wildlife. Over 1,000 park rangers across 35 countries have been killed in the last decade alone.

“We have to take down the criminal syndicates behind the trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn, and enact a worldwide ban on all trade in ivory and rhino horn including domestic trade. Only then can we secure a future for these highly endangered species,” said Thornton.

EIA has been at the forefront of the global battle to protect endangered wildlife for 30 years. Through the use of undercover investigations and documentary evidence, EIA has been working to expose and shut down the ivory and rhino horn trade. Today’s congressional briefing highlighted the importance of coordinating and expanding available resources and intelligence to more effectively combat the complex and criminal nature of illegal wildlife trade.