Conflict, Coexistence, and Compliance

Wildlife trafficking represents an international crisis. Armed and organized criminal syndicates commission the slaughter of some of the world’s most iconic species as well as lesser known, but equally important, species... [ view full abstract ]

Wildlife trafficking represents an international crisis. Armed and organized criminal syndicates commission the slaughter of some of the world’s most iconic species as well as lesser known, but equally important, species such as the pangolin and totoaba. Federal conservation law enforcement is taking action to combat wildlife trafficking by working in partnership, with each other and foreign counterparts, to build capacity, share expertise, and provide assistance to achieve maximum benefits from limited resources. In order to enhance domestic efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in the United States, assist foreign nations in building capacity to combat wildlife trafficking, and assist in combating transnational organized crime, the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigates wildlife crimes; dismantles international and domestic wildlife trafficking rings; regulates wildlife trade; protects wildlife from environmental contaminants and industrial hazards; prevents the introduction and interstate spread of injurious wildlife; uses forensic science to analyze evidence and solve wildlife crimes; and works in partnership with and trains other Federal, State, Tribal, and international counterparts to conserve wildlife and plant resources. Working to reduce consumer demand, OLE conducts outreach to industry, trade groups, and the public to promote wildlife conservation and engage Americans as conservation partners by connecting people with nature. This presentation will detail the work of the OLE, providing examples of successes and lessons learned, as well as plans for strengthening our efforts to address wildlife trafficking in an evolving context, and will highlight the need for more comprehensive and holistic approaches to address global wildlife trafficking paul