Wildlife trafficking is a global crisis. From forests to oceans, countless animals are hunted and traded illegally. These animals face extinction as demand for their body parts rises. Let’s explore the world’s most trafficked animals.
Pangolins: Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals. Smuggled across continents, these elusive animals are poached for their scales and meat. Their scales are falsely thought to possess healing properties, and thus they become a target in illegal wildlife trade. (Image: Canva)
2/10
African Elephants: They are hunted for their ivory tusks. Illegal trade in ivory remains prevalent despite prohibitions at an international level. The animals are poached by traffickers and poachers, driving their population into perilous decline in various regions of Africa. (Image: Canva)
3/10
Rhinoceroses: Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are thought to cure diseases. Demand is strongest in regions of Asia. Black market prices for their horns are high, which makes rhinos a target of choice for poachers. (Image: Canva)
4/10
Tigers: All subspecies of tigers are threatened. Sold in black markets, their bones, skin and claws are used to make traditional medicines and luxury items, leading to them being killed or farmed. (Image: Canva)
Turtles and Tortoises: Turtles and tortoises are smuggled for the exotic pet trade. They are also consumed or used in rituals. They are prized for decoration, which makes them among the most illegally traded reptiles globally. (Image: Canva)
6/10
Macaws and Parrots: Colourful parrots and macaws are caught and sold as pets. Illegal trade in birds endangers numerous wild species. They are subjected to suffering during smuggling, usually in crowded conditions without food or air, resulting in high mortality prior to sale. (Image: Canva)
7/10
Sharks: Sharks are targeted primarily for their fins, which are consumed in shark fin soup. Millions are slaughtered annually. The trade has disastrous impacts on marine ecosystems since sharks are important to ocean health. (Image: Canva)
8/10
Asiatic Black Bears: Also known as moon bears, they are trafficked for their bile. Bear bile is utilized in traditional medicine. They are kept under poor conditions and subjected to excessive cruelty on bile farms throughout Asia. (Image: Canva)
Helmeted Hornbills: Helmeted hornbills are hunted for their dense beaks, or "red ivory." Their distinctive casque is chopped and offered for sale unlawfully. Art markets are fueling swift population loss in Southeast Asian forests. (Image: Canva)
10/10
Sea Cucumbers: Sea cucumbers may seem harmless, but they’re highly trafficked. Used in Asian cuisine and medicine, they’re overharvested from oceans. This threatens marine ecosystems, as they help clean the ocean floor naturally. (Image: Canva)
Sheetal Kumari is a skilled sub-editor and content creator with expertise in digital news, multimedia storytelling, and social media content. With a strong grasp of topics like science, politics, and many more, she crafts compelling narratives, transforming complex topics and trending stories into engaging, accessible reads across various media platforms.
![Helmeted Hornbills: Helmeted hornbills are hunted for their dense beaks, or "red ivory." Their distinctive casque is chopped and offered for sale unlawfully. Art markets are fueling swift population loss in Southeast Asian forests. (Image: Canva)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/05/20250513090227_9.jpg "Helmeted Hornbills: Helmeted hornbills are hunted for their dense beaks, or "red ivory." Their distinctive casque is chopped and offered for sale unlawfully. Art markets are fueling swift population loss in Southeast Asian forests. (Image: Canva)")
