SDG Indicator 15.c.1: Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked
1. Key features and metadata
Definition: This indicator measures the share of all trade in wildlife detected as being illegal.
| Sub-indicator | Disaggregated by |
|---|---|
|
Proportion of illegal trade in all traded wildlife (%) |
No current data disaggregation available. |
Sources of information: Reports on the legal trade of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) are used for the legal trade. Data on wildlife seizures reported by Parties to CITES through Annual Illegal Trade Reports (AITR) as well as several other sources – including international organizations, NGOs and open sources – are used for the detected illegal trade.
Related SDG Indicators: 15.7.1 (duplicates), 15.1.2 (Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type), 15.2.1 (Progress towards sustainable forest management), and 15.5.1 (Red List Index).
2. Data availability by region, SDG Global Database, as of 02 July 2025
3. Proposed disaggregation, links to policymaking and its impact
| Proposed disaggregation | Link to policymaking | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Proportion of illegal trade in all traded wildlife seized, from national origins (%) (UN 2020a) | This disaggregation providesrelevant information for assessing the effectiveness of, or need for, national policies that address poaching and the trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna(UNODC n.d.a). This data can be used to develop targeted efforts, including global support, for combatting poaching and the trafficking of protected species and may also be used to reduce the national supply and demand trends driving the illegal wildlife trade. |
The decline in wildlife populations has long-term negative impacts on local communities as it deprives them of their natural wealth and livelihoods, deepens poverty and inequality and threatens national security by causing instability and fueling conflicts. By gathering, analyzing and disseminating national data on illegal trafficking, Parties to the CITES convention will be able to better inform their decision-making and support the development of appropriate steps to halt and reverse wildlife crime, increase the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities and promote a wildlife-based economy (CITES 1973). |
| Proportion of illegal trade in all traded wildlife, by origin of seized species/products (% by country) (UN 2020a) | Understanding the origin of seized emblematic wildlife species and products is critical for monitoring the geographical trends of the illegal trade for those species or products and for tailoring relevant strategies and policies (UNODC n.d.b). Combatting the illegal wildlife trade requires the reinforcement of regulatory frameworks along the value chain by apprehending, prosecuting and convicting those engaged in poaching and trafficking. Logistics companies (i.e. shipping, airline and land-based transport) that operate the import, transit and export of goods must take measures to prevent the abuse of their services for illicit wildlife trafficking. | As far as the countries of origin are concerned, the illicit trade of wild fauna and flora has the effect of diminishing species populations and can result in local, and sometimes global, extinction whenever endangered species are involved. In addition, it can affect the sex-ratio and reproduction of the most vulnerable species. It therefore contributes to the extinction crisis and biodiversity loss as well as undermines the efforts rolled out by countries to manage their wildlife. In the same way, halting illegal trafficking would generate revenue for populations – particularly in less developing countries –and positively impact the livelihoods of rural populations who rely the most on wildlife (e.g. for self-consumption, local industries or eco-tourism) (TRAFFIC 2024). |
| Proportion of illegal trade, by destination of seized species/ products (% by country) (UN 2020a) | This type of information is critical for monitoring the trends of illegal trade in those species or products, for tailoring relevant strategies and for encouraging cooperation and policy development between countries of origin and destination to halt poaching and illicit trafficking (CITES 2022). | At the local level, the illegal trafficking of wildlife or plants and poaching is a consequence of poverty, corruption and insufficient enforcement (UNODC n.d.a). On the demand side, combatting the illegal wildlife trade requires the reinforcement of national policies (both in developed and developing countries) as well as private sector and consumer awareness to reject illicit practices, improve the understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and support campaigns to change that behaviour. |
| Proportion of illegal trade, by wildlife seizure trends for emblematic species (%)(UN 2020a) | Emblematic species are of special interest to the public and also in terms of their contribution to ecosystem regulation (UN 2020a). This type of information is critical for monitoring the evolution of the illegal trade for those species and for addressing more effectively the problems. It supports the search for short- and long-term solutions in the origin, transit and destination countries by increasing the size of conservation areas and resource projects that benefit local communities. It is also useful for improving the management of these species, ensuring ecosystem-based integrated land use planning, strengthening the enforcement of environmental law, and providing opportunities for development through nature-based tourism. | Increasing the capacity to combat wildlife crime and promoting the conservation of habitats and wildlife of emblematic species can create an enabling environment. This supports wildlife-based economies, promoting partnerships between local communities, private sector partners and/or governments, managing human-wildlife conflict, promoting co-existence, and increasing the financial resources for wildlife and habitat conservation (TRAFFIC 2024). |