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The term wildlife crime describes criminal activities that involve
wild species. Crimes against wildlife include the illegal trade
in endangered species, crimes involving native species which are
endangered or of conservation concern, and cruelty to and the persecution
of wildlife species.
Many species have become endangered as a result of illegal hunting
and trade. The numbers of some of these species have declined significantly
even after they were classified as endangered. In 1970, there were
65,000 black rhinoceros, compared to just over 2,000 today.
Wildlife crime is an international problem and as such, laws and
treaties exist and are enforced at all levels of government. Most
nations also enforce international laws.
To learn more about wildlife crimes and the organizations and agencies
that fight them, choose a topic from the In Focus menu to the right.
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