Wildlife protection laws exist and are enforced in almost every country by various levels of government. Crimes against protected species include activities such as hunting, collecting from the wild, taking of skins, feathers, claws, eggs, etc. for personal collections or trade and the destruction of nests, breeding sites and habitats. Many animals are illegally poisoned or trapped. Infractions of hunting and fishing regulations are common; offences may include commercial sale, hunting out of season, baiting wildlife, hunting over the limit, etc. To learn more about illegal activities, click here.

Information regarding crimes against native species in a particular country, province or state can often be found on agency websites or at local offices.