Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade are two of the most pressing threats facing wild cats — they’re also two of the toughest problems to tackle. Panthera’s Counter Wildlife Crime program aims to understand and effectively reduce key crime threats impacting wild cats, their prey and habitats around the globe. Our team of global and regional experts is experienced in site protection, counter trafficking, crime research and analytics, and demand reduction. Their work is closely intertwined with our species programmes and landscape-based conservation projects, providing a cohesive approach to ensure wild cats thrive for generations to come.

What is Wildlife Crime?

The illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion-dollar black market — one of the largest criminal industries in the world. It operates across multiple continents, with significant trafficking routes between Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.

Despite being protected by national laws and international accords, wild cats are prime targets for poachers, traffickers and criminal networks, driven by the demand for live animals or derivative products, including furs, teeth and bones. Wild cats both big and small are sought after for use in traditional medicine and divination, ceremonial regalia, curios, status symbols, or to be sold as pets.

How Panthera is Helping to Tackle Wildlife Crime

Panthera’s counter wildlife crime work lies at the nexus of information, intervention and innovation. We combine research and monitoring with evidence-based approaches to develop and implement interventions based on proven techniques. By covering multiple angles, we bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

Our interdisciplinary counter wildlife crime team works closely with our species- and regional-based conservation program staff, along with key partners, including government agencies and NGOs, to ensure our work is effective at different geographical scales. As part of our work, we support governments around the globe to help enforce laws, prosecute criminals, and build a safer world for cats and the communities living with them.

Here are a few ways we’re combatting wildlife crime:

Building and Sharing Knowledge

Through crime research and analysis, we look to understand the scale, nature and impact of specific wildlife crime threats and identify options to address them. We synthesize information from a wide variety of sources to develop comprehensive products including threat assessments and problem profiles. These materials are shared with key decision-makers to drive the development and implementation of a range of effective and coordinated wildlife crime interventions. Panthera analysts also play a vital role in evaluating the impact of interventions to guide adaptive management. Learn more about our analytical resources and research reports.

Reducing Poaching at the Source

We provide resourcing and technical support, including training and mentoring, to help Panthera staff and partner organisations detect and prevent poaching and other environmental crimes. As part of a coalition of global conservation organizations, we support the development of a well-resourced, professional and highly capable ranger network, empowering them to serve as effective wildlife guardians.

We also develop innovative tactics to tackle emerging threats and leverage technology to enhance data management and analytics, law enforcement monitoring and enforcement and prevention capabilities, including Earth Ranger, SMART, and technical sensors. Learn more about our training manuals and site protection resources.

Supporting Law Enforcement and Guiding Policy

We provide support to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and civil society around the globe to aid in their counter wildlife crime efforts. By facilitating collaboration and coordination at local, national and transnational scales, and promoting data-led insights, we build capacity to shape effective wildlife crime interventions and policies.

Our approach emphasizes using the widest array of tools and interventions available, including those focusing on crime prevention and addressing the root causes of illicit activity. Learn more about our counter-trafficking resources and policy positions.

Engaging Communities

We partner with communities to understand the socio-economic drivers of poaching and illegal wildlife trade and co-develop sustainable solutions. Our approach includes promoting alternative livelihoods, wildlife credits, and conservation education, while mitigating human-wildlife conflict and reducing demand for wildlife products.

By combining cutting-edge technology with on-the-ground expertise, we are committed to tackling wildlife crime and creating a safer, more sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities.