As we enter the new year, the worldwide effort to tackle wildlife crime is gaining momentum. Nations worldwide are realizing the pressing need to protect biodiversity. In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police’s recent expansion of its Wildlife Crime Bureau signals a step forward in addressing not only wildlife poaching but also the broader spectrum of illegal exploitation of natural resources. The incorporation of intelligence units and a larger workforce emphasizes a dedicated effort to combat these crimes more effectively.
The Wildlife Crime Bureau in Malaysia is stepping up its game to protect the Malayan tiger, which is on the verge of extinction with less than 150 left in the wild. According to Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the bureau is not just about saving tigers. It’s now on a mission to protect all natural resources from being illegally drained away.
Illegal activities, such as the recent imprisonment of an individual in possession of a dead tiger cub and two tiger skins, highlight the gravity of the situation. The bureau’s efforts will now extend to investigating crimes related to the illegal extraction of rare earth elements, gold, and timber, deploying a range of laws, including firearms and anti-money laundering statutes, to combat these offenses.
Malaysia’s efforts have a global impact. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), wildlife around the world is facing unprecedented threats due to habitat loss and high human demand for wildlife products. The illegal wildlife trade, worth up to US$23 billion yearly, poses a serious danger to biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health, often leading to the emergence of diseases connected to animal products.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES), hosted by UNEP, seeks to regulate trade in thousands of animal and plant species globally. However, the harsh truth persists: 20,000 elephants are poached in Africa each year, and there are more tigers in captivity than their dwindling wild counterparts.
UNEP tackles this crisis with a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, it backs legal and sustainable wildlife management and trade, highlighting the positive conservation results of well-regulated practices. Secondly, UNEP collaborates with CITES to combat illegal trade through strengthened environmental governance, including penalties and confiscations. Lastly, UNEP advocates for an end to illegal wildlife trade, mobilizing global efforts through awareness campaigns and influential figures to reduce demand for illicit wildlife products.
In the United States, the House of Delegates has taken a significant step by urging the adoption of a “wildlife crime protocol” under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Wildlife crime, beyond being a niche problem, is closely linked to more extensive criminal enterprises, such as money laundering and human trafficking. The economic impact of illegal logging, fishing, and wildlife trade, estimated at $1 to $2 trillion annually, emphasizes the need for a coordinated global effort.
Entering a new year, these joint efforts highlight an increasing acknowledgment of the link between wildlife crime and broader criminal activities. Whether in Malaysia or the United States, the dedication to combat wildlife crime stands out as a vital measure in protecting global biodiversity.
