Around the world, wildlife and environmental crimes are surging. It is estimated to be the fourth-largest organised transnational crime sector and to be growing at a rate two to three times faster than the global economy.

This kind of crime can take many forms, from the trafficking and trade of native species to the unlawful removal and clearance of habitat and species, lethal control such as poisoning of native animals, and illegal fishing.

There are several global assessments of these crimes and their impacts. But our understanding of their scope in Australia is limited.

This is a considerable problem, because Australia has unique and endemic wildlife species, high extinction rates, and is a country that is difficult to police due to its sheer size and vast remote areas. Our new, Australia-first study addresses this knowledge gap.

Published in Conservation Science and Practice, it reveals the most prevalent crimes against Australia’s wildlife and environment, and makes four key recommendations for urgent law reform.

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