Pangolin Scale and Ivory Trafficking Trends

In recent years, global trafficking of pangolin scales and elephant ivory has declined. This trend is largely attributed to pandemic-related disruptions, enhanced law enforcement, and evolving smuggling tactics. The Wildlife Justice Commission’s report titled “Disruption and Disarray – An Analysis of Pangolin Scale and Ivory Trafficking, 2015–2024” marks these changes, noting a substantial decrease in large-scale seizures since 2020.

Historical Context of Trafficking

Between 2015 and 2024, over 370 tonnes of pangolin scales and 193 tonnes of elephant ivory were seized worldwide. In 2019, seizures reached alarming heights, with pangolin scales exceeding 100 tonnes and ivory at 50 tonnes. These figures indicate the presence of sophisticated, transnational organised crime networks.

Impact of the 2020 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered trafficking dynamics. Seizures of pangolin scales and ivory fell by 75% and 94% respectively in 2020. This decline was due to disruptions in trafficking routes and enforcement actions following record-breaking seizures.

Shifts in Trafficking Patterns

Post-pandemic, the volume of seized pangolin scales and ivory dropped by 84% and 74% compared to 2019 levels. Despite fewer seizures, the number remained stable, suggesting consistent law enforcement capability. Traffickers adapted by using encrypted communication and shifting from air cargo to sea freight for smaller shipments.

Factors Influencing Decline

Multiple factors contributed to the decline in trafficking. Sustained enforcement efforts, regulatory restrictions in China, and a decrease in wildlife commodity prices played roles. Increased risks for traffickers also deterred large-scale operations. However, intelligence gaps may obscure the actual scale of trafficking.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Although major seizures have decreased, there is a slight upward trend in the post-COVID period. Multi-tonne land-based and stockpile seizures in Asia and Africa have driven this increase for pangolins. Meanwhile, larger maritime ivory seizures suggest either the resurgence of old trafficking networks or the rise of new players in the market.

Challenges in Data and Monitoring

A lack of reliable data on wild pangolin populations complicates the understanding of trafficking dynamics. While ongoing stockpile seizures indicate a stable supply, the decline in scale value post-2020 suggests changing market conditions.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of COVID-19 on global wildlife trafficking patterns.
2. Explain the factors that have contributed to the decline in pangolin scale and ivory trafficking since 2020.
3. What are the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating wildlife trafficking? Provide suitable examples.
4. Comment on the role of international cooperation in addressing transnational wildlife crime.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of COVID-19 on global wildlife trafficking patterns.

1. COVID-19 caused disruptions in trafficking routes due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.
2. Seizures of pangolin scales and ivory dropped by 75% and 94% respectively in 2020.
3. Record-breaking seizures occurred before the pandemic, indicating a shift in dynamics post-2020.
4. Traffickers adapted by changing methods, including moving from air cargo to smaller sea freight shipments.
5. The pandemic brought into light vulnerabilities in global supply chains and law enforcement capabilities.

2. Explain the factors that have contributed to the decline in pangolin scale and ivory trafficking since 2020.

1. Sustained enforcement efforts by authorities have increased detection and interception of illegal shipments.
2. Regulatory restrictions in China, including a domestic ivory trade ban, have diminished demand.
3. Decreased wildlife commodity prices have reduced the profitability of trafficking operations.
4. Increased risks for traffickers due to heightened law enforcement scrutiny have deterred large-scale operations.
5. Adaptation of traffickers to new smuggling tactics has complicated enforcement but may indicate a shift in market dynamics.

3. What are the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating wildlife trafficking? Provide suitable examples.

1. Intelligence gaps hinder the understanding of trafficking networks and their operations.
2. Traffickers increasingly use encrypted communication and social media to evade detection.
3. Limited resources and funding for law enforcement agencies can restrict their operational capabilities.
4. The complexity of transnational crime necessitates international collaboration, which can be difficult to coordinate.
5. Examples include the shift to smaller shipments and sea freight, making detection more challenging for authorities.

4. Comment on the role of international cooperation in addressing transnational wildlife crime.

1. International cooperation enhances information sharing and intelligence gathering among countries.
2. Joint operations can lead to more successful interdictions and dismantling of trafficking networks.
3. Agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) facilitate regulatory alignment.
4. Collaborative efforts can improve capacity building and training for law enforcement in different regions.
5. Examples of successful international cooperation include coordinated seizures and investigations across borders.