Making A Difference on World Wildlife Day

While we are primarily focused on conserving species native to the United States, our work on behalf of imperiled wildlife doesn’t stop at the country’s borders.

Humans have an obligation to protect and ensure the survival of the wildlife on our planet. In 2016, the United Nations recognized wildlife crime, such as illegal trafficking or poaching of an endangered species, as a major threat to their survival. Wildlife is also threatened by other factors including habitat loss, pollution, diseases and over-collection for human consumption for things like medicine, pets, decoration or food.

How does the U.S. & Defenders play a part on World Wildlife Day?

The U.S. is a major consumer and transit country (meaning goods are transported through our system) of wildlife and wildlife products. As such, we must play a substantive role in ending illegal wildlife trade and reducing the demand of wildlife and wildlife products here in the U.S. through our outreach and educational efforts. Defenders focuses on domestic law enforcement and we analyze data on wildlife being illegally imported from other parts of the world to identify patterns of trade and hotspots for illegal imports. This information helps us propose and put into action more effective and efficient policies to combat wildlife trafficking.

We also work closely with our neighbors in Latin America, home to the widest array of plants and animals in the world. It’s this diverseness that puts Latin America especially at risk for illegal wildlife trafficking.  In fact, Mexico is the number one source of seized illegal wildlife in the United States. Those species unique to Latin America need our awareness – and help – to stop the wildlife crimes that continue to threaten their extinction.

This year as part of our “do one thing” to help protect the world’s wildlife, which is in honor of World Wildlife Day an international day of recognition created to recognize the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Defenders is renewing our focus on our important work to protect imperiled species around the world. This year’s theme, engaging younger generations on conversation issues including major threats to wildlife like illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction, will allow us to continue to create a legacy that supports all wildlife.

About our International Conservation Program

Defenders of Wildlife’s program for International Conservation was developed to respond to the needs of imperiled wildlife that lives and migrates to and from the United States. Our International Conservation team represents Defenders at international gatherings that help determine policies that impact wildlife, including CITES. Our team fights for imperiled sharks, parrots, frogs, vaquitas, sea turtles, mangrove forests (which are important ecosystems for many of these animals) and other species.

To get involved with our international conservation program, and our other wildlife work, sign up for our emails and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the status of other developments important to wildlife conservation and our work.