Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's unique flora and fauna are highly sought-after overseas, with lizards, reptiles, and birds being popular targets for poachers. The country's native birds, such as the rainbow lorikeet and eclectus parrot, are particularly vulnerable due to their preference for nesting near human settlements, making them easily accessible to poachers. In addition, the short-beaked echidna, a protected species, is facing illegal trade as wild-caught animals are being sold as 'captive-bred'. Poaching in Australia also extends beyond land, with high-value marine species in northern Australian waters being targeted by foreign fishing crews. Sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles, and shark fins are among the vulnerable species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals | Echidnas, sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles, sharks, lizards, reptiles, birds, parrots, Carnaby's cockatoo chicks, rainbow lorikeets, shingleback lizards, Gouldian finches, and rhinos |
| Reasons for poaching | High demand, high profit, poverty, novelty, and preference for wild-caught pets |
| Global impact | Third-largest illegal trade after drugs and human trafficking |
| Impact on Australia | Loss of biodiversity, economic loss, and threat to sustainability of wild populations |
| Countermeasures | DNA-based tools, increased law enforcement, strict deterrents, reduced demand, alternative opportunities for local communities, and foreign aid investment |
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What You'll Learn
- Reptiles, including shingleback lizards, are poached in Australia
- Sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles and sharks are poached in Australian waters
- Echidnas are trafficked as 'captive bred' despite being wild-caught
- Carnaby's cockatoo chicks are regularly poached and traded
- Australia's native birds, including rainbow lorikeets, are targeted for their colourful feathers
Reptiles, including shingleback lizards, are poached in Australia
Shingleback lizards are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation due to their low reproductive rate. Poachers who take sexually mature individuals or breeding pairs from the wild can severely impact local populations by reducing their genetic diversity. In addition, the spread of a highly contagious reptilian coronavirus, known as "shingleback flu," further threatens the wellbeing of these lizards.
Poaching syndicates often hire vans and disappear into the Australian desert, taking advantage of the lack of surveillance in these remote areas. Reptiles are smuggled out of the country in various containers, such as toys, shoes, and electronic devices, and sent abroad through the mail.
In addition to shingleback lizards, other Australian reptile species are also targeted by poachers and traded as pets overseas, despite an export ban. Knob-tail geckos, bearded dragons, and goannas are among the commonly traded species. Australia's native birds, such as the rainbow lorikeet and eclectus parrot, are also lucrative targets for wildlife poachers due to their colourful feathers.
The illegal wildlife trade in Australia is a significant issue, threatening many vulnerable species and contributing to the global poaching crisis.
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Sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles and sharks are poached in Australian waters
Sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles, and sharks are among the high-value marine species in Australian waters that are vulnerable to poaching by foreign fishing crews. These species are attractive to poachers because they are expensive and easy to catch, and the regulation of their trade is relatively weak. Poaching poses a significant threat to these already vulnerable or endangered species, exacerbating the existing challenges posed by climate change and human activity.
Sea cucumbers, in particular, have been targeted by foreign fishing boats in Australian waters. Their populations are vital for the health of coral reef systems, which are already under intense stress from climate change and coastal development. Nine species of sea cucumbers from Australian waters are currently facing the threat of global extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Giant clams, too, are iconic megafauna of Australia that are in trouble. They are the largest aquatic molluscs on Earth, weighing up to 250 kilograms and reaching a metre in length. Climate change poses a significant threat to giant clams, as warmer waters make it difficult for them to build strong shells. Additionally, their shells and flesh are in high demand, and they have been historically over-exploited, with nine species listed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the IUCN.
Turtles are also among the most endangered vertebrate taxa globally, and poaching is a significant contributor to their decline in Australia. They face threats such as boat strikes, drowning in fishing nets, and wounds inflicted by anglers. Nest predation by invasive foxes has also led to population aging and declines in certain turtle species in the Murray River system.
Sharks are another species targeted by poachers in Australian waters, specifically for their fins. Shark finning, or the removal of shark fins and dumping of the carcass, is prohibited in Australia. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has implemented measures to prevent shark finning, including limits on the number of sharks on board vessels and restrictions on processing sharks at sea. However, illegal shark finning still occurs, and the fins are often sold on the black market.
The poaching of these marine species in Australia is driven by various factors, including the growing global demand for wildlife products and the lucrative nature of the illegal trade. To combat this issue, stronger monitoring and enforcement of regulations may be necessary, along with providing alternative livelihoods for fishing crews and reducing the demand for endangered species products.
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Echidnas are trafficked as 'captive bred' despite being wild-caught
Echidnas, particularly the short-beaked variety, are highly prized as zoo animals around the world. They are native to Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Papua New Guinea. However, they are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, and the survival rate of captive-born juveniles is poor. In the forty years before 2015, fewer than 20 are known to have been born in captivity and successfully raised in Australian zoos. As a result, self-proclaimed breeders are likely taking them from the wild and passing them off as captive-bred.
The illegal trade in wild animals being sold as 'captive-bred' is an emerging issue in the zoo and pet industry, with serious animal welfare and conservation implications. There are very large numbers of echidnas available for sale in Southeast Asia, indicating the development of a black market. Traders are taking them from the wild, misrepresenting them as captive-bred, and laundering them through a complex supply chain. A wild echidna is caught and smuggled to a dealer who requests a permit declaring it was captive-bred. The animal, complete with paperwork, then enters the international wildlife trade.
To combat this illegal trade, researchers have developed various forensic tools. High-resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive, non-invasive, and cost-effective analysis tool that can be used to discriminate between captive-bred and wild-caught specimens. Researchers have also developed accurate DNA tests to determine the source country of an echidna, which can be performed using mitochondrial DNA obtained from the root of short-beaked echidna quills. These tools are invaluable for authorities involved in investigating and enforcing wildlife trade laws.
The laundering of wild-caught animals as 'captive-bred' is a serious and widespread issue within the illegal wildlife trade, which was estimated to be worth USD $7-23 billion in 2014. This issue is not unique to echidnas, as other species such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers also face similar threats. The development and utilisation of forensic tools are crucial in combating the illegal trade of echidnas and other vulnerable species.
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Carnaby's cockatoo chicks are regularly poached and traded
Carnaby's cockatoos are large black birds with distinctive white cheeks and tail bands. They are endemic to southwest Australia, living between Kalbarri on the mid-west coast and Cape Arid in the south. Carnaby's cockatoos are long-lived birds, surviving up to 35 years in the wild. They are known to mate for life, and females usually return to their natal area to breed. The female lays one or two eggs, but usually, only one chick is reared. The chick will stay with the parents for the first year, and the family leaves the vicinity of the nest until they return to breed the following season.
Carnaby's cockatoos are facing a bleak future, with their populations declining due to habitat loss and other factors. They are now listed as an endangered species by the Federal and Western Australian governments and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The clearing of eucalypt forests and banksia woodlands, combined with southern Western Australia's driest and hottest period on record, has pushed the species towards extinction. The loss of old trees and hollows for nesting, as well as forage trees and bush, has led to a decline in their breeding rate. Carnaby's cockatoos are also affected by a syndrome that may be caused by exposure to organophosphate pesticides, further contributing to their decline.
Due to their rarity, Carnaby's cockatoo chicks have become a target for poachers and illegal wildlife traders. The illegal wildlife trade is a serious and widespread crime, with a high dollar value attached to these birds. Poachers take advantage of the vast landscape and the difficulty of detection to collect cockatoo chicks and other reptiles without fear of being caught. The constant push for novelty in the trade also drives the demand for these rare birds.
To combat the illegal trade of Carnaby's cockatoo chicks, authorities can utilize DNA-based tools to determine the source of the birds and whether they are captive-bred or wild-caught. This technology can assist in enforcement against trafficking and help buyers make informed decisions. Additionally, increasing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents, and reducing the demand for endangered species products are crucial steps in protecting Carnaby's cockatoo chicks from poaching and illegal trade.
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Australia's native birds, including rainbow lorikeets, are targeted for their colourful feathers
Wildlife crime is a multibillion-dollar industry that threatens many of the world's most vulnerable species. Poaching and trafficking are transnational crimes that exploit weak governance and inadequate surveillance. Growing human populations and their demand for wildlife products are major drivers of the illegal wildlife trade.
In Australia, native birds, including rainbow lorikeets, are targeted for their colourful feathers. The rainbow lorikeet, with its bright red beak and colourful plumage, is one of Australia's most well-known and loved parrots. They are commonly found in urban areas and suburban neighbourhoods, making them easily accessible to poachers. Their preference for nesting near artificial lighting, which helps them spot predators, also makes them vulnerable to illegal capture.
Rainbow lorikeets are one of the most widespread bird species in Australia. Their vibrant colours, including bright blue, orange, yellow, and green, have made them a target for wildlife poachers. The illegal wildlife trade in Australia extends beyond birds, with reptiles such as shingleback lizards also being sought after.
The constant push for novelty is another driver of the trade, as people seek unique pets with specific colour variations or genetic traits. This demand fuels the illegal capture of wild animals, as breeding certain species in captivity can be challenging and financially unviable. Organised criminal networks exploit these demands, using complex transit routes and taking advantage of the vast Australian landscape to avoid detection.
To combat the illegal wildlife trade, organisations like WWF-Australia work with governments to strengthen law enforcement, impose stricter deterrents, and reduce demand for endangered species products. DNA-based forensics also plays a crucial role in identifying the source of traded animals and aiding enforcement agencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's unique flora and fauna are highly prized overseas. Some of the animals that are poached in Australia include:
- Reptiles such as lizards
- Birds such as parrots and cockatoos
- Fish species such as sea cucumbers, giant clams, turtles and sharks
- Mammals such as echidnas
Wildlife theft in Australia ranges from individuals taking the odd bird as a pet to organised trafficking by international crime syndicates. Experts have no firm grasp on the size of the problem, but they are certain that it poses risks to biodiversity. According to a 2011 report by Global Financial Integrity, the illegal wildlife trade is third only to drugs and human trafficking in terms of scope and value.
The Australian government takes the illegal wildlife trade very seriously. The Australian Border Force has the capacity to apprehend illegal fishing boats. The Australian Museum in Sydney has established a DNA lab to combat the illegal trade in wildlife. This lab is one of only six forensically accredited wildlife forensic labs in the world.
The main driver of wildlife poaching in Australia is the constant push for novelty. People are always looking for something different, whether it's a new colour, genetic trait, or species. Wildlife poaching is also driven by the high profits that can be made from the illegal trade in wildlife.
