Species identification sheets for Protected Wildlife in Trade : Oceania

Abstract

Wildlife trafficking is a large-scale multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. The illegal trade of wildlife has reached such prominence that it has the potential to devastate source populations of wildlife, impacting on the integrity and productivity of ecosystems in providing food and resources to the local economy. In order to protect these resources, legislation has been put in place to control the trade of wildlife in almost every country worldwide. Those assigned with enforcing these laws have the monumental task of identifying the exact species that are being traded, either as whole living plants or animals, as parts that are dried, fried or preserved, or as derivatives contained within commercial products.