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The commercial wildlife trade is pushing endangered species towards extinction and increasing the risk of global pandemics.
Endangered species are being poached and smuggled on an unprecedented scale across the globe to feed an organized and lucrative trade in their parts and products. The global wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar business, often involving corrupt and sophisticated international crime syndicates. OPS investigations continue to expose this transnational trade that is rivaled only by the trafficking in guns and drugs. During the course of our investigations, we are sometimes able to intervene and actually assist local authorities in bringing wildlife traders to justice or confiscate and liberate wildlife.
Watch OPS undercover footage of the wildlife markets
Watch our campaign video about the pandemic-wildlife trade connection
The illegal wildlife trade is pushing some species to the brink of extinction and impacts global health.
Your consumer choices can impact how wildlife species are captured, confined, traded, and even killed.
Join OPS so that we can safeguard biodiversity by shining a light on wildlife crime.
Ending the consumer demand for animal products
Endangered species are being poached and smuggled on an unprecedented scale to meet consumer demand for meat, health and wellness products, and novelty items. Our consumer demand for animal products fuels this devastating trade.
Related IssueRacing Extinction
Racing Extinction reveals a major threat to endangered species, the illegal wildlife trade. Captured, hunted, and traded to supply consumer demand for medicinal cures, tonics, and curios, creatures that have survived for millennia are being pushed to the brink.
WatchTake Action
Protect Endangered Species
The Endangered Species Act is under attack by legislators seeking to weaken federal protections for wildlife.
OPS Victories
Ending the Whale Meat Trade
OPS investigations closed a California sushi restaurant after discovering illegal sale of endangered whale meat.
Partner Campaigns
Targeting Consumers of Wildlife Products
OPS supports WildAid’s campaigns to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products like ivory and shark fin soup.
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