Illegal Wildlife Trade
The illegal wildlife trade is one of the greatest threats to elephants today. Driven by demand for ivory and other wildlife products, this transnational crime fuels the decline of elephant populations, undermines law enforcement, and destabilises communities.
The Elephant Resource Centre aims to bring together current information and statistics to support efforts in understanding and combating this complex issue. On this page, you will find access to key literature, trade statistics, policy documents, and educational resources related to elephant product trafficking.
Key Reports & Intelligence on the Elephant Trade
This page brings together key reports and intelligence from leading international organisations working to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect elephants. All publications remain the intellectual property of their respective organisations and authors. They are referenced or shared here for educational and informational purposes in support of elephant conservation and research.
Publications by Organisation
UNODC
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime conducts global analysis of organised wildlife crime
Wildlife Forensics & Ivory Identification
Forensic science plays a critical role in combating the illegal ivory trade. This section provides access to essential guidelines and tools used to identify ivory, collect evidence, and support successful wildlife crime investigations.
Ivory Sampling & Forensic Analysis
Guidelines(UNODC / ICCWC / CITES)
Summary: This guideline provides internationally recognised procedures for the forensic sampling and analysis of ivory. It outlines best practices for evidence collection, handling, and chain of custody, as well as laboratory techniques such as DNA and isotope analysis to determine the origin of ivory. Designed for law enforcement and forensic specialists, it supports the investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.
Identification Guide for Ivory and Ivory Substitutes
(World Wide Fund for Nature / CITES / TRAFFIC)
Summary: This practical guide supports the identification of elephant ivory and distinguishes it from similar materials such as mammoth ivory, bone, and synthetic substitutes. It includes visual characteristics, diagnostic features, and guidance for field identification, making it a valuable resource for enforcement officers, customs officials, and conservation practitioners working to combat illegal ivory trade.
Wildlife and Forensic Crime Analytical Toolkit
(UNODC / CITES )
Summary: The Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit is an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview for understanding the main issues related to environmental offences and for analysing preventive and criminal justice responses to wildlife and forest offences in a given country. The Toolkit is designed mainly to assist government officials in wildlife and forestry administration, and Customs and other relevant enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive analysis of possible means and measures related to the protection and monitoring of wildlife and forest products. In this sense, the Toolkit may also be used as training material for law enforcers.