The body parts of some wildlife, such as rhino horn, are more valuable than gold or heroin. worldwide illegal trade is, in fact, the top four types of transnational crime (the other three include narcotics, human trafficking, and military weapons). This illegal trade attracts criminal networks that often smuggle wildlife parts along with legitimate goods. The demand for wildlife and their body parts, many of which are from endangered species, is so great because of population growth, global wealth, and superstitious beliefs. The markets will continue to expand despite efforts by governments, NGOs, environmental organizations, and individuals to stop the demand and the culture of consumption and corruption.
Wildlife Crime: From Theory to Practice. Edited by William Moreto. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press. 2018. ISBN: 978-1-4399-1472-4. 306 pp. Hardcover, $104.50; softcover, $37.95; Kindle, $37.95.