Protected Species Crime Rates by Country 2026
Wildlife trafficking is one of the most profitable illegal trades globally, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This analysis presents crime rates for trade or possession of protected species per 100,000 population across 37 countries, based on official data reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
[TABLE2|title=Protected Species Crime Rates by Country Per 100k Population]
What Constitutes Protected Species Crime?
This category covers criminal offenses related to:
- Illegal wildlife trade – Buying, selling, or transporting protected animals
- Poaching – Hunting protected species without authorization
- Possession of protected fauna – Keeping endangered animals illegally
- Illegal plant trade – Trafficking protected flora species
- CITES violations – Breaking international wildlife trade regulations
Understanding the Data
Higher rates often indicate stronger enforcement rather than more wildlife crime. Countries with robust wildlife protection agencies, active border controls, and strict CITES implementation detect and prosecute more cases. Many wildlife crimes occur in remote areas and go undetected, meaning actual illegal activity far exceeds reported statistics.
Key Findings
Malta shows the highest rate at 7.76 per 100,000 in 2022, reflecting strict enforcement of bird protection laws in a major migratory route. Slovakia (6.12) and Thailand (4.89) also report significant rates, with Thailand being a known transit hub for Asian wildlife trafficking.
Argentina (3.78) and Zimbabwe (3.48) show notable enforcement in regions with diverse wildlife. Costa Rica (2.72) demonstrates active protection of its rich biodiversity despite a decrease from 4.55 in 2020.
Mongolia experienced a dramatic drop from 10.51 in 2020 to 2.16 in 2022, possibly indicating changes in enforcement priorities or reporting methods.
European countries show moderate rates: Denmark (2.76), Belgium (1.64), Sweden (1.42), and Norway (0.95), reflecting consistent enforcement of EU wildlife regulations.
Many Latin American countries with significant biodiversity report relatively low rates, suggesting enforcement challenges in vast natural areas.
Protected Species Crime Rates by Country Per 100k Population
| # |
Country
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
1.16 | 6.29 | 7.76 |
| 2 |
|
6.93 | 7.4 | 6.12 |
| 3 |
|
- | 8.21 | 4.89 |
| 4 |
|
2.54 | 3.64 | 3.78 |
| 5 |
|
- | - | 3.48 |
| 6 |
|
1.97 | 1.35 | 2.76 |
| 7 |
|
4.55 | 4.37 | 2.72 |
| 8 |
|
10.51 | 11.2 | 2.16 |
| 9 |
|
1.42 | 1.42 | 1.64 |
| 10 |
|
1.38 | 2.5 | 1.42 |
| 11 |
|
0.73 | 0.5 | 0.95 |
| 12 |
|
0.95 | 0.86 | 0.9 |
| 13 |
|
0.47 | 0.6 | 0.81 |
| 14 |
|
0.86 | 0.94 | 0.78 |
| 15 |
|
0.57 | 0.99 | 0.71 |
| 16 |
|
0.74 | 0.65 | 0.69 |
| 17 |
|
0.51 | 0.58 | 0.63 |
| 18 |
|
0.03 | 0.2 | 0.51 |
| 19 |
|
0.55 | 0.47 | 0.47 |
| 20 |
|
0.06 | 0.23 | 0.23 |
| 21 |
|
- | 0.14 | 0.2 |
| 22 |
|
0.03 | 0 | 0.14 |
| 23 |
|
0.09 | 0.09 | 0.13 |
| 24 |
|
0 | 0.34 | 0.11 |
| 25 |
|
0.03 | 0.04 | 0.09 |
| 26 |
|
0.14 | 0.06 | 0.08 |
| 27 |
|
0.06 | 0.24 | 0.07 |
| 28 |
|
- | 0.01 | 0.06 |
| 29 |
|
0.11 | 0 | 0.05 |
| 30 |
|
0.11 | 0.02 | 0 |
| 31 |
|
1.44 | 1.75 | 0 |
| 32 |
|
- | 4.53 | - |
| 33 |
|
0.79 | 1.04 | - |
| 34 |
|
0.34 | 0.8 | - |
| 35 |
|
0.41 | 0.48 | - |
| 36 |
|
- | 0.12 | - |
| 37 |
|
0.02 | 0.04 | - |
Data Source
- Raw Data: UNODC - Corruption and Economic Crime Statistics
- Unit: Rate per 100,000 population
- Years covered: 2020, 2021, 2022
- Countries included: 37 countries with available data
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some biodiversity-rich countries report low wildlife crime rates?
Countries with extensive rainforests, remote areas, and limited resources often struggle to detect and prosecute wildlife crimes. Poaching and illegal trade frequently occur in areas with minimal law enforcement presence. Additionally, some countries may prioritize other crimes or lack specialized wildlife crime units. The reported rates reflect enforcement capacity rather than actual wildlife crime levels.
How does international cooperation affect wildlife crime prosecution?
International cooperation through CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and INTERPOL's Environmental Security unit is crucial for combating wildlife trafficking. Countries with strong international partnerships can track cross-border smuggling networks, share intelligence, and coordinate arrests. This explains why some smaller countries with active international cooperation report higher detection rates than larger nations working in isolation.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 09.12.2025https://dataunodc.un.org/dp-crime-corruption-offences
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