What types of activities are classified as wildlife crime in Australia?

Wildlife crime in Australia includes unlawful removal or destruction of native plants and habitats, illegal harvesting of fish and timber, trafficking of protected species, and unlawful lethal control measures.

Which species are most frequently targeted by wildlife crime in Australia?

Plants are the most commonly targeted group in prosecuted cases, followed by fish and reptiles, with native reptiles being particularly sought after in the international pet trade.

What are the proposed reforms to combat wildlife crime in Australia?

Proposed reforms include enhanced community education, judicial training on ecological impacts, improved investigative resources, and greater legal consistency across Australian states and territories.

Home / Environment / Australia's Wildlife Stolen: A Growing Crisis

Australia's Wildlife Stolen: A Growing Crisis

29 Jan

•

Summary

Wildlife crime includes illegal plant removal and reptile trafficking.
Over 120 prosecutions recorded in nearly three decades.
Organized crime groups profit from smuggling native species.

Australia's Wildlife Stolen: A Growing Crisis

Wildlife crime is an escalating problem in Australia, impacting native animals and plants through theft, illegal trade, and habitat destruction. These offenses, ranging from clearing vegetation without approval to trafficking protected species, threaten ecosystems and national security. A review of higher court prosecutions from 1995 to 2024 identified unlawful removal, illegal harvest, and trafficking as primary categories.

Despite a recorded 120 prosecutions over nearly three decades, researchers believe this number significantly underrepresents the true scale of offending. More than 60 percent of these cases occurred in remote areas where monitoring is limited. Plants were the most targeted group in prosecutions, followed by fish and reptiles, with organized criminal groups playing a significant role in smuggling valuable native species for international markets.