international wildlife trade

International wildlife trade involves the buying and selling of animals, plants, and their products across countries. This trade can support local economies and conservation efforts, but it also poses risks to biodiversity when species are overharvested, threatened, or driven to extinction. It often includes legal commerce, regulated by international agreements like CITES, and illegal activities, such as smuggling endangered species. Effective management requires balancing economic benefits with conservation priorities, enforcing laws, and promoting sustainable practices to protect wildlife populations globally.