ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
OVERVIEW
The wildlife trade is the second biggest direct threat to the survival of wildlife, after habitat destruction. We are facing the sixth mass species extinction, with an almost 70% decline of species populations since 1970. Silent forests are increasing across Asia due to the over-exploitation of wildlife, especially to feed the Asian market for traditional medicines. Engaged Buddhist leaders across Asia are increasingly speaking out and taking action against the illegal wildlife trade.​
'The essence of Buddhism is to feel empathy for all living beings since we share this characteristic, no matter where we are in the world.'
Phra Ajarn Chayasaro Bhikkhu, Buddhist Monastery, Nakornrachasima, Thailand
THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
VIETNAM
In Vietnam, Buddhist abbots at Hanoi temples are calling for an end to rhino horn consumption and the use of other threatened species, in support of TRAFFIC’s Chi Campaign, and taking part in WildAid awareness campaigns to stop demand for wildlife.
THAILAND
In 2014, the supreme Thai Buddhist council banned threatened species in religious objects, and influential Buddhist leaders have partnered with groups such as TRAFFIC and WildAid to create public service annoucements to encourage Thai consumers to stop using ivory and tiger parts. ​
CAMBODIA
In Cambodia, Buddhist monks patrol forests to pick up snares and stop illegal hunting (pictured opposite, with snares), and spread messages through their pagodas about the need to protect threatened species including the Critically Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. Visit our Cambodia page for more information
HIMALAYAS
In 2005, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called for an end to the use of tiger and leopard skins in ceremonial dress (chubas), resulting in the immediate burning of thousands of chubas by Tibetan communities.
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His Holiness the 17th Karmapa of the Kagyu tradition has banned the use of endangered species and started a network of over 50 Buddhist monasteries and nunneries in the Himalayas that implement environmental projects.
In Nepal, Buddhist leaders preach about the snow leopard as a sacred species, while Buddhist healers (Amchis) support an end to the use of threatened plant and animal species in traditional medicines.
MONGOLIA
In 2000 the Buddhists of Mongolia reintroduced a centuries-old ban on hunting the snow leopard and the saiga antelope -– both of which are endangered. The ban is an expression of the ancient Buddhist teaching of compassion towards all life – which in practice encourages Buddhists to engage in sustainable natural resource management. In 2001, this Sacred Gift was expanded to include the recreation of traditional Buddhist Sacred Reserves.
A?RC/WWF/World Bank/Gandan Tegchenling Monastery
CHINA
One of the biggest driving forces behind illegal poaching is the demand for body parts such as rhino horn and tiger parts to supply the black market in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Use of rare species was banned by the Chinese government in 1993, and outlawed by the China Daoist Association in 2018 (Daoism being the philosophical, cultural, religious and physiological basis of TCM), but demand for such products remains high.
Find partners
Groups working on the Illegal Wildlife Trade
TRAFFIC – Working to ensure that trade in wild species is legal and sustainable, for the benefit of the planet and people
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China Wildlife Conservation Association – saving wildlife and wild places worldwide.
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International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) – integrating the practice of Buddhism with social action for a healthy, just, and peaceful world.
WILDAID – Inspiring change to protect wildlife and vital habitats from critical threats including illegal wildlife trafficking, climate change, and illegal fishing.
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USAID – leads the US Government's international development and disaster assistance.
Get started
Key guidance documents
Interested in getting a collaboration or a project going with a faith community but not sure where to start? Check out these key guidance documents.
