wildlife trafficking networks

Exotic animals are being bought and sold through social media, turning rare wildlife into status symbols. Falcons are prized as markers of wealth while reptiles are kept for show, with traffickers using online networks to reach buyers and move species across borders. The trade raises concerns over enforcement, animal welfare and the survival of species targeted for the exotic pet market.

Reporting traces the wildlife trafficking route out of Chattogram, Bangladesh, following how animals and forest products move from forests through local markets and onward through trade networks. The investigation highlights the scale of the illegal trade and the gaps in enforcement that allow it to continue. It has drawn attention to the pressures on the region's biodiversity and the need for stronger protection measures.