Animal traffickers thrive as conservation funding dwindles: Nonprofits

The protection of endangered animals across the globe may wane without the boost of U.S. foreign aid subsidizing much of it. Funding from USAID, once used to fight wildlife trafficking and poaching, is leaving gaps that international crime networks are increasingly exploiting.

In 2024, Congress approved funding to support global wildlife and conservation efforts. At least $365.75 million was earmarked for biodiversity programs, while a minimum of $118.75 million goes toward fighting wildlife poaching and trafficking across borders. The agency funneled money through grants, usually to nonprofit groups and contracts with companies that carried out projects on its behalf.

US funding gaps leave wildlife exposed

With USAID disbanded, much of the funding that organizations relied on to protect endangered animals has disappeared. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) says wildlife traffickers are “loving it,” according to Susan Lieberman, vice president of international policy for WCS, who spoke to the Financial Times.

The Wildlife Conservation Society operates in more than 60 countries, safeguarding species such as gorillas in the Congo Basin, pumas in Patagonia and whales in Oceania.

A review of the society’s 2024 federal tax filing shows $110.6 million of the nonprofit’s $389 million in total revenue came from government grants. It also shows fifteen executive employees who made more than $300 thousand in total compensation that year. 

African Parks manages more than 20 reserves across Africa. It reintroduces rhinos to areas where they had disappeared. These groups use funding to train rangers, support anti-poaching units and monitor ecosystems. 

Wildlife protection and global security

Reduced funding threatens these partnerships and could weaken enforcement of international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). CITES ensures that international trade in wild animals and plants doesn’t threaten their survival, helping species continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

Wildlife protection programs have also been tied to broader security efforts, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Anti-poaching operations can strengthen law enforcement, reduce the influence of organized crime, and deter networks involved in multiple illegal activities, from wildlife trafficking to money laundering. By training rangers and supporting border monitoring, conservation aid has indirectly contributed to stability and governance in fragile regions.

Certain animal parts remain in high demand, including tiger teeth, pangolin scales and rhino horns. The International Fund for Animal Welfare reported that pangolins are now the most trafficked mammal in the world, sought after for their meat, for use in traditional medicines and as exotic pets.

Environmental crime on the rise

Environmental crime is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable forms of transnational organized crime, according to a 2023 report from Earth League International. Activities range from illegal logging and fishing to wildlife trafficking and hazardous waste dumping. The sector now generates between $110 billion and $281 billion a year, growing up to three times faster than the global economy.

Wildlife trafficking is most intense in regions with rich biodiversity and weak enforcement. Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and South America all serve as major sources of endangered animals. 

Trade hubs and transit routes move products across borders to markets in China, the U.S. and Europe. Poachers and traffickers often exploit remote areas and porous borders, making enforcement difficult.