Illegal wildlife trade: An analysis of carnivore products found in markets in Benin and Niger

A study analyzing illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in Benin and Niger revealed widespread circulation of carnivore products, including multiple lion skins, with a significant portion originating from international trade. While some products likely originated from the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex—a critical refuge for threatened species—trade patterns were more strongly influenced by proximity to international transport hubs than to the complex itself. This suggests extensive cross-border trafficking, posing severe threats to local populations of carnivores such as African civets, servals, leopards, and hyenas. The findings provide a baseline for monitoring IWT and assessing intervention strategies to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

Gerstenhaber, C., Ipavec, A., Lapeyre, V., Plowman, C., Chabi-N’Diaye, Y., Tevoedjre, F., Amoussa, C. A., Siddo, O. S., Aboubacar, H. A., & Durant, S. M. (2024). Illegal wildlife trade: An analysis of carnivore products found in markets in Benin and Niger. Global Ecology and Conservation, 51, e02880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e02880