disrupting wildlife trade in Southeast Asia

we’re partnering with frontline law enforcement to rescue trafficked wildlife 

Problem 

Wild animal populations are being decimated worldwide as an increasing number of species are targeted for the exotic pet trade and for their body parts. The illegal wildlife trade poses a serious threat to our world’s declining biodiversity and must be stopped urgently.  

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia are among the world’s hotspots for illegal wildlife trafficking. There is a rise in the number of reptiles, birds, primates and other animal species traded across borders. Frontline enforcement officers urgently need training and resources to safely confiscate live animals being trafficked.  

Solution 

The United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) awarded funding to international nonprofit, Freeland, to create the project, Targeting Regional Investigations for Policing Opportunities & Development (TRIPOD). IFAW was selected by Freeland as a partner for this project. 

Led by Freeland and implemented by IFAW and WWF, TRIPOD combats wildlife crime and disrupts wildlife traffickers in Southeast Asia. By working with frontline officers, our goal is to identify, care for and return confiscated wildlife back to their appropriate habitats. 

Together, Freeland, IFAW and WWF aim to stop the illegal wildlife trade in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia by strengthening capacity and collaboration to counter wildlife trafficking. 

Specifically, IFAW will provide sustainable solutions for live wild animals seized or confiscated from illegal trade. Our trainings will equip frontline staff in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia with the knowledge and skills needed to identify confiscated wildlife and safely handle animals until they can be transported to a care facility.