How to get a job fighting wildlife crime

From stopping poaching activity in national parks to investigating wildlife trafficking networks, numerous roles are dedicated to stopping illegal activities that harm animals and biodiversity.  

This guide will walk you through what wildlife crime is, how people work around the world to prevent it, and the types of jobs in this field. Whether you’re interested in working as a ranger, a forensic investigator, or for a wildlife NGO, there’s a place for you in the global effort to protect animals from poaching and trafficking.  

What is wildlife crime? 

Wildlife crime refers to any and all illegal activities related to the trafficking, poaching, breeding, hunting, trading, and trapping of wild animals. It is a broad umbrella that encompasses a range of actions that are prohibited by local, national, and international laws because of the harm they bring to animals, ecosystems, and people.  

Wildlife crime is one of the biggest threats to the survival of endangered species around the world. These illegal activities threaten the delicate balance of global diversity, pushing species towards extinction, and destabilizing entire ecosystems that are critical to both human and animal life.  

How do people combat wildlife crime? 

There are many types of people fighting wildlife crime. Depending on the role, their duties and responsibilities could include:  

• Monitoring and surveillance of wildlife and habitats to protect them from poachers and traffickers  
• Investigating illegal trade networks that traffic live animals, animal products, or plant species  
• Rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have been trapped, trafficked, or injured during illegal activities  
• Working with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of wildlife crimes  
• Conducting forensic analyses to trace the origins of illegally trafficked wildlife  

These jobs are important because they not only protect individual animals and species but help preserve entire ecosystems. These dedicated individuals may gather intelligence on wildlife trafficking networks, work with governments to implement stronger conservation policies, and educate the public on the importance of wildlife protection. 

Types of jobs that fight wildlife crime 

There are various important roles within the field of wildlife crime prevention and investigation, each offering unique yet powerful ways to make a positive impact. 

Here are just some of the ways people get involved in protecting animals by combating wildlife crime. 

Wildlife conservation officers 

Wildlife conservation officers are tasked with enforcing laws related to wildlife and natural habitat protection. A lot of their time is spent outdoors, patrolling protected areas, monitoring wildlife populations, and investigating crimes like poaching, trapping, and habitat destruction. These officers are usually employed by government agencies and play a critical role in protecting ecosystems, ensuring that the local wildlife is not exploited.  

Some duties of a wildlife conservation officer may include enforcing land management laws and hunting and fishing regulations, surveying areas to identify lawbreakers, issuing citations to violators, responding to reports of wildlife endangering humans, and writing up and filing reports.   

How to get into this role: To become a wildlife conservation officer, you’ll need to meet the legal requirements that any officer of the law must meet. You should also preferably have a good understanding of nature. 

While a degree isn’t essential, having one related to wildlife biology, ecology, criminal justice, or environmental science will help. The ability to work in challenging environments is also important, as the job will often involve patrolling remote areas.  

Wildlife rangers 

Wildlife rangers—sometimes referred to as park rangers or simply rangers—monitor the wildlife in national parks and other protected areas. They play a key role in conservation and preventing harm to wildlife through poaching and other illegal activities. Rangers are often employed by government agencies or local communities. Sometimes, they’re the first responders to the scene of wildlife crime.  

A wildlife ranger patrols the area they’re tasked with protecting. They will often start patrols early in the morning and patrol for the entire day, sometimes even camping out overnight. At night, rangers will take it in shifts to keep watch while the others sleep. During patrols, they keep an eye out for criminal activity like poaching or logging. If they come across traps, they remove them before they can cause harm to wild animals. It’s a dangerous role in which they may come face-to-face with poachers and wildlife criminals.  

Beyond patrolling, rangers will engage with the local community to listen to their needs, gather intelligence about nearby wildlife crime networks, and educate them on various aspects of conservation. They may also obtain data about wildlife, track their locations, and record paw prints and faecal matter. If an urgent matter such as a forest fire or human contact with wildlife occurs, they are on the frontlines to help respond and mitigate the situation.  

How to get into this role: Many rangers start their career as volunteers or through community programmes. You’ll typically need some kind of training in law enforcement, wildlife management, or conservation, but some regions will offer specific training courses.  

Game and fish officers 

Game and fish wardens—sometimes referred to as conservation officers—monitor fishing and hunting activities to ensure they comply with laws and regulations. They play an important role in preventing overfishing and illegal hunting, which can decimate wildlife populations and ecosystems. A game and fish officer will also investigate environmental violations and educate local communities about conservation laws.  

This role spends a large amount of time outdoors, especially around bodies of water such as lakes and oceans. They conduct frequent patrols, responding to wildlife emergencies and issuing citations when necessary.  

How to get into this role: Game and fish officers undergo rigorous training in law enforcement procedures, as they will sometimes be required to enforce regulations and arrest wildlife criminals. A relevant degree is preferable, in a subject such as wildlife management. You will engage in a substantial amount of physical activity, sometimes in difficult terrains. You’ll also need a good knowledge of local wildlife and natural resources laws.  

How to get into this role: Specific experience and qualifications will vary, depending on the role you’re interested in, and there are a broad number of roles. Field roles often require a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, while communications and marketing positions may require qualifications in those fields. 

Above all, working for a wildlife NGO requires a passion for conservation, a commitment to animal welfare, and a strong belief in the values and mission of the organization.  

Crime scene analysts 

Crime scene analysts in wildlife crime investigations gather evidence at poaching sites or wildlife trafficking hubs. They analyse everything from animal remains to confiscated products like ivory and skins. Their findings help law enforcers trace the origins of trafficked wildlife and build cases against poachers, traffickers, and other wildlife criminals.  

How to get into this role: Becoming a wildlife crime scene analyst may require a degree in a relevant field, such as forensic science or criminal justice. Specialized training in wildlife crime can also be helpful. An entry point into this career may be to secure a more general role in wildlife crimes and crime scene investigations, secure specialized training on the role, then work your way up into becoming a crime scene analyst. 

Forensics investigators 

Wildlife forensics investigators analyse evidence secured by rangers or other wildlife officers to help solve cases of wildlife crime. They may examine DNA samples, bone fragments, or animal remains to determine the species of animal involved, the cause of death, and whether or not a crime has been committed. Forensic analysis can also help track down the geographical origins of trafficked animals or products. 

A forensic investigator will spend most of their time in laboratories, though they may occasionally need to visit a crime scene to examine it and collect samples. If a criminal case makes it to court, a forensic investigator may be called upon to testify as an expert witness to the crime.  

How to get into this role: To become a wildlife forensics investigator, you’ll need a background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science. Specialized courses in wildlife forensics, such as those offered by environmental organisations, can help you gain the relevant skills you need to work in this area.  

Front-line enforcers 

Customs, border, and port authorities who specialize in wildlife crime work with local, national, and international authorities to arrest poachers, traffickers, and other offenders. They collaborate closely with conservation organizations to develop and enforce laws that protect endangered species and their habitats.  

A law enforcement officer will often need to confront poachers, trafficking gangs, and other wildlife criminals. Not only is this crucial in intercepting and stopping poaching activities, but it also acts as an effective deterrent, stopping people from committing the crime in the first place.  

Through our DISRUPT project, IFAW has been helping train front-line enforcers in preventing wildlife crime since 2007. We also help instruct them to properly handle live animals seized in trade so they can be transported to rehabilitation centres and, hopefully, return to the wild. 

How to get into this role: A background in law enforcement is typically required. You may also benefit from additional specialized training in environmental law or wildlife management.  

They work with veterinarians to assess the health of animals, develop treatment plans, nurse animals back to health, and eventually release them back into the wild.  

A wildlife rehabilitator will respond to calls from rangers, wildlife officers, or even the public to rescue wild animals. They may need to provide some immediate emergency care to stabilize their condition, before bringing them back to a rehabilitation facility. Sometimes, they will help to raise orphaned animals whose parents were killed or taken as a result of wildlife crime. Wildlife rehabilitators must also maintain appropriate enclosures for wildlife to live in during rehabilitation.  

There are various types of wildlife rehabilitators, including avian, mammal, marine, reptile and amphibian, and waterfowl.  

How to get into this role: Most wildlife rehabilitators have a background in veterinary medicine or animal care. You may need to get a certification in wildlife rehabilitation, become licensed by the government, and have some hands-on experience with wildlife. 

How IFAW helps fight wildlife crime 

IFAW is a key member of the ongoing fight against wildlife crime. From providing essential training and equipment to rangers and investigators in Africa, to recruiting and training volunteers, to working with online commerce companies to take down illegal listings of wildlife and their parts, to training front-line enforcers on how to safely handle live animals seized in trade, our work makes a difference around the world. 

Our Not A Pet campaign in the US with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums spreads awareness on the dangers of owning an exotic pet and how the pet trade harms wildlife. In the EU, we advocated for the passage of the Digital Services Act, which makes illegal online what is already illegal offline, including the sale of wildlife and their parts. In China, our AI Guardian tool developed jointly with Baidu identifies 34 commonly traded wildlife species online and alerts law enforcement. We also engage with communities in China to reduce demand for wildlife and their products, which ultimately helps curb illegal trade. 

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