IPB University Researcher Reveals Blind Spots in Illegal Wildlife Trade
Indonesia, with its rich biodiversity, has become a primary target of global illegal wildlife trade. To date, control efforts and law enforcement have often been hindered by limited data and transparency, particularly regarding the scale, supply chains, and actors involved.
According to Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, a researcher and Professor at IPB University, this condition is referred to as a “blind spot” in wildlife trade.
“Transactions typically occur on the black market, making it difficult to estimate their volume. The trade spans across regions and countries, with distribution routes frequently changing. Many traded species are not recorded in official reports, resulting in incomplete conservation data,” he stated.
Upon closer examination, the trade network is highly complex, involving local hunters, collectors, mid level traders, and international networks. Distribution often utilizes social media, online marketplaces, and illegal transportation routes.
“Another challenge is that traded wildlife is often mixed with legal commodities, making identification and recognition more difficult,” he added.
According to Prof Ronny, this level of complexity further complicates efforts by authorities to apprehend key perpetrators. Law enforcement actions tend to target smaller actors such as hunters or local traders, rather than larger networks.
“Cases of wildlife trade conducted via social media demonstrate weak digital detection. It is difficult to track anonymous accounts and online transactions,” he explained.
He also highlighted weak inter-agency coordination involving relevant ministries, the police, and customs authorities, as well as the absence of a robust national database.
As a solution, he advocates strengthening conservation intelligence systems through the use of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor trade patterns.
“Early detection through eDNA is also effective for monitoring species distribution,” he added.
Furthermore, international collaboration through cross-border data exchange, such as via the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), is essential.
Public involvement in detecting illegal trade is equally important. Collective awareness must be built that wildlife trade is a public health issue, not merely an environmental concern. The government, he emphasized, must provide alternative economic opportunities for local communities to reduce dependence on wildlife hunting.
“Breaking the chain of illegal wildlife trade is not easy. However, the minimum steps that can be taken include strict monitoring of illegal trade routes and markets, as well as public education on the dangers of zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife,” Prof Ronny concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ADF)
