Crimes involving wildlife have increased dramatically over the last few years.
The World Wildlife Fund says they account for the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world - estimated to be worth $10bn a year.
Now for the first time, the UN has produced a global report on the problem. It says virtually every country in the world plays a role either as a source, transit or destination for illegal wildlife trade.
Suspected traffickers represent about 80 different nationalities, it says.
The report says illegally-acquired wildlife is being sold in legal markets - much of the time the buyer is unaware.
And it says without international regulation, it is difficult to prevent illegally-acquired wildlife from being traded once goods leave their home harbour.
Who is gaining from this illegal trade?
Presenter: Laura Kyle
Guests:
Ted Leggett - senior research officer on crime and criminal justice at the UNODC
Debbie Banks - lead campaigner for tigers and wildlife crime at the Environmental Investigation Agency
Ofir Drori - founding director of the advocacy and law enforcement group EAGLE
