Number: RL34395
Title: International Illegal Trade in Wildlife: Threats and U.S. Policy
Authors: Liana Sun Wyler, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; Pervaze A. Sheikh, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The role of Congress in evaluating U.S. policy to combat wildlife trafficking is broad. Potential issues for Congress include (1) determining funding levels for U.S. wildlife trade inspection and investigation; (2) evaluating the effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid to combat wildlife trafficking; (3) developing ways to encourage privatesector involvement in regulating the wildlife trade; (4) using trade sanctions to penalize foreign countries with weak enforcement of wildlife laws; (5) incorporating wildlife trade provisions into free trade agreements; and (6) addressing the domestic and international demand for illegal wildlife through public awareness campaigns and non-governmental organization partnerships. This report focuses on the international trade in terrestrial fauna, largely excluding trade in illegal plants, including timber, and fish.
Pages: 47
Date: August 22, 2008