Role of local markets in illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts for trafficked species

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in wildlife crime worldwide. In Benin, hunting activities are prevalent near protected areas, facilitating networks engaged in the illicit trade of wildlife products. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate the specific role of local markets in wildlife trafficking to support conservation efforts. This study examined 24 markets selling carcasses of animals and conducted interviews with forestry officers to compile a list of ex-situ wildlife management centres and the species they protect. A total of 161 wildlife species were identified, including 39 mammal species, 33 reptile species, and 89 bird species, whose products are traded in these markets. A substantial portion of these species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and the appendices of the CITES convention. These products originate from both domestic and international sources, including Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon, and Senegal. The beneficiaries of these trafficked products span populations in Benin, Nigeria, China, Burkina Faso, India, Ghana, Niger, and Togo. Interestingly, the proximity of markets to protected areas did not significantly impact species richness within the markets, although traded species reflected those found in protected areas. Furthermore, our investigation revealed 20 ex-situ wildlife management centres in Benin, demonstrating a strong correlation between species managed ex-situ and those traded. This study highlights the substantial pressure exerted by illegal wildlife trade on conservation efforts in Benin.