Mongabay · Climate & nature

Canada's Weak Wildlife Import Laws Allow Illegal Trade

Canada's laws struggle to prevent the import of illegally obtained wildlife, allowing protected species to enter, be sold, and bred, posing risks to biodiversity and public health.

The global wildlife trade, valued in the hundreds of billions, drives biodiversity loss. Canada struggles to enforce laws against importing illegally obtained wildlife, enabling protected species to enter the country.

Accessing the illegal wildlife trade in Canada is easy. One advocate reported a seller admitting to regular U.S. shipments of various animals, including illegally sourced ones.

Beyond conservation, the trade risks zoonotic diseases and involves organized crime. Canada's ban on illegally sourced wildlife imports is weak as it doesn't require proof of origin at the border.

The volume of imports overwhelms customs. While suspicious shipments are inspected, the system assumes declared cargo is accurate. Lack of import proof for non-CITES species creates enforcement gaps.

Canada is a source and transit point for wildlife trade, including native species and exotic pets. The WAPPRIITA act prohibits importing wildlife contravening foreign laws, but its effectiveness is limited.

Loopholes like mixing illegal specimens with legal captive-bred animals allow illegal trade to persist. This is seen with reptiles and birds, raising questions about animal origins sold in Canada.

Other countries have stricter import rules. Canada is seen as an outlier. International cooperation, possibly via the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, is suggested to improve enforcement.

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