WWF Greece has, for the first time, unveiled a comprehensive investigation into the illegal and unregulated wildlife trade within the country.
The year-long research aims to highlight the causes and consequences of this significant, yet largely “invisible” problem, and presents a set of concrete proposals for its effective combating. According to the conservation organization, the trade is thriving due to a pervasive lack of effective regulatory oversight and enforcement.
Key findings of the WWF investigation in Greece
The research uncovered that the illegal trade in Greece primarily targets specific native species:
Native Birds: The trade largely involves the capture and sale of wild birds, particularly species like Goldfinches, Greenfinches, and Siskins, which are highly sought after in the domestic market. During the investigation period, an unannounced raid by game wardens from the 4th Hunting Federation of Central Greece led to the seizure of 292 wild birds at an Athens bazaar.
Reptiles and Invertebrates: Illegally collected native species, such as turtles and snakes, as well as invertebrates like scorpions and ants, were found being sold through European online wildlife markets.
The root causes: Deficiencies in enforcement
WWF attributes the uncontrolled nature of the illegal wildlife trade to systemic failures within the state mechanisms:
1. Severe Understaffing of Forestry Services
The long-standing issue of understaffing in forestry departments is cited as a major enabler of the trade. Most forest rangers are overwhelmed with administrative duties and rarely able to conduct field patrols, inspections, and enforcement activities necessary to curb illegal wildlife capture.
2. Lack of Political Will and Data Transparency
The poor protection of wild species in Greece is largely due to a lack of political will, resulting in delayed or omitted action by state authorities. There is a critical deficit in data collection and analysis and a lack of transparency in publicizing data regarding illegal trade activities.
Global context: Wildlife crime reaches record highs
The findings from Greece reflect a rapidly escalating global crisis, with the international coordination agency Interpol announcing that live animal trafficking reached record numbers in 2025.
Following an operation involving law enforcement from 134 countries between September and October, nearly 30,000 animals were seized and 1,100 suspects were identified. The haul included:
- 6,160 birds
- 2,040 turtles
- 1,150 reptiles
- 208 primates
- 46 pangolins
- 10 large mammals
- 19,415 other wild animals (including nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders, and insects).
Interpol noted that this commerce is increasing, largely driven by the demand for exotic pets, echoing the issue seen with reptiles and invertebrates being trafficked online from Greece.
The link to organized crime
The global operation also highlighted the increasingly sophisticated and interconnected nature of the crime. According to Interpol Secretary General Valdeci Urquiza, these wildlife trafficking networks are “increasingly connected with all sectors of criminality, from drug trafficking to human exploitation.”
Estimated crimes against wild species account for $20 billion annually, though the clandestine nature of the trade suggests the true figure is likely far higher. Furthermore, as these criminal activities are increasingly associated with cryptocurrencies, cross-border cooperation between law enforcement and financial platforms has become crucial to tracing illicit financial flows.
Beyond live animals, the significant volume of trade involves animal parts or derivatives destined for traditional medicine or consumption. Interpol specifically noted an escalation in the illegal trade of bushmeat (monkeys, giraffes, zebras, antelopes), with a marked increase in the flow from Africa to Europe. The operation seized a total of 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat.
The scale of this environmental crime extends to plants as well, with illegal plant trafficking also hitting record levels. Authorities seized 32,000 cubic meters of illegal timber, confirming that illegal logging accounts for an estimated 15% to 30% of all wood sold globally.