# Global wildlife and species trade research

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-wildlife-and-species-trade-research
> Updated: 2026-11-02T20:02:23.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 2.

Research published in Science Advances indicates that the global trade of wild animals, plants, and fungi involves at least 107,356 species. This figure is more than double the previous estimate of approximately 50,000 species provided by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

The study, which includes data from the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, identifies 47,685 animal species in circulation, representing about 42 percent of all vertebrate species described by science. While much of the trade is legal, with an annual value estimated between 220 and 300 billion US dollars, the illegal trade is valued between 28.4 and 39.5 billion US dollars.

Ecological impacts noted include traded populations being, on average, 50 to 60 percent smaller than non-traded populations. The research links the trade to the extinction of 294 species, the existence of 25 species only in human care, and regional population disappearances for 192 species. Researchers highlighted a critical lack of data regarding the quantity and origin of species, particularly in online exotic pet and ornamental markets, which complicates efforts to assess biodiversity risks.

## Claims

- More than 107,356 species are currently utilized and traded globally. (reported by 3 sources)
- Previous IPBES estimates placed the number of traded species at approximately 50,000. (reported by 3 sources)
- The legal wildlife trade has an economic value approximately 10 times greater than the illegal trade. (reported by 2 sources)
- The legal trade includes at least twice as many species as previously believed. (reported by 2 sources)
- There are 47,685 animal species in circulation within the trade. (reported by 1 source)
- Traded animal species account for 42 percent of all described vertebrate species. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-02: UN report reveals over 107,000 species are traded globally

New research shows over 107,000 species are traded globally, doubling previous estimates and revealing a massive, under-monitored market for wildlife.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-report-reveals-over-107000-species-are-traded-globally

### 2026-10-30: Wildlife trade involves over 107,000 species, doubling previous estimates

A University of Melbourne study finds that global wildlife trade involves over 107,000 species, twice the previous estimate, contributing to significant population declines and species extinctions.

45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-melbourne-study-reveals-massive-scale-of-wild-species-trade

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Cite as: Global wildlife and species trade research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-wildlife-and-species-trade-research