# Online platforms and illegal wildlife trade

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/online-platforms-and-illegal-wildlife-trade
> Updated: 2026-09-06T11:31:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Research led by the University of Helsinki indicates a significant rise in the illegal trade of threatened animal, plant, and fungal species through social media and online marketplaces. The study, published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity, notes that anonymity and weak regulatory governance drive this digital shift, which threatens global biodiversity by targeting species such as primates, birds, and orchids.

Further observations highlight how viral content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube contributes to this trend. Biologist Andreas Dinkelmeyer of IFAW warns that videos featuring exotic animals create a false impression of suitability as pets, fueling demand. This trend places animals under extreme stress and often ignores the complex care requirements and long lifespans of various species.

## Claims

- Social media content is fueling the illegal wildlife trade. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Wild animals have complex environmental requirements that are rarely met in private settings. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Certain reptiles can live for more than 60 years. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Social media trends fuel illegal wildlife trade

Social media trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are fueling the illegal wildlife trade by glamorizing the ownership of exotic animals, according to IFAW.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/social-media-trends-fuel-illegal-wildlife-trade

### 2026-08-24: University of Helsinki study links online platforms to rising illegal wildlife trade

A University of Helsinki study reveals that illegal wildlife trade is rapidly shifting to social media and online marketplaces, threatening thousands of species including primates, birds, and orchids.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-helsinki-study-links-online-platforms-to-rising-illegal-wildlife-trade

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Cite as: Online platforms and illegal wildlife trade. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/online-platforms-and-illegal-wildlife-trade