Poaching continues to devastate wildlife populations worldwide. Every day, animals are illegally hunted for their body parts, which are then sold for huge profits on black markets. These illegal activities threaten countless species with extinction while funding criminal networks across the globe.
From elephants killed for ivory to tigers hunted for their skins, poachers target a wide range of animals with little regard for conservation or animal welfare. Understanding which animals face the greatest threats from poaching helps raise awareness about this critical issue and supports global conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species.
1) Elephants
Elephants face a serious threat from poaching for their ivory tusks. Poachers kill tens of thousands of elephants each year in what has been described as an epic slaughter.
Both African and Asian elephants are targeted by poachers. The ivory is typically carved into decorative items and jewelry that fetch high prices in illegal markets.
Asian elephants face an additional threat. Poachers now also hunt them for their skin, which is turned into jewelry and medicinal powder. This new form of poaching is creating a crisis in places like Myanmar.
2) Dolphins
Dolphins face serious threats from poachers seeking profit from these intelligent marine mammals. In Peru alone, at least 1,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed each year by those looking to sell dolphin meat as a delicacy.
The problem extends globally, with more than 100,000 dolphins, small whales, and porpoises slaughtered annually for various commercial purposes.
Amazon river dolphins are particularly at risk. Their populations have been halving every decade in Brazil despite protective laws, as poachers continue to hunt them illegally.
3) Rhinoceroses
Rhinos are among the animals most severely affected by poaching. Over the past decade, more than 9,000 rhinos have been poached in Africa.
The demand for rhino horns drives this illegal activity. In South Africa alone, poachers killed 1,215 rhinos in 2014, with similar numbers the following year.
Even the critically endangered Javan rhino faces threats from poachers, with recent cases showing organized poaching operations targeting these rare animals.
The rhino horn trade operates through dangerous international networks similar to those trafficking illegal drugs and weapons.
4) Tigers
Tigers are among the most targeted animals by poachers worldwide. Over the past three years, approximately 100 tigers have been killed as poaching networks become more sophisticated.
These magnificent cats are primarily hunted for their skins and bones used in traditional medicine. Each tiger can fetch between Rs 8-12 lakh (approximately $10,000-15,000) on the black market.
Modern poaching operations now utilize technology and digital payment systems to evade authorities. Despite conservation efforts, tigers remain highly vulnerable to this illegal trade that threatens their survival in the wild.
5) Sea Turtles
Sea turtles face serious threats from poachers who target them for multiple valuable parts. These ancient reptiles are killed for their meat, eggs, and decorative shells used in jewelry and ornaments.
Research shows that over 1.1 million sea turtles have been illegally killed in the past 30 years. The illegal trade poses an enormous threat to all sea turtle species.
Poachers often raid nesting beaches to collect eggs, which are considered delicacies in some cultures. The shells fetch high prices in black markets around the world.
6) Sumatran Orangutans
Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered primates that face serious threats from poachers. These intelligent apes are often targeted for the illegal exotic pet trade, with poachers particularly seeking baby orangutans.
The process is brutal – mother orangutans are typically killed so poachers can capture their babies. This practice, combined with habitat loss, has pushed these animals closer to extinction.
The illegal wildlife trade involving orangutans is extremely profitable, forming part of a global black market worth billions annually.
7) Pangolins
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in Asia, targeted heavily for both their meat and scales. Their scales are used in traditional medicine, despite having no proven medicinal value.
Nigeria has recently emerged as a major hub for pangolin trafficking, contributing to the global wildlife crime crisis.
All eight pangolin species face serious threats from poaching. When consumers stop buying pangolin products, poachers lose their financial incentive to hunt these unique, armor-plated mammals.
8) Snow Leopards
Snow leopards face serious threats from poachers across their mountain habitats in Central Asia. Between 220 to 450 snow leopards are killed illegally every year since 2008, pushing this already vulnerable species closer to extinction.
Poachers target these elusive cats primarily for their stunning fur, which commands high prices in illegal wildlife markets. However, their bones and other body parts are also in demand for use in traditional medicine.
Many snow leopards are also killed in retaliation by farmers who lose livestock to these predators. Conservation efforts include community programs that help locals find alternative income sources to reduce retaliatory killings.
9) Asiatic Black Bears
Asiatic Black Bears are illegally killed across all bear range countries. These bears face severe threats from poachers who target them for their body parts.
Bear bile, used in traditional medicine and folk remedies, drives much of the illegal trade throughout Asia. Poachers extract internal organs and fluids from these animals for profit.
In some regions like Northern Pakistan, these bears are particularly vulnerable to poaching. The illegal wildlife trade has already led to the extinction of Asiatic Black Bears in Singapore.
10) African Grey Parrots
African Grey Parrots are intelligent birds highly targeted by poachers due to their popularity in the exotic pet trade. Since 1975, these birds have been frequently captured for illegal trading.
Poachers can sell each bird for around $10, while traffickers later resell them for much higher prices. A single African Grey Parrot can fetch around $1,000 USD in international markets.
Wealthy buyers often purchase these parrots as status symbols to display in cages. This demand has put the species in great danger.
In 2016, countries voted to ban all international commercial trade in wild-caught African Grey Parrots to protect them from further exploitation.
11) Crocodiles and Alligators
Crocodiles and alligators are targeted by poachers for their valuable skins, which are used to make luxury leather goods. Their hides fetch high prices in black markets around the world.
Many species of crocodilians face threats from illegal hunting despite protective regulations. Poachers often hunt these reptiles at night when they are most visible and vulnerable.
The illegal wildlife trade drives much of this poaching activity, with criminal networks facilitating the movement of crocodile products across borders. Some species have seen population declines due to continuous hunting pressure.
12) Red Pandas
Red pandas are increasingly threatened by poachers who target these animals for their striking fur. Their beautiful coats make them valuable in the illegal wildlife trade.
In Nepal, despite being a protected species, red panda populations continue to decline as poaching increases. Poachers capture these animals for illegal trade of both live specimens and their body parts.
The penalties for killing red pandas can be severe. In Nepal, those caught face fines of up to Rs 500,000 and possible imprisonment, though enforcement remains challenging in remote areas.
13) Vaquitas
Vaquitas are the world’s smallest porpoise and most endangered marine mammal. Found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California, fewer than 10 vaquitas remain in the wild.
Though not directly targeted by poachers, vaquitas are dying in illegal fishing nets set for totoaba fish. The totoaba’s swim bladder is highly prized in China, creating a lucrative black market.
Conservation groups are exploring new strategies and technologies to save these critically endangered creatures before they disappear forever.
14) Sharks
Sharks are targeted by poachers primarily for their valuable fins. These fins are used to make shark fin soup, a luxury dish in some Asian markets.
Shark finning is a cruel practice where poachers cut off the fins and throw the shark back into the ocean, often still alive. Unable to swim properly, these sharks sink to the bottom and die.
The illegal wildlife trade has pushed many shark species toward extinction. With fewer than 3,500 wild tigers remaining, sharks now face similar threats as poachers target them for their high-value body parts.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.