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TRAFFIC – Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network

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TRAFFIC – Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

Table of Contents

TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce) is a leading global NGO dedicated to ensuring that trade in wild plants and animals is legal, sustainable, and traceable.
The TRAFFIC Network is a joint conservation programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Established in 1976, it has grown into a worldwide network with a strong reputation for tackling conservation challenges related to wildlife trade.
- TRAFFIC was created in response to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which came into force the previous year.
Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom
It is a registered UK charity.
It is a member of the Cambridge ConservationInitiative.

Mission

TRAFFIC’s mission is to ensure that trade in wild species is legal and sustainable, for the benefit of the planet and people.

History and Evolution

In 1976, TRAFFIC, the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, was created as a specialist group under the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It later developed into a strategic partnership between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN.

Governance

The TRAFFIC International Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing the strategic goals and approach and for TRAFFIC’s work worldwide, advising on implementation and ensuring accountability for use of financial and other resources.

TRAFFIC and India

TRAFFIC came to India in 1991, operating as a division of WWF-India.
Since then, it has worked closely with the national and the State governments and various other agencies to help study, monitor and influence action to curb illegal wildlife trade.
As an organization committed to helping secure India’s precious biodiversity, TRAFFIC works closely with a diverse set of stakeholders both within and outside government, providing support and encouragement to actions that strengthen conservation across the region.

Significance

World’s Leading Wildlife Trade Authority
- Recognized as the largest wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC plays a critical role in analyzing and informing global conservation policy and enforcement.
Essential Partner of CITES
- TRAFFIC’s research, data collection, and expertise are considered absolutely critical to the implementation and credibility of CITES—bringing evidence-based insights to a globally binding conservation framework.
Championing Sustainable Development and Conservation
- TRAFFIC bridges the gap between biodiversity conservation and human development by ensuring wildlife trade supports local livelihoods without compromising ecosystem health. Its work is seen as highly relevant to both conservation and global sustainable development agendas.
Credible Policy Influence
- With impartial and reliable analysis of wildlife trade, TRAFFIC informs legislation and enforcement across sectors—from governments to private industry.

TRAFFIC plays a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity by ensuring that trade in wild species is legal, sustainable, and traceable. Through its global presence, scientific expertise, and strong partnerships with organisations like WWF, IUCN, and CITES, it bridges the gap between conservation policy and practical enforcement. By addressing illegal wildlife trade, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and providing reliable data for decision-makers, TRAFFIC not only protects endangered species but also supports the long-term health of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.