Global Tiger Trafficking Crisis Worsens As Nine Tigers Seized Monthly, Report Warns

Research released on Tuesday reveals that authorities have seized an average of nine tigers monthly over the past five years. This highlights a worsening trafficking crisis threatening the survival of this iconic species. The global wild tiger population, once around 100,000 a century ago, has now dwindled to an estimated 3,700-5,500.

The report by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, warns that criminal networks are evolving faster than conservation efforts can respond. Despite half a century of international protection, tiger trafficking is accelerating and increasingly targeting whole animals, both living and dead.

Between 2000 and mid-2025, law enforcement agencies worldwide recorded 2,551 seizures involving at least 3,808 tigers. In the five years from 2020 to June 2025 alone, authorities made 765 seizures. This resulted in the confiscation of the equivalent of 573 tigers, averaging nine per month over 66 months.

The worst single year was 2019 with 141 seizures followed closely by 139 in 2023. "This rise reflects improved enforcement efforts but also signals persistent and escalating criminal activity," said Ramacandra Wong, senior wildlife crime analyst and co-author of the report.

Experts suggest that the shift in trafficking patterns is linked to captive-breeding operations. It may also reflect tigers being seized shortly after poaching or before being dismembered for their parts. Additionally, there could be a rise in exotic pet ownership or demand for taxidermy driving this trend.

The report emphasises that investigations should not end at seizure points. Strong international cooperation is crucial for disrupting organised crime networks along the illegal trade chain through intelligence-led multi-agency enforcement efforts.

The sixth edition of TRAFFIC’s Skin and Bones series examines these stark trends in illegal tiger trade. It underscores the need for enhanced global collaboration to combat this ongoing crisis effectively.

With inputs from WAM