Nine tiger species are revealed through global contraband

• On average, nine tiger species have been excluded over the last five years
• Decline in the population of wild tigers to 3,700-5,500 individuals
• Increase in contraband of whole tigers instead of body parts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — According to new data, during the last five years globally, on average, nine tiger species are excluded, indicating a worsening crisis of contraband, which threatens the survival of this iconic species. Research, published on November 25, 2025, showed that the illegal trade is developing faster than conservation efforts can react to protect nature.

According to TRAFFIC data, the global population of wild tigers, which once numbered nearly 100,000 a century ago, has now decreased to approximately 3,700-5,500 individuals. Despite the partial improvement in international protection, the contraband of tigers continues to increase, where more often attempts are made to seize whole animals, living or dead.

In the period from 2000 to mid-2025, law enforcement recorded 2,551 seizures related to at least 3,808 tigers. Only in the period from 2020 to June 2025, there were 765 seizures, which became equivalent to 573 tigers, approximately nine per month.

Most of the seizures occurred in 13 countries where wild tigers live, including India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Illegal activity is increasing, despite improvements in the enforcement of conservation laws. According to TRAFFIC analysis, in the 2000s, a portion of tiger parts accounted for 90% of seized products, but since 2020 this indicator has decreased to 60%, while the number of whole animals seized has increased.

The report also highlights important regions where traces of wildlife persist, including tiger habitats in India and Bangladesh, the Aceh region in Indonesia, as well as important consumer centers in Vietnam. The growing "conversion of species" also indicates that more than every fifth case of tiger contraband is linked to other endangered species, such as leopards and pangolins.

It is important that investigations do not end at the stage of seizure. Necessary international cooperation to dismantle organized criminal networks at all stages of illegal trafficking.

Tags: Crime/Ecology/Research