Every year, millions of animals and plants, and their associated products (hunting trophies, food, clothing, ornaments, pets, or traditional remedies) are illegally traded worldwide generating US $5-23 billion per year. Overharvesting of species for illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is linked to a decrease of species occurrence and density and, ultimately, can lead to population extirpation. IWT has far reaching consequences for ecosystems, affecting food webs, ecological processes and ecosystem services5,6; but also, for human health. IWT has been linked to recent outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as SARS and Covid-19, with dramatic health, social and economic implications. Over the last decade, IWT has surged and its nature has radically changed. The Internet has become one of the main markets for wildlife products, and digital media platforms, in particular E-commerce websites and social media sites, are the preferred outlets12,13. However, no systematic studies have characterized the magnitude and geographic range of IWT on digital media and the subsequent impacts on biodiversity conservation. Here, I will: (1) explore and quantify the global scale of IWT on digital media for endangered mammal and bird species; (2) identify geographic hotspots and explore the socio-economic drivers of IWT; and (3) identify top priority species for which the impact of individual offtake for IWT through digital media is higher in terms of population trends. This project will help governments and regulatory bodies direct their actions and resources towards the most vulnerable areas and species. This multidisciplinary, novel work will transform our understanding of IWT and its effects on the global ecosystem.
