Illegal wildlife trade across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has more than doubled since 2019, posing a serious threat to biodiversity, mountain ecosystems, and public health according to a new research, conducted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlights the growing scale of wildlife trafficking across eight countries in the Himalayan belt and warns of its far-reaching consequences.
The HKH region spans over 3,500 kilometres and covers all or parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is one of the world’s richest biodiversity zones, housing rare species such as snow leopards, red pandas, one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and Asian elephants. However, this biodiversity is increasingly under threat from organised illegal wildlife trade.
Sharp Increase in Wildlife Trafficking
The study found that India and China recorded the highest number of wildlife seizure incidents in the region. Among the most trafficked species were carnivores, elephants, pangolins, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and various endangered plants. Wildlife products traded include live animals, skins, ivory, scales, bones, horns, tusks, claws, meat, feathers, and medicinal ingredients.
Researchers said illegal wildlife trade is now the fourth largest illicit transnational activity globally. Southeast Asia remains a major hotspot for wildlife trafficking, and the Himalayan region has become increasingly vulnerable due to weak enforcement, porous borders, and rising market demand.
Mountain Ecosystems Under Threat
Experts warn that illegal wildlife trade is not just a conservation issue but a growing threat to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The region supports nearly 1.8 billion people living in mountain and downstream areas who depend on biodiversity for food, water, tourism, and ecosystem services.
Babar Khan, regional lead at ICIMOD, said the issue goes far beyond the killing or capture of a few animals.
He noted that the illegal trade poses a major risk to the mountain ecosystem, which is already highly sensitive to environmental changes.
The study pointed out that the Hindu Kush Himalaya contains four global biodiversity hotspots, including the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Mountains of Central Asia, and Mountains of Southwest China. The loss of species in such regions can severely disrupt ecological balance.
Why Wildlife Trade is Rising?
The report identified growing consumer demand as the biggest driver of the illegal trade. Wildlife products are used for luxury fashion, food, exotic pet ownership, and traditional medicines, particularly Chinese and Tibetan medical systems.
Researchers said economic inequality in Himalayan countries also pushes vulnerable communities into poaching networks. Poor households often get involved due to limited livelihood opportunities but receive only a small share of profits.
Weak law enforcement, corruption, and challenging mountain terrain make it difficult to monitor trafficking routes. High-altitude passes and remote border areas remain poorly guarded, allowing traffickers to move illegal goods with ease.
Digital platforms have also emerged as a new marketplace for wildlife crime. Researchers found that traffickers increasingly use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X to buy and sell wildlife products using coded language and hidden networks.
The study found a significant rise in poaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns reduced law enforcement activity and surveillance, while economic hardship and disruptions in food supply pushed more communities toward wildlife hunting.
India reported a 151 per cent increase in poaching during the pandemic period. Nepal and Bangladesh also recorded similar spikes.
Researchers linked this trend to reduced field monitoring and increased demand for wildlife products.
Health Risks and Disease Threats
The report also warned that illegal wildlife trade can increase the risk of zoonotic diseases. More than 75 per cent of pandemics are believed to have originated from wildlife.
Experts pointed to past outbreaks such as Mpox in the United States, which was linked to imported exotic animals, to highlight the health risks associated with wildlife trafficking.
The study recommended adopting a One Health approach that recognises the connection between human health, animal health, and ecosystem health.
Need for Regional Cooperation
Researchers called for stronger laws, better monitoring, and improved regional collaboration to tackle the growing problem. They said countries in the Himalayan region need to strengthen cross-border coordination to disrupt trafficking networks.
Although regional bodies such as the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) exist, researchers said they have not been effective enough.
The study recommended the use of satellite imagery, GPS tracking, and digital investigation tools to identify poaching hotspots, map supply chains, and monitor online wildlife trade.
Experts also urged governments to increase awareness, strengthen institutional capacities, and focus on keystone species that are critical for ecological balance.
A Wake Up Call for Conservation
The report serves as a major warning for countries across the Himalayan region. Researchers stressed that wildlife trafficking is not only destroying biodiversity but also threatening livelihoods, ecological stability, and public health.
They said urgent action is needed to stop illegal wildlife trade before the damage becomes irreversible, especially in one of the world’s most environmentally fragile and ecologically important regions.