The Crimes of Wildlife Trafficking - Green Criminology

In this review of The Crimes of Wildlife Trafficking the author examines the drivers and consequences of trade in endangered species, and the book is best for readers seeking a rigorous, research-based look at wildlife crime. The single biggest reason to buy is the book's combination of empirical case studies and legal analysis, which makes it useful for researchers, policy makers and advanced students who want to understand how both illegal and legally sanctioned trade produce harm. The review highlights how the book links fieldwork from Norway and Colombia with broader discussion of international measures.

Key Features

• Empirical case studies: Detailed research from Norway and Colombia offers concrete examples of how wildlife trade operates and is controlled in different legal and social contexts.
• Focus on illegal and legal trade: The book examines not only outright trafficking but also how legally permitted commerce can still cause animal abuse and environmental harm.
• Legal and policy analysis: Discussion of international conventions and control mechanisms helps readers assess whether current rules reduce harm effectively.
• Transnational perspective: Attention to global trends frames local findings within broader patterns of demand, trafficking routes and regulatory responses.
• Motive and consequence exploration: The study explores underlying motives driving the trade and traces consequences for nonhuman species and ecosystems.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at academics, graduate students and policy makers interested in green criminology, wildlife law and environmental governance who need empirical evidence paired with critical legal analysis. Its focus on case studies makes it suitable for seminar reading and as a reference in research on wildlife trafficking.

General readers seeking a light introduction should look elsewhere, as the tone and depth are geared toward readers comfortable with scholarly argument and legal frameworks rather than popular journalism.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides concrete, field-based examples from two countries that illuminate how trafficking works in different contexts.
• Balances discussion of illegal activity with critique of legal trade, giving a nuanced view of harm beyond criminality.
• Useful for policy-minded readers because it evaluates international conventions and control mechanisms.

Cons

• Academic tone and depth may limit accessibility for casual readers looking for a brief overview.

Specifications

Title	The Crimes of Wildlife Trafficking (Green Criminology)
Author	Ragnhild Aslaug Sollund
Subject areas	Wildlife trafficking, law, environmental harm
Case studies	Norway and Colombia
Focus	Illegal trafficking and legally sanctioned trade
Approach	Empirical research and legal/policy analysis

Our Verdict

The Crimes of Wildlife Trafficking is a valuable, research-driven book for scholars and policy makers who need a detailed, comparative study of how wildlife trade and trafficking produce harm. Its empirical case studies and legal critique make it a strong resource for understanding control mechanisms and for informing future policy, though its academic style means it is best suited to readers looking for in-depth analysis rather than a popular overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include real case studies?
Yes. The study draws on empirical research from Norway and Colombia to illustrate trafficking dynamics and control measures.

Is the book focused only on illegal trafficking?
No. It examines both illegal trafficking and harmful aspects of trade that operate within legal frameworks.

Who benefits most from reading this book?
Researchers, graduate students and policy makers interested in green criminology and wildlife law will get the most value from its detailed analysis.