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Wildlife trafficking spreads across social media, putting thousands of species at risk

Wildlife trafficking spreads across social media, putting thousands of species at risk
Phys.org Monday 24 August 2026, 22:00 UTC 1 min read
Key Points

Researchers monitoring online activity for six weeks in mid-2025 found primates, birds, snakes, frogs, orchids and many other wildlife groups advertised for sale across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Wildlife is increasingly being trafficked through online platforms. Online illegal wildlife trade poses significant risks to species, ecosystems, and animal and public health.

Researchers monitoring online activity for six weeks in mid-2025 found primates, birds, snakes, frogs, orchids and many other wildlife groups advertised for sale across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Wildlife is increasingly being trafficked through online platforms. Online illegal wildlife trade poses significant risks to species, ecosystems, and animal and public health.
Facebook (ORG) Instagram (ORG) TikTok (ORG) YouTube (ORG)
Originally published by Phys.org Read original →

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