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Illegal Wildlife Trade Surges: $20B Threatens Pangolins, Gorillas

3/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The illegal wildlife trade exceeds $20 billion annually and threatens pangolins and gorillas.
A Nigerian report highlights ape trafficking driven by social media portraying them as pets.
Nigerian customs intercepted 196 bags of pangolin scales, potentially representing 38,000 pangolins.
Rhino horn was valued at $30,000 per pound, illustrating the high demand behind illegal wildlife trade.

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Story summary

The illegal wildlife trade exceeds $20 billion annually and threatens pangolins and gorillas.
A Nigerian report highlights ape trafficking driven by social media portraying them as pets.
Nigerian customs intercepted 196 bags of pangolin scales, potentially representing 38,000 pangolins.
Rhino horn was valued at $30,000 per pound, illustrating the high demand behind illegal wildlife trade.