Wild species traded worldwide are double what was thought or even more, says study

A recent study reveals that over 107,000 wildlife species are traded globally, doubling previous estimates. This comprehensive analysis highlights significant data gaps, suggesting the actual number could be much higher. The research, published in Science Advances, emphasizes the legal trade's value, which is ten times greater than illegal activities. Alice Hughes, the lead researcher, stresses the need for improved data collection to assess biodiversity risks accurately. The study calls for a radical change in how wildlife trade is recorded and communicated, advocating for better collaboration among scientists, governments, and businesses to combat biodiversity loss.