Wildlife Crimes

The illegal introduction of species involves the unauthorised transport, release, or escape of non-native animals, plants, or pathogens into environments where they do not naturally occur. Specific illegal practices include intentional releases of exotic pets or non-native game species, unauthorised stocking of non-native fish or wildlife, negligent escapes from captivity, and accidental introductions via unregulated cargo container trade, contaminated cargo, or ballast water discharge. Within the Caribbean, these illegal introductions have facilitated the spread of invasive species such as as green iguanas, red-eared sliders, giant African snails, and Indian ring-neck parrots, which severely disrupt local ecosystems and threaten endemic species.

The impacts of illegal species introductions are extensive, intersecting all five CAR-WEN core values. Biodiversity conservation suffers dramatically, as introduced invasive species compete aggressively with native wildlife, degrade habitats, alter natural food webs, and drive local extinctions. Animal welfare is diminished due to increased predation pressure, competition, and displacement affecting native species. Weak enforcement and gaps in border biosecurity undermine the rule of law, negatively impacting residents’ sense of environmental security. Human well-being can be compromised, as invasive species damage agriculture, harm fisheries, negatively affect tourism, and threaten cultural resources and livelihoods. Additionally, the spread of invasive species can elevate public health risks by acting as new disease vectors.

While the threat posed by invasive species is recognised globally, effectively addressing illegal species introductions in the Caribbean requires stronger biosecurity frameworks, improved early detection and rapid response systems, increased public awareness, and coordinated enforcement among environmental, customs, and public health authorities, tailored to local ecological and socio-economic conditions.