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Fighting Wildlife Crime

November 6, 2026 · 56 min

Show notes

The shadowy world of wildlife crime is estimated to be one of the four biggest illegal trades in the world. It runs the gamut from the international smuggling of ivory and exotic pets to hare coursing and badger baiting. The impacts of wildlife crime vary - in some cases it means a threat to endangered species, in others it takes the form of cruelty to individual animals. Could the unregulated world of social media make it easier than ever for wildlife criminals to evade the authorities? Or will advances in tech - including exciting forensic breakthroughs - be enough to stop them in their tracks?

With panellists:

- Fiona Howie, wildlife veterinary pathologist at Scotland's Rural College - Neil D’Cruze, UK Director of international animal welfare organisation Four Paws - Christian Plowman, Program Manager - Wildlife Cybercrime at the International Fund for Animal Welfare

Presented by Tom Heap & Helen Czerski

Producer - Beth Sagar-Fenton Assistant Producer - Georgia Graham Editor - Alasdair Cross

All episodes of Rare Earth

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