Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Visually Sexing Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius Ludovicianus) Using Plumage Coloration and Pattern
Published on: March 8, 2020
Luxury Fashion Wildlife Contraband in the USA
Monique C Sosnowski1, Gohar A Petrossian2
1John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 W 59th St., New York, NY, 10019, USA. msosnowski@jjay.cuny.edu.
Abstract:
The fashion industry is one of the largest markets for illegal wildlife products. This study examined US luxury fashion-related wildlife seizures made between 2003 and 2013 to better guide detection, enforcement, and policy. The findings of this study indicate that the number of incidents has increased over the 11-year period, while the number of associated items seized has decreased over this time. Of these seizures, nearly 88% were produced goods. A small proportion of genera made up the majority of seizures, with reptiles in particular accounting for 84% of incidents. Over half of all wildlife was wild-caught and was exported from eight countries. Based on these findings, it is suggested that policy be enacted relating specifically to the use of exotic leathers and furs, and that situational crime prevention alongside commitments to sustainability from fashion brands be used to reduce illegal imports and improve industry sustainability.
More Related Videos
07:10At-Risk Butterfly Captive Propagation Programs to Enhance Life History Knowledge and Effective Ex Situ Conservation Techniques
Published on: February 11, 2020
10:17Cities As Interfaces of Zoonotic Hazard Emergence: Development of the New York City Tick and Wildlife Urban Surveillance System
Published on: March 10, 2026
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Threats to Biodiversity
Biodiversity and Human Values
Conservation of Small Populations
Limits to Natural Selection
American Trypanosomiasis