illicit animal trade
nounUK /ɪˈlɪsɪt ˈænɪməl treɪd/
US /ɪˈlɪsɪt ˈænəməl treɪd/
The secret and illegal buying and selling of animals.
The police stopped an illicit animal trade ring that was selling rare birds.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The unlawful sale of exotic pets without proper permits.
Officials warned that buying a parrot from that website could support the illicit animal trade.
3. Secret trading of animal parts such as ivory or horns.
Customs officers found ivory hidden in luggage, a sign of the illicit animal trade.
4. Illegal movement of live animals across borders for profit.
The group was caught running an illicit animal trade across three countries.