unlawfulwildlifetrade
nounUK /ʌnˈlɔːfʊl ˈwaɪldlaɪf treɪd/
US /ʌnˈlɔfəl ˈwaɪldlaɪf treɪd/
The illegal buying and selling of wild animals and plants.
The police stopped the unlawful wildlife trade by catching the smugglers.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The illegal sale of protected animal parts, such as ivory or horns.
The unlawful wildlife trade in ivory is banned in many countries.
3. The illegal capture and sale of exotic pets.
Officers broke up an unlawful wildlife trade ring selling rare parrots.
4. The illegal buying and selling of plants and timber taken from protected forests.
The unlawful wildlife trade also includes rare orchids and rosewood.