KUALA LUMPUR, November 26, 2025: Authorities across the world have seized an average of nine tigers each month over the past five years, revealing a worsening global trafficking crisis that continues to endanger one of the planet’s most threatened big cats, according to a new report from the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC. The report found that the illegal trade in tigers remains persistent and increasingly organized despite decades of conservation and enforcement efforts. It estimated that the global wild tiger population has fallen to between 3,700 and 5,500 animals, compared to around 100,000 a century ago. The findings indicate that illicit trafficking continues to undermine recovery efforts for the species, which is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
TRAFFIC’s sixth Skin and Bones report documented a continued rise in the trafficking of whole tigers, either alive or dead, suggesting a notable change in the nature of the illegal trade. Researchers said the shift reflects a growing number of cases involving entire animals rather than body parts such as skins, bones, or claws. Authorities in several regions have reported an increase in interceptions involving live tigers and recently killed individuals. From 2000 to mid-2025, global law enforcement agencies recorded 2,551 seizures involving at least 3,808 tigers. Between 2020 and June 2025 alone, 765 seizures were reported, representing the equivalent of 573 tigers an average of nine per month over the 66-month period. The year 2019 recorded the highest number of cases, with 141 seizures, followed by 139 in 2023.
The report stated that these figures reflect both growing enforcement efforts and the ongoing strength of wildlife trafficking networks. “This rise reflects improved enforcement but also shows that the demand and criminal activity driving tiger trafficking remain strong in many parts of the world,” said Ramacandra Wong, senior wildlife crime analyst and co-author of the report. Wong added that law enforcement data continues to highlight recurring trafficking routes that connect poaching areas, captive breeding facilities, and international markets. According to the report, tiger parts and derivatives such as skins, bones, teeth, and claws continue to be traded globally, often used in traditional medicine or luxury items.
Global tiger population decline accelerates worldwide
Seizures were recorded in multiple regions, including South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, indicating that the illegal trade has an extensive international footprint. The report found that despite stricter national laws and enforcement operations, tiger trafficking remains a significant component of the broader illegal wildlife trade. TRAFFIC called for investigations that extend beyond individual seizures to identify and dismantle organized criminal networks involved in the illegal tiger trade. It said that greater international cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement among customs, police, and wildlife agencies are essential to curbing the trafficking chain.
International collaboration vital for tiger survival
The organization also emphasized the importance of data-driven investigations and stronger judicial follow-up to ensure that cases lead to prosecutions and deterrent penalties. The findings add to growing evidence that the illegal wildlife trade continues to pose a critical threat to global biodiversity. While some countries have reported modest gains in tiger population recovery through conservation and habitat protection, the continued loss of animals to poaching and trafficking threatens to reverse these achievements. TRAFFIC said the effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures will depend on sustained international collaboration and enforcement consistency. – By Content Syndication Services.