Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 11 hrs ago
More than 107,000 species may be used or traded worldwide
A study by researchers at the University of Melbourne estimates that up to 107,356 species may be used or traded worldwide.
That is more than twice the roughly 50,000 species estimated by the UN biodiversity science body.
The total includes plants and fungi used in non-commercial ways, and researchers caution that the figure does not mean every species is traded commercially.
Wildlife trade covers more than illegal trade in animals: it also includes legal goods such as timber, seafood, medicinal plants, pets and flowers.
Poor and scattered records leave many traded species untracked, including details such as quantities, origins and whether they were collected in the wild or raised.
This matters because overuse of wildlife is a major cause of biodiversity loss, and gaps make it hard to judge whether trade is sustainable or when it threatens species.
Researchers call for countries to standardize records and share data using existing customs and animal inspection systems.
A study estimates that as many as 107,356 species may be used or traded worldwide, more than double previous estimates.
The estimate includes possible use and trade of plants and fungi, including non-commercial use.
The researchers say major gaps in trade and wildlife collection data mean the true scale may be even larger.
They call for more comprehensive, transparent and globally coordinated reporting to assess risks to biodiversity.
The study says recorded trade includes species used for timber, seafood, medicinal plants, pets, flowers, ornamental fish and fungi.
- Who
- Researchers led by Alice Hughes at the University of Melbourne.
- What
- The study estimates that up to 107,356 species may be used or traded worldwide.
- When
- Published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Worldwide.
- Why
- The researchers aimed to assess the scale of wildlife use and trade; data gaps make it difficult to evaluate sustainability and biodiversity risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The research team reviewed international, national and regional wildlife-trade databases and monitoring systems.
The study reporting the estimate was published.
- Estimated maximum
- 107,356 species
- Previous estimate
- About 50,000 species, according to IPBES
- Animals recorded in databases
- 47,685 species
- Plants with recorded trade
- 49,723 species
- Potentially used or traded plants and fungi
- 59,671 species
3 sources
What people are saying
Wildlife trade is much broader in scope than people might think of when they hear about it, such as illegal trade in elephants, tigers and pangolins.
A more comprehensive, transparent and globally coordinated reporting system for wildlife trade is needed to prevent biodiversity loss.