International wildlife trafficking – via land, air and sea – is estimated to be worth up to £18 billion every year. 

But authorities are fighting back.

Edinburgh-based TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, working with TRAFFIC International, have helped develop Malawi’s first wildlife forensic lab, thanks to funding raised by People’s Postcode Lottery players. 

The new player-funded facility sees the UK team sharing their world-leading knowledge of the latest evidence-collection and analysis techniques, along with training local scientists on the ground to help prosecute offenders.