Illegal Trade in Exotic Animals and Its Impacts in Slovenia—A Case Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Illegal trade in endangered animals poses a threat to wildlife, livestock, and pets. It also has consequences for environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, invasive species, the spread of various diseases, and the policing of green crime. The objective of this article is to examine the illegal trade in endangered species in Slovenia, and, through structured interviews with experts and representatives of leading institutions and companies, to assess the gap between the theory and practice of effective management of the trade in wildlife. The study was conducted prior to changes in the Schengen borders that affect Slovenia and therefore assessed the status of wildlife trade regulation at that time. The study argues that, although illegal trade in endangered wildlife species was not particularly widespread in Slovenia, it is important to recognize, investigate, address, and raise awareness of the problems it could create and of the impacts the Schengen border changes were likely to have. ABSTRACT: Currently, the illegal wildlife trade is one of the most profitable illegal enterprises in the world. The aim of our study was to determine the situation with respect to wildlife trade in Slovenia, which is mainly a transit country, before changes to the Schengen borders came into effect. The volume of trade is significant but not extensive. The most common endangered species involved in illegal trade in Slovenia are the brown bear, the peregrine falcon, the date mussel, the lady’s slipper orchid, the common snowdrop, the cyclamen, the sea turtle, the otter, and various reptile species. The smuggling of shells (date shells), ivory (ivory products), certain plants, and various hunting trophies (bears, big cats) has decreased in recent years. Nevertheless, counteracting crimes continues to be important for the conservation of some species in Slovenia, notably the lynx, and for the reduction of poaching. Improvements are needed in the detection and prevention of wildlife crime, especially in light of changes made to the Schengen borders and the consequent inclusion of new trading partners for Slovenia. The lack of people properly trained to identify, detect, and investigate wildlife crime is especially acute.