Wildlife trade and trafficking between France and Mexico. An exploration of criminogenic asymmetries

Wildlife trafficking is a global threat to numerous species of both animals and plants, not only to charismatic fauna or in Africa and Asia. Furthermore, consumption of wildlife, unsustainably and/or illegally, is not rare, but can be an everyday occurrence. This paper presents the findings of an investigation of the legal and illegal trades in native and non-native wildlife and wildlife products between France and Mexico. Using literature analysis, secondary trade data, and expert interviews, this study explores the nature and extent of wildlife trade and trafficking between these two countries. In particular, the routine and common consumption of fashion items and ornamental plants, made possible in part by the economic, legal, political and cultural asymmetries between Europe and Mexico, are examined. This is important for not only the countries studied, but also for the global community, as unsustainable, as well as illegal, wildlife consumption is contributing not only to species extinction, but also to animal abuse.