Twice as Many Plants and Animals Sold in Wildlife Trade as Previously Thought, Says Report

A study published in Science Advances estimates that 107,356 species are used and traded worldwide—more than double the 50,000 in estimates. The analysis spans plants, animals and fungi, including species involved in timber, seafood, medicinal products, pets, cut flowers and fashion. Researchers say the figure likely remains an underestimate because trade records are fragmented and unavailable for many regions. Most wildlife trade is legal, but gaps in monitoring make it difficult to assess sustainability or identify species at risk.