In brief
A new study by the University of Melbourne reports that more than 107,000 species are being traded worldwide, twice the earlier estimate, underscoring huge data gaps. The research, published in Science Advances, calls for standardized global data collection to better assess sustainability and trade impacts. While the study highlights the scale, the true extent may be even larger due to incomplete monitoring.
A University of Melbourne study released on Saturday revealed that more than 107,000 species—over twice the amount previously estimated—are used and traded worldwide, raising concerns that the true scale could be far greater due to major gaps in monitoring data.
The research, published in Science Advances and led by Professor Alice Hughes of the School of BioSciences, counted 107,356 species across plants, animals and fungi in global trade. Earlier estimates had put the number at around 50,000.
Confirmed findings: The study shows that wildlife trade extends beyond the illegal trade of elephants, tigers and pangolins to include timber, seafood, medicinal plants, pets, cut flowers, ornamental fish and fungi, most of which are legal. Hughes said the trade
