Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Illegal poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife, usually for commercial purposes. It involves the exploitation of protected species and can have severe ecological consequences.
Related terms
Bushmeat: The meat from wild animals hunted in tropical forests, often illegally.
Trophy hunting: The legal or illegal practice of hunting wild animals for their body parts (such as heads or skins) as trophies.
Wildlife crime: A broad term that encompasses various illegal activities related to wildlife, including trafficking, smuggling, and trade in endangered species.