Conservation Forensics @HKU

In the illegal wildlife trade, the most valuable appendage is the horn of the rhinoceros. The price of rhino horn can be over $60,000 US per kilo, making it more valuable than cocaine and diamonds on the black market. Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) trade, and is desired across Asia, predominantly in Vietnam where it is viewed as an indicator of wealth and status. Click on the image to find out more about the trade. Image by C. Hatten

The international trade of elephant ivory has been banned since 1989, but many countries were still allowing domestic trade of pre-1989 ivory. However in September 2016, the IUCN finally banned all domestic trade, as it is often unclear of the age of ivory without molecular identification. As much of the trade contains post-1989 ivory, it is therefore illegal. Click on the image to see debate on legalizing the trade. Image by A. Andersson

Agarwood is a name given to the resinous, fragrant heartwood produced primarily by trees in the genus Aquilaria, ranging from Threatened to Extinct on the IUCN Red List. It has been used for centuries as highly-prized perfume, incense and traditional medicine across Asia and the Middle East. Today, the demand for Agarwood far exceeds the supply, thereby causing over-exploitation, resulting in much illegal trade. Click on the image to find out more. Image by Dr T. Bonebrake