Explains why several of the world's most iconic species may soon become extinct because of crime, why the current response is inadequate, and why it should not be too difficult to alter the prognosis. Examines why natural resource exploitation has become one of the world's most significant organized crime activities.

The first international book that highlights the need to safeguard the world's most threatened species. John Sellar describes why organized crime has turned to robbing nations of their wildlife bringing several species to the brink of extinction and how criminal networks recruit, equip and direct poachers and wildlife contraband couriers, and how smuggling, bribery and violence are used in the markets where illegal-origin wildlife is traded. Sellar reflects frankly, and sometimes critically, on his service as a UN official and recounts several of his incredible experiences; visiting anti-poaching officers on the roof of the world, the Tibetan Plateau, and bizarre late-night hospitality from KGB officers.