South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network

SAWEN signed the Headquarters Agreement with the Government of Nepal on 30 October 2025. This agreement formally designates #Nepal as the host country for the SAWEN Secretariat and strengthens SAWEN to work against illegal wildlife trade in the region.

Sloth bears, unique to South Asia, are declining due to poaching & illegal trade of their body parts and live trade. Stronger enforcement & cross-border cooperation are key to protecting them. #WorldSlothBearDay

One week to go! 🗓️ We are excited to share that key pangolin stakeholders from South Asia will be gathering next week in Kathmandu to discuss pangolin conservation challenges and develop a comprehensive action plan for a safer future for pangolins in the region. Stay tuned.

Webinar on "Global WENs: Dialogue on Inter-WEN Cooperation" starts in next 30 minutes. If you haven't registered yet, please visit the link docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… #GlobalWENs #Webinar #SAWEN

World Snake Day! The trade in snakes for the exotic pet market is on the rise, posing serious threats to wild populations and increasing the risk of invasive species. Recent seizures across South Asia point to a growing trend that demands urgent attention. #Illegaltrade #SAWEN

We are excited to announce Mr. John Scanlon AO as our Guest Speaker for our upcoming webinar on "Global Wildlife Enforcement Networks: Dialogue on Inter-WEN Cooperation". Join us on 30 July 2025, 4:30 PM IST to hear from a global leader in wildlife crime enforcement.

Mumbai Customs Zone-III at CSMIA, breaks another wildlife smuggling racket. Officers intercepted 2 passengers from Bangkok with 121 exotic animals (incl. Green Iguanas & Waigeo Spotted Cuscus) hidden in their baggage's. Both Passengers were arrested and Investigation is underway.

🌐 Save the date! 📅 30 July 2025 | 16:30 Indian Standard Time Global #WENDialogue2025 is back, uniting Wildlife Enforcement Networks to strengthen global action against #WildlifeCrime. #SAWEN #ICCWC #CITESCoP20 #Conservation #WildlifeEnforcement

Happy #WorldOceanDay 2025! This year's theme is "Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us. We are working to protect our marine species against illegal wildlife trade through regional actions and strengthened cross-border cooperation. #WorldOceanDay #MarineProtection #CombatIWT #SAWEN

The SAWEN Secretariat extends warm wishes of Eid al-Adha to all celebrating. May your days be filled with peace, unity, and joy. #EidMubarak #EidAlAdha #SAWEN

Happy World Environment Day! Plastic pollution harms both marine and terrestrial wildlife, threatening biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems. We stand united with the global community in the fight against plastic pollution through sustainable actions and responsible choices.

375+ law enforcement officials engaged and counting! SAWEN is uniting law enforcement officials across South Asia in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. With every training, meeting, and workshop, we are strengthening regional action against illegal wildlife trade.

3/3 Such discrepancies highlight major gaps in wildlife trade monitoring and reporting systems. Without clear information, it's difficult to assess the legality, origin, and scale of this trade.

2/3 The sources of these specimens were mentioned unknown and the units traded? That’s unclear as well. This raises a significant question: Where did they come from? Why are they being exported from South Asia? What does this number truly imply?

1/3 According to CITES trade data from 2015 to 2023, over 360 million specimens of Grivet Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops), a species non-native to South Asia, were reported as exported from SAWEN member countries.

Did you know that the nature of wildlife trade in South Asia has drastically changed over the decades?#WildlifeTrade #SouthAsia #TradeTrends #Biodiversity

Only 5 days left to apply for the Programme Manager position. Apply now sawen.org/page/vacancy

The CITES Trade Database reveals a concerning trend: since 2000, marine wildlife trade from South Asia has surged, particularly in species like seahorses and corals, which are being supplied for aquariums, research labs, and private collectors globally. 🌊🐠 #MarinelifeTrade

🔍#WildlifeSeizureContinues A team from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested an individual found in illegal possession of #leopard_skin,#teeth, #whiskers, and #nails. The seizure took place in Kavrepalanchok, Nepal.

The South Asia Judicial Symposium on Wildlife Crime is taking place from 7–8 May 2025 in New Delhi, India. The program is being co-organized by SAWEN and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).