Wildlife crime in colonial and post-colonial times: Who fares best?

Abstract

Wildlife crime is an increasing problem worldwide. Based on empirical research, we examine how the criminal justice systems of Brazil, Colombia, Uganda and Norway perceive and respond to such crime, with Norway as the main case study and basis for comparison. While the general assumption is that Northern countries are more ‘developed’ in their response to environmental problems, we argue that Norway, despite its economic resources and international profile as a supporter of environmental protection, is failing to confront illegal trade in—and protection of—endangered species nationally. We propose that these Southern countries have developed more tools in terms of legislation, enforcement, awareness and wildlife protection and that Northern countries have expectations regarding conservation in Southern countries that they themselves neglect.