TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is committed to combating global wildlife crime, one of the biggest threats to species survival. Their approach is five-fold: through good governance, fostering relationships, building knowledge, engaging communities and disrupting trade networks. Since 2014 Taronga, in conjunction with other Australian zoos, have partnered with TRAFFIC to expand their reach and impact.
 
Taronga has provided support for the development of the Wildlife Witness App, and funding towards key staffing positions including a Wildlife Crime Analyst and a Communications Officer for the app. The Wildlife Crime Analyst has been fundamental to TRAFFIC’s work supporting law enforcement in the Asian region, and providing insights to shape the strategy for the organisation. The Communications Officer has also achieved success in raising awareness of wildlife trade and crime and promoting the app to enable anyone to report an issue. From June 2014 to December 2017, the app received a total of 449 reports that were further investigated and, where appropriate, forwarded to local law enforcement agencies.