How to Solve Crimes Involving Endangered Species

Compile a list of useful numbers to help solve endangered animal crimes. These include the local police, local conservation charities, the local newspaper and your country's main charity that investigates animal crimes. In the U.S., it's the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Another useful contact is the International Fund for Animal Welfare, especially for large-scale or international crimes.

Collect photographic evidence. If you know someone is trapping endangered animals, photograph the traps and any dead animals. Only do this when you stumble upon evidence in your daily activities, such as walking your dog. If you see protected fish on sale in a market, endangered animals in a pet store or rare shells in a souvenir shop, take photographs with a cellphone, making you less conspicuous. If you see endangered animals or parts for sale online, take a screenshot of the page or pages.

Write down the place, time and date you saw the crime. If you know the names, descriptions, addresses or vehicle registrations of people you suspect are involved, write these down too and anything else you know.

Contact the authorities and pass on your evidence. The first call should be to the police. They may not have the time to investigate all endangered species crimes. You can also contact the ASPCA, IFAW or a local conservation charity.

Ask the professionals to keep you informed. They may or may not agree with your opinion, but it's worth inquiring. Now you should stop your efforts, however tempting it is to investigate further yourself.