Wildlife Trade

WildScan

WildScan is a user-friendly mobile phone application developed to aid law enforcement in West Africa in their work to combat illegal wildlife trade. The app was launched by Born free USA in partnership with Freeland with funding from the United States Agency for International Development’s West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program (USAID/WA BiCC).

Designed as a tool for customs and border patrol officers, WildScan aids in the identification of wildlife species and wildlife parts and products being trafficked across borders, making it easier and safer for border patrol and customs officers to stop illegal wildlife trade, rescue animals, and apprehend traffickers.

The WildScan app has already been leveraged to counter illegal wildlife trade in South East Asia.

WildScan Features

✓ Photos and information for 500 protected species in the West Africa region;

✓ Information on local animal protection laws;

✓ Instant reporting option to alert law enforcement of wildlife trafficking, contributing to broader information sharing on wildlife crime in the region;

✓ Available in English, French, and Portuguese to ensure it is accessible in the major languages spoken in West Africa.

Born Free USA’s Commitment to Stopping Wildlife Crime

The WildScan app is part of Born Free USA’s initiative to aid wildlife law enforcement in West and Central Africa. Born Free USA has partnered for many years with governments in the region to provide trainings and educational resources for law enforcement officials, including printable species identification guides, in-person and digital training workshops, and posters and other public awareness materials.

How You Can Help

You can help Born Free USA stay on the front-line of the fight to stop wildlife trafficking by making a donation. Your gift will help launch tools like WildScan, fund ongoing trainings and workshops for law enforcement, and help develop new educational materials to raise public awareness. To make a donation, please click here.