The international wildlife trade-both legal and illegal-is a diverse and lucrative multibillion-dollar industry for which North America is a major hub. Canada, Mexico and the United States not only engage in direct cross-border trade of native species but also serve as trade routes and destinations for plants and animals from other parts of the world.

The North American Wildlife Enforcement Group (NAWEG)-a network of senior wildlife enforcement officials from the three countries-works to stop illegal shipments of wildlife by strengthening the enforcement of laws and regulations, information exchange and training enforcement agents.