Meta is facing renewed criticism after conservation groups raised concerns that illegal wildlife trade continues to appear across its platforms despite company rules against such activity. The report claims Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are being used by traffickers and sellers to promote endangered animals, wild meat and banned wildlife products to online buyers.

The findings have put fresh attention on how social media platforms handle wildlife crime. Researchers said several accounts and groups linked to animal sales remained visible even after being flagged, making it easier for illegal traders to reach buyers quickly. The issue is not only about harmful content online but also about the direct threat it creates for endangered species already under pressure from poaching and habitat loss.

What the wildlife report says

The report was prepared by conservation organisations including Freeland, Education for Nature Vietnam and International Wildlife Trust. It said Meta’s platforms are being used as digital marketplaces for illegal wildlife products, with Facebook playing a major role because of its large public groups and easy seller-to-buyer communication.

According to the findings, researchers tracked more than 20,000 online advertisements between April 2024 and March 2026. These ads allegedly promoted more than 260,000 wildlife products across social media platforms. Nearly three-fourths of the listed ads were found on Facebook, making it the most frequently used platform in the study.

Pangolins, rhino horn and chimpanzees listed online

The wildlife products mentioned in the report included pangolin meat, rhino horn and live chimpanzees. Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, while rhinos remain heavily targeted for their horns. Chimpanzees are also protected, and their sale as pets is considered a serious conservation and animal welfare concern.

One example cited in the report involved a Thai Facebook account that allegedly showed a dead pangolin placed on a weighing scale while promoting wild meat. Conservationists said such posts show how openly some sellers are operating online, often using public pages, groups and messaging tools to attract customers.

Why Meta is under pressure

Meta says it has rules that restrict the sale of endangered animals and wildlife products. However, conservation groups argue that having policies is not enough if enforcement is slow or inconsistent. They want platforms to remove repeat offenders, block illegal groups faster and share useful information with law enforcement agencies.

Experts also warned that platform monetisation could worsen the problem. If accounts promoting illegal wildlife content gain followers, engagement or income through subscriptions and views, harmful activity may become more profitable. This creates a dangerous cycle where shocking or rare animal content attracts attention and helps sellers grow their reach.

Other platforms also face scrutiny

The report also mentioned other platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok, saying traffickers may shift between apps to avoid detection. Snapchat was highlighted as a concern because disappearing posts can make evidence harder to collect. Conservation groups say illegal wildlife sellers often adapt quickly when one platform removes their content.

This means enforcement cannot depend on one company alone. Wildlife crime investigators say platforms, governments and conservation groups need stronger coordination to track sellers, preserve evidence and identify trafficking networks before animals are captured, killed or shipped across borders.

Online wildlife crime needs faster action

The report shows how wildlife trafficking has moved beyond hidden markets and into everyday digital spaces. Sellers can now advertise banned products, contact buyers and arrange delivery with far less risk than traditional street-level trading. That makes online wildlife crime faster, wider and more difficult to control.

Conservation groups are urging Meta and other technology companies to treat wildlife trafficking as a serious safety issue, not just a content moderation problem. Faster takedowns, stronger repeat-offender tracking and better cooperation with authorities could help reduce the online trade that continues to threaten endangered animals.