New Delhi, Sept. 3 -- Summary North Korea's illegal wildlife trade, involving state-run operations, poses a significant threat to regional biodiversity.

Despite being a non-signatory to CITES, the country engages in cross-border trade with China, affecting species like the long-tailed goral.

This trade undermines conservation efforts and highlights the need for Pyongyang to enforce its wildlife protection laws to preserve its natural resources.

North Korea is notorious for its illicit trade in weapons and narcotics. But a new investigation that I conducted with colleagues in the UK and Norway reveals a new concern: The illegal trade in wildlife, including species supposedly protected by North Korea's own laws.

Based on interviews with...