The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has established a pilot program to create a framework to reduce wildlife trafficking and increase support for law enforcement.

AZA announced March 11 the creation of the Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network, which will cover Los Angeles, San Diego and other cities and counties in the region. The network will provide resources for fighting wildlife trafficking and care for animals confiscated by law enforcement.

AZA noted that wildlife trafficking has increased dramatically in the past decade.

"Many AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums already work closely with law enforcement agencies to provide critical support for the victims of the illegal wildlife trade," AZA CEO Dan Ashe said in a statement. "We are pleased to formalize this work, through the establishment of the Confiscations Network, to assure the ongoing conservation of threatened species and the welfare of individual animals and plants."

The network will operate under AZA's Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, which brings together government agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, botanical gardens and animal sanctuaries to address the problem. The association hopes to replicate the framework developed in California throughout the U.S. and world.

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