Hongxiang Huang

Over the past decade, my team and I have conducted undercover investigations across three continents to combat illegal wildlife trade and drive meaningful change.

In Bolivia and Suriname, we have exposed the jaguar trade, identified key international traffickers, and obtained the first-ever jaguar paste sample, which we provided to local law enforcement to prevent its export. In Laos, we infiltrated exclusive tourism groups to access hidden souvenir shops that only admit organized groups, filming behind-the-scenes activities and recording sales tactics. This material was used to create an impactful campaign that disrupted the market. In Kenya, within just two weeks, we helped arrest two traffickers—one with ivory tusks and the other with a live sea turtle.

We actively seek to create long-term impact and behavioral change. By deeply understanding the networks and operations of traffickers, we design tailored campaigns to influence key stakeholders:

In Suriname, we introduced conservation posters in Chinese restaurants—key hubs for local Chinese communities. In Kenya, we organized the largest wildlife conservation event involving Chinese communities. In Tanzania, we convinced the Chinese embassy to host the first-ever Chinese-led conservation walk. In South Africa, we persuaded Chinese communities to donate to pangolin conservation — marking the first instance of Chinese support for pangolins in Africa — and facilitated the first Africa-China wildlife conservation dialogue. While our projects are often small-scale, we have achieved numerous “firsts” in mobilizing Chinese action in global wildlife conservation.

In 2013, it was my first time conducting an illegal wildlife trade investigation in southern Africa; I learned that elephants were being killed for ivory, most of which was destined for the Far East. It wasn’t just ivory—there was also rhino horn, pangolin scales, and shark fins, all tied to China at some level. Many Africans believed all Chinese people supported this trade, unable to imagine a Chinese conservationist. This perception saddened me but also gave me an edge in undercover investigations, helping expose traffickers and sometimes assisting in their arrests.

 As a wildlife lover, I always aspired to protect animals. As a Chinese person, I felt a responsibility — if China was part of the problem, it had to be part of the solution.  There were not many Chinese investigators who could help with global illegal wildlife trade. I began woworked with NGOs since then to combat illegal wildlife trade, and over time, more young Chinese conservationists joined me, forming a dedicated team. Together, we’ve delved into the complexities of global wildlife trafficking, partnering with NGOs and law enforcement to expose traffickers and achieve arrests.

In China, we’ve influenced thousands of individuals, both within the country and among Chinese communities abroad, particularly in Africa. Through education, we’ve inspired young Chinese students to view wildlife conservation as a field they can participate in. Some of our former students are now working for conservation NGOs. Our campaigns in Africa have engaged Chinese communities, persuading many to stop consuming illegal wildlife products and some have even donated to pangolin conservation and other initiatives.