“The more interesting and dangerous pattern, though, is that transnational criminal groups are now increasingly profiting off of poaching and adjacent activities.”

Mr. Bergenas notes reports from witnesses who had left the groups. Some said the Lord’s Resistance Army is targeting poaching and the profits from that activity to buy supplies, arms and other equipment.

The expert adds that criminals are trafficking other goods in addition to animals and animal parts. They include drugs, weapons and cigarettes.

Mr. Bergenas says more game park rangers and others are needed to protect African wildlife. So is more and better equipment. He compared the technology used by criminals with what is available to crime-fighters.

“These poachers are no longer using non-sophisticated weapons. They are really going after the use of helicopters, machine guns, vision goggles (so) that they can see at night. And we have to respond with the technology that the ’good guys’ have in managing these issues.”

The Stimson Center official says recent action taken by the Obama Administration is a big step in the right direction. The World Wildlife Foundation and the African Wildlife Foundation have also praised the effort.

President Obama recently declared an executive order to fight wildlife trafficking. African countries will receive 10-million dollars in aid to help toward that goal.