Wildlife trade is a contentious issue as it strikes conflict between biodiversity conservation and human development. Wildlife trade includes any sale or exchange of wild animal and plant resources by people. All wildlife trade is not illegal. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits the trade of over 1800 species of wild animals, plants, and their derivatives. In India, wildlife crime is a pervasive problem damaging ecosystems, impacting food security and affecting livelihoods of rural communities. This article attempts to understand the existing legal framework for combating trafficking in species, locate the gaps and suggest solutions to plug the gaps