Wildlife crime governance in Mexico: an institutional evaluation of capacity, detection, and legal response

Abstract

Law enforcement effectiveness is a key strategy for understanding how wildlife trafficking is addressed and sanctioned upon detection or occurrence. To this end, an evaluation model of institutional response to wildlife crimes was developed to assess how these offenses are managed and penalized. The institutional response to wildlife crimes in Mexico between 2016 and 2024 was assessed using a systemic model that integrates 14 indices of capacity, efficiency, surveillance, and judicialization. The findings reveal low budgetary efficiency, high levels of impunity (SII > 0.98), and an alarming decline in conviction rates. Only 11 states reported prosecuted wildlife crimes. This model helps identify systemic bottlenecks and can guide multisectoral strategies to strengthen environmental governance.