The statement, released at the end of a meeting with the participation of Interpol, the Chinese public security ministry and the Chinese forestry bureau, urged the fight against the trade be stepped up.

"The illegal trade in wild animals and plants takes a third place only after the illegal trade in drugs and arms. Annually the trade reaches a value of more than 10 billion dollars," the statement said.

"The trade not only threatens the survival of the affected species, and spells disaster for the environment and public health, but also disturbs the order of the markets and cheats governments of tax revenue."

The statement said the participants at the meeting had called for tougher law enforcement to curb the illegal commerce which it said was "increasing by the day."

China, the host of the conference, is one of the key drivers of the exploding global trade in wildlife, due to its rapidly growing economy and a taste for exotic animals.

In one example among many, Thai police in May seized 76 pangolins, armadillo-like animals that were believed to be destined for south Chinese dinner tables.

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