Tjuvjakt

Tjuvjakt, literally meaning "poaching" in Swedish, denotes the illegal hunting, trapping, capturing, or fishing of wildlife in contravention of wildlife laws and hunting regulations. Poaching may involve hunting outside approved seasons, without the required licenses or permits, or using prohibited methods. It also covers the capture or killing of protected species and hunting on private land without permission.

Forms and methods. Common forms include hunting without licensing, exceeding bag limits, using traps or poisons, hunting protected species, and fishing in restricted areas or with illegal gear. Poaching can target game species as well as endangered or threatened wildlife.

Legal framework and penalties. Most jurisdictions treat poaching as a criminal offense with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of equipment. Enforcement is conducted by police, wildlife authorities, game wardens, and environmental agencies, often based on surveillance, tip lines, and field patrols.

Impacts. Poaching undermines wildlife management, threatens rare or vulnerable species, and can disrupt ecological balance. It may also have social and economic consequences, particularly for communities that rely on regulated hunting or ecotourism.

Prevention and response. Measures to combat poaching include enforcement patrols, improved surveillance, community reporting, habitat protection, and targeted education about conservation. International cooperation also addresses cross-border poaching and wildlife trafficking networks.

See also: Poaching, Wildlife crime, Hunting regulations.