Initially, Operation Charm has identified four key species to focus on, all of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine and have been found on sale, illegally, in London. These are:

• Tiger
• Rhinoceros
• Bear
• Musk deer

The trade in all of these animals is either banned or subject to strict import controls and yet all have been found in medicines for sale in London. The illegal international trade in these animals threatens their future survival. As long as consumers in places like London continue to buy products made from them, people in other countries will continue to kill them. That is why we must stop the illegal trade. Consumers and traders can help by ensuring that they do not buy or stock medicines made from these animals.

As the work of Operation Charm progresses we will add other key species to this list, and here are some images of those majestic animals.