India, Nov. 3 -- More than 107,000 species of wild animals, plants and fungi are used or traded globally, more than double the previous estimate of 50,000.

The study, published in Science Advances, identifies 47,685 animal species and at least 49,723 plant species recorded in trade.

Researchers found that existing international databases fail to capture thousands of traded species, particularly invertebrates and fungi.

Wildlife trade, driven by demand for exotic pets, medicines, food and luxury products, raises concerns over biodiversity loss, disease transmission and invasive species.

Current global biodiversity indicators cover only a fraction of traded species, prompting calls for digital permits, better customs reporting and stron...