Wild Fur

Wild or farmed, fur is a natural, renewable and sustainable source that is kind to the environment and respectful of animals’ welfare. Wild fur production helps maintain natural eco-systems and the economies of hundreds of remote communities around the world.

Wild fur accounts for 15%-20% of the global fur trade, with Canada, Russia and USA as the main suppliers.

The majority of wild species used by the fur trade are taken as part of wild life management programmes, necessary for the maintenance of biodiversity, healthy eco-systems, population and decease control.

The wild species taken are abundant, producing more off-spring than the land can support. By harvesting the surplus the trappers maintain a healthy balance, which is sustainable.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulates trade in threatened and endangered species, while the World Conservation Union / IUCN carefully monitors the global status of natural resources to ensure that any use is ecologically sustainable.

The International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) supports both organisations and has been a voting member of the IUCN since 1985. BFTA is a member of IFTF and the IFTF and the BFTA and their members do not handle any endangered species. 

The fur trade helps support the traditional lifestyles and cultural values of many Aboriginal Canadians, Alaskans, ‘Cajun’ Louisianans, Siberians, Namibians and Afghans who live in regions hostile to most agricultural activities.