BANGKOK -- WildScan, Southeast Asia’s application for species identification available on Android devices, can now be downloaded and used on Apple devices in a move that can significant increase the reach of the tool across the region.

Wildlife trafficking is driving many majestic species towards extinction and often the animals being trafficked are difficult to identify. WildScan helps law enforcement and the general public quickly and easily identify protected species by providing photos, critical information and identification clues for more than 350 species.

With more than 1,000 downloads of the Android version, the app is quickly gaining popularity with many more expected now that it is also available on Apple devices.

"This app is a game-changing approach that empowers law enforcers and the public at large across the region to work together and fight back," said Do Quang Tung, former chairperson of the ASEAN-Wildlife Enforcement Network.

Developed with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by Freeland, a Bangkok based counter-trafficking organization, the also app contains information on relevant contacts, temporary care instructions and a tool to report suspected wildlife crime. Reports can be forwarded to a local law enforcement agency allowing anyone to report wildlife crime wherever they are.

Since the app was launched in 2014, law enforcement officials and more than 800 airport and airline staff have attended workshops where they have learned how to the use the app to help stop the smuggling of endangered species.

Already available in English, Thai and Vietnamese, WildScan developers are currently planning to expand use of the app in Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia and will release a version in Africa later in the year. Along with the release for Apple devices, the WildScan team updated the Android version to allow for faster downloads and more user-friendly handling.

Download the app today, search WildScan on the App Store or the PlayStore or visit www.wildscanapp.org

For more information, please contact:
Matthew Pritchett, Deputy Director of Communications, Freeland, matthew@freeland.org  +66 2 254 8321

Notes to Editors
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient societies to realize their potential. Following 50 years of improving lives through development and humanitarian assistance, USAID is the principal U.S. Government development agency partnering with countries throughout the world to promote peace, prosperity and security. Please visit www.usaid.gov/asia-regional or followfacebook.com/USAIDAsia and@USAIDAsia on Twitter for more information.

Freeland is a frontline counter-trafficking organization working for a world that is free of wildlife trafficking and human slavery. Our team of law enforcement, development and communications specialists work alongside partners in Asia, Africa and the Americas to build capacity, raise awareness, strengthen networks and promote good governance to protect critical ecosystems and vulnerable people. Freeland is also the lead implementing partner of “ARREST” (Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking), the largest US Government sponsored counter-wildlife trafficking program. For more info, visit www.freeland.org also; follow Freeland on twitter @FREELANDpeople or www.facebook.com/freelandfoundation.