Vietnam is a global hub for the illicit trade of contraband animal products, including ivory, rhino horn, pangolin, tiger and bear parts.
The communist country is both a top consumer and popular transit route for illegal products from Africa that are smuggled over to other Asian markets, notably China.
Speaking at the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, William urged governments around the world to act quickly to save vulnerable species before it is too late.
"While we've made progress, the truth is we are still falling behind. A betting man would still bet on extinction."
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The prince, who has become a champion of wildlife conservation, added that recent data showing a 30 per cent decline of elephant populations in Africa in the past seven years "confirmed our worst fears".
He cautioned that poachers and trafficking syndicates are becoming more sophisticated and said tastes for wildlife products like ivory and rhino horn need to be curbed.
Conservationists say the trade has already severely depleted animal populations, especially in Africa, and threatens to wipe out critically vulnerable species like elephants and rhinos already on the brink of extinction.
Vietnam's vice president echoed William's urgent appeal, warning that her country's biodiversity was under threat.
"The illegal wildlife trade on a global scale has increased and become more complicated, especially the trade of ivory, rhino horns, big cats, primates and timbers," said Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.
The Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade is the third held since 2014 -- previous meetings were held in Britain and Botswana -- and the largest of its kind ever hosted in Vietnam.
More than 40 countries were represented at the meeting, along with NGOs and conservation groups.
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