The social media giant from today will be warning its 800 million users if they search for pictures that are harmful to animals or the environment.

Anyone searching a hashtag associated with animal abuse will be greeted with a screen warning on their mobiles, declaring: “Protect Wildlife on Instagram.”

Conservationists have been highlighting the horrendous amount of animal abuse online, with wildlife selfies an increasing concern.

World Animal Protection warned recently how there had been a 292 per cent rise in wildlife selfies on social media over the past three years, with nearly half in the “bad category” – defined as people being pictured hugging, holding or inappropriately interacting with wild animals.

The charity recently released shocking video footage of a three-toed sloth being cut down from its 100ft tree so that it could be sold as a selfies prop for tourists visiting Peru.

It says the “explosive trend” of posting wildlife selfies has been driving the suffering and exploitation of some of the world’s most iconic animals, with some illegally snatched from the wild to be used by irresponsible tour operators.

World Animal Protection has been holding talks with Instagram about the issues and applauded the social media giant’s stance.

With hastags such as #SlothSelfie and #MonkeySelfie having appeared on social media, Instagram will now warn anyone searching for pictures it deems as harmful behaviour with this message:

“Animal abuse and the sale of endangered animals or their parts are not allowed on Instagram. 

"You are searching for a hashtag that may be associated with posts that encourage harmful behaviour to animals or the environment.”

Instagram explained why it is taking these firm measures.

It said in a statement: “The protection and safety of the natural world are important to us and our global community. 

“We encourage everyone to be thoughtful about interactions with wild animals and the environment to help avoid exploitation and to report any photos and videos you may see that may violate our community guidelines.”

Instagram is also helping users to find out more about endangered wildlife and animal exploitation by directing them to leading conservation organisations: World Animal Protection, WWF and TRAFFIC.

World Animal Protection recently launched its Wildlife Selfie Code, warning travellers never to take picture if an animal is being held, hugged or restrained. 

Equally, photos opportunities with animals that have been baited with food or could be harmful should also be avoided, it says. 

Pictures of non-captive wildlife taken from a safe distance and in their natural habitat are acceptable.

Steve McIvor, chief executive at World Animal Protection, welcomed the Instagram announcement.

He said: “We congratulate Instagram on taking this important step towards educating its users about wild animals that are suffering for selfies. 

“The reality is these wild animals are suffering terribly, both in front of and behind the camera.

“Wild animals are being taken from their mothers as babies and secretly kept in filthy, cramped conditions or repeatedly baited with food causing severe psychological trauma just so tourists can get photo.” 

For more details, see: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/campaigns/animals-wild/wildlife-selfie-code