A novel application of mark-recapture to examine behaviour associated with the online trade in elephant ivory.

David L. Roberts,Rachel S. McCrea,Lydia M. Yeo

doi:10.7717/peerj.3048

Abstract

The illegal trade in elephant ivory is driving the unlawful killing of elephants such that populations are now suffering unsustainable reductions. The internet is increasingly being used as a platform to conduct illegal wildlife trade, including elephant ivory. As a globally accessible medium the internet is as highly attractive to those involved in the illegal trade as it is challenging to regulate. Characterising the online illegal wildlife (ivory) trade is complex, yet key to informing enforcement activities. We applied mark-recapture to investigate behaviour associated with the online trade in elephant ivory on eBay UK as a generalist online marketplace. Our results indicate that trade takes place via eBay UK, despite its policy prohibiting this, and that two distinct trading populations exist, characterised by the pattern of their ivory sales. We suggest these may represent a large number of occasional (or non-commercial) sellers and a smaller number of dedicated (or commercial) sellers. Directing resource towards reducing the volume of occasional sales, such as through education, would enable greater focus to be placed upon characterising the extent and value of the illegal, “commercial” online ivory trade. MRC has the potential to characterise the illegal trade in ivory and diverse wildlife commodities traded using various online platforms.

Highlights

Environmental crime, including the illegal wildlife trade, is estimated to be worth $91–258 billion p.a. (UNEP, 2016), making it the fourth most lucrative class of crime after the drugs trade, counterfeiting and human trafficking
Our results indicate that an online trade in elephant ivory is being conducted via eBay UK, despite the existence of eBay’s User Agreement and Animal and Wildlife Products Policy (AWPP) policies and in contravention of these
Under its AWPP, described by eBay as reflective of international trade restrictions and treaties banning the sale of ivory, eBay prohibits the sale of ivory with the limited exception of antiques that contain 5% or less of real ivory and were made before the year 1900

Summary

Introduction

Environmental crime, including the illegal wildlife trade, is estimated to be worth $91–258 billion p.a. (UNEP, 2016), making it the fourth most lucrative class of crime after the drugs trade, counterfeiting and human trafficking. The first United Nations Resolution to recognise the illegal wildlife trade as one of the largest transnational criminal activities, comparable to trafficking in drugs, arms and people, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA, 2015). This signalled heightened political concern over the adverse impacts of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade upon species, ecosystems and local communities as well as the need to counteract these (UNODC, 2015b)

Methods

Results

Conclusion