Abstract
AbstractOverexploitation is a key driver of biodiversity loss but the relationship between the use and trade of species and conservation outcomes is not always straightforward. Accurately characterizing wildlife trade and understanding the impact it has on wildlife populations are therefore critical to evaluating the potential threat trade poses to species and informing local to international policy responses. However, a review of recent research that uses wildlife and trade‐related databases to investigate these topics highlights three relatively widespread issues: (1) mischaracterization of the threat that trade poses to certain species or groups, (2) misinterpretation of wildlife trade data (and illegal trade data in particular), resulting in the mischaracterization of trade, and (3) misrepresentation of international policy processes and instruments. This is concerning because these studies may unwittingly misinform policymaking to the detriment of conservation, for example by undermining positive outcomes for species and people along wildlife supply chains. Moreover, these issues demonstrate flaws in the peer‐review process. As wildlife trade articles published in peer‐reviewed journals can be highly influential, we propose ways for authors, journal editors, database managers, and policymakers to identify, understand, and avoid these issues as we all work towards more sustainable futures.
Highlights
Overexploitation is a key driver of biodiversity loss (Maxwell et al, 2016) but the relationship between the use and trade of species and conservation outcomes is not always straightforward
Accurate characterization of wildlife trade and an understanding of the impact it has on wildlife populations are critical to evaluating the potential threat trade poses to species and to informing local to international policy responses
Assuming use/trade constitutes a threat to species or is detrimental to wild populations
Summary
Overexploitation is a key driver of biodiversity loss (Maxwell et al, 2016) but the relationship between the use and trade of species and conservation outcomes is not always straightforward. There is an increasing body of research using datasets derived from monitoring of wildlife trade that takes place online (e.g., Hinsley et al, 2016) Studies using these data sources frequently offer policy recommendations to inform international policymaking (e.g., CITES, 2019a). As research has the potential to influence policymakers taking critical decisions on the sustainability and regulation of wildlife trade, this is problematic These studies demonstrate flaws in the peer-review process, and the problem is compounded when subsequent authors apply the same methodologies and make identical errors. We examine a non-random selection of recent (last ∼5 years) research studies and discuss three key issues in wildlife trade research These are (1) mischaracterization of the threat wildlife trade poses to species, (2) misinterpretation of wildlife trade data, and illegal trade data in particular, and (3) misrepresentation of international policy processes and instruments. While recognizing that many of these studies present important methodological or other scientific advances, we discuss these articles because they are contemporary and illustrate the issues
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