Spatial heterogeneity and socioeconomic transformation challenge the prevention of illegal wildlife consumption in China

Abstract

Wildlife can be viewed as a renewable resource at ecologically viable levels, but illicit consumption is a major threat to global biodiversity. Using data from crime cases is an emerging new tool for assessing the motives and drivers of wildlife offenders. This approach can be used with behavior change frameworks to devise more effective conservation strategies. We used data from 20,145 online judgments published between 2014 and 2019 to determine the spatial distribution of different wildlife crime and illegal consumption patterns across China, and used multiscale modeling to test the effects of socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic correlates. The results indicated that geographic indicators and agricultural practices had a broad and positive impact on wildlife consumption, implying wildlife availability was a powerful incentive for wildlife crimes. In addition, urbanization and industrial structure were regionally sensitive in predicting convictions for wild meat, traditional medicine, and human-nature conflicts. Given the socioeconomic transformation in modern China, we predict that functional approaches of wildlife utilization will decrease in the coming years, but the illegal consumption characterized by financial and spiritual demand is unlikely to diminish. As a response, the prevention strategy should strengthen law enforcement on non-functional consumption and enhance nature education campaigns among youths across the country.