Poaching Activities Research Articles

Poaching lowers elephant path tortuosity: implications for conservation

ABSTRACTPoaching is the most immediate threat to African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Several continental‐wide surges in poaching have occurred since the latter half of the twentieth century, and the latest surge occurred from 2007 to 2012. The behavioral responses of elephants to poaching risk has not been studied widely because of a lack of high‐resolution movement data collected simultaneously with verified causes of mortality. We managed to collate 2 such datasets from 2004 to 2013. We studied the spatial‐temporal changes in movement behavior of 11 elephants in their core areas. Past studies have focused on elephant movement along corridors. We tested for the effect of poaching risk on their path straightness (i.e., tortuosity) while controlling for other environmental and human activities in the landscape using a set of generalized linear mixed models. To test for temporal variation of tortuosity, we used a time‐series linear model. Elephants turned less frequently while they were in poaching locations and at times with a high level of poaching activity, even though their speed did not change. The variation of tortuosity is a good indicator of differences in poaching risk as perceived by the elephants, which could complement patrol‐based anti‐poaching efforts by wildlife managers, especially in remote, inaccessible landscapes. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society

Colorado Environmental Film Festival

Reports| June 02 2019 Colorado Environmental Film Festival Malissa Stark-Rodenburg Malissa Stark-Rodenburg Malissa Stark-Rodenburg is a freelance science writer based in Denver, Colorado. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Malissa Stark-Rodenburg is a freelance science writer based in Denver, Colorado. Afterimage (2019) 46 (2): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1525/aft.2019.462001 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Malissa Stark-Rodenburg; Colorado Environmental Film Festival. Afterimage 2 June 2019; 46 (2): 1–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/aft.2019.462001 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAfterimage Search At the 13th annual Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF), one motif pulsed across the screens: environmental justice is social justice. The mission of the festival has always been to inspire, educate, and motivate audiences to take action through the power of film. In late February, over fifty short and feature-length films were screened at the American Mountaineering Center in downtown Golden, Colorado. The festival also included an “Eco-Expo,” where patrons could interact with local businesses that promote environmental responsibility, such as solar panel services, at-home tower gardens, and a network of volunteers that monitor poaching activity in Africa from their mobile devices. From conservation to sustainability, it seemed there was no message or part of the world unreached at this festival. Alaska Thaw (2018, directed by Bjorn Olson), the festival opener, set a beautifully somber tone not unlike the feeling one experiences when alone on a mountain top or in... You do not currently have access to this content.

English

Study on the poaching and bushmeat off takes /harvest in the Ebo Forest Reserve was carried out in 2012 and 2016 to identify and quantify species poached, poaching methods and seasonal impact on harvest rates and quantity. To achieve this task, purposeful and random sampling methods were used for the selection of respondents for questionnaires administration. In all, 182 from a population of about 461 poachers were sampled for questionnaires administration. Besides the administration of questionnaires, some selected Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools were also employed for the triangulation of collected data. Biological data were collected using four transects each 1.8 m wide by 2 km long laid 200 m apart in each of the zones. Along each of the established transects 20 m on both sides, data on encounter rates and human presence was collected. A total of 3768 animals with biomass of 26039.5 kg was harvested from the Ebo Forest Reserve and associated forests areas by 461 poachers. The harvest was made up of 30 species from 17 families of wildlife dominated by blue duikers (19.59%), brush- tailed (18.10%) and red duikers (11.36%).Two main weapons, guns and wire snares were identified as the main poaching weapons in the EFR. Harvest was more in the wet season than in the dry season. Poaching was more intense in zones that were very accessible and close to the market centre of Douala. As income gain remained a driving force to poaching, there is need to check poaching activities in the study area against the present weekly off take rate of 2.87 animals per day. Key words: Bushmeat, off take, poaching, harvest, species.

Factors affecting species richness and distribution spatially and temporally within a protected area using multi‐season occupancy models

AbstractExploring trends in species richness and the distribution of individual species over time as well as the factors affecting these trends informs conservation priorities in protecting species and ecosystems as a whole. We used data from 41 park‐wide line transect surveys in 2009 and 2014 and multi‐season occupancy models with multi‐species data to explore trends in species richness and distribution of individual species and factors affecting these trends in Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda. Mammalian species richness and the distributional range of 5 of the 7 species increased between 2009 and 2014 in NNP. The probability of colonization of a species into a new area in 2014, where it was not present in 2009, was highest in sites with a lower probability of poaching activity, close to tourist trails, and at lower elevations. The probability of colonization with no poaching activity was about 50% but dropped to about 10% with a 100% chance of poaching activity. Duiker species had the largest increase in distribution during the study, while there was a decrease in the distribution of the eastern chimpanzee and blue monkey. Our results suggest that increased patrols could be implemented in areas of the park with low species richness and areas with a low probability of occurrence for species of conservation concern to combat poaching activity and thus increase the probability of a species moving into a new area. Our use of a single multi‐season model for multiple species explicitly accounts for imperfect detection and species‐specific identities, while allowing for inferences to be made about rarely detected species by sharing covariates with common species. These results can be used to improve conservation planning in NNP for species management and ranger patrol protocols, and our modelling framework is broadly applicable to any protected area with presence/absence species field data.

Distribution of Wildlife and Illegal Human Activities in the Lampi Marine National Park (Myanmar)

SummaryAsian tropical forests are among the most affected by overhunting of wildlife species. Bushmeat is not just a source of food, but is also often seen as an income source due to the increasing regional demand for wildlife products. In this study, we assess for the first time the medium- and large-size vertebrate species present in Lampi Marine National Park (Myanmar) using camera traps and opportunistic sightings, and we use data from law enforcement patrolling to identify areas where poaching activities occur. Nineteen different terrestrial vertebrate species were observed in the Park, five of which are listed as globally threatened, while illegal activities were recorded at 107 locations. We estimated wildlife and human distributions using the maximum-entropy (i.e., MaxEnt) algorithm. Human activities were widely distributed in the Park, and areas selected by people were those at lower elevations and mainly in evergreen or semi-evergreen forests where most of the species occur. These models could improve knowledge of species presence and of the potential risk to wildlife associated with human activities. The modelling of wildlife and human presence proved to be useful for identifying areas that would receive special attention during patrolling, management and conservation actions.

Mass sea turtle slaughter at Pulau Tiga, Malaysia: Genetic studies indicate poaching locations and its potential effects

It is important to identify the location of illegal poaching and its effects on the conservation of endangered species. This study applied molecular techniques to estimate the origin of sea turtle carcasses (N = 53) found at Pulau Tiga, Kudat, Malaysia (Borneo) in 2014. All carcasses were of adult (77%) and large juvenile (23%) green turtles (Chelonia mydas). A total of 10 haplotypes of mitochondrial DNA were identified. A Bayesian mixed-stock analysis showed that the natal origin was mainly from the Sulu and Celebes Seas (uninformative prior: median = 53.0%, 95% credible interval [CI] = 34.5–76.9%; informative prior: median = 61.3%, CI = 36.9–89.4%). The estimation of source foraging grounds of the carcasses as poaching sites indicated the Brunei Bay in the South China Sea as the most probable source (median = 90.2%, CI = 11.2–99.9%), although caution is needed since there is a possibility of poaching at unsampled foraging grounds. The results indicate that such poaching has negative effects especially for the nesting populations at the Sulu and Celebes Seas. This study provides information that contributes to the development of measures against poaching activities by regional collaboration regarding sea turtle traffic and law enforcement in Southeast Asia.

Impact of anti-poaching approaches for the success of Rhino conservation in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Nepal has succeeded in granting better protection for its Asian rhino population that has become exemplary in the world. Effective law enforcement along with community participation has been acclaimed as a reason for this achievement. However, there have been very few studies to assess the effectiveness of current anti-poaching strategies. In this study, we assessed the performance of SMART patrolling and population trend of rhino in Chitwan National Park (CNP). The patrol data collected through patrolling logbooks were used to visualize the coverage of SMART in the CNP and its Buffer Zone by dividing it into 1km*1km grid cell. Logistic regression models were used to analyze whether or not the patrol effort and patrol frequency correlate with the reduction in occurrences of illegal activities. A total of 6,593 patrols were conducted within the last fifteen months. Logistic regression models revealed that sites with a greater frequency of patrols, rather than the combined distance walked, had a lower probability of occurrence of illegal activities (βPatrol.frequency= -8.6428 & βPatrol.effort= -4.1804). This implies that patrol frequency was found more significant than patrol efforts in reducing prevalence of illegal activities in and around the CNP. The poaching activities were found high during insurgency period. The trend in rhino poaching was found to be decreased with increase in number of security posts, Community-based Anti-poaching Unit formation, conservation education and sweeping/camping operations. To maintain the continuous success in the long-run, it is crucial to regulate and enhance effective law enforcement capability and more advance techno-based modality in close coordination with stakeholders including community institutions.

Age structure as an indicator of poaching pressure: Insights from rapid assessments of elephant populations across space and time

Detecting and monitoring illegal harvesting pressure on wild populations is challenging due to the cryptic nature of poaching activities. Although change in population age structure has been suggested as an indicator of harvesting pressure, few studies have tested its validity when based on short-term field surveys. Using data from rapid demographic assessment surveys carried out in 2009 at six sites in Tanzania, we examined whether African elephant populations experiencing contrasting levels of poaching pressure showed significant differences in their age structure, operational sex ratio (i.e. adult males to adult females), dependent individual to adult female ratio at the group level, and proportion of tuskless individuals. We also compared similar metrics between the population sampled in Ruaha National Park in 2009 and again in 2015 following a suspected increase in poaching. Elephant populations experiencing medium and high levels of poaching in 2009 were characterised by fewer calves and old individuals, a reduced number of adult males relative to adult females, and a lower ratio of calves to adult females within groups. We also found a higher proportion of tuskless individuals in poached populations (>6%). Changes in age structure in the Ruaha population between 2009 and 15 were similar to those observed across sites in 2009. Our findings are consistent with previous work documenting how the loss of older individuals – targeted for their larger tusks – decreases recruitment and survival of elephant calves. Illegal killing for ivory is a huge threat to the survival of African elephants. In this context, the present study contributes towards validating the use of age structure as an indicator of poaching pressure in elephant populations, but also in other wildlife populations where illegal offtake is targeted at specific age classes.

The rusty-margined guan (Penelope superciliaris) in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest: density, population size, activity and habitat use

Context Population estimation and monitoring are important tools for the support of programs and actions of conservation for most wildlife species, including birds. For validation of such support, a set of reliable, consistent and comparable parameter estimates is essential (through systematic monitoring over time), in addition to studies on ecological aspects of the species. Aims In this study, our aim was to analyse the population of Penelope superciliaris in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in north-eastern Espírito Santo, Brazil, providing estimates of density, population size and activity. We also analysed occupancy and detectability of the species, relating them to six covariates (distance from forest edge, water and road, as well as poaching intensity, canopy cover and understorey cover) based on previous knowledge of the ecology of rusty-margined guan. Methods We used line-transect surveys to estimate density and abundance, and camera traps to estimate habitat use by P. superciliaris, using the occupancy modelling approach. Key results Estimated density for P. superciliaris was 2.5 ± 1.0 groups per km2 with a group size of 6.0 ± 2.0 individuals, and estimated population size for the entire VNR was 3544 ± 495 individuals. Occupancy by P. superciliaris was best described by three covariates: (1) distance to road; (2) distance to water; and (3) poaching intensity. Detectability was affected by two covariates: (1) understorey cover; and (2) poaching intensity. Conclusions Our results provide the first information on density, habitat use and activity of P. superciliaris in the VNR. We concluded that P. superciliaris is active diurnally, especially during morning and late afternoon, prefers areas near water sources in denser forests and tends to avoid areas with habitat modification and intense poaching activity. Implications Our data highlight the impact of poaching on the species and can be useful as a baseline for future studies and Cracid conservation plans.

Spatial analysis of aerial survey data reveals correlates of elephant carcasses within a heavily poached ecosystem

Growth of the illegal wildlife trade is a key driver of biodiversity loss, with considerable research focussing on trafficking and trade, but rather less focussed on supply. Elephant poaching for ivory has driven a recent population decline in African elephants and is a typical example of illegal wildlife trade. Some of the heaviest poaching has been in Southern Tanzania's Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem. Using data from three successive aerial surveys and modern spatial analysis techniques we identify the correlates of elephant carcasses within the ecosystem, from which important information about how poachers operate can be gleaned. Carcass density was highest close to wet-season (but not dry season) waterholes, at higher altitudes and at intermediate travel cost from villages. We found no evidence for an ecosystem-wide impact of ranger patrol locations on carcass abundance, but found strong evidence that different ranger posts showed contrasting patterns in relation to carcasses, some being significantly associated with clusters of carcasses, others showing the expected negative correlation and most showing no pattern at all. Despite a spatial change in elephant carcass locations between years, we find little evidence to suggest poachers have changed their behaviour in relation to key modelled covariates. Our maps of poaching activity can feed directly into anti-poaching control measures, but also provide general insights into how illegal harvest of high value wildlife products occurs in the field, and our spatio-temporal analysis provides a valuable analysis framework for aerial survey data from protected areas globally.

A molecular analysis of the armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus (Mammalia: Dasypodidae), one of the most common victim of poaching in America

One of the taxa suffering from intense poaching activities along its entire occurrence area, Dasypus represents a genus of armadillos that comprises seven living species: D. hybridus, D. kappleri, D. novemcinctus, D. pilosus, D. sabanicola, D. septemcinctus, and D. yepesi. The aim of this study is to analyze the genetic diversity of D. novemcinctus in order to build a haplotype database for molecular identification purposes. Molecular analyses were performed using the database that includes 99 sequences with 762bp of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b of D. novemcinctus from several localities including North, Central and South America. We performed a maximum likelihood analysis and constructed a median-joining network using the Geneious and PopART softwares respectively. Sequences of the remaining Dasypus species and other armadillos were also included for the molecular analyses. The obtained results suggest four distinct lineages (groups I, II, III and IV) among D. novemcinctus haplotypes. Group I was the largest, with 53 haplotypes and spread over Brazil, Paraguay and Peru. The results reinforced the use of the genetic marker Cytochrome b as an effective tool in the identification of D. novemcinctus.

Tanzania needs up‐to‐date poaching data to help manage its wildlife populations

Across the tropical world, there is a dearth of data on poaching activity and its impact on different ecosystems; as a result, poaching receives little attention from conservation stakeholders (Lindsey et al., 2013). In Tanzania, for example, although data on elephants and rhinos have been released by researchers and NGOs, the majority of Tanzanians still know nothing about how poaching is threatening elephant and rhino populations (Wild Aid 2015). There is the slogan that ‘in every 15 min one elephant is killed’; this slogan has been used for some years, and it is time to bring it up-to-date data – what if now one elephant is poached every 5 min, or 1 h, or day or weeks? At the 10th Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Conference in 2015, several presenters pointed out that poaching in Tanzania is increasingly focusing on elephants and rhinos. The Director of the African Wildlife Foundation Arusha posed the question to all participants ‘to what extent has poaching increased in Tanzania?’ At the end of the conference none of the participants had responded to that question. I asked several participants why we have no poaching data from Tanzania, and most replied that the organizations that hold poaching data do not release them, even if asked. I have been looking for current poaching data in Tanzania and have found that most scientists focus on elephant or rhino poaching or poaching in specific areas, especially areas adjacent to protected areas. Other scientists have focused on illegal bushmeat hunting, also generally in areas adjacent to protected areas. Most scientists did not provide data, for example, on how many poachers were arrested and/or sentenced. Data related to poaching in Tanzania was only readily available on the Wildlife Division (WD) website (www.wildlife.go.tz), which includes data on poachers arrested, patrols conducted, ivory and rhino horns seized and wildlife cases prosecuted, including resolved and unresolved cases. Unfortunately, the data published on the WD website are from 2000 to 2010, and recent data on poaching in Tanzania are lacking. Current data on poaching are essential in order to understand what is happening in Tanzania and to help inform what can be done about it. For example, the Tanzanian government has invested a significant amount of resources to combat poaching, including employing law enforcement staff, buying patrol vehicles and allocating money for different anti-poaching activities (Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) 2014; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2017). Poaching data would play a significant role in evaluating what has been achieved through these investments. Also, to increase motivation for those of us who work on the anti-poaching frontline, data on poaching are also essential. The data would tell us how well we are performing. Non-governmental organizations have been helping the country to combat poaching. For example, since December 2014, The Frankfurt Zoological Society has helped the Selous Game Reserve and the Serengeti National Park anti-poaching operations with resources such as aerial and ground patrols (MNRT, 2014; UNESCO, 2017). Providing current poaching data can help inform these stakeholders as to what has been achieved in combatting poaching. Also, current data, especially related to how many poachers have been arrested, the sentences given to poachers, the area in which the poachers were arrested, and which animals are highly poached would play a significant role in changing public attitudes toward poaching. The Tanzanian government, through its institutions such as the WD, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and TAWIRI should compile and release current data on poaching. To organize and release this data in an efficient and transparent manner might be challenging, and therefore local, regional and international scientists, as well as conservation stakeholders, should give their assistance. Slobodian et al. (2016) analyzed wildlife-related court cases in the Tanzania mainland and the data are now openly available online at www.wildlex.org. Conservation practitioners in Tanzania would be very grateful if somebody can replicate the Slobodian et al. (2016) study and provide a database of poaching data for the whole of Tanzania. I am not discouraging area-specific data, but countrywide data are vital. The majority of Tanzanians are not aware that elephant and rhino populations are in decline (Wild Aid 2015), hence the data on poaching should be widely published both locally and internationally. I thank Thomas Hesselberg for reviewing this article before submission. I also appreciate the support from Elina Rantanen and the Editor Iain Gordon.

Are ranger patrols effective in reducing poaching‐related threats within protected areas?

Abstract Poaching is one of the greatest threats to wildlife conservation world‐wide. However, the spatial and temporal patterns of poaching activities within protected areas, and the effectiveness of ranger patrols and ranger posts in mitigating these threats, are relatively unknown. We used 10 years (2006–2015) of ranger‐based monitoring data and dynamic multi‐season occupancy models to quantify poaching‐related threats, to examine factors influencing the spatio‐temporal dynamics of these threats and to test the efficiency of management actions to combat poaching in Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda. The probability of occurrence of poaching‐related threats was highest at lower elevations (1,801–2,200 m), especially in areas that were close to roads and tourist trails; conversely, occurrence probability was lowest at high elevation sites (2,601–3,000 m), and near the park boundary and ranger posts. The number of ranger patrols substantially increased the probability that poaching‐related threats disappear at a site if threats were originally present (i.e. probability of extinction of threats). Without ranger visits, the annual probability of extinction of poaching‐related threats was an estimated 7%; this probability would increase to 20% and 57% with 20 and 50 ranger visits per year, respectively. Our results suggest that poaching‐related threats can be effectively reduced in NNP by adding ranger posts in areas where they do not currently exist, and by increasing the number of patrols to sites where the probability of poaching activities is high. Synthesis and applications. Our application of dynamic occupancy models to predict the probability of presence of poaching‐related threats is novel, and explicitly considers imperfect detection of illegal activities. Based on the modelled relationships, we identify areas that are most vulnerable to poaching, and offer insights regarding how ranger patrols can be optimally deployed to reduce poaching‐related threats and other illegal activites, while taking into account potential sampling biases. We show that poaching can be effectively reduced by increasing ranger patrols to areas under high risk of poaching activities, and by adding ranger patrols near these sites. These findings are broadly applicable to national parks and protected areas experiencing a high degree of poaching and other illegal activities.

Bushmeat consumption in the West African Sahel of Burkina Faso, and the decline of some consumed species

AbstractTo explore the patterns of bushmeat trade in the Sahel we carried out a multidisciplinary study, focusing on Burkina Faso. We conducted baseline interview surveys to examine the variation in people's perceptions of bushmeat in relation to their place of residence (urban vs rural), sex and age. We also analysed the long-term (1985–2010) population dynamics of two ungulate species, the oribiOurebia ourebiand the common duikerSylvicapra grimmia, known to be among the main targets of the bushmeat trade locally. For the antelopes we chose as our study area a protected area (Nazinga Game Ranch) where poaching activities occur and are likely to represent a threat to the local wildlife. The results of the interviews underlined significant differences in bushmeat consumption between rural and urban areas. In particular, the probability of finding people who did not consume bushmeat increased in the urban area, where bushmeat is less available than in the rural areas. Sex and age did not have any effect on people's perceptions of bushmeat. In Burkina Faso bushmeat is still widely consumed, and this could be because the bushmeat trade is poorly controlled, with a lack of enforcement of the legislation. Long-term field surveys revealed that the oribi and the common duiker have declined significantly in Nazinga Game Ranch, suggesting that the bushmeat trade in Burkina Faso may have negative consequences in terms of the conservation outlook for these species.

Hotspot elephant-poaching areas in the Eastern Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Elephant poaching is a significant problem in many parts of Africa, including Tanzania. This study identifies areas within the Eastern Selous Game Reserve (ESGR) that are at a higher risk of elephant poaching for the illegal ivory trade. We obtained data on the distribution of poached elephants and the seasons of poaching from 2008 to 2013 from the elephant mortality database of the Selous Game Reserve in the eastern and north-eastern sectors. The incidences of poaching were higher during the wet season. The hot spots of elephant poaching were observed on the edges of the ESGR. This finding was attributed to the involvement of local people adjacent to the ESGR in poaching activities due to a lack of economic opportunities. This study will serve as a tool to guide and inform reserve managers involved in wildlife conservation in Tanzania. Recommended solutions to address the problem of elephant poaching are improved economic opportunities for local people, enhanced conservation education and research and improved governance and law enforcement.

Ecological analysis of faunal complexes western region of Ukraine

The paper present result of research on the ecological analysis of faunal complexes of the Western region of Ukraine. The animal world of this region is distinct from the other zones. The variety of the landscape determines the variety of the animal world. Ukrainian Carpathians are one of the last area in continental Europe to support viable populations of large carnivores. Established that the endemic to the Western region of Ukraine are carpathian squirrel, carpathian newt, spotted salamander, golden eagle. The most rare animals are: bison, brown bear, lynx, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, common muskrat, european gopher, forest cat. The Brown bear population in the Ukrainian Carpathian reach approximately 150–200 individuals. The lynx population is officially estimated to be about 350–400 individuals. In Ukraine there are about 300 species of bison. Only 33 nimals left in Ukrainian Skolivsky Beskydy. We can also find noble deer, roe, wolf, moose, hare, squirrel, wild cats and pigs, hamster, field mouse and so on. Some fur animals (nutria, mink, silvery-black fox, muskrat, stone marten, badger) were brought in from afar, and they acclimatized themselves well to the environment. The diverse habitats in the Carpathians support a wide variety of bird species, using the region for nesting, migrating and wintering. Overall, more than 300 species are found in the Zakarpattia. Bird life includes golden eagles and black wood peckers, carrion eagle, black griffons, white-tailed eagle, sparrow, titmouse, owls, gulls, partridge. The golden eagle nests in all the major mountains of Europe, in the Ukrainian Carpathians – 10–15 pairs. The rivers and lakes are home to ducks, geese, storks, swans and cranes. Rivers, lakes and manmade reservoirs of the Western region of Ukraine are inhabited with perch, bream, zander, pike, crucian carp, sazan, carp, sturgeon, trout. Among reptiles, one can come upon vipers, grass-snakes, and lizards. The spotted salamander and three types of tritons are entered in the Red Book. It was found that the most Red species are in Zakarpattia (168) and the least – in Rivne (85 species). The main factors of influence on the biodiversity of the Western region of Ukrain are identified. It is shown that poaching, anthropogenic and recreational activities have the most influence on faunal complex studied region.

A social–ecological approach to assessing and managing poaching by recreational fishers

Effective conservation depends upon people's compliance with regulations, yet non‐compliance (eg poaching) is often the rule rather than the exception. Poaching is often clandestine and socially undesirable, requiring specialized, multidisciplinary approaches for assessment and management. We estimated poaching by recreational fishers in no‐fishing reserves of Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) by conducting social surveys and quantifying derelict (lost or discarded) fishing gear. Our study revealed that (1) between 3–18% of fishers admitted to poaching within the past year, (2) poaching activities were often concentrated at certain times (holidays) and in specific places (poaching hotspots), and (3) fishers’ primary motivations to poach were the perception of higher catches in reserves and a low probability of detection. Our results suggest that extolling certain ecological benefits of marine reserves where enforcement capacity is low could lead to the perverse outcome of encouraging non‐compliance. Our combined social–ecological approach revealed that even in an iconic marine park such as the GBRMP, poaching levels are higher than previously assumed, which has implications for effective management.

Are we headed towards the defaunation of the last large Atlantic Forest remnants? Poaching activities in one of the largest remnants of the Tabuleiro forests in southeastern Brazil.

Hunting is a problem to animal conservation in different parts of the world and it has caused the local extinction of several species. The aim of this study was to characterize the poaching activities in one of the main tabuleiro forest remnants of Brazil, the Linhares-Sooretama Block (LSB). Poaching records from 2010 to 2013 were gathered from the agencies responsible for monitoring and combating environmental crimes in the LSB. A total of 693 records (mean=173 events/year) were collected involving direct (hunted animals, firearms, handmade firearms, traps, poachers, and various hunting supplies) and indirect (tree stands, baits, and poacher signs) evidences of poaching. No differences in the monthly cumulative number of records were found among years, but the distribution of records differed according to the type of evidence. A total of 40 animal seizure events were recorded involving a total of at least 15 taxa directly affected by poaching (reptiles=2, birds=6, mammals=7) and 75 individuals seized (19 individuals/year). Five of the poached species are threatened. Lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) and armadillos were the most poached mammals in the region. Most of the poachers conduct such activities for fun (entertainment) and/or professionally (commercial hunting). The collected data show an approximately 32% increase in the number of poaching events in the region compared with the historical data available for LSB. It may have resulted from a gradual decrease in protection, both in terms of the number of agents deployed and the levels of effort of the teams, which began in 2009. The data demonstrate that poaching is a significant threat to the conservation of the LSB fauna, as it is in other Atlantic Forest remnants and in other regions of the world. Protection activities must be intensified to effectively combat the impacts of poaching in the LSB region, thereby contributing to the conservation of species in one of the few Atlantic Forest remnants whose original species composition still remains intact.

Culture, Conservation and Crime: Regulating Ivory Markets for Antiques and Crafts

Elephant population numbers are seriously declining due to poaching activity to provide illegal ivory for crafted items, sculpture and jewellery. Despite seemingly robust legislation controlling legal ivory sales (including export permit requirements for UK sales abroad) and the that fact that synthetic ivory can now be created to the same diagnostic standards as genuine ivory, selling at a fraction of the cost, the demand for the ‘real thing’ continues to rise in craft and antique markets with very few prosecutions in the UK. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that “ghost ivory” (post 1947 worked ivory being sold as pre-1947 worked ivory) is being sold by traders to the unsuspecting and uneducated buyer. Two key illegal sub-markets are identified and a socio-legal and economic analysis of the regulatory options available is presented.

Poachers and Poverty: Assessing Objective and Subjective Measures of Poverty among Illegal Hunters Outside Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Illegal hunters in Africa may be making rational decisions about the hunting activities they partake in. These decisions could be linked to their socioeconomic status and the livelihood opportunities available to them. In particular, poverty is widely considered the leading driver that causes a household's inhabitants to take up poaching in protected areas. Programs aiming to protect vulnerable wildlife populations by mitigating poaching have historically relied upon income-based poverty metrics in efforts to reduce regional poverty and incentivise local inhabitants to discontinue poaching activities. Because such data sets that deal with poachers directly are rare, assumptions about the role of poverty, and the extent of poverty, that drives poaching have been hard to test. This study uses a unique sample of 173 self-admitted poachers living in villages adjacent to Ruaha National Park in Tanzania to explore the influence of poverty on poaching. Results indicated high demographic and household economy heterogeneity among poaching households. Capability deprivation examined more subjective measures of poverty and revealed that poachers are strongly motivated by the need to improve their incomes, but are not necessarily the poorest of the poor.