Wildlife Trade Research Articles

Conservation status of sharks and rays caught in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 712

Abstract. Lelono TD, Bintoro G, Setyanto A, Setyahadi D, Sutjipto DO, Adhihapsari W, Aliviyanti D, Isdianto A. 2024. Conservation status of sharks and rays caught in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 712. Biodiversitas 25: 2603-2614. Elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays, are some of the most vulnerable marine fish and are particularly at risk from fishing pressure. Sharks and rays landing data that listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) appendices and/or assessed as in The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List threatened categories were collected from July to October 2023 at two sites in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 712, East Java, Indonesia, namely Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara (PPN) Brondong at Lamongan District and Pelabuhan Perikanan Pantai (PPP) Muncar at Banyuwangi. Stingray species designated as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), or Vulnerable (VU) were recorded at both landing sites. More IUCN Red List threatened ray species were recorded at Brondong than at Muncar. Based on Brondong's international trade status, ray species landed at Brondong are at higher risk of extinction than those landed at PPP Muncar. Six shark species are currently listed in CITES Appendix II: A pelagicus, A. superciliosus, S. lewini, S. zygaena, C. falciformis, and I. oxyrinchus. At PPP Muncar, two of these species were traded. Sharks landing at Muncar included species in IUCN Red List categories, while those landing at Brondong were in four categories. Two CITES categories regulate the capture of sharks landed at PPP Muncar and PPN Brondong. At both sites, numerous species with conservation statuses of CR, EN, VU, and NT are still caught. In conclusion, exploitation and insufficient control threaten the shark and ray populations in PPP Muncar and PPN Brondong. To save these species, conservation efforts should prioritize trade monitoring, habitat protection, and stricter laws.

User Engagement Triggers in Social Media Discourse on Biodiversity Conservation

Studies in digital conservation have increasingly used social media in recent years as a source of data to understand the interactions between humans and nature, model and monitor biodiversity, and analyse online discourse about the conservation of species. Current approaches to digital conservation are for the most part purely frequentist, i.e. focused on easily trackable and quantifiable features, or purely qualitative, which allows a deeper level of interpretation, but is less scalable. Our approach aims to evaluate the applicability of recent advances in deep learning in combination with semi-automatic analysis. We present a multimodal neural learning framework that experiments with different combinations of linguistic and visual features and metadata of tweets to predict user engagement from a function of likes and retweets . Experimental results show that text is the single most effective modality for prediction when a large amount of training data is available. For smaller datasets, drawing information from multiple modalities can boost performance. Notably, we find a negative effect of large pre-trained language models when dealing with substantially unbalanced datasets. A qualitative analysis into the triggers of user engagement with tweets reveals that it emerges from a combination of online discourse topic and sentiment, and is often amplified by user activity, e.g. when content originates from an influencer account. We find clear evidence of existing sub-communities around specific topics, including animal photography and sightings , illegal wildlife trade and trophy hunting , deforestation and destruction of nature and climate change and action in a broader sense.

Crime control of illegal wildlife trade in Poland

Since Poland joined the European Union, it has become, after the US, the second-largest market for live animal specimens protected by the provisions of the Washington Convention. In addition, it is a transit country for a significant number of specimens (live plants or animals, or products derived from them) destined for buyers in Western Europe, due to Poland's eastern border which is one of the longest EU borders and at the same time the first in the way of illegal wildlife trade [Drzazga, 2020]. The effectiveness of international efforts to counter this phenomenon and its global consequences strongly depends on the actions taken by individual countries that are exporters or importers of extinct and endangered species. That is why it is so important to raise the quality of social control of this phenomenon also in Poland. The main purpose of the article is to present the results of qualitative research on social control of illegal wildlife trade in Poland. Before discussing them, the necessary terminological clarifications will be introduced and the reasons for addressing the topic will be presented.

Testing an intervention codesigned with stakeholders for altering wildlife consumption: Health messaging matters

AbstractConsumer behavior change is a key priority to address the illegal wildlife trade, but evaluation of these interventions is lacking. We used surveys and randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of three types of messages, which were codesigned with key stakeholders, with 2496 potential consumers and nontarget consumers in China. We found a 23% decrease in intention among potential consumers to use wild animal medicinal products by health‐related messages, and a 14% decrease by legality‐related messages, compared with the control group, though the effect size was small. Furthermore, we revealed that the effect of health‐related messages occurred indirectly by increasing health risk perceptions associated with improper utilization of wild animals. Yet, we did not find a clear effect pathway of the legality‐related messages. Regarding the nontarget consumers, information of whistleblowing platforms and incentives improved willingness to report illegal wildlife use directly, as well as indirectly through adding messages to increase perceived legality risk of using wild products and improve self‐efficacy in identifying legal products. Our findings can inform future larger scale efforts to influence wildlife consumption.

Rapid and Portable Presumptive Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays for the Detection of the Invasive Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

ABSTRACTThe exotic pet trade is a major pathway for the introduction, establishment, and spread of novel invasive alien species. Reptiles are common in the exotic pet trade and are prominent invasive alien vertebrate species that have dire impacts if allowed to establish. The North American corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is particularly common in the international pet trade and has been identified as a vertebrate pest priority species in Australia due to widespread climate suitability and prevalence in pre‐ and post‐border seizure records. Consequently, rapid, and presumptive post‐border biosecurity detection is essential to prevent its establishment and spread. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an emerging biosecurity tool that has shown promise for rapid detection of several high‐risk species. We developed two LAMP assays for the detection of P. guttatus, validated against: synthetic DNA; DNA extracted from snap‐frozen tissue, and shed skins; and then compared their performance for the detection of trace DNA collected from swabs of glass tanks post reptile presence. Our results include laboratory optimization and assessment of two mobile devices for in‐field integration (Franklin Real‐Time PCR Thermocycler, Biomeme, USA, and Genie III, Optigene, UK). The results indicate that LAMP is a viable biosecurity tool, with DNA detection possible for a range of sample types in a total of c.30 min, when including a rapid extraction step (8 min). Herein, we provide tools for rapid, presumptive detection of the North American corn snake from trace DNA samples in Australian biosecurity and wildlife compliance settings.

Food web collapse and regime shift following goldfish introduction in permanent ponds.

In a global context of invasive alien species (IAS), native predators are often eradicated by functionally different IAS, which may induce complex cascading consequences on ecosystem functioning because of the key role predators play in structuring communities and stabilizing food webs. In permanent ponds, the most abundant freshwater systems on Earth, global human-mediated introductions of alien omnivores such as the pet trade goldfish are driving broad-scale patterns of native predators' exclusion, but cascading consequences on food web structure and functioning are critically understudied. We compared food webs of naturally fishless ponds versus ponds where dominant native predators (newts) had been extirpated by invasive goldfish within the last decade. Integrating community-wide isotopic, taxonomic and functional traits approaches, our study reveals that pond food webs collapsed in both vertical and horizontal dimensions following goldfish introduction and the associated exclusion of native predators. Consumer taxonomic diversity was drastically reduced, essentially deprived of amphibians as well as predatory and mobile macroinvertebrates to the profit of burrowing, lower trophic level consumers (detritivores). Changes in community structure and function underlined a regime shift from a macrophyte-dominated system mainly characterized by benthic primary production (periphyton), to a macrophyte-depleted state of ponds hosting communities mainly associated with phytoplankton primary production and detritus accumulation, with higher tolerance to eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen concentration. Results underline major impacts of widely introduced omnivores such as the goldfish on the functioning of pond ecosystems with potentially dramatic consequences on the key ecosystem services they deliver, such as global biodiversity support or water quality improvement. They also shed light on the key role of submerged aquatic vegetation in supporting diverse communities and complex food webs in shallow lentic systems and call for urgent consideration of threats posed by IAS on ponds' ecosystems by managers and policymakers.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: AN ANALYSIS OF MALAYSIA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND ENFORCING CITES COMPLIANCE TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Wildlife conservation represents a significant global challenge, particularly in nations abundant with biodiversity like Malaysia, where illegal wildlife trafficking jeopardises ecosystems and threatens endangered species. This paper analyses Malaysia's legal framework concerning wildlife conservation and its harmonisation with international agreements, notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Through an extensive examination of statutes and policies, this study elucidates Malaysia's endeavours to combat illegal wildlife trade and uphold adherence to CITES regulations. A central aspect of this analysis involves exploring Malaysia's strategy in reconciling conservation priorities with socio-economic considerations amidst the complexities of sustainable development. By critically assessing Malaysia's conservation landscape, this paper seeks to inform policymakers, engage stakeholders, and catalyse collective efforts towards fostering a more sustainable coexistence between wildlife and humanity.

A FTIR Evident-Based Exploration of the Antioxidant Activity of Five Threatened Cactus Species

Cacti, members of the botanical family Cactaceae, comprise approximately 127 genera and approximately 1,850 known species within the Caryophyllales order. Presently, various anthropogenic activities are causing the endangerment of several cactus species. Among the reasons cited for this threat, the aesthetic and medicinal values of cacti have garnered notable attention. This study aims to explore the medicinal potential, particularly in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, of five threatened cactus species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Micranthocereus estevesii, Euphorbia lactea, Haageocereus crestata, Ferocactus acanthodes and Mammillaria huitzilopochtli. A Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was conducted to substantiate and corroborate the findings. Notably, no prior studies have investigated the medicinal properties of these five species, underscoring the novelty of our research. Initially, specimens of the five cacti were collected from the Regional Plant Resource Center, Bhubaneswar, air-dried, and milled into powder. Phytoconstituents were then extracted individually using polar (water) and non-polar (methanol) solvents. The antimicrobial properties were assessed using agar well diffusion assays against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results indicated that methanol extracts of Micranthocereus estevesii and Euphorbia lactea inhibited Candida albicans, while aqueous extracts of Micranthocereus estevesii and Ferocactus acanthodes inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methanol extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to aqueous extracts. FTIR spectroscopy revealed distinctive peak values representing various functional groups in the extract components, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, phenols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, ketones, aromatics, aliphatic amines, primary amines, ethers, alkyl halides, and esters. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts demonstrated promising antibacterial efficacy among the five cactus species studied, suggesting their potential application in pharmaceuticals and medication development. However, habitat degradation and illegal commerce pose significant threats to these species, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Addressing the international illegal wildlife trade through a human rights approach

Addressing the international illegal wildlife trade through a human rights approach

Writing Stories of Anthropocene Extinction: Barbara Kingsolver’s Fiction and Nonfiction

ABSTRACT Humans are the most numerous big animals on Earth, deciding the fate of other species. As the massive geological force in the current epoch, the Anthropocene, human-driven alterations of the Earth’s environment take the form of a few dangerous trends: climate disruptions, species extinction, pollution of air, land, and sea, and growth of the human population. Barbara Kingsolver’s fictional works Prodigal Summer (2000) and Flight Behaviour (2012) are environment writings and narratives that foreground the current ‘Anthropocene extinction’ crisis. She recounts the stories of the coyote clan and the already extinct red wolf, the American chestnuts that became nearly extinct, the Monarchs changing their flight direction to more severe climate conditions, the booming trade of wildlife and pet animals, and numerous other species readily available for human consumption and use. Kingsolver’s writings amalgamate scientific knowledge with poetics and intersect the fiction and realities of global species extinction. The paper examines why exploring literary texts on species extinction is important and focuses on the storytelling mode of Kingsolver’s extinction narratives. This study also presents the texts as new narratives of hope presenting the affirmative visions of a sustainable future and the coexistence of human-nonhuman species.

Study On the Current Status of Illegal Wildlife Trade Based on ARIMA And Logistic Regression Modelling

Study On the Current Status of Illegal Wildlife Trade Based on ARIMA And Logistic Regression Modelling

Establish an US Interagency Wildlife Trade Data System to meet scientific and policy goals

Establish an US Interagency Wildlife Trade Data System to meet scientific and policy goals

Non-native common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758) in Western Europe: a focus on Central Italy showing evidence of a hot spot of introduction

The common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758), is a robust aquatic turtle native to southeast North America. However, it has also been introduced to other countries through the exotic pet trade, where it has gained popularity due to its distinctive appearance and impressive size. Over the past decade, a considerable number of individuals, abandoned by their owners, have been recorded and captured in Western Europe. Here, we report the first comprehensive summary of records at continental scale, showing that France and Italy represent the countries with the highest number of sightings. In France, exhibition, exchange, or sale events of exotic animals (until 2022 legal; now illegal) have been located near large cities, although records of C. serpentina were significantly higher outside the core of urban areas. We also recorded a significant increase in total number of records at European scale when comparing the periods of 2010-2015 and 2016-2020. Finally, we focused the current study on a peculiar spatial pattern at local scale (Central Italy) near an important site of exhibition and sale events of exotic animals, suggesting the presence of a hot spot of introduction. Popular events may represent critical colonization hubs from where these freshwater turtles can disperse into the surroundings.

Study of Illegal Wildlife Trade based on ARIMA and Linear Regression Modeling

Illegal wildlife trade has been on the rise in recent years, posing a threat to endangered species and ecosystems. In response to this problem, this study aims to identify the most suitable clients to implement anti-illegal trade projects and assess their capacity. Using a client assessment model, we identified the World Customs Organization as the most suitable to undertake a five-year project, predicted trade trends through an ARIMA model, and demonstrated project effectiveness. Intervention analysis showed that the project could reduce the number of illegal transactions. However, the project required more resources and authority. Linear regression modeling reveals that the client needs to be upgraded in many areas. This study provides important guidance for reducing illegal wildlife trade and calls for increased cooperation and resource allocation to protect wildlife ecosystems.

Governance of the wildlife trade and the prevention of emerging zoonoses: a mixed methods network analysis of transnational organisations, silos, and power dynamics

IntroductionThe wildlife trade is an important arena for intervention in the prevention of emerging zoonoses, and leading organisations have advocated for more collaborative, multi-sectoral approaches to governance in this area. The aim of this study is to characterise the structure and function of the network of transnational organisations that interact around the governance of wildlife trade for the prevention of emerging zoonoses, and to assess these network characteristics in terms of how they might support or undermine progress on these issues.MethodsThis study used a mixed methods social network analysis of transnational organisations. Data were collected between May 2021 and September 2022. Participants were representatives of transnational organisations involved in the governance of wildlife trade and the prevention of emerging zoonoses. An initial seed sample of participants was purposively recruited through professional networks, and snowball sampling was used to identify additional participants. Quantitative data were collected through an online network survey. Measures of centrality (degree, closeness, and betweenness) were calculated and the network’s largest clique was identified and characterised. To understand the extent to which organisations were connected across sectors, homophily by sector was assessed using exponential random graph modelling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings from the quantitative analysis informed the focus of the qualitative analysis. Qualitative data were explored using thematic analysis.ResultsThirty-seven participants completed the network survey and 17 key informants participated in semi-structured interviews. A total of 69 organisations were identified as belonging to this network. Organisations spanned the animal, human, and environmental health sectors, among others including trade, food and agriculture, and crime. Organisation types included inter-governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, treaty secretariats, research institutions, and network organisations. Participants emphasised the highly inter-sectoral nature of this topic and the importance of inter-sectoral work, and connections were present across existing sectors. However, there were many barriers to effective interaction, particularly conflicting goals and agendas. Power dynamics also shaped relationships between actors, with the human health sector seen as better resourced and more influential, despite having historically lower engagement than the environmental and animal health sectors around the wildlife trade and its role in emerging zoonoses.ConclusionThe network of transnational organisations focused on the governance of wildlife trade and the prevention of emerging zoonoses is highly multi-sectoral, but despite progress catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers still exist for inter-sectoral interaction and coordination. A One Health approach to governance at this level, which has gained traction throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, was shared as a promising mechanism to support a balancing of roles and agendas in this space. However, this must involve agreement around equity, priorities, and clear goal setting to support effective action.

Global wildlife trade and trafficking contribute to the world’s nonhuman primate conservation crisis

A growing global human population, habitat conversion, and the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources have created unsustainable demands on nature, resulting in widespread biodiversity loss. Primates, which represent the third most specious Order of mammals, are facing an extinction crisis. Currently, 69% of primate species are listed by the IUCN as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) and 94% have declining populations. Here, we examine two primary threats to primate population persistence, namely the commercialized hunting and capturing of wild primates and their body parts for food, traditional medicine, pets, and use in biomedical research. Both the legal wildlife trade and illegal wildlife trafficking represent multibillion-dollar industries that contribute to primate population decline, a reduction in genetic diversity, and local extirpation. Trade and trafficking also can lead to the emergence of infectious diseases, increasing biosecurity risks to humans. Between 2015 and 2021, CITES reported 337,511 live primates representing at least 99 species were legally traded, with 6.5% sourced directly from the wild. The recent indictment of Cambodian officials for allegedly laundering wild-caught long-tailed macaques into the U.S. by labelling them as captive-bred, highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability. Comprehensive data on the illegal trafficking of primates are extremely difficult to obtain. However, between 2009 and 2017, primates accounted for 20% of all seizures of illegally traded mammals in the air transport sector. International wildlife trafficking is dominated by criminal networks, corruption, and driven by the demands of wealthy consumers. In addition, the internet has expanded international opportunities to connect buyers and sellers of wild-caught primates and their body parts. Despite explicit bans on selling endangered primates, social media sites continue to do so. Moreover, data on the global food security index (GFSI) indicate that as the international demand for wild live primates, their meat, and other body parts has continued to increase, the majority of people in primate range nations have remained food insecure. Given that almost 70% of primate species are negatively impacted by hunting and trapping, we offer a set of recommendations to reduce the trade and trafficking of wild primates.

Ornamental fish in the South African pet shop trade: potential risk to natural aquatic ecosystems

AbstractThe aquarium pet trade is one of the leading pathways for the introduction of invasive species into natural ecosystems. In 2018, we surveyed pet shops across South Africa to obtain a checklist of ornamental fish species in the aquarium pet shop trade and to assess their invasion potential using sourced data (e.g., natural environment, native range, introduction status, impact status and climatic zone). We evaluated selected common aquarium fish species with high invasion potential according to previous invasion history. We highlighted the need for the development of a management strategy for the aquarium pet trade in South Africa. We identified 312 fish species belonging to 77 families and 182 genera. Most pet shops were in Gauteng Province (n = 38), with few in Limpopo Province (n = 3). Gauteng had the highest number of fish species (n = 271), while North West Province had the lowest number (n = 95). Pet shops were dominated by freshwater species (68%), followed by marine species (22%), while the origin of 30 species (10%) was transitional aquatic ecosystems. Most freshwater taxa were native to South America and Asia, while most marine species were from the Pacific and Indo-Pacific Oceans. Most (88%) species were tropical, 10% subtropical, and 1% temperate. Several (n = 28) species had more than 50% frequency of occurrence, representing the most popular ornamental fishes. Several (n = 13) species are invasive in South Africa and other parts of the world. The system of importation of ornamental fish in South Africa is not clear. Although there is a recommendation that these importations must be regulated according to the whitelist and blacklist in South Africa, it is not clear how this is implemented in practice. We demonstrated a high risk of alien fish species introduction in South Africa through the aquarium pet shop trade.

Strategic Evaluation and Selection of Partners in Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade Initiative: An AHP-TOPSIS Approach

Strategic Evaluation and Selection of Partners in Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade Initiative: An AHP-TOPSIS Approach

TITIRITIANDO: Creating an engaging theatrical education program to teach children that cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are not pets.

Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are a critically endangered primate found only in Colombia. Proyecto Tití has been leading conservation efforts in Colombia and has developed successful conservation education programs that engage communities in activities that promote the long-term survival of cotton-top tamarins. TITIRITIANDO is an educational theatrical program that introduces children to cotton-top tamarins and the challenges they face in the illegal pet trade. We presented this program to 4018 elementary school children to determine if using puppets and interactive messaging created an emotional connection between children and cotton-top tamarins that inspired them to engage in actions that aid cotton-top tamarin conservation. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted on 1917 students. Pre-surveys found 34% of the children were unable to identify at least one action to help cotton-top tamarins. Following the program students could on average identify at least 3 actions that positively impacted cotton-top tamarins with "not having a cotton-top tamarin as a pet" (75%) as the most frequently sited response. Misconceptions regarding the health and wellbeing of pet cotton-top tamarins was evident with 20% of the students believing that animals were well cared for and had a better life living with people than in the forest. Following the program, students were able to understand and empathize with pet cotton-top tamarins and on average could identify at least 3 negative impacts on individual welfare/well-being with the most common answers as they (1) are sad/depressed (91%), (2) die (87%), (3) are fed an inappropriate diet (80%), (4) have lost their family (74%) and (5) have lost their freedom (39%). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of educational theater in helping children to understand the impact the illegal pet trade has on cotton-top tamarins and how they can engage in activities to protect them.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies and their Impact on Ecosystem Health in Mozambique

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Biodiversity conservation strategies in Mozambique have enhanced ecosystem health, promoting species richness and habitat preservation. Through protected area management and community-based initiatives, threatened species and ecosystems have shown signs of recovery. Sustainable land management and habitat restoration projects have bolstered ecosystem resilience. However, challenges like habitat fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade persist, demanding ongoing research and integrated conservation approaches for sustained biodiversity and ecosystem health. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resilience theory, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) & political ecology may be used to anchor future studies on biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Implement community-based conservation initiatives that empower local communities to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is mainstreamed into national development policies and strategies in Mozambique