Disproportionate regulation of wildlife trade

Challender, D.; Mallon, D.; 't Sas-Rolfes, M.; Dickman, A.; Hare, D.; Hart, A. G.; Mandisodza-Chikerema, R.; Roe, D.; Mbaiwa, J.; Hoffmann, M.

doi:10.1101/2024.11.11.622931

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.11.11.622931

Disproportionate regulation of wildlife trade

Challender, D.·Mallon, D.·'t Sas-Rolfes, M.·Dickman, A.·Hare, D.·Hart, A. G.·Mandisodza-Chikerema, R.·Roe, D.·Mbaiwa, J.·Hoffmann, M.

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Abstract

An increasing number of countries in the Global North have enacted, or are considering, import bans on hunting trophies with the aim of protecting wildlife. We interrogate key arguments used to characterize trophy hunting and associated trade by proponents of such bans, using data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) over 25 years (2000-2024), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and empirical research. Contrary to claims by proponents of bans, we show that trophy hunting is not a major threat to any CITES-listed species traded as a hunting trophy in 2000-2024. Arguments used to support bans often mischaracterize trophy hunting and its impacts and fail to recognize the benefits it can, and does, have for wildlife and people. Countries that have enacted or are considering import bans account for 64% of global trade in hunting trophies of CITES-listed species taken from the wild. Combined, these policies would restrict approximately one-fifth of this trade, likely with significant implications for conservation. We question whether these legislative actions are proportionate and discuss policy solutions. Wildlife trade solutions may appear simple, but evidence-based, just policies are needed to conserve biodiversity and avoid harming people.

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Challender, D., Mallon, D., 't Sas-Rolfes, M., Dickman, A., Hare, D., Hart, A. G., Mandisodza-Chikerema, R., Roe, D., Mbaiwa, J., Hoffmann, M.. 2024-11-11. Disproportionate regulation of wildlife trade. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.11.622931

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