't Sas-Rolfes, M. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2024

Disproportionate regulation of wildlife trade

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.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

Public policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UKs role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES trade data for 2000-2021 and 2015-2021. For CITES-listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as "trophy hunting" is i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Governments impact assessment of the bill. In 2000-2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES-listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), i.e. individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 {+/-} 66.53 (mean {+/-} SD) trophies/year (115.83 {+/-} 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015-2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of nine species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.

ecology↗