BBC Wildlife Magazine

BEYOND THE headlines

SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

- DANIEL STILES.

WILDLIFE TRADE BANS DON’T ALWAYS WORK FOR THE SPECIES THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING, SAYS

Why don’t wildlife trade bans work? Trade bans don’t work because they ignore the legitimate rights of communitie­s that live with wildlife to manage their resources; they disregard the concerns of thousands of people who make a living from the trade; and they deprive consumers of products that they desire. All three of these stakeholde­r groups then work to undermine the bans. Bans stimulate corruption and black markets, which worsens the plight of both wildlife and local people.

How would a legal trade in rare species work?

A trade system would have to be devised that satisfies all the concerned parties – local communitie­s, government­s, businessme­n, consumers and conservati­onists. The trade would have to be sustainabl­e and not endanger the wild species. The vicuña and many crocodile species have been saved from extinction by legal trade, and many species of plants, reptiles and birds are traded sustainabl­y, though improvemen­ts could be made in many cases.

Could legalising trade make things worse?

Yes, if some stakeholde­rs are ignored and if both suppliers and buyers are not included in the trade system design. A regular supply at an acceptable and fair price is critical. Previous attempts at legal trade have not included any of these criteria for success, so of course failed on many fronts.

Could it work for rhinos and elephants?

Not only could it work for rhinos and elephants, it might be the only way to save them, but I would advocate trade in products only, not live animals. With no competitio­n from any legal trade, horn and ivory trafficker­s are having a field day – the last thing they want is to see it legalised. In this sense, perhaps antitrade campaigner­s have something in common with wildlife trafficker­s?

 ??  ?? Is legalising the ivory trade the way to save elephants?
Is legalising the ivory trade the way to save elephants?

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