species impacted the structure or species composition of native ecosystems with the
effect that a European native species became globally extinct. The situation across
the Americas, Africa and Asia may be comparable. The situation of Australia may be
different because of the island-like geography, evolution and history.
These are only a few basic facts and tendencies accompanied by several exceptions from the rule. However, the investment against alien and invasive species
should be regularly challenged and adjusted (Galil 2009; Veitch et al. 2011; Gutierrez and Ponti 2013).
3.10 Activities Against Illegal Hunting and Trade
Illegal hunting and trade is prominent in almost all regions across the globe.
Bushmeat in Africa, traditional medicine in Asia, jewellery, trinkets, accessories,
skins, shells, horns, timber from tropical and temperate forests, exotic plants and
animals are used for nutrition, health, as aphrodisiacs, for clothing, production of
furniture, hobbies and reputation, respectively. There are lots of advertisements on
the internet emphasising the rarity of plants and animals that can be ordered.
Less than 8% of all reptile species are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), although 45%
of the species are threatened by biological resource use. At least 194 species that are
not listed in the annexes of CITES are targeted by collectors (Auliya et al. 2016).
Trafficking of wildlife and products of animals and plants generates an amount of
money between 7 (10) and 19 (20) billion dollars per year (different sources on the
internet, e.g. https://www.havocscope.com/tag/wildlife-trafficking; accessed
3/2019). Unfortunately, this is a growing market, already taking position three or
four of illegal commerce after drugs, weapons and (maybe) human trafficking
including prostitution (Sollund 2019).
From an economic point of view the demand of many products is still dramatically increasing because of a growing world population of humans, an increasing
average standard of affluence, increasing possibilities to order illegal products via
the internet combined with a heavily overstretched border control of national
authorities.
Based on the findings of Kanari and Xu (2012, cf. executive summary) recommendations amongst others are: further research and monitoring of trade dynamics
and adjustment of CITES listings, further restriction of the trade of threatened
endemic species, effective implementation and enforcement against illegal activities,
cooperation with destination authorities to inspect pet shops, physical and online
trade, and identification of false documentation.
However, international laws and restrictions obviously do not currently have the
power to limit or prevent this crime (cf. Sollund 2019). Thus, what could additionally be done?
One possibility to combat the illegal trade might be legal trade, and to breed
related animals in captivity and plants in horticulture with the effect of an increasing
Environmental Indicators and Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
173
effect that a European native species became globally extinct. The situation across
the Americas, Africa and Asia may be comparable. The situation of Australia may be
different because of the island-like geography, evolution and history.
These are only a few basic facts and tendencies accompanied by several exceptions from the rule. However, the investment against alien and invasive species
should be regularly challenged and adjusted (Galil 2009; Veitch et al. 2011; Gutierrez and Ponti 2013).
3.10 Activities Against Illegal Hunting and Trade
Illegal hunting and trade is prominent in almost all regions across the globe.
Bushmeat in Africa, traditional medicine in Asia, jewellery, trinkets, accessories,
skins, shells, horns, timber from tropical and temperate forests, exotic plants and
animals are used for nutrition, health, as aphrodisiacs, for clothing, production of
furniture, hobbies and reputation, respectively. There are lots of advertisements on
the internet emphasising the rarity of plants and animals that can be ordered.
Less than 8% of all reptile species are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), although 45%
of the species are threatened by biological resource use. At least 194 species that are
not listed in the annexes of CITES are targeted by collectors (Auliya et al. 2016).
Trafficking of wildlife and products of animals and plants generates an amount of
money between 7 (10) and 19 (20) billion dollars per year (different sources on the
internet, e.g. https://www.havocscope.com/tag/wildlife-trafficking; accessed
3/2019). Unfortunately, this is a growing market, already taking position three or
four of illegal commerce after drugs, weapons and (maybe) human trafficking
including prostitution (Sollund 2019).
From an economic point of view the demand of many products is still dramatically increasing because of a growing world population of humans, an increasing
average standard of affluence, increasing possibilities to order illegal products via
the internet combined with a heavily overstretched border control of national
authorities.
Based on the findings of Kanari and Xu (2012, cf. executive summary) recommendations amongst others are: further research and monitoring of trade dynamics
and adjustment of CITES listings, further restriction of the trade of threatened
endemic species, effective implementation and enforcement against illegal activities,
cooperation with destination authorities to inspect pet shops, physical and online
trade, and identification of false documentation.
However, international laws and restrictions obviously do not currently have the
power to limit or prevent this crime (cf. Sollund 2019). Thus, what could additionally be done?
One possibility to combat the illegal trade might be legal trade, and to breed
related animals in captivity and plants in horticulture with the effect of an increasing
Environmental Indicators and Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
173