New Study Finds Wildlife Trade Species Count More Than Double Previous Estimates
What happened
A study published in Science Advances found that the number of plant and animal species in use or sold in the wildlife trade is more than twice as high as previously estimated. The research, led by Alice Hughes, warned that global assessments of wildlife trade have huge gaps, failing to account for changes like the boom in the online exotic pet trade. Separately, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition asking the US Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Javan slit-faced bat under the Endangered Species Act due to consumer demand for decorative taxidermy.
From theguardian.com
Why it matters
The findings suggest that global assessments of wildlife trade are significantly underestimating modern market dimensions, particularly in the ornamental and pet trades. This poses a major risk to species and challenges the scientific estimates provided by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
From theguardian.com
Who's involved
- Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem ServicesScientific body that assesses the state of biodiversity and whose estimates are being challenged.
- Center for Biological DiversityNon-profit organization that filed a petition regarding the Javan slit-faced bat.
- Alice HughesConservation biologist and lead author of the study highlighting trade gaps.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
The core scientific estimates regarding global biodiversity trade might face pressure from these new findings.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature might see its role in global wildlife trade monitoring reinforced by the study.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- New research challenges scope of biodiversity assessments in NatureThe journal's biodiversity assessments may face questions regarding their accuracy and scope.Possible
- Flawed global trade data may compromise Borneo's species protectionBorneo's species protection may be compromised by flawed global trade dataPossible
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
scientific intergovernmental body which assesses the state of biodiversity
Nothing else this week.
-
Center for Biological Diversity
non-profit organization in the USA
-
International Union for Conservation of Nature
nonprofit organization in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nothing else this week.