Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Emerging trends of the illegal wildlife trade in Mesoamerica
Author(s)
Gluszek, Sarah;Ariano-Sánchez, Daniel;Cremona, Patricia;...;McLoughlin, Lee;Morales, Alejandro;Reuter Cortes, Adrian;Rodríguez Fonseca, Javier;Radachowsky, Jeremy;Knight, Andrew
Published
2021
Publisher
ORYX
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605319001133
Abstract
Mesoamerica is the world's third largest biodiversity hotspot and has c. 4,000 wildlife species protected under CITES. Despite the high biodiversity in the region, there is limited global attention, data and funding for conservation. The continued exploitation of wildlife species for the trade requires a more proactive approach to address emerging trends, and low-cost and effective solutions to prevent species decline. Over a 5-month period in 2017, we used expert-driven horizon scanning, facilitated online, to identify emerging trends of the illegal wildlife trade in Mesoamerica. We found that the main emerging trends included digital and technological advancements, greater regional access to the global community, developments in trafficking techniques and growing demand for certain species. Our findings demonstrate that horizon scanning can be used as a tool for identifying emerging trends of illegal wildlife trade in data-poor contexts. We recommend that horizon scanning is used regularly for systematic monitoring of trends and to prioritize resources for immediate and emerging trends in illegal wildlife trade.
Keywords
Central America;expert elicitation;horizon scanning;online focus group;Prioritization;transnational crime;wildlife crime;wildlife trafficking
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB25214