Expert elicitation as a method for exploring illegal harvest and trade of wild meat over large spatial scales

Swan, Natalie and Barlow, Bernard Josiah and Parry, Luke Thomas Wyn (2017) Expert elicitation as a method for exploring illegal harvest and trade of wild meat over large spatial scales. Oryx, 51 (2). pp. 298-304. ISSN 0030-6053

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Abstract

New evidence of commercialization and consumption of wild meat in Amazonian cities has exposed an alarming yet poorly understood threat to Neotropical biodiversity. In response to the limitations of field sampling for large-scale surveys, we sought to develop a method of rapidly assessing wildlife harvest and trade in multiple areas using expert knowledge. Using caiman as a model taxon, we surveyed experts across the Brazilian Amazon. Expert responses to a Likert-style questionnaire suggest that caiman hunting, generally considered a localized rural activity, is in fact common and geographically widespread. Contrary to previous assumptions we found evidence that urban demand is partly driving the harvest, including via interstate trafficking. We highlight the need for further field validation of wild-meat trade and urban consumption patterns in Amazonia. We conclude that expert elicitation is a simple, cost-effective technique that can be a valuable precursor to inform and direct applied conservation research, especially where there are significant knowledge gaps and at large spatial scales.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Oryx
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1105
Subjects:
?? amazoniabrazilcaiiman harvestexpert elicitationwild-meat consumptionwiild-meat tradeecology, evolution, behavior and systematicsnature and landscape conservation ??
ID Code:
81005
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
17 Aug 2016 13:06
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 16:16