Wildlife trade
scale | drivers | governance
Featured work on the wildlife trade
Cheung, H., Doughty, H., Hinsley, A., Hsu, E., Lee, T.M., Milner-Gulland, E.J., Possingham, H.P. and Biggs, D. (2020). Understanding traditional Chinese medicine to deliver conservation outcomes. People and Nature. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10166
TCM 101
Demand for threatened species products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a serious challenge for conservation. In this paper, we explore the fundamentals of TCM, with the aim of making TCM more accessible to conservation scientists and practitioners.
Cheung, H., Mazerolle, L., Possingham, H.P. and Biggs, D. (2021). Rhino horn use by consumers of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Conservation Science and Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.365
Chinese consumers & rhino horn
The medicinal use of rhino horn in Asia is driving poaching and illegal trade. We surveyed TCM consumers in China and found that one in seven had used rhino horn in the past year. The current approach to rhino conservation is centered on banning trade - is this effective?
Thomas-Walters, L., Cheung, H., Lee, T.M., Wan, A.K.Y. and Wang, Y. (2020). Targeted values: The relevance of classical Chinese philosophy for illegal wildlife demand reduction campaigns. People and Nature. 2: 964-971. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10127
Chinese philosophy & IWT
Behavior change interventions are more effective when when tailored to resonate with specific audiences. We explore facets of classical Chinese philosophy and virtues, interpreting them through the lens of illegal wildlife trade demand reduction campaigns.
Wong, R.W.Y., Lee, C.Y., Cheung, H., Lam, J.Y.K. and Tang, C. (2020). A Case Study of the Online Trade of CITES-listed Chelonians in Hong Kong. Chelonian Conservation and Biology; 19 (1): 95-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1344.1
Illegal turtle trade online
Wildlife is increasingly being traded over the Internet. Species that are protected can be bought and sold on social media and e-commerce platforms. In this study, we tracked advertisements for CITES-listed chelonians on a local pet trading website in Hong Kong.