Trends in illegal wildlife trade: Analyzing personal baggage seizure data in the Pacific Northwest
Date of Publication
1-1-2020 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Transnational Organized Crime
Keywords
Illegal wildlife trade, Pacific Northwest region, personal baggage seizures, TOC
Description
The study examines illegally transported species transported through personal baggage, a growing global concern due to increased international travel and the transfer of illegal wildlife through air transport. The research presents a case study of personal baggage seizures in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of North America, analyzing large-scale geographical seizure data using a global port as a model system. The results suggest that a disproportionate share of taxonomic groups, time, export regions, wildlife product, and species at-risk status account for a majority of incidents. The study contributes to the growing body of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) research, identifying and explaining major trends and patterns of illegal wildlife imports into the U.S. The PNW region's booming economy, rapidly growing population, and affluence can facilitate greater illegal wildlife imports and exports. The study suggests demand reduction practices are appropriate for curbing IWT among personal travelers in PNW ports, complementing efforts by local FWS-OLE and the Port of Seattle to educate travelers.
Trends in illegal wildlife trade: Analyzing personal baggage seizure data in the Pacific Northwest
The study examines illegally transported species transported through personal baggage, a growing global concern due to increased international travel and the transfer of illegal wildlife through air transport. The research presents a case study of personal baggage seizures in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of North America, analyzing large-scale geographical seizure data using a global port as a model system. The results suggest that a disproportionate share of taxonomic groups, time, export regions, wildlife product, and species at-risk status account for a majority of incidents. The study contributes to the growing body of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) research, identifying and explaining major trends and patterns of illegal wildlife imports into the U.S. The PNW region's booming economy, rapidly growing population, and affluence can facilitate greater illegal wildlife imports and exports. The study suggests demand reduction practices are appropriate for curbing IWT among personal travelers in PNW ports, complementing efforts by local FWS-OLE and the Port of Seattle to educate travelers.
