Estimating the Extent of CITES Noncompliance among Traders and End-Consumers: Lessons from the Global Orchid Trade

Amy Hindsley, Ana Nuno, Martin Ridout, Freya A. V. St John

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    Abstract

    The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) regulates trade in over 35,000 species, over 70% of which are orchids. To investigate rule-breaking behavior among traders and buyers in a specific international wildlife trading community, we used direct questions (DQs) and the unmatched count technique (UCT) to survey the orchid growing community about CITES compliance and their knowledge and opinions of the rules. In DQ, 9.9% had smuggled, 4.8% had laundered, and 10.8% had been sent orchids from online purchases without paperwork; UCT estimates did not differ significantly. Growers with greater knowledge of CITES rules were more likely to break them, and there were widespread negative views of CITES among respondents. We recommend targeted enforcement focusing on both online trade and at the point of import, coupled with efforts to encourage traders and end-consumers to engage with discussions on CITES rule implementation
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)602-609
    JournalConservation Letters
    Volume10
    Issue number5
    Early online date1 Nov 2016
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

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