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. 2017 Mar 9:5:e3048.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3048. eCollection 2017.

A novel application of mark-recapture to examine behaviour associated with the online trade in elephant ivory

Lydia M Yeo  1 , Rachel S McCrea  2 , David L Roberts  3
Affiliations

A novel application of mark-recapture to examine behaviour associated with the online trade in elephant ivory

Lydia M Yeo et al. PeerJ. .

Abstract

The illegal trade in elephant ivory is driving the unlawful killing of elephants such that populations are now suffering unsustainable reductions. The internet is increasingly being used as a platform to conduct illegal wildlife trade, including elephant ivory. As a globally accessible medium the internet is as highly attractive to those involved in the illegal trade as it is challenging to regulate. Characterising the online illegal wildlife (ivory) trade is complex, yet key to informing enforcement activities. We applied mark-recapture to investigate behaviour associated with the online trade in elephant ivory on eBay UK as a generalist online marketplace. Our results indicate that trade takes place via eBay UK, despite its policy prohibiting this, and that two distinct trading populations exist, characterised by the pattern of their ivory sales. We suggest these may represent a large number of occasional (or non-commercial) sellers and a smaller number of dedicated (or commercial) sellers. Directing resource towards reducing the volume of occasional sales, such as through education, would enable greater focus to be placed upon characterising the extent and value of the illegal, "commercial" online ivory trade. MRC has the potential to characterise the illegal trade in ivory and diverse wildlife commodities traded using various online platforms.

Keywords: CITES; Capture-recapture; Elephas; Internet; Loxodonta; Wildlife trade; eBay.

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Conflict of interest statement

David L. Roberts is an Academic Editor for PeerJ.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Histogram illustrating absolute and relative amounts of categorised ivory items identified by visual assessment of online postings over the eight week study period (unique values only).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Histogram illustrating the number of observed, confirmed elephant ivory items for sale per observed seller during the 8-week study period.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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