What is driving the increased demand for red panda pelts?
Article
Article Title | What is driving the increased demand for red panda pelts? |
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ERA Journal ID | 5838 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Bista, Damber (Author), Baxter, Greg S. (Author) and Murray, Peter John (Author) |
Journal Title | Human Dimensions of Wildlife |
Journal Citation | 25 (4), pp. 324-338 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2020 |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 1087-1209 |
1533-158X | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2020.1728788 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10871209.2020.1728788 |
Abstract | Recent seizures of red panda pelts suggest an increasing illegal trade. Our study documents the socio-cultural perspectives affecting red panda conservation in Nepal in an attempt to determine what might be driving this increased trade. To do this, we interviewed local people; reviewed published and unpublished works, websites, and newspapers; and consulted experts. The majority of people living in red panda habitat seem familiar with this species, but it rarely has any medicinal, cultural, or religious significance. Currently, what is driving the demand for pelts is a mystery and cannot be explained by inherent negative perceptions about the animal’s value to society or positive perceptions about its economic value within Nepal. Nonetheless, we suggest that insufficient knowledge about red panda-related crime, miscommunication during awareness-building campaigns, investigators’ influence indicating a demand for pelts with a high price, and poverty-induced, easy money-making motives could be possible drivers for increasing the supply of pelts. |
Keywords | Awareness; ethnozoological use; red panda; pelt trade; poaching |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 319901. Forensic biology |
310999. Zoology not elsewhere classified | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Queensland |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q635w/what-is-driving-the-increased-demand-for-red-panda-pelts
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