Are Parrots CRAVED? An Analysis of Parrot Poaching in Mexico

Abstract

Poaching significantly contributes to the endangerment of protected wildlife but has rarely been studied by criminologists. This study examines whether CRAVED, a general model of theft choices drawn from routine activity and rational choice theory, can help to explain parrot poaching. It correlates estimates of the numbers poached for the 22 species of Mexican parrots with measures of CRAVED components (concealable, removable, available, valuable, enjoyable, and disposable). Widely available species and those whose chicks are easily removable from the nest are more commonly poached, a pattern suggesting that most poachers are opportunistic villagers. More valuable/disposable and more enjoyable species are rarely taken because few remain in the wild after being heavily poached for export in the 1980s. Apart from helping to explain parrot poaching and consider conservation options, the application of CRAVED suggested a possible contribution to understanding theft choices. This was that “abundant” and “accessible” might replace “available.”

Spatial and temporal analysis of crude oil theft in the Niger delta

“…This framework guides the investigation of a broad range of CRAVED product thefts like timber theft in the southern Appalachian region (Baker, 2003), parrot poaching in Mexico (Pires and Clarke, 2012) and livestock theft in Malawi (Sidebottom, 2013). The categorisation of crude oil as a CRAVED product is yet to be researched comprehensively.…”

Wildlife trafficking in the Internet age

“…Evidence suggests that most wildlife trafficking, particularly in regards to the initial part of the market supply chain, is carried out by individuals; opportunistic villagers who try to supplement their income and professional trappers. However, in other stages of the trafficking chain and especially in international trades higher levels of sophistication and several organizational layers may be required (Warchol et al 2003;Wyatt 2009;Pires and Clarke 2012). The involvement of organized criminal groups (as well as militias and terrorist groups) in wildlife trafficking has received increasing attention, to the point that a recent report from the International Fund for Animal Welfare stated that "the global illegal trade in wildlife crime is organized crime" (IFAW 2008: 7, italic in original).…”

L’émergence et l’avenir de la criminologie environnementale1

“…Par exemple, la pré-vention des situations criminogènes et les techniques de cartographie criminelle s'appliquent de plus en plus aux problèmes de conservation ; les techniques des sciences biologiques et médicolégales fournissent des preuves des dommages toxiques et des activités criminelles ; les systèmes d'information géographique présentent un intérêt évident dans le cadre des efforts de surveillance des dommages infligés à l'environnement, etc. (voir par exemple Lemieux et Clarke, 2009 ;Pires et Clarke, 2012). La criminologie est suffisamment élastique pour inclure, de manière plus approfondie, l'étude des crimes et des dommages environnementaux dans son univers conceptuel et méthodologique.…”