Compliance with ivory trade regulations in the United Kingdom among traders

Abstract

Global demand for elephant ivory is contributing to illegal poaching and significant decline of African elephant (Loxondonta africana) populations. To help mitigate decline, countries with legal domestic ivory markets were recommended by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to close domestic markets for commercial trade. However, implementing stricter regulations on wildlife trade does not necessarily mean compliance with rules will follow. Using an online questionnaire, we examined the relationship between self‐reported compliance with ivory trade regulations among 115 ivory traders in the United Kingdom and 4 dimensions (control, deterrence, legitimacy, and social norms) hypothesized to influence compliance with conservation regulations. Although most traders supported regulations, a large number did not always check that they comply with them when trading objects containing ivory. The main factors influencing compliance with ivory trade regulations were traders’ ability to comply and their perceptions of the regulations and punishments to deter illegal trade. These findings demonstrate the utility of conservation criminology to improve wildlife trade regulations and identify opportunities to reduce illegal ivory entering the market in the United Kingdom. Compliance could be improved by clearer regulations that facilitate easier detection of illegal ivory products and stronger prosecution of violations.

Regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability practices of manufacturing entrepreneurial ventures in Uganda

“…Although social norms and values encourage businesses to operate in line with societal expectations, having controls is vital in promoting environmental sustainability practices. Controls indicate business managers' knowledge, confidence and familiarity with the existing environmental regulations (Harris et al, 2019). Martin et al (2013) indicated that border control fosters wildlife law enforcement.…”

Characterizing bird‐keeping user‐groups on Java reveals distinct behaviours, profiles and potential for change

“…Nijman & Shepherd, 2015). This issue has caused major debate among conservationists, reflecting that surrounding the trade in ivory and rhino horn (Bennett, 2015; Collins, Cox, & Pamment, 2017; Harris, Gore, & Mills, 2019). Nevertheless, successful conservation marketing campaigns and environmental education can shift social norms and increase compliance with local legislation (Salazar, Mills, & Veríssimo, 2019; Veríssimo & Wan, 2018).…”

“…Contestants and breeders both stressed the importance of sourcing birds from particular locations, and promoting a strong cultural attachment to place (Kristianto & Jepson, 2011) . This issue has caused major debate among conservationists, reflecting that surrounding the trade in ivory and rhino horn (Bennett, 2015;Collins, Cox, & Pamment, 2017;Harris, Gore, & Mills, 2019).…”

“…. This issue has caused major debate among conservationists, reflecting that surrounding the trade in ivory and rhino horn (Bennett, 2015;Collins, Cox, & Pamment, 2017;Harris, Gore, & Mills, 2019).…”

Experiences of the Hungarian customs authority in international illegal wildlife trafficking

“…The aim of the authors was to examine how widespread the illegal pangolin trade starting from Gabon is, what illegal trade routes were developed, how and effectively law enforcement detects illegal shipments, and what conservation measures and policy decisions may be needed to address the problem. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in the U.K. to assess the effectiveness of restrictive, and austerity provisions were implemented to curb illegal ivory trade domestically (Harris et al, 2019). The survey encompassed legal traders.…”