Global dataset for seized and non-intercepted illegal cheetah trade (Acinonyx jubatus) 2010–2019

Abstract

Cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) are a keystone predator of savanna systems in Africa, yet their populations have dramatically declined due to pressures such as human-wildlife conflict, loss of habitat, and most notably the illegal trade in live cheetah cubs as pets. We provide the most extensive dataset relevant to seized and non-intercepted illegal trade in live cheetahs and cheetah parts for the decade 2010-2019, spanning over 300 sources and 56 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America. It includes 1,884 individual incidents involving at least 4,000 cheetahs or cheetah parts or products likely or confirmed to breach national laws or CITES regulations. While the covert nature of illegal trade of any kind makes it extremely difficult to capture its true volume, we believe that the information contained in this dataset demonstrates the need for a more in-depth look into illegal cheetah trade, including sustainability assessments with emphasis in regions where cheetah populations are small and widely exploited, such as the Horn of Africa, as this dataset suggests. Ultimately, such actions could lead to improved enforcement and legal frameworks, and provide a guide for CITES actions involving international cooperation and demand reduction efforts.

Genomic analyses show extremely perilous conservation status of African and Asiatic cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

“…Illegal wildlife trade is a major driver of the current biodiversity loss (Maxwell et al, 2016) and affects a large portion of known plant and animal species (Fukushima et al, 2020; Scheffers et al, 2019). Northeast Africa is a poaching hotspot for the illegal cheetah pet trade, mostly to the Gulf states (Nowell, 2014; Tricorache et al, 2018, 2021). It is also probably the region with the greatest negative impact of illegal trade on wild populations of cheetahs (Nowell, 2014).…”

“…Northeast Africa is a poaching hotspot for the illegal cheetah pet trade, mostly to the Gulf states (Nowell, 2014;Tricorache et al, 2018Tricorache et al, , 2021. It is also probably the region with the greatest negative impact of illegal trade on wild populations of cheetahs (Nowell, 2014).…”

“…Furthermore, the subspecies A. j. venaticus in Iran and A. j. hecki in Northwest Africa are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (Belbachir, 2008;Durant et al, 2015;Jowkar et al, 2008). Threats to cheetahs include habitat conversion and loss, persecution by pastoralists, prey declines, illegal trophy hunting, illegal trade especially as pets, and armed conflicts (Durant et al, 2014;Lindsey et al, 2011;Ray, 2005;Tricorache et al, 2018Tricorache et al, , 2021.…”

Dataset of seized wildlife and their intended uses

“…TRAFFIC's database is largely derived from open source data (e.g., media and government press releases) and thus is not a comprehensive record of wildlife seizures. Further, TRAFFIC's records tend to be taxonomically biased towards charismatic species (e.g., [8] ) and is spatially biased towards countries where TRAFFIC staff are based and collecting data from. The CITES trade database primarily contains legal trade records, but only a subset of participating countries have reported seizure records through the database.…”

Dataset of seized wildlife and their intended uses

“…TRAFFIC's database is largely derived from open source data (e.g., media and government press releases) and thus is not a comprehensive record of wildlife seizures. Further, TRAFFIC's records tend to be taxonomically biased towards charismatic species (e.g., [12]) and is spatially biased towards countries where TRAFFIC staff are based and collecting data from. The CITES trade database primarily contains legal trade records, but only a subset of participating countries have reported seizure records through the database.…”