Rethinking Trade-Driven Extinction Risk in Marine and Terrestrial Megafauna

摘要: Summary Large animals hunted for the high value of their parts (e.g., elephant ivory and shark fins) are at risk extinction due to both intensive international trade pressure intrinsic biological sensitivity. However, relative role trade, particularly in non-perishable products, factors driving is not well understood [1–4]. Here we identify a taxonomically diverse group >100 marine terrestrial megafauna targeted luxury markets; estimate across three points sale; test relationships among risk, value, body size; quantify effects two mitigating factors: poaching fines geographic range size. We find that size principal driver lower species, but this pattern eliminated above threshold, meaning most valuable species face regardless For example, once mean product values exceed US$12,557 kg −1 , no longer drives risk. Total scales with more strongly than animals, incentivizing hunting large individuals species. Poaching currently have little effect on risk; would need be increased 10- 100-fold effective. ranges reduce terrestrial, marine, whose ten times greater. Our results underscore evolutionary ecosystem consequences targeting geographically scale up prioritize conservation high-value avoid extinction.