Endangering the endangered: The effects of perceived rarity on species exploitation

摘要: Classifying species by threat status can result in conservation benefits such as increased protection, but also be an incentive to hunters responding consumer demand for goods perceived rare, and therefore valuable. Bioeconomic theory provides a framework examining the population consequences of differing responses consumers (demand) (supply) rarity. We present series illustrative case studies how rarity affects behavior hunting pressure, use model explore scenario most concern (where itself fuels exploitation). Rarity-fuelled have two undesirable outcomes: may become trapped at low size, or escalating effort drive extinction. Understanding response is vital predicting impact intervention strategies that seek minimize extinction risk.