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ABSTRACT
The illegal hunting and trading of protected species is a global issue. While China is often discussed in general terms as a destination country for protected species, the sociological and criminological discussion of poaching within China remains underdeveloped. This study discusses the targets, modus operandi, and drivers of poaching in China. Based on the analysis of 245 published Chinese cases, this study discovered that 115 unique species have been targeted in China, with wild boar being the most common target. Most boar poaching was driven by a desire for meat, and hunting occurred in both protected and non-protected areas. Most poachers do not actively pursue wild boars with weapons but prefer to lay homemade traps. The study concludes with a discussion of how prevention efforts can draw on data such as these and suggests avenues for further research.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful for the technical assistance provided by Lee Chee Yan, Yu Hanting and Wong On Ling.
Notes
2 The full list of wildlife under Class 1 and 2 protection is published on the Department of Forestry Website. See Forestry.gov.cn (Citation2021) http://www.forestry.gov.cn/html/main/main_5129/20210205122451967544533/file/20210205152133685458465.pdf
1 Here, it is important to point out that there are a number of translations of the Wildlife Protection Law. I refer to the Chinese version accessible on the National People’s Congress website for utmost accuracy. See: National People’s Congress (Citation2021) http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/c238/202001/a0d85c00a9a44b7a80fd88f2bb678253.shtml
3 Taobao.com is the biggest online shopping website in China and is owned by Alibaba.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Rebecca W.Y. Wong
Rebecca is an assistant professor at the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong. Her research interest is green criminology with a specific focus on the illegal endangered wildlife trade. She is also interested in criminal networks and issues of trust in the underworld.
A.M. Lemieux
A.M. Lemieux is a researcher at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement. He leads the institute's wildlife crime research theme and manages the Wilderness Problems resource portal hosted by the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.