Goss, Jeremy R., and Cumming, Graeme S. (2013) Networks of wildlife translocations in developing countries: an emerging conservation issue? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11 (5). pp. 243-250.

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Abstract

The recent expansion of the global wildlife trade, both within and between countries, has many potentially negative ecological impacts. Emerging economies, in particular, have a largely overlooked potential for rapid internal growth in this trade. An analysis of ~17 000 wildlife transportation permits - issued in South Africa primarily for commercial purposes by the Western Cape Province's local government - provides insights into this trend. During the past decade, a total of 912 amphibian, bird, mammal, and reptile species were transported to and from locations in the province; 60% of translocated vertebrate species were non-native. Network analysis of the data indicated that the numbers of participants within local trade networks are increasing rapidly. Static and dynamic structural differences emerged between the networks for selected vertebrate Classes. Changes in density and degree were pronounced for mammal and reptile networks but were more constant for birds over the observed time period. All translocation networks exhibited "small-world", scale-free properties, which would facilitate the rapid propagation of negative influences through the system.

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