Stolen Apes: The Illicit Trade of Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Bonobos, and Orangutans

Jacob Dearing

October 11^th, 2015

Critical Abstract #7

Article author: Daniel Stiles et al

Article title: Stolen Apes: The Illicit Trade of Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Bonobos, and Orangutans

In this article the discussion of the illicit trading of great apes is brought to attention as a major impact on the biodiversity of the key regions from which these apes are removed. Daniel Stiles et al explains that this is a major issue as these great apes play an important role in, “maintaining healthy ecosystems”. This multibillion-dollar industry falls under the category of environmental crime, which according to the article, “ranks among the most significant illegal activities in the world”. The illicit trade of great apes is not only significant because of its environmental impacts but because it is a developing industry. Daniel Stiles et al explains that while this industry may have begun as a, “by-product of traditional conservation threats such as deforestation, mining, and bush meat hunting” it is now, due to demand, becoming a more intricate form of illegal trade.

Still, despite this trade’s increasing popularity, the research shows that the economic worth for poachers, who are at the beginning stage of this illegal trade organization, is fractional compared to those whom profit at the end. So, if it is not economic growth causing the industry to develop the argument turns to the lack of preventative measures by law enforcement. The article reveals that arrest rates for this trade system were, “only 27…between 2005 and 2011”. According to data like this, the authors suggest that this issue be taken seriously and this can be accomplished by combating organized trafficking, improving law enforcement methods, and by dimensioning consumer demand.