Horn of Contention: A Review of the Literature on the Economics of Trade in Rhino Horn

Key Points in Document:

• This paper offers insight into the predicted bio-economic effects of legalizing the trade of rhino horns, with important theoretical implications for similar illegal wildlife products.
• A meta-analysis was performed on six studies (two academic, four grey literature) related to the economics of trade in endangered wildlife in general and on rhino horn in particular.
• Both formal studies suggest that predicting the outcome of liberalizing trade is complex and difficult to determine. These studies agree that while it may decrease pressure on poaching, as rhino horn becomes increasingly supplied through the non-lethal legal trade, there is also a real risk that trade could drive further demand. Increased demand would then fuel an increase in poaching in the long-term.
• The analysis found all four articles from the grey literature to be overtly pro-trade, making unfounded assumptions about the benefit of legal markets.

 

Citation: Campbell, R. "Horn of Contention: a review of the literature on the economics of trade in rhino horn." International Fund for Animal Welfare (2013).