To Like Giraffe & Kill Them Too: Potential drivers of wild animal consumption

Across their range, illegal hunting of giraffe poses one of the greatest threats. Despite the prevalence of poaching and connection to decreasing giraffe populations, the factors that influence hunting activity are not well... [ view full abstract ]

Across their range, illegal hunting of giraffe poses one of the greatest threats. Despite the prevalence of poaching and connection to decreasing giraffe populations, the factors that influence hunting activity are not well understood. Published literature can give insight to the social and regulatory contexts in which hunting happens, but we lack basic information on common uses of giraffe part and products in different locations, reasons for usage, and baseline data that measure the extent to which poaching occurs.

Although the bushmeat trade and wildlife poaching in Africa have been well-studied, very little research has been conducted in these areas in relation to giraffe. The urgent need for social science for active giraffe conservation efforts led us to review the literature for understanding potential drivers of giraffe hunting from comparable contexts. Relevant factors include the role of social norms and cultural uses, socio-economic dimensions, and regulatory environments in giraffe range countries. With limited resources to conduct social science and the urgency of giraffe conservation, this review seeks to prioritize information needs fro designing future research and eventual behavior interventions.