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Abstract Thousands of species worldwide are threatened with extinction due to human activities. For some animals, such as elephants, totoaba, and bluefin tuna, population declines are largely driven by hunting. High prices and large profits create a strong incentive for illegal hunting, even in the face of penalties and strict international restrictions against trade. One innovative solution to help reverse the declines of such species is to farm them to increase supply, thereby reducing prices and decreasing hunting incentives. However, this idea has been criticized as impractical, though some examples exist of successful implementation. Here, we evaluate the hurdles facing endangered species farming as a market‐based mechanism to reduce illegal harvest of wild populations and provide guidance on when it is most likely to be effective. Using a simple model, we show how farming costs and enforcement of anti‐poaching measures are key drivers of success for this solution. We also argue that many of the most promising candidates are aquatic species that have been largely overlooked. Thus, while conservation farming may not be a solution for all endangered species, it should be more seriously considered for species that could be produced quickly and cost‐effectively.
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This content will become publicly available on December 1, 2026
Integrating portable qPCR and image recognition to combat illegal trade in sharks and rays
Abstract Illegal trade in sharks and rays continues to undermine global conservation efforts, with enforcement often hampered by the inability to identify products to the species level. Here, we present a portable, cost-effective High-Resolution melt (HRM) assay for rapid DNA-based identification of elasmobranch species in trade. Using a reference library of 669 vouchered tissue samples collected from field operations and international market surveys, we validated the assay’s capacity to accurately differentiate at least 55 shark and ray species based on melt curve profiles, including 38 species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Automated image classification enabled high-throughput identification with 99.2% accuracy. The assay yields results within two hours at a per-sample cost of $1.50, and is compatible with portable qPCR platforms, making it suitable for on-site applications. This approach represents a scalable molecular enforcement tool that can empower local authorities to monitor trade more effectively, support compliance with international regulations, and enhance global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2430277
- PAR ID:
- 10645990
- Publisher / Repository:
- Nature Portfolio
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Scientific Reports
- Volume:
- 15
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2045-2322
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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