Open AccessConservation implications of misidentification and killing of protected species
Author(s) -
Newth Julia L.,
Wood Kevin A.,
McDonald Robbie A.,
Nuno Ana,
Semenov Igor,
Chistyakov Anton,
Mikhaylova Galina,
Bearhop Stuart,
Belousova Anna,
Glazov Petr,
Cromie Ruth L.,
Rees Eileen C.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.24
Subject(s) - endangered species , sympatric speciation , iucn red list , geography , threatened species , ecology , identification (biology) , fishery , biology , habitat
Killing protected species mistaken for morphologically similar quarry species, or species with weaker protection, can hinder their conservation. Despite policy aims to reduce threats from illegal killing, information is lacking on susceptible species, conservation impacts and the identification accuracy of hunters. We examined the ability of hunters ( n = 232) in Arctic Russia to identify the endangered Northwest European Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii using photographs. Only 14% ( n = 33) identified this species correctly and distinguished it from sympatric and congeneric whooper swans C. cygnus and mute swans C. olor , with 15% of individuals admitting to accidentally hunting a Bewick's swan in the previous 3 years. We conclude that there is a risk of Bewick's swans being shot accidentally when mistaken for similar species with less legal protection. Improving hunters' skills in discerning protected from legitimate quarry species is likely to be an effective tool for conservation of morphologically similar species.