WILD LIFE TRADE AND TRADE-OFFS

“The future of wildlife trade – and therefore wildlife ranching – will greatly depend on the extent to which an enabling market environment remains.”

The voluntary exchange of goods and services, also known as trade, not only underpins the entire wildlife ranching industry, but is also considered by distinguished scholars of history to be a key factor in the spectacular success of our human species. Despite this, many people distrust and dislike trade for various reasons and governments frequently attempt to restrict it. Trade restrictions are often ostensibly motivated by concerns over the fairness of trade terms – such as those driving the current international trade war between the USA and China. The wildlife ranching industry is also subject to disputes over fairness, not only between trading parties, but also concerning impacts upon the wildlife being traded. Understanding