Hunting in the time of COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted societies around the world, affecting economies, livelihoods and daily life. These changes also had consequences for wildlife conservation.
A recent study, conducted during the height of the pandemic,examined how it influenced hunting and wildlife trade in communities living near forest ecosystems. Researchers explored whether economic hardship, travel restrictions and changing livelihoods altered the way people interacted with wildlife.
The findings reveal a complex picture. In some regions, reduced travel and trade slowed the movement of wildlife products and disrupted trafficking networks. In other areas, economic pressures pushed communities to rely more heavily on natural resources, including hunting wildlife for food or income.
These results highlight how closely conservation challenges are connected to human wellbeing. When communities face economic instability, forests and wildlife can become an important safety net.
Long-term conservation solutions must therefore address both wildlife protection and the needs of people living alongside these species.
This research reinforces the importance of community partnerships in conservation. Organisations like Free the Bears work closely with government agencies, local communities and conservation partners across Southeast Asia to address the root causes of wildlife exploitation.
By supporting sustainable livelihoods, education and wildlife protection initiatives, these efforts aim to reduce pressure on vulnerable species such as bears while supporting the communities who share their landscapes.
Publication authors: Elizabeth Oneita Davis, Marielle Castaneda, Brian Crudge, Thona Lim, Vichet Roth, J. A. Glikman, Trung Cao