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Abstract

Currently, conservation technologies are increasingly being used without adequate research or consideration of the risks that may arise. Poaching is a significant issue due to its impact on species populations, distribution and behaviour and is continuing to rise, making it a key concern for conservationists. This systematic literature review complies research which demonstrates the benefits of satellite imagery, drones and camera traps as conservation technologies, indicating their capabilities in effectively monitoring animal movement and species presence. Existing research and literature was used to create a holistic evaluation of the perceived risks and benefits of these technologies. Ethical issues and limitations of these conservation technologies are identified, resulting in an acknowledgement of each technology's potential risks if accessed or utilised by poachers. All three conservation technologies are deemed to be affordable, if not free, and therefore attainable to poachers, however, there is some dispute over their accessibility in terms of the required technical knowledge for their use. Regardless of this, drones and camera traps were found to pose the greatest threats if utilised by poachers, and further research is required to establish the likelihood of these threats occurring. Further research is also deemed necessary to demonstrate whether poachers are accessing and using satellite imagery, and what the subsequent impact of this may be. This additional research will create a better understanding of the risks surrounding conservation technologies and poaching, whilst also improving the anti-poaching methods employed by conservationists.

Course: Criminology and Cybercrime - BSc - U2714PYC

Date Deposited: 2024-11-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14577.html