Biodiv Sci ›› 2023, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (3): 22319.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2022319

• Technology and Methodologies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Applying a new valuation method for endangered species based on extinction risk evaluation and population growth to wildlife related judicial practice

Zhaocheng Li1,2, Yanxuedan Zhang2,*()   

  1. 1 College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306
    2 College of Marine Culture and Law, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306
  • Received:2022-06-11 Accepted:2022-08-31 Online:2023-03-20 Published:2022-11-25
  • Contact: Yanxuedan Zhang

Abstract:

Background: Classification and listing of wildlife in accordance with criteria of endangerment and preciousness etc., and adoption of different protecting measures pursuant to their value, is the fundamental of wildlife protection system in China. The accuracy of valuation is crucial in achieving protection objectives, effective management and fair punishment for illegal activities. In 2019, the “Valuation Method for Aquatic Species and their Products” (hereinafter referred to as “the Valuation Method”) was promulgated, providing the methods for evaluating the basic value of aquatic wildlife and the actual value of aquatic species in legal cases. However, the Valuation Method does not provide basic value for those newly added species after 2019, but requires that the evaluation should be based on the relatedness to species included in the valuation method classification. Along with more new species into the List of Protection, the Valuation Method is called into question.

Methods: (1) This paper assessed the Valuation Method in calculating the value of 236 newly added protected species and families in 2021; (2) Based on the findings, this paper used population growth model to established a new valuation method by incorporating extinction risk evaluation of IUCN for endangered species.

Results: (1) Among all 236 newly added species and families, only 30 species were found basic value in the Valuation Method. Eight species of Class I protection species and 131 species of Class II protection species could only be evaluated by referring to “other species” in the Valuation Method, which caused significant deviation from their true value; 67 other species could not be assigned basic value through the Valuation Method; (2) The proposed method resolved the problem of no basic value by setting a protection factor and costs for recovering individual in a species; Furthermore, we utilized logistic growth model to predict population growth, and applied this model in calculating the impact of illegal capture on growth rate of a certain species, and therefore derive valuation methods applied in legal context.

Conclusion: The improved valuation method makes up for inadequacy and inapplicability of current valuation method, increases the accuracy of valuation and simplifies the calculation which allows it to apply on legal practice. Based on this method, we also make some suggestions on the legislation and regulation of wildlife protection and valuation criteria.

Key words: value of aquatic species, valuation method, extinction risk evaluation, population growth model, judicial application