Biological, social and political factors affecting conservation of the Caspian seal

It is increasingly accepted that the speed at which biodiversity loss has been occurring in the 21st century is unprecedented. Understanding the factors, across natural and social science disciplines, that influence the processes of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) can inform its management and prevention. It is of crucial importance that we understand how to develop sustainable and lasting solutions to enable participants to disengage from illegal resource harvesting and trade. Conservation solutions will have to gain support from a range of stakeholders, local communities and decision-makers. Without robust implementation of sustainable solutions, conservation science has little hope of reducing, and ultimately preventing, the loss of biodiversity.

This thesis seeks to address the underlying IWT factor that drives high rates of Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) bycatch, using perspectives from biology and social science and to understand underlying factors that influence Caspian seal conservation barriers and solutions.