Media portrayal of the illegal trade in wildlife: The case of turtles in the US and implications for conservation

Illegal wildlife trade is a global threat to biodiversity, but its drivers and impacts ways combat it vary by taxa. News media framing of instances illegal provides novel window into understanding public perceptions these dynamics potential support for management actions. We used 54 known cases turtle in the United States occurring between 1998 2021 as case study investigate news this emergent issue trade. synthesized information from qualitatively analysed how they were framed 217 associated articles. The involved at least 24,000 freshwater turtles 34 different species; box (Terrapene spp.) traded most. Of species involved, 23 listed under one CITES Appendices, 12 considered threatened International Union Conservation Nature. Trade occurred 43 US states 6 countries. Despite multifaceted nature cases, problem solution relatively unvarying. Media coverage foreign demand, particularly Asia high-value pet turtles, main driver Solutions focused on regulations enforcement which follows trends discourses. However, we also found that articles neutralized several ways, reflecting lack perceived legitimacy necessity rules enforcement. Without acknowledging longstanding formerly legal practices trading, conservation efforts focus may be undermined normative compliance. Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.