The role of animal welfare values in the rhino horn trade debate.

The poaching crisis facing Africa's white rhinoceros is one of the continent's most pressing conservation challenges. The controversial proposal to legalize the international trade in rhino horn as a solution has led to a polarized conservation community. While a legal trade in rhino horn has been explored from an economic perspective, stakeholder values are yet to be adequately considered in addressing the issue. Exploring the role of stakeholder values in the rhino horn trade debate is crucial, as divergent stakeholder values and attitudes influence policy support and acceptability, creating conflict over appropriate management interventions. Using a survey of 285 participants, we show that people with stronger animal welfare values are less supportive of a legal rhino horn trade policy. We also demonstrate that people with stronger animal welfare values are less influenced by information provision, and that biospheric and altruistic value orientations do not significantly influence support for this policy. Our findings highlight the importance of considering stakeholder values when developing conservation actions, particularly concerning discussions about controversial policy actions. These findings can be extended beyond the illegal wildlife trade crisis to other challenges affecting iconic wildlife, such as trophy hunting, other sustainable use initiatives and invasive species management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]