SULi launches new database on the use of wild species
The new database: https://speciesusedatabase.com
We are delighted to share news of the launch of a new database created by SULi to collect (and, in future, synthesise) information on the use of wild species across the globe.
The IPBES Sustainable Use Assessment (IPBES 2022) recently estimated that a staggering 50,000 species are regularly used by, and contribute to the livelihoods of, people globally. The Species Use Database (SpUD) is designed to reflect this huge diversity of species use and is expected to eventually cover all taxonomic groups and the various practices of use involved.
The purpose of SpUD is to enhance awareness of, and build a strong and robust evidence base on, the contribution of the use of wild species in supporting livelihoods and economies, and in conserving biodiversity. A key focus of the database is recording whether the use is sustainable or unsustainable, and this is carried out across five dimensions of sustainability – ecological, economic, social, human health and animal health and welfare.
Our intention is for SpUD to appeal to a broad spectrum of users, from those in policy and decision-making, to academia and educators, conservation practitioners, civil society and NGOs, as well as any individuals interested and keen to learn more about the use of wild species. The individual records – and the periodic syntheses of these – can be used to guide and feed into sound policies and decision-making, that enhance legal, sustainable, equitable wildlife management practices and draw attention to those that are illegal, unsustainable and inequitable.
Although the database has not been designed to make formal assessments of sustainability, as the number of entries increases periodic syntheses will be carried out to present summaries of the evidence on the sustainability of use.
We encourage you to visit and explore this exciting new resource at https://speciesusedatabase.com/ and, once registered, contribute your records so we can swiftly build content – especially for those underrepresented species where use requires much more attention and profile.