The Species Use Database (speciesusedatabase.com) is a new online resource collecting (and, in future, synthesizing) information on the utilization of wild species globally, and specifically on the sustainability of that use. Developed by the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, and funded by Jamma International, the database has been created to enhance awareness of, and build a strong and robust evidence base on, the contribution of the use of wild species to supporting livelihoods and economies and to conserving biodiversity.
The 2022 IPBES Sustainable Use Assessment estimated that 50,000 species are regularly used by, and contribute to the livelihoods of, people globally. The database is designed to reflect this diversity of species use, and is expected to eventually cover all taxonomic groups and the various types of use involved.
Information is being captured on how wild species are used, where the use takes place, the impacts of the use (positive or negative), and whether the use has been recorded as sustainable or unsustainable against one or more of five dimensions of sustainability (ecological, economic, social, human health, and animal health and welfare). Practices of wild species use may be lethal or non-lethal, and extractive or non-extractive. Extractive practices include harvesting, gathering, collecting, hunting, fishing and ranching; non-extractive practices encompass practices based on the observation of, or interaction with, wild species such as bird watching, wildlife safaris, snorkelling, and cultural and spiritual rituals.
The Species Use Database has not been designed to make formal assessments of sustainability. However, as the number of case studies grows, periodic syntheses will present summaries of the evidence on the sustainability of use to help guide wildlife management practices that are legal, sustainable, equitable and to draw attention to those that are illegal, unsustainable and inequitable.
The design has focused on collecting and presenting information 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, and any individuals interested to learn more about the use of wild species. Data is also pulled, where relevant, from the IUCN Red List.
The Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group invites users to explore this new resource, to contribute records (by registering and logging in), and to share the news of its launch across their networks. Please contact suli.iucn@gmail.com to share any sources of records that will help build content, particularly those that cover species use that has been less well documented. We also welcome any feedback on the database, including its utility, linking to other relevant databases, its ease of use and suggestions for further improvements and enhancements.
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