Studies show that demand is also fuelled by population growth, increasing rates of urbanisation and changes in the macro-economic environment. The paper also identifies improved hunting techniques and strategies to increase supply to meet demand as a major factor. For instance, use of wires instead of traditional fibre snares, and more significantly the use of firearms. The use of modern rifles favours hunting of the slower growing larger species, particularly apes and elephants. Shotguns mainly target the smaller ground and tree dwellers, smaller primates, antelopes, rodents etc.
Snares mainly target ground dwellers, antelopes and rodents.
Conflicts and military strife in some producer countries has not only increased the availability of firearms, but has also significantly contributed to unsustainable harvests. It has also been made difficult to effect any conservation measures. For instance, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, great apes in the rebel held areas cannot be rescued due to the military strife. The rescue of baby chimpanzees and gorillas that have been orphaned as a result of the trade is currently not possible. These, the paper argues, have often increased the benefits to the middle class and international community, to the detriment of the existing resource users particularly the rural and urban poor.