Using community-based crime scripting to elucidate pangolin scale trafficking

Illegal wildlife trade is accelerating rates of biodiversity loss and undermining conservation. Crime scripting systematically details the crime commission process, informs prevention activities, and is usually based on experts' perspectives. We conducted community-based crime scripting of pangolin scale trade in Cameroon, July-December 2024 in 22 communities in Cameroon (n = 152 participants). Using NVivo 15.1.1 for analysis of perspectives, we identified six enabling conditions for trade and four categories of crime prevention activities. Identifying the crime commission process structure and mapping interventions onto specific stages of the process offers novel insight for crime prevention. Participants stressed that focusing interventions on early and late stages of the crime commission process would have a high impact on reducing harms to animals and people associated with illegal trade. This research demonstrates the value in engaging communities in pinpointing opportunities for conservation crime prevention.