Viral threats: the role of TikTok in facilitating trade in CITES-listed species in Lomé, Togo

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Conflicts of Interest

Identified Weaknesses

Rating Explanation

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Paper Summary

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Pangolins for Sale: TikTok Fuels Wild Meat Trade in Togo

Researchers analyzed 80 TikTok videos from Lomé, Togo, documenting the online sale of wild meat, including endangered species like the pangolin. The videos, viewed nearly 1.8 million times, highlighted the platform's role in facilitating this trade and raising conservation and animal welfare concerns.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Weaknesses

Limited Sample Size

The study only analyzed 80 videos from two TikTok accounts, which might not represent the entire scope of the online wild meat trade in Togo. A broader sample would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Species Identification

The quality of some videos made species identification challenging. Relying on visual identification alone, without field surveys or DNA analysis, can lead to inaccuracies. Misidentification could impact the conservation assessments and recommendations.

Lack of Sales Confirmation

The study observed advertisements for wild meat but couldn't confirm actual sales. Quantifying successful transactions would strengthen the conclusions about the scale of the online trade.

Limited Scope of Analysis

Sentiment analysis was limited due to the low number of relevant comments. A more in-depth analysis of viewer engagement could reveal valuable insights into public perceptions and demand for wild meat.

Rating Explanation

This study provides valuable insights into the emerging use of social media for wildlife trade, raising important conservation and animal welfare concerns. While the limited sample size and reliance on visual species identification are weaknesses, the findings contribute significantly to understanding this growing threat. The high number of views and engagement with the videos highlights the potential impact of this trade. The methodological limitations prevent a 5 rating, but the study's novelty, important subject matter, and implications warrant a 4.

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