The ban on wildlife trade may be further endangering certain species, according to the journal Tropical Conservation Science. Kirsten Conrad, a researcher with AsiaCat, examined rhinos, elephants, and tigers, three species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and argued that bans exacerbate illegal trafficking by raising prices and moving all trade to the black market. In addition, damage to the species is exacerbated by ambiguous property rights, poor enforcement, and a "strong traditional affiliation." Conrad argued in favor of legalizing some trade: "given the abject failure of the trade ban to stem the decline of wild populations in the case of tigers, rhinos and elephants, legal trade needs to be given due consideration." However, such a proposal is controversial. Two years ago, a conservationist with the Environmental Investigation Agency argued against Conrad's proposal to allow trade in tiger parts from farm raised cats, and the group has said in the past that legal ivory trade provides a cover for illegal trade. Despite criticism from environmentalists, Conrad maintained that current methods are not working. "When certain consumers will pay dearly, there is a significant profit to be made, trade networks are well established, ownership is vague, the animals are worth more dead than alive, and the odds of getting caught are slim, how can a trade ban be effective?" For the full story, see http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0917-conrad-tcs-wildlife-trade.html.