Date: June 7, 2020

To: Mr. Hannibal Lecter, Nature Preserve Property Manager

From: Aliyah Charlot
Subject: Combatting a Recent Spike in Venus Flytrap Poaching
Reference: Spring 2020 Venus Flytrap Survey Results
Distribution List: Nature Preserve Conservation Specialists

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program is responsible for monitoring and collecting data on
hundreds of species and ecological sites throughout the state. One such species is Dionaea muscipula,
more commonly known as the Venus flytrap. This carnivorous plant is native to a coastal region shared
with our neighboring state South Carolina. In recent decades, it has experienced habitat destruction as a
result of land development. As an organization, we have addressed this by supporting nature preserves
such as the one managed by Mr. Hannibal Lecter. These areas are protected from any further
development. However, the plants face another threat in the form poaching. Their unique appearance and
dietary habits make them popular among plant-enthusiasts around the world. Poachers seek to exploit this
enthusiasm and the plant that drives it in order to make a profit.

Summary
The Venus flytrap is a threatened species of carnivorous plant endemic to a small coastal region of the
Carolinas. Part of its habitat is under the protection of our nature preserves. However, recent surveys have
found that there has been a significant spike in flytrap poaching in recent months. This memo proposes
creating positions like that of a park ranger and having the protected areas periodically monitored. The
rangers will then note common geographic factors among areas that have been targeted, and these factors
will be used to develop a spatial model that can predict future poaching sites. This approach is adapted
from a study conducted by the National Park Service in Virginia.

Poaching of Wild Venus Flytrap Populations in Recent Months

The Appeal of the Venus Flytrap
The Venus flytrap is 1 of around 600 known carnivorous plant species. They are distinguished by hinged
leaves lined with teeth-like projections. These features allow a trapping behavior that is not observed in
any other plant species on the planet. Thus, there is a demand for the plant in homes and gardens around
the world. Most of the flytraps sold are ethically sourced from greenhouses and nurseries. However, a
small percentage of the trade involves plants illegally cultivated from protected areas. Relative to the
number of Venus flytraps currently found in the wild, this small percentage is incredibly significant.
Some plants could be traced back to the preserve in question.

Data from Recent Surveys

Mr. Lecter’s preserve is approximately 91 acres. As of Spring 2019, there were an estimated 1,500
clusters of Venus flytraps on the preserve. When compared with this year’s survey, around 40%
disappeared. Note that the recommended number of prescribed burns and routine soil evaluations were
maintained. Also, surveys taken after natural disasters found no significant changes in the Venus flytrap
population. The only remaining explanation is poaching. This is further evidenced by the appearance of
man-made holes in multiple sites. Their shapes are consistent with the tools often found on poachers.

Proposed Poaching Countermeasures

Install a Ranger Force
A few rangers will be needed to periodically monitor the preserve. On a bi-weekly basis, they will note
any disturbances in the natural habitat, poaching or otherwise. Skills in observation will be crucial, as
they will be responsible for evaluating every poaching site that they discover.
The creation of new positions is a budgetary concern. Therefore, the number of rangers will be
determined by the nature preserve’s finance team, along with their salaries. They will only be needed on a
part-time basis.

Develop a Predictive Spatial Model

The rangers will be using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify common characteristics
among poached sites. This technique is based on group decision making, and it involves assigning
numerical value to relevant variables in order to make comparison pairs. Some examples of variables that
might be included in this discussion are topographic barriers and vegetation distribution.
Once data starts trickling in from the rangers, we can begin developing the spatial model using a
geographic information system (GIS). Our organization has many data analysts proficient in this type of
program. They will create a GIS map of the distribution of the Venus flytrap population. This will then be
cross referenced with the point system created by the analytical hierarchy process. Areas with the highest
cause for concern will have cameras installed and increased monitoring.

Conclusion
Poaching threatens Venus flytrap populations in protected areas such as the nature preserve managed by
Mr. Lecter. Countermeasures can be adapted from strategies developed for other threatened species. This
memo references a tactic implemented by the Virginia National Park Service. It involves using analytical
hierarchal process to create a spatial map model that can predict areas that will experience poaching
incidents. However, in order to apply this idea to our nature preserve, we must first install a ranger force.
With these measures in place, we can hope to save thousands of Venus flytraps.

Recommendations
The approach described in this memo relies on the creation of ranger positions. Therefore, our first task
will be consulting the finance department. Please start drafting proposals that explain the necessity of
installing these part-time, salaried positions. Remember to acknowledge the training in observation that
they need. If this is approved, we will be able to begin the next phase of action. Newly hired rangers will
monitor the preserve biweekly over the course of six months. Then, they will use the analytical hierarchy
process to identify common geographic factors among poaching sites. These factors will be cross
referenced with GIS maps of the Venus flytrap population throughout the preserve. The resulting spatial
mapping model will be used to pinpoint potential future poaching sites. Cameras will be installed in these
areas, and any instances of poaching will be promptly reported to local law enforcement.
References
1. Young, John A., Manen, Frank T. van, & Thatcher, Cindy A. (2011). Geographic
Profiling to Assess the Risk of Rare Plant Poaching in Natural Areas. Environmental
Management, 48, 577-587. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9687-3