Data for "The global footprint of species-use across space and ecology"

Use of species underpins subsistence livelihoods and commercial economies. Utilising trade and seizure records, expert assessments, case studies, and field data, we develop a complete understanding of how and where species are used by humans. We find 6358 (58%) bird and 2426 (41%) mammal species are used for pets, food, sport, ornamental products, apparel, and medicine. Individual use types are well predicted by different aspects of species’ morphology, demography, and ecology. Automated text-based classification identifies specific uses as a direct threat for 3.1% of bird and mammal species, with pets and food the most prevalent drivers. Integrating targeted understanding of how species are used – and when this poses a threat – is critical to meeting global aspirations for the safe and sustainable use of wild species. See README.txt file for a detailed description of data fields.