Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep48

Published on 16 September 2025

We’re back with part two of our special episode featuring Wildlife Economist and Massey University lecturer, Brendan Moyle. And this time we’re delving into Brendan’s fascinating research in wildlife economics, exploring how economics can be applied to the conservation of endangered species. As well as unpacking the economic drivers in wildlife black markets.

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Jarrod Kerr

Chief Economist
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Sabrina Delgado

Economist

The economics of rhinos, elephants, and crocodiles

Brendan talks us through real-world examples involving rhinos and crocodiles to show how market-based approaches can support sustainable protection. We also explore how the fall in interest rates and a crashing equity market during the 2008 GFC led to a surge in unscrupulous investment in elephant ivory and drove up poaching levels. Across all three cases, one economic principle stands out: incentives matter.

If you missed part one, be sure to check out last week’s episode, “The economics of climate change”, where we explored how the climate landscape has evolved post-COVID, the global and national challenges we face, and the policy solutions available to New Zealand today.

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