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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for illegal wildlife trade
139 results foundAuthor: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse: How Tiger Criminals Give China the Run-Around Summary: Between 25 July and 14 August 2009 EIA carried out an investigation in the markets of Xining (Qinghai Province), Linxia (Gansu Province), Lhasa (TAR), Shigatse (TAR) and Nagchu (TAR). A team also attended the Nagchu Horse Festival (TAR). In just 21 days, EIA documented a range of items for sale, some openly displayed. In addition, EIA documented at least 9 people wearing real tiger skin chupas and at least 25 people wearing real leopard skin chupas at the Nagchu Horse Festival. Numerous ivory bangles, prayer beads and other carvings were documented for sale without State Forest Administration / CITES certificates in Xining, Linxia and Lhasa. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency, 2010. 11p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: China URL: Shelf Number: 119546 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentTigersWildlife Crime |
Author: Parry-Jones, Rob Title: The Feasibilitiy of Using Canines to Detect Wildlife Contraband Summary: The use of detection dogs worldwide, cheifly for narcotics, bears testament to the recognised efficacy of canines in locating contraband items in trade. Despite the commitment of governments to prevent the illegal trade in wildlife, however, only a few detector dog programs currently exist around the world to detect wildlife in trade. These programs, located in the USA, South Africa, and Canada, have limited resources but, nonetheless, clearly illustrate that dogs can be used as an effective law enforcement tool to enhance the effectiveness of CITES and domestic wildlife trade controls. Details: Hong Kong: TRAFFIC East Asia, 1997. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 23, 2010 at: http://www.traffic.org/enforcement/ Year: 1997 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/enforcement/ Shelf Number: 120591 Keywords: DogsIllegal Wildlife TradeSmugglingWildlife Crime |
Author: ProFauna Indonesia Title: The Illegal Trade of Tiger Parts and Ivory Tusks in Sumatera, Indonesia Summary: Sumatera Island which is located in Indonesia is the sixth biggest island in the world with 470,000 kilometre squares. The population of the island was 45 million in 2005. Sumatera is a mega biodiversity island. There are 205 big and small mammals, and 380 bird species. As a mega biodiversity island, Sumatera is important as Indonesia’s heritage. Many endangered species inhabit the island: Sumateran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Sumateran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatranus), Sumatran orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelli), Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), and tapir (Tapirus indicus). The populations of three famous species in Sumatra: the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), and orangutan (Pongo abelii) are declining. Sumatran elephant population in 2007 was estimated around 2,400 to 2,800, falling to 35% from the record in 1992 which was around 2,800 to 5,000. While Sumatran tiger population was 400, orangutan’s was 7,500. In the 1990’s their populations were estimated 200,000. The decreasing population of the three endangered species shows the general shrinkage of other species populations in Sumatera. The habitat loss and wildlife hunting are the two causes of the declining population. According to the Forestry Information Center, the lowland forests in Sumatera had dramatically fallen into eight millions hectares from 1990- 2000. The shrinkage triggers the human animal conflicts. The illegal wildlife trade has become an important factor of the drastic decline in the populations of wildlife species in Sumatera besides the habitat loss. Wildlife trade is serious because 100% of the traded animals are caught from the wild. The investigation in July to October 2008 was intended to reveal the illegal trade of body parts and wildlife products of the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) and Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in some locations in Sumatera and Java. Previously in November – December 2007, ProFauna with the funding provided IFAW conducted a short-term investigation on wildlife trade in Sumatera. The investigation focused on mammal and bird species. From the investigation in 2007, ProFauna gathered some beginning information on the trade of ivory tusks and tiger parts. The findings were then followed up by a further investigation from July to October 2008. Details: Malang, Indonesia: ProFauna Indonesia, 2009. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 23, 2010 at: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/tiger-ivory-investigation-report-(2009).pdf Year: 2009 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/tiger-ivory-investigation-report-(2009).pdf Shelf Number: 120624 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentWildlife Crime |
Author: ProFauna Indonesia Title: Pirated Parrots: ProFauna's Investigation of the Indonesian Parrot Smuggling to the Philippines Summary: There are about 85 parrot species in Indonesia, 14 of them are classified as threatened. One of the regions with many parrot species is Wallacea which includes Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and the Maluku Islands. 4 endangered species in Wallacea are the red-and-blue Lory (Eos histrio), yellowcrested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), blue-napped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucioinensis), and blackwinged Lory (Eos cyanogenia). The most threatened genus in Wallacea are the lorry and cockatoo ones, mainly caused by the trapping for trade. This trapping is made worse by habitat loss resulting in local extinctions for some species like the yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), red-and-blue Lory (Eos histrio), and the chattering Lory (Lorius garulus). All parrot species (Psittaciformes spp) are in Appendix II CITES, except those in Appendix I and a few in Appendxi III. There are 5 parrot species listed in Appendix I: Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffini), the salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) and the red-and-blue Lory (Eos histrio). This means that the commercial international trade in these parrots is principally prohibited and must be from captive bred birds not wild caught ones. Other species in Appendix II can be traded under the catching quotas and the permits issued by the Forestry Department. In 2007, Indonesia didn’t issue export quotas for any species, including parrots. Therefore, there is no legal export of Indonesian parrots. Even though there is no legal export for parrots from Indonesia, poaching of birds from the wild which are subsequently smuggled into the Philippines and domestically traded is still going on. A ProFauna Indonesia investigation in June – September 2007, funded by Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), reveals the fact that parrot smuggling from Maluku, Indonesia to the Philippines has been taking place until now. This poses a serious threat towards the parrot conservation in the wild. Details: Malang, Indonesia: ProFauna Indonesia, 2008. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 23, 2010 at: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/pirated-parrot-(2008).pdf Year: 2008 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/pirated-parrot-(2008).pdf Shelf Number: 120625 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoachingSmugglingWildlife Crime |
Author: Foley, Kaitlyn-Elizabeth Title: Pills, Powders, Vials and Flakes: The Bear Bile Trade in Asia Summary: Poaching and illegal trade of bears, driven largely by the demand for bile, used in traditional medicine and folk remedies continues unabated across Asia on a large scale, a new report by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, has found. Bear bile products were found on sale in Traditional Medicine outlets in all but one of the 13 countries/territories surveyed. The exception is Macao. Products were most frequently observed in mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar and Viet Nam, where they were recorded in over half of all outlets surveyed. The most frequently encountered products were whole bear gall bladders and pills — found in half of the outlets surveyed. TRAFFIC’s research suggests a complex and robust trade in bear products. Several of the countries/territories surveyed were either producers or consumers of bear bile products, while in some cases they acted as both. Mainland China was the most commonly reported place of origin for these products across the region. In Myanmar, internationally sourced gall bladders were reported to come solely from Lao PDR; in Hong Kong, in cases where the source was known, products were reported to have originated in Japan and over half of those offered for sale in the South Korea were from wild sources in Russia. Domestic trade of bear bile is legal under strict regulation within mainland China and Japan but is illegal in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Regardless of the legality of trade within countries, international trade is not allowed. Asiatic Black Bears (predominant in this trade) and Sun Bears are both listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits international commercial trade in the species, its parts and derivatives. An analysis of the origin of bear bile products found in these surveys makes it clear that import and export regulations are commonly flouted demonstrating a failure to implement CITES requirements to stop illegal international bear bile trade effectively and protect bears from exploitation. Details: htmlPetaling Jaya, Selengor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2011. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 16, 2011 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/5/11/illegal-bear-bile-trade-rampant-in-asia Year: 2011 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/5/11/illegal-bear-bile-trade-rampant-in-asia Shelf Number: 121719 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradePoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: Felbab-Brown, Vanda Title: The Disappearing Act: The Illicit Trade in Wildlife in Asia Summary: Southeast Asia, with its linkages into the larger Asian market that includes China, Indonesia, and India, is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots as well as one of the world’s hotspots for the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts. Although demand markets for wildlife, including illegally-traded wildlife are present throughout the world, China ranks as the world’s largest market for illegal trade in wildlife, and wildlife products, followed by the United States. Globally, the volume and diversity of traded and consumed species have increased to phenomenal and unprecedented levels, contributing to very intense species loss. In Southeast Asia alone, where the illegal trade in wildlife is estimated to be worth $8-$10 billion per year, wildlife is harvested at many times the sustainable level, decimating ecosystems and driving species to extinction. Other environmental threats such as climate change, deforestation and other habitat destruction, industrial pollution, and the competition between indigenous species and invasive species often impact ecosystems on a large scale. But the unsustainable, and often illegal, trade in wildlife has the capacity to drive species into extirpation in large areas and often into worldwide extinction—especially species that are already vulnerable as a result of other environmental threats. The threats posed by illegal (and also legal, but badly managed and unsustainable) trade in wildlife are serious and multiple. They include irrevocable loss of species and biodiversity; extensive disturbances to larger ecosystems; economic losses due to the collapse of sustainable legal trade of a species and its medicinal and other derivate products, or of ecotourism linked to the species; severe threats to the food-supply and income of forest-dependent peoples; spread of viruses and diseases; and the strengthening of organized crime and militant groups who use the illegal trade in wildlife for provisions and financing. At the core of the illegal trade in wildlife is a strong and rapidly-expanding demand. This includes demand for bushmeat — by marginalized communities for whom wildlife meat is often the primary source of protein, and for the affluent who consume exotic meat as a luxury good. Other demand for wildlife is for curios, trophies, collections, and accessories, furs and pets. Much of demand arises out of the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which uses natural plant, animal, and mineral-based materials to treat a variety of illnesses, maintain good health and longevity, and enhance sexual potency, and is practiced by hundreds of millions of people. Although effective medicinal alternatives are now available—many of these TCM potions fail to cure anything, and the supply of ingredients for TCM frequently comes through illegal channels and crisis-level poaching — demand for TCM continues to expand greatly. The expansion of supply of illegally-sourced and traded wildlife has been facilitated by the opening up of economies in Southeast and East Asia and the strengthening of their international legal and illegal trade connections; infrastructure development linking previously inaccessible wilderness areas; and commercial logging. The illegal trade in wildlife involves a complex and diverse set of actors. These include illegal hunters — ranging from traditional and poor ones to professional hunters, layers of middlemen, top-level traders and organized-crime groups, launderers of wildlife products (such as corrupt captive- breeding farms and private zoos), militant groups, as well as local and far-away consumers, both affluent and some of the world’s poorest. Other stakeholders in the regulation of wildlife trade and conservation include logging companies, agribusinesses, the fishing industry, local police and en- forcement forces, and governments. Policies and enforcement strategies for curbing the illegal trade in wildlife to ensure wildlife conservation and preserve biodiversity need to address the complex and actor-specific drivers of the illegal behavior. In Southeast and East Asia, government policies to prevent illegal trade in wildlife continue to be generally characterized by weak laws governing wildlife trade, limited enforcement and low penalties. Government efforts to inform publics largely unaware of (and often indifferent to) how their consumer behavior contributes to the devastation of ecosystems in the region and world-wide also continue to be inadequate. Monitoring of captive-breeding facilities in Asia is often poor, thus facilitating the laundering of illegally-sourced wildlife and undermining the capacity of the legal trade in wildlife to curb illegal and unsustainable practices. Nonetheless, there has been intensification and improvement of government response to the illegal trade in wildlife in Asia, with many governments in the region toughening laws and increasing law enforcement, the Southeast Asian countries establishing the ASEAN-Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) to facilitate law enforcement, and even China undertaking more extensive labeling of legal wildlife products. The extent of unsustainable, environmentally damaging, and illegal practices that still characterize the wildlife trade in Asia and in many parts of the world cries out for better forms of regulation and more effective law enforcement. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to the problem; and almost every particular regulatory policy is either difficult to implement or entails difficult trade-offs and dilemmas. Details: Washington, DC: Brookings Institution, 2011. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper No. 6: Accessed July 7, 2011 at: http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2011/06_illegal_wildlife_trade_felbabbrown/06_illegal_wildlife_trade_felbabbrown.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Asia URL: http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2011/06_illegal_wildlife_trade_felbabbrown/06_illegal_wildlife_trade_felbabbrown.pdf Shelf Number: 122000 Keywords: Illegal LoggingIllegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentOrganized CrimeWildlife Crime (Asia) |
Author: Niraj, Shekhar Kumar Title: Sustainable Development, Poaching, and Illegal Wildlife Trade in India Summary: Wildlife poaching is directly associated with illegal wildlife trade. Although poaching is recognized as a major threat to wildlife in India, it has not been analyzed quantitatively, because of a lack of data. Thus, the understanding of poaching or illegal wildlife trade and its true implications on conservation has not been considered by policy makers. The deficiency of data on poaching in the public domain also hampered scientific research on poaching. The lack of a scientific approach to analyze poaching creates a gap between reality and an effective solution to reduce its implications on wildlife conservation. Poaching has also been affected by fast economic development in India and the region, which has given rise to increased demand of wildlife. Protected areas, created to conserve wildlife, face pressure from poaching and demographic growth. Economic developments affect poaching and demographic changes and affect conservation. Analyzing this trend at the country and the global level can help predict future scenarios and develop effective strategies to reduce loss to biodiversity. We examined stakeholders’ perspectives on wildlife policy development in India (Part 1) and analyzed poaching and other emerging threats to 3 different protected areas in India (Part 2). This analysis is based on the perceptions of the village communities living inside and on the fringe of the protected areas. We also conducted a temporal and spatial analysis of poaching in India from 1992-2006 (Part 3). This period sees the transformation of Indian economy following an economic liberalization process, which increased the development process. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between growth in the economy and wildlife conservation in India from a historical and statistical perspective (Part 4). This part also develops system feedback loop diagrams to determine possible relationships between variables that are connected to conservation. The relationships are then assessed at the global level to understand the impact of economic growth on wildlife conservation and understand how it influences the endangered mammals and birds. Details: Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona, 2009. 318p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 5, 2012 at: http://gradworks.umi.com/3354621.pdf Year: 2009 Country: India URL: http://gradworks.umi.com/3354621.pdf Shelf Number: 125469 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime (India) |
Author: Stoner, Sarah Title: Current Global Trends in the Illegal Trade of Tigers Summary: This is a presentation detailing the crime statistics on the illegal international trade of tigers and material from tigers, crime statistics, hotspot analysis and other information. Details: New Delhi, India: World Wide Fund (WWF) & Global Tiger Initiative, 2012. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 22, 2012 at http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/TRAFFIC_Tiger_Trade_Analysis.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/TRAFFIC_Tiger_Trade_Analysis.pdf Shelf Number: 126098 Keywords: Crime AnalysisCrime HotspotsCrime StatisticsIllegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentOrganized CrimeTigersWildlife Crime |
Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Killing with Keystrokes 2.0: IFAW's investigation into the European online ivory trade Summary: Killing with Keystrokes 2.0: IFAW's investigation into the European online ivory trade surveyed websites in the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Germany, and found a thriving in trade in ivory items the legality of most of which is questionable. In just two weeks, our survey found more than 660 items with a total advertising value of almost €650,000.00 across a variety of European websites. A shocking 98 per cent of adverts failed to comply with website policies or provide evidence of legality. Details: Yarmouth Port, MA: International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2011. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 22, 2012 at http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20Killing%20with%20Keystrokes%202.0%20report%202011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20Killing%20with%20Keystrokes%202.0%20report%202011.pdf Shelf Number: 126100 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeInternet CrimeIvory TradeWildlife Trade, Elephants |
Author: Great Britain. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Title: A Survey of the Orchid Trade in Thailand Summary: The report presented to the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on the Review of Significant Trade in Species of Plants included in Appendix II of CITES (Doc. 8.31), included a recommendation to carry out a survey of the Thai orchid trade. In addition, it recommended that assistance be provided to the Thai Government for the protection of native orchids and the development of appropriate national CITES controls. A first step taken with respect to this recommendation was the acquisition of a computer for the Management Authority of Thailand for Plants to improve and facilitate annual reporting. The Government of Japan and TRAFFIC Southeast Asia funded this project. Thailand is the world’s major producer of orchids for international trade. Commercial orchid production is well established within the country, with nurseries propagating a range of native and non-native species. At the same time however, Thailand exports a significant quantity of wild orchids, collected within the country. The present project was developed in close consultation between the CITES Secretariat, the CITES Management Authority of Thailand (MA, Thailand) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK (RBG Kew) - the CITES Scientific Authority for Plants of the United Kingdom. The resulting project proposal was approved by the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the CITES Standing Committee and supported by the CITES Plants Committee. Details: London: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1999. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 7, 2012 at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/pdf/studies/orchids_thailand.pdf Year: 1999 Country: Thailand URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/pdf/studies/orchids_thailand.pdf Shelf Number: 126583 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOrchids (Thailand)SmugglingWildlife Crime |
Author: National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Title: Orchids Trade Study - Laos 2009 Summary: The export of wild and/or semi-cultivated orchids, in any form or otherwise semi-processed, is now illegal in Lao PDR unless CITES permits. However, there are many types of illegal activities in the orchid trade, for example, Wild Orchids are mainly exported to China for medicinal uses. For horticultural purposes, villagers or retailers sell plants directly harvested from the forest to local or foreign people without any reference to sustainable harvesting and, no CITES certification. Due to the fast economic changes in Laos, some critical gaps have emerged now concerning the sustainable use of Botanical Orchids and their conservation. This study would show the importance of the orchid harvesting and illegal trade all around the country. Details: Laos: National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Lao Agriculture Database, 2009. 14p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 7, 2012 at http://lad.nafri.org.la/fulltext/2239-0.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Laos URL: http://lad.nafri.org.la/fulltext/2239-0.pdf Shelf Number: 126584 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOrchids (Laos)SmugglingWildlife Crime |
Author: Operation Charm Title: The Illegal Trade in Bears Summary: Most of us have known bears from our earliest days, but today, all of the world’s bear species are threatened by illegal trade. The illegal trade in endangered species is worth billions of pounds every year and threatens the survival of species all over the world. Trade in endangered species is controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international agreement that has been signed by more than 170 countries, including the UK. CITES bans international trade in the world’s most endangered species and strictly controls trade in many others. All species of bears are included in the CITES listings. Even so the illegal trade continues and the UK plays a part in this. The illegal trade in endangered species, like any other trade, works on the basis of supply and demand. In many cases the consumer demand for endangered species products comes from wealthy countries like the UK. Wild bears are being killed for their gall bladders and the bile which they produce is highly valued as an ingredient in some traditional Chinese medicines. Others are farmed in China and Vietnam where they are forced to spend their lives in tiny cages and are “milked” of their bile every day. Still others are killed for their skins which are used as home “decorations” for the wall or the floor. Details: London: Operation Charm, 2012. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2012 at http://www.animalsasia.org/eng/images/index/index/Bearbilebooklet%28UK%29.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.animalsasia.org/eng/images/index/index/Bearbilebooklet%28UK%29.pdf Shelf Number: 127232 Keywords: BearsCrime PreventionIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Dalberg Title: Fighting Illicit Wildlife Trafficking: A Consultation with Governments Summary: This report summarizes the views of a number of governments and international organizations on illicit wildlife traffi cking. These views were collected through a series of structured interviews, and this report is the fi rst to provide a snapshot of current governmental and intergovernmental opinions on this topic. The current global approach to fi ghting illicit wildlife trafficking is failing, contributing to the instability of society and threatening the existence of some illegally traded species. The governments and international organizations consulted on this issue agree that the current approach is not suffi cient. However, opinions on the responsibility of different actors vary: countries that are primarily associated with demand are concerned with enforcement on the supply side, while countries that are primarily associated with supply are concerned with education and enforcement on the demand side. International organizations and government representatives point out that while there are individuals within governments and international organizations who are passionate about halting illicit wildlife trafficking, it is not a priority for governments. There is general agreement among governments and international organizations that the commitments made and the actions taken are uncoordinated and fail to address the issue effectively. There is broad recognition that the absence of an effective response threatens iconic species such as the rhinoceros, the tiger and the elephant and has far-reaching implications for society as a whole. Governments are in agreement that: • Illicit wildlife traffi cking compromises the security of countries. Much of the trade in illegal wildlife products is run by criminal groups with broad international reach, and the profi ts can be used to fi nance civil confl icts and terrorist-related activities. Illicit wildlife traffi cking is also linked to other forms of illegal traffi cking and money-laundering. • Illicit wildlife traffi cking hinders sustainable social and economic development. The corruption that is associated with illicit wildlife traffi cking, and the security threat posed by the often violent nature of illegal wildlife product sourcing, deter investment and hinder growth in source, transit and demand countries. They reduce the effectiveness of governments, deter civil engagement, erode the rule of law, harm the reputation of and trust in the state, and affect the growth of local communities. • Illicit wildlife traffi cking destroys natural wealth. Wildlife is considered an important asset by many communities – often the poorest – in the developing world. The illegal exploitation of wildlife is capable of heavily depleting species and, in some cases, of bringing a species close to extinction. • Illicit wildlife traffi cking poses risks to global health. Illicit wildlife traffi cking can represent a disease transmission mechanism that threatens the health of humans, livestock and ecosystems, and such trade prevents more effective, regulated and legitimate treatments for disease being sought. The representatives of governments and international organizations interviewed for this study pointed out that, to be successful, the approach to fi ghting illicit wildlife traffi cking needs to get to the core of the issue, changing the behaviour of those people who demand, supply and otherwise profi t from illicit wildlife traffi cking. The momentum is building, with commitments made at Rio+20, recent CITES meetings and other global platforms. The next step is for governments and the international community to deliver on their commitments and be held to account for their action or, crucially, their lack of action. Details: Gland, SWIT: World Wildlife Fund, 2012. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 24, 2013 at: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwffightingillicitwildlifetrafficking_lr_1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwffightingillicitwildlifetrafficking_lr_1.pdf Shelf Number: 127394 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crimes |
Author: Animal Rights Africa Title: Under Siege: Rhinoceroses in South Africa Summary: Trophy hunting in the 19th century devastated rhinoceros populations in Africa. By the 1920s there were fewer than a hundred of the southern white rhinoceroses left in the Umfolozi region in KwaZulu-Natal. Preservation, overt protection and habitat and range expansion strategies led to the growth in the number of rhinoceroses in South Africa and brought them back from the brink of extinction. An important component of these strategies was the prohibition of hunting. There is now a completely different situation at play, where the hunting, poaching and trade of rhinoceroses, both illegal and legal, are once again not only severely impacting on the species but also causing untold suffering and death for the individuals involved. Rhinoceros poaching has reached a 15-year high in Africa and Asia and there are therefore justifiable concerns about the current protection and management of these animals in South Africa as well as the need for public discourse and involvement. South Africa is currently entrusted with over 90% of the world’s population of white rhinoceroses, but at the same time it has become abundantly clear that not only are rhinoceroses in South Africa facing one of their worst threats ever as a species, but they are literally under siege. According to the Department of Environment rhinoceroses poaching in South Africa has reached the highest levels in decades. In the short space of 19 months, poaching of rhinoceroses in South Africa has accelerated to a rate almost six times higher than that of the previous eight years and at the same time a report by international conservation bodies claims the country has become the conduit of most of the rhinoceros horns leaving the African continent. The threats rhinoceroses are facing are linked to South Africa’s current uncompassionate conservation policies of overt consumptive use and trade and inadequate policing, enforcement measures and resources to protect rhinoceroses. And as with elephants the trade, sale and hunting of rhinoceroses in South Africa is driven by commodification, commercialisation and profit rather than by compassion or robust science. Details: Animal Rights Africa, 2009. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 5, 2013 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/125/1255419687.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Africa URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/125/1255419687.pdf Shelf Number: 127517 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Africa)Illegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradeRhinocerosRhinosWildlife Crimes |
Author: Stoner, Sarah Title: Reduced to Skin and Bones Revisited: An Updated Analysis of Tiger Seizures From 12 Tiger Range Countries (2000-2012) Summary: In 2010, TRAFFIC produced ‘Reduced to Skin and Bones: An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 11 Tiger Range Countries (2000-2010)’ (Verheij, 2010). The purpose of the present report is to provide an updated situational analysis of the current illegal Tiger Panthera tigris trade picture and to gain an improved understanding of one of the greatest threats to the Tiger’s survival. This report also aims to illustrate the need, use, practicability and direction that can be gained from the central collation and analysis of seizure data. Its conclusions outline the need for Tiger range and consumer countries to agree on and adhere to a standardized format for sharing and reporting data on poaching and illegal trade. Seizures are indicators both of illegal trade and of law enforcement effort. A lack of reported seizures (such as in Myanmar) needs to be considered against other data, which in this case points to substantial illegal transit trade, based on TRAFFIC market surveys. Seizure information was collected from a variety of sources, most importantly directly from a number of Tiger range country (TRC) governments, as well as TRAFFIC and WWF offices, supplemented with online research including media reports of government announcements of law enforcement activity. To render seizure data comparable, records of seized items were tallied as units that could be used to calculate the number of Tigers involved in each seizure. Since 2000, there have been 654 seizures of Tiger parts and derivatives across 12 TRCs (Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam1). It is estimated that a minimum 1425 Tigers were seized during this period. Since only a fraction of Tigers in illegal trade are intercepted by law enforcement, the scale of criminal activity represents a serious ongoing threat to the survival of wild Tigers, generally considered to number as low as 3200. India, the country with the largest national wild Tiger population, reported the most seizures since 2000 (336). Next were China (58) and Viet Nam (50), which have small numbers of wild Tigers, but large numbers of captive animals. Both China and Viet Nam have been identified as important zones of consumption for illegal Tiger products. Looking at recent seizures (2010-2012), the proportion that India accounts for shows a downward trend, 29% of total seizures compared to 58% for 2000-2009. Conversely, the proportion of seizures has increased for other TRCs such as China, Malaysia, Nepal and Russia but is most notable for Viet Nam, rising from 6% to 14%. Moreover, Indonesia with a relatively small wild Tiger population and few known captive animals, disproportionately seized almost 20% of all Tigers seized in the past three years. Clearly, as this study demonstrates, demand persists - tigers are still being poached and seized. Improved law enforcement and the emergence of intelligence-led policing may mean that some aspects of the illicit trade are being displaced to online markets. As has been revealed in China, offenders have shown that they can adapt their modus operandi to circumvent detection, including a shift towards the trading of Tiger parts and products online. It is paramount that law enforcement also adopts this approach by identifying the current and relevant threats and shifts their focus to ensure they are one step ahead of the offenders. Understanding how end-user markets operate will ensure that criminals cannot continue to evade detection. Details: London: TRAFFIC International, 2013. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 9, 2013 at: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/542/files/original/traffic_species_mammals73.pdf?1362619925 Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/542/files/original/traffic_species_mammals73.pdf?1362619925 Shelf Number: 127907 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Lack, Mary Title: An Overview of Shark Utilisation in the Coral Triangle Region Summary: This report, An Overview of Shark Utilization in the Coral Triangle Region, examines the catch, trade, and management of sharks in waters of the six Coral Triangle countries, plus the neighbouring countries of Vietnam and Fiji. Despite long-standing global concerns on declining shark populations due to growing evidence that many shark species are threatened, shark populations continue to decline. This is due to a general lack of even basic management, and is further exacerbated by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Some fisheries target sharks for their meat but the main driver of unsustainable fishing for sharks is currently the demand in Asia for fins, which are used in shark fin soup. Today, the vast majority of shark products come from unsustainable sources, not just fins. Sharks are also heavily traded for their meat, skin, and liver oil. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC; Jakarta, Indonesia: World Wildlife Fund, 2012. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 14, 2013 at: Year: 2012 Country: Asia URL: Shelf Number: 127935 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeSharksUnregulated FishingWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Asia) |
Author: Auliya, Mark Title: Hot Trade in Cool Creatures: A review of the live reptile trade in the European Union in the 1990s with a focus on Germany Summary: The European Union (EU)1 is one of the world’s largest markets for live reptiles, such as snakes, lizards and tortoises, and the exotic and scaly animals have become increasingly fashionable as pets since the early 1990s. Even though captive-breeding efforts have improved significantly in the last few decades, a large proportion of the reptiles offered in pet shops in the EU still originate from the wild and hence the live reptile trade can have a considerable impact on the conservation status of these species. To date, around 8000 reptile species have been described, however only a portion of these are regulated in national and international trade: for example, approximately 500 reptile species are listed in one of the three Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (hereafter CITES) that regulates international trade in around 30 000 animal and plant species. In addition, several countries protect native reptile species from exploitation through harvest and trade restrictions. All 15 EU Member States are Parties to CITES and the Convention is jointly implemented by all EU Member States through Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1808/2001 (hereafter referred to as the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations). Most of the available information on the trade in live reptiles in the EU originates from annual reports prepared by EU Member States for CITES. Data to document trade in non-CITES species are more difficult to obtain and often lacking. The objective of this report is to provide an overview for the market of live reptiles in the EU in the 1990s, by compiling data on legal and illegal trade, analysing trends, including supply and demand and other aspects, such as trade routes, main countries of export, species in trade, and prices. It is hoped that the content of this report reflects the diversity of issues related to these markets and that the conclusions and recommendations drawn from it will assist decision-makers from the relevant authorities in the EU and elsewhere in their efforts to ensure that the trade in live reptiles of CITES-listed as well as non-CITES species is well regulated and not posing a threat to wild populations. The report focuses primarily on the market for live reptiles in Germany, one of the largest importers of live reptiles among the 15 EU Member States with a large domestic market, as a case study of the situation and trends in the late 1990s, when the EU comprised 15 Member States. Therefore this report is a ‘snapshot’ of the reptile trade and market in the late 20th century, but may no longer reflect the current situation, in the first years of the new millennium. Details: Brussels, Belgium: TRAFFIC Europe, 2003. 112p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2013 at: www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_reptiles2.pdf Year: 2003 Country: Germany URL: Shelf Number: 128050 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeReptilesWildlife Crimes (Germany)Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Schoppe, Sabine Title: Status, Trade Cynamics and Management of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle Cuora Amboinensis in Indonesia Summary: The Southeast Asian Box Turtle Cuora amboinensis - one of 29 native freshwater turtles in Indonesia - is a globally vulnerable species and the survival of substantial populations in general is particularly threatened by the extensive international trade for consumption and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to East Asian countries. In order to control the trade, the species and its congeners were included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2000. Prior to the export of Appendix II species from a country of origin, a so-called nondetriment finding (NDF) should be conducted to determine the number of individuals that can be harvested without a negative impact on the survival of wild populations. Such a finding should be the basis for any annual harvest and export quota of the species. An NDF however requires knowledge on socioeconomic factors and of species’ life history, distribution, population densities and threats. Indonesia is the main supplier of Cuora amboinensis to the international meat, TCM and pet markets but no scientifically-based assessment has formed the basis for a NDF and the current national harvest quota of 20 000 individuals per year is based on the export realisation of previous years rather than on the results of comprehensive scientific surveys. Considering the above, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia identified the Southeast Asian Box Turtle as a heavily traded species to be used as a case study for science-based management, which could serve as a model for other CITES Appendix II species (particularly reptiles) in trade. The present study therefore aimed to review information on the biology and ecology of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle, assess the legislation in place to regulate trade in wildlife especially in freshwater turtles and tortoises, identify past and current harvest and trade levels, and determine whether the abundance of the species has changed over time. The literature review revealed that the Southeast Asian Box Turtle plays an undefined but likely important role in food webs of wetland ecosystems, and serves as seed disperser. Therefore, its temporary or permanent removal from its natural habitats leads to an imbalance of the ecosystem structure, the significance and consequences of which currently cannot be determined. The species has a low and relatively slow growth. The Southeast Asian Box Turtle has a low reproductive rate: in captivity, it might reach maturity in four years and five months; in the wild it will take about 5½-6 years to attain maturity, and one female produces an average of only six eggs per year, three of which might reach juvenile stage. The species is adaptable to man-made habitats which makes it very accessible for harvest. There are only very few if any properly protected areas in Indonesia, whose turtle populations could serve as assurance colonies. Despite being a commensal species, it is nowadays difficult to find a Southeast Asian Box Turtle in the wild near residential or agricultural areas in Indonesia. Its life cycle combined with continuous harvest for the food and TCM trade has led to over-exploitation of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle in Indonesia and to local extinction around trade centres. The present study concentrated on harvest and trade centres in Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra and Kalimantan was conducted from March to July 2006 and indicated a decline in the mean size of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle as a result of long-term over-exploitation of adults. In Indonesia, local utilization of the species is negligible but international trade for consumption and TCM is extensive and represents the major threat to the survival of the species. Illegal trade is extensive and includes all levels and kinds of traders such as collectors, middlemen, suppliers and exporters of registered and unregistered companies. Also alarming is the extent of plastrons and carapaces illegally traded, which mostly remain undetected due to easy concealment. The population size of the species in two hectare of a peat swamp forest in a protected area, the Taman National Rawa Aopa Watomohai in the south-east of the island of Sulawesi was estimated to be 120 individuals or 60 individual/ha. The population composition in terms of immature to mature ratio was almost 1:1 (54.9% immature and 45.1% mature). Harvest surveys of the species in an openly accessible area in East Kalimantan have shown that four middlemen alone easily assemble more than half of the nation’s annual quota in one year. The composition of harvested individuals in the study site in Kota Bangun, East Kalimantan was significantly in favour of large adults (95.8%) and contained only 4.2% immature individuals. Most of the Indonesian registered pet traders stated that nowadays it is more difficult to get a certain number of individuals compared to some 5-10 years ago. Generally, populations of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle near centres of trade are over-exploited and in many cases, even locally extinct. The main ports of illegal exports are Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Makassar, Tembilahan, Medan and Pekanbaru. Major international destinations are Hong Kong SAR, mainland China, Singapore and Malaysia. Illegal export in the species is believed to far exceed the number of individuals that can be legally exported (18 000 individuals). The most conservative estimate is that illegal trade amounts to 10 times the volume of legal trade, but probably it is rather 100 times the volume of legal trade. A total trade ban is not expected to solve the problem of unsustainable harvest but illegal trade has to be eradicated to allow sustainable management of this and other wildlife species. Tortoises and freshwater turtles including the Southeast Asian Box Turtle may only be exported live from Indonesia. The export of dead animals, parts (carapace or plastron) or derivatives is illegal under the Indonesian quota system. Some members of the CITES MA, especially at the provincial level are not aware of this. Export of dead specimens, parts and derivatives of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle from Indonesia has increased since the species became listed in Appendix II. This trend seems to apply also to other freshwater turtle species that recently became CITES-listed. Furthermore, increased control of live shipments has led to an increased volume of illegally traded shells. Many of the illegal shipments have forged CITES export permits. Enforcement officers are insufficiently trained and/or do not check CITES permits thoroughly. Illegal export of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle and other freshwater turtles from Indonesia is possible because many shipments are not inspected, many law enforcement officers do not know the conservation status of the different freshwater turtle species, and still cannot distinguish between the different species. Indonesia has a substantive enough legislative framework in place to govern the management of wildlife harvest and trade, and it is comparatively stronger than that of many neighbouring countries. Unfortunately, the enforcement of these laws is very weak. None of the establishments that sold the Southeast Asian Box Turtle for local utilization obtained the specimens from licensed collectors nor were these outlets licensed to sell. The Indonesian CITES MA has a very detailed, complex and difficult licensing and permit system. The quota setting in Indonesia is not science-based but driven by the demand from traders to supply importing countries especially those in East Asia where large volumes are consumed for food and traditional medicines. The distribution of the national quota among provinces is not related to local abundance nor to sustainability of trade but to the presence of a trader. Locations for harvest or capture are not carefully selected based on biological and ecological assessments, but rather in accordance with the preferred collection sites of the trader. The fact that some freshwater turtle species fall under the jurisdiction of the PHKA (Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation under the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia) while others are under the management of the DKP (Indonesian Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries), has led to considerable confusion and weakness in law enforcement. Results of this study have shown that the exploitation of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle in Indonesia has reached a level that requires immediate action. Harvest needs to be regulated and illegal trade to be eradicated. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2009. 105p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2013 at: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/09_Status_Trade_SE_Asian_Box_Turtle.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Asia URL: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/09_Status_Trade_SE_Asian_Box_Turtle.pdf Shelf Number: 128051 Keywords: Asian Box TurtleIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crimes (Asia)Wildlife ManagementWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Milliken, Tom Title: The Decline of the Black Rhino in Zimbabwe: Implications for Future Rhino Conservation Summary: This report presents an evaluation of Zimbabwe's Black Rhino conservation strategy in the face of continuous poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn, and an assessment of future options for rhino conservation. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 1993. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2013 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/123/1239704147.pdf Year: 1993 Country: Zimbabwe URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/123/1239704147.pdf Shelf Number: 128052 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes (Zimbabwe)Wildlife Poaching |
Author: Nijman, Vincent Title: Hanging in the Balance: An Assessment of trade in Orang-utans and Gibbons in Kalimantan, Indonesia Summary: This report presents an assessment of the trade in gibbons and orang-utans in Kalimantan, which is part of Indonesia’s territory on the island of Borneo. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and, within the Indo-Malayan region, supports the largest remaining expanse of lowland evergreen rainforest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Most of this forest remains in the four Indonesian provinces of West, Central, South and East Kalimantan with about 50% of the land surface still under forest. However, commercial timber extraction, small-scale logging (legal and illegal), conversion, and forest fires – along with the concurrent increase in access to formerly remote areas – are increasingly threatening the integrity of the remaining forest, thus putting the survival of its inhabitants at stake. The forests of Kalimantan are home to three species of apes i.e. the Bornean Orang-utan Pongo pygmaeus, and two species of gibbon, the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon Hylobates albibarbis and Müller's Gibbon H. muelleri. All three are endemic to the island and thus are not found anywhere else in the world. The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is confined to Kalimantan and for the other two species a disproportionately large part of their populations is found in Kalimantan, rather than other parts of Borneo. As all three ape species are classified by the IUCN Red List as Globally Threatened, primarily through loss of habitat but also through hunting and trade, Indonesia bears a great responsibility towards safeguarding the future of these primates. The Indonesian government has long recognized this responsibility and has pledged to do its best to control the problems wildlife faces and to preserve both individual species and their habitats. These pledges have been formalized in a range of laws, regulations and membership of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. A number of protected areas have been established in Kalimantan, to safeguard the habitat as well as the primate populations that reside in these areas, and all gibbons and orang-utans, be it inside or outside the protected area network, are legally protected. Indonesia is a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and all gibbons and orang-utans are listed in CITES Appendix I, which prohibits all international commercial trade of these species among contracting Parties. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2005. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2013 at: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/kalimantanorangutan.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Indonesia URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/kalimantanorangutan.pdf Shelf Number: 128053 Keywords: Animal PoachingGibbonsIllegal Wildlife TradeOrangutansWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes (Indonesia)Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Shepherd, Chris R. Title: An Overview of the Regulation of the Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Pet Trade in Jakarta, Indonesia Summary: Trade in wildlife is extensive in Asia, including a large number of species specifically traded live to supply the demand for pets. In an attempt to gain a greater insight into the drivers behind wildlife trade and to increase our understanding of how to regulate this trade, this survey provides an overview of the management and control of wildlife harvesting in Indonesia. Within Indonesia all commercial trade in wild animals is subject to a quota system, with no harvest or (domestic or international) trade allowed in any species without an allocated quota. Wildlife trade, whether legal or not, is performed openly; in general, regulatory law enforcement regarding wildlife protection and trade management is less than optimal. Indonesia is home to some 10 per cent of the world’s tortoise and freshwater turtle species. Persistent trade is one of the main threats to their survival, and large volumes can be observed in trade in Indonesia’s domestic markets, as well as being exported from Indonesia. This makes tortoises and freshwater turtles an appropriately indicative group to evaluate the management and control of wildlife harvesting and trade in Indonesia. To this end, two discrete, yet complementary datasets, have been analysed. The first dataset focuses on the quota-setting process, the requirement for non-detriment findings under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and regulations determining the legality of the trade and identifying gaps in the current trade-regulation system. The second dataset focuses on the trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles for pets in Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, quantifying this trade, analyzing how the market affects different species in trade, and assessing the effectiveness of trade regulations. Annual reported imports of CITES-listed species to Indonesia range between 0-1050 turtles per year, averaging 230 turtles per year for the 2000-2004 period. Numbers of CITES-listed exotic species observed in trade at any moment often exceed the reported import figures of these species for several years. Although for meaningful quota-setting for CITES Appendix II-listed species, non-detriment findings are required to be carried out under Article IV of the Convention, this has not been done in detail for any of the Indonesian tortoises or freshwater turtles in trade. In 2004, harvest of selected species was allowed in 17/31 provinces throughout the country, with harvest often being permitted in one province but not in the adjacent provincial jurisdiction, with no apparent justification for the demarcation. Large regions of the country do not have harvest quota allotted to them, yet species distributed in these geographic areas do show up in trade. Although there are a number of regulations and guidelines in place to regulate the trade in tortoises and turtles, few of the collectors, middlemen, and traders (especially the smaller operators), abide by these rules. All of the allotted quotas for species traded as pets are divided between members of the Indonesian Reptile and Amphibian Trade Association (IRATA), almost all of whom are in the wholesale business. Hardly any of the retail pet dealers are members of IRATA, yet throughout Indonesia there are hundreds of specialized turtle sellers to supply domestic market demand. In 2004, TRAFFIC surveyed 20 pet retailers in the greater Jakarta area, and recorded stock volumes and turnover for 48 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises. Twenty-two indigenous species that were An overview observed (1884 individuals) came from all over the country, and included all six nationally protected species. Indigenous species recorded were especially common among the high stock–high turnover species group. Asking prices by dealers for individuals in this species group were lower than those in the other species groups. A total of 26 exotic species (1439 individuals) were recorded, including species from Madagascar, West Africa, North America and Japan: 18 of these are in one of the CITES Appendices. According to the Indonesian CITES Management Authority, the majority, if not all, of these were imported into Indonesia without proper permits. Furthermore, no import was ever reported in UNEP-WCMC CITES trade database. Exotic species were more expensive than indigenous species, and tended to fall in the high stock–low turnover species group. Species that cannot be traded legally (i.e. species that are protected and species listed in one of the CITES Appendices and that were illegally imported into Indonesia) were approximately twice as expensive as the ones that could be sold legally. Species that could be sold legally were frequently in the high stock–high turnover species group. CITES-listed species (indigenous and exotic) were more expensive than non- CITES listed species, but there was no relation between stock availability / turnover and CITES-listing. Apparently, for retailers, CITES-listed species were not more difficult to obtain than non-CITES listed species, nor was it difficult to sell them. There are no significant price differences between globally threatened and non-threatened species. All species in the low stock–high turnover species group are classified as Threatened under the IUCN Red List, suggesting that although retailers had a low stock of threatened turtles and tortoises they had no difficulties in selling them. Extrapolating from the data collected, the total annual retail value of tortoises and freshwater turtles sold in the greater Jakarta area ranges between USD 135,000 and USD 350,000, of which the illegal component amounts to some USD 90,000-220,000 in value. Details: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2007. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_reptiles12.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Indonesia URL: Shelf Number: 128058 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTurtles and TortoisesWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Indonesia)Wildlife Management |
Author: O'Connell-Rodwell, Caitlin Title: An Assessment of China's Management of Trade in Elephants and Elephant Products Summary: The serious decline of elephants in many Asian and African range countries due to demand for ivory throughout the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in East Asia, resulted in the adoption of various international measures to reduce the threats to elephants. In 1976, the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus was included in Appendix I and the African Elephant Loxodonta africana included in Appendix II of CITES. With continuing declines in populations of the African Elephant, the species was transferred to Appendix I of CITES in 1989, thereby effecting a ban on all commercial international trade in elephants, their parts and derivatives. China took a reservation to the 1989 Appendix I-listing of the African Elephant in order to protect the ivory carving industry, the majority of whose stocks were reported to be pre-Convention stocks (legally obtained prior to China’s accession to CITES). In August of the same year, the CITES Management Authority of China (CNMA) registered a total of 110 importers, exporters and ivory carving workshops, as well as 110 tonnes of raw and worked ivory, most of which was pre-Convention stock. Effective 11 January 1991, China withdrew its reservation and the ban on international commercial trade in ivory took effect in China. Although stocks acquired before the ban were reported to be pre-Convention, analysis of CITES Annual Reports, show that from 1991 to 1999, China exported 571 tusks, 1,006,111 ivory carvings as well as 345 kg of ivory carvings (an additional 9,442,401 ivory carvings were exported in 1990). However, information on the permits and / or the Annual Reports did not record the ‘Source’ of the exports. Of the 566 tusks reported as being exported in 1992, 554 tusks were recorded by China as being from pre-Convention stocks. Japan, however, did not report the import of these tusks - and only 1,769 ivory carvings exported from China from 1991 – 1999 were reported as being pre-Convention stock. The proliferation of safari parks in China since the mid-1990s is reflected in the increasing trend of live elephants imported into China. From 1989 to 2000, China reported the import of a total of 91 live elephants, of which 82 were imported between 1996 and 2000. In addition to the import of live elephants into China, elephants from China are also used for display or performances. Smuggling of live elephants has also been reported, with between five to seven elephants illegally imported from Myanmar in 1995. Not all reported imports appear to have been conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. The conservation purposes and benefits of the import, in 1996, of 16 captive bred elephants from Myanmar for ‘Breeding’ are questionable. Perhaps of greater concern is the import, in 2000, of a single shipment of 20 wild elephants from Malaysia for ‘Zoos’. This trade is difficult to justify when there are captive bred specimens which could also have been used for the stated purpose. Furthermore, at least one safari park in China, the Guangzhou Panyu Safari Park, has an animal exchange programme under which it recently exported four red pandas, Ailurus fulgens, to Malacca zoo in Malaysia. It would appear that commercial trade in CITES Appendix I-listed species is being conducted where the profit is ‘in kind’. Seizure information for any illegal products, by its very nature, can only provide an indication of levels of illegal trade. Assessing China’s full role in the illicit ivory trade is exacerbated due to serious deficiencies in China’s seizure reporting system. Data that is available often lacks details on the date, number of pieces and/or weight of the seizure. The actual scale of illicit ivory trade in China therefore is likely to be considerably larger than current data shows. Nonetheless, available data clearly shows that China is a significant consumer of illegal ivory. Based on available data for the period January 1998 to September 2001, a minimum of 30 - 45 tonnes of ivory were seized destined for or entering China. Rhinoceros horn was also intercepted in some shipments from Africa. In addition to illicit ivory in trade, elephant skin reported to be equivalent to 20 elephants, believed to have originated in Myanmar and destined for a medicine manufacturing company in Shanghai was seized in 2000. In 2001, a further 10 tonnes of elephant skin, from an original 15 tonnes purchased in 1993, were seized in a Guangzhou traditional Chinese medicine company. The 15 tonnes were believed to represent 260 elephants. Smaller quantities of elephant skin also were observed by TRAFFIC staff for sale in the border areas of Laos and Myanmar. The state-run ivory carving industry has declined since the international trade ban in 1989 and it is likely that much of the ivory-carving industry now is run through private, and illegal, family operations. The main buyers of ivory are believed to be Chinese nationals, and the prosperous cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing believed to be the main centres of ivory consumption. One vendor in a Beijing outlet visited in 2000 remarked that he could obtain as much new ivory as was required. In general, Chinese nationals mainly purchase ivory at the lower end of the price range, particularly smaller pieces such as jewellery, name chops and chopsticks. China’s emergence as an ivory consumer market, and its potential to develop even further, can be explained, in part, through the growth of China’s private retail sector, the strong and increasing purchasing power of Chinese consumers and weak enforcement of ivory trade regulations within China. Consumer expenditure has surged in recent years and retail sales for jewellery, the most relevant category for ivory for which retail sales statistics in China are available, increased from over USD 360 million (RMB 3 billion) in 1994 to over USD 1.85 billion (RMB 15.3 billion) in 2000. Strong trade links with Africa also shed light on the dynamics of the illegal ivory trade. Seizures of illegally imported ivory from expatriate Chinese returning from Africa and sent by post are common. The China-Africa link supports earlier evidence, documented by TRAFFIC, of Africa-based,Asian-run ivory processing operations which produce semi-worked and worked ivory products for illicit export to selected Asian markets including to China. The majority of ivory in China’s markets is believed to be from African elephants. Illegal ivory imports from Myanmar have been documented, but ivory vendors and carvers expressed a preference for African ivory. Corruption, although a common phenomenon throughout the world, can not be treated lightly: diplomats representing the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have been involved in a number of documented cases of ivory smuggling on a large scale. There is little evidence to suggest that North Korea has a domestic ivory carving industry within its own borders, and all seizure cases involving North Korean diplomats returning ‘home’ with consignments of raw ivory had air tickets which involved a stopover in Beijing, a routing which would make it convenient to move large volumes of ivory into China as diplomatic cargo (T. Milliken, pers. comm., June 2002). Recently an official from airport Customs and a shipping worker from China Air were implicated in a smuggling case of around 14 tonnes of ivory. The involvement of an unnamed ‘organ in China of a foreign country’ in this recent case also was alleged although further details are not available. The Wild Animal Protection Law (1989), the Enforcement Regulations for the Protection of Terrestrial Wildlife of the People’s Republic of China (1992) and the Customs Law (1987) are the principal legal instruments regulating import and export, processing and sale of Asian and African Elephant products. The State Forestry Administration also recently issued Notification 2001/234 urging relevant agencies to pay close attention to illicit ivory trade and established price standards for ivory so that illegal trade could be treated as criminal cases. Some successful enforcement actions have been carried out as reflected in the seizures made by Customs. Successful joint investigations and operations involving a range of relevant agencies also have been carried out on a number occasions. While these efforts are to be commended, so far they have been one-off exercises only and their impact would be greatly increased if carried out on a regular basis. Overall, however, enforcement of legal instruments is weak. Since registration in 1989, no further monitoring of ivory stocks in China has been conducted. Traders are not required to have a specific permit to sell ivory despite the Class I protected status of the African and Asian Elephant and despite the understanding that only vendors that registered in 1989 would be considered legal operators. It is therefore no possible to determine whether ivory seen in the markets of China is derived from stocks registered in 1989 or whether it has been more recently, and thus illegally, acquired. Implementation of legislation is hindered by a lack of inter-agency communication, overlapping responsibilities of government agencies and the consequent lack of clarity as to which agency is responsible for implementing which aspects of the law. This situation is particularly apparent with regard to the disposal of products confiscated from illegal trade. It is not clear which agency is responsible for holding confiscated stocks and whether confiscated ivory is kept in storage, destroyed or released / sold on to the domestic market. Details: TRAFFIC East Asia, 2002. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: TRAFFIC Online Report Series No.3: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.traffic.org/mammals/ Year: 2002 Country: China URL: http://www.traffic.org/mammals/ Shelf Number: 128059 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (China)Wildlife Management |
Author: Milliken, Tom Title: No Peace for Elephants: Unregulated domestic ivory markets in Angola and Mozambique Summary: Recent reports suggest that Angola is fast emerging as an important country in the illegal trade in African Elephant Loxodonta africana ivory (Milliken et al., 2004). For the most part, however, the country’s wildlife trade remains poorly understood. Owing to a prolonged civil war that only ended with the signing of a peace agreement on 4 April 2002, there have been no systematic surveys of Angola’s wildlife resources for over three decades. This study marks a first attempt to conduct a spot check and assess the ivory trade in Luanda, Angola’s bustling capital and major port city on the Atlantic Ocean. From 4 to 10 June 2005, TRAFFIC researchers visited retail outlets and craft markets in and around Luanda to collect information on the amount of ivory available for sale, ivory prices and sources, and other trade dynamics. As information relating to Angola’s legislation on the hunting of elephants and trade in ivory was not readily available, investigating the current legal status of the species and trade in elephant products was an important aspect of the survey. The following results derive from this effort: • The Government of Angola, through its National Assembly, formally approved the country’s membership in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on 17 January 2001, however, this decision has yet to be gazetted. Moreover, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has failed to file an instrument of accession with the Swiss Government, the requisite procedure for becoming a member of the Convention. Finally, it remains unclear to what extent the Angolan authorities have apprised the CITES Secretariat of these developments and sought guidance to complete the process. Consequently, with the accession of Lesotho to CITES on 30 December 2003, Angola now remains the only southern African country that is not a Party to CITES. • Current legislation relating to the hunting of elephants and the trade in elephant products in Angola dates back half a century to the colonial era with Decree 40.040 of 1955 and Decree 2:873 of 1957. The fees relating to the issuance of hunting licences and penalties for the illegal killing of animals, however, have subsequently been updated, most recently through Decree 36/99 of 1999. Regardless, there is an urgent need to review and update the substance of Angola’s legislation that relates to wildlife in general and wildlife trade and CITES in particular. • Implementation and enforcement responsibilities for the country’s wildlife laws lie principally with the Institute of Forestry Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Regardless, very little, if any, meaningful enforcement has taken place in recent years, largely as a result of the absence of political will within government and a lack of human capacity and resources. • Despite legislation stating that the possession of ivory without proper documentation is illegal, a total of 41 retail outlets were observed selling ivory products that collectively were estimated to weigh a total of 1 573.4 kg during this survey. About 90% of this ivory was found at the Mercado do Artesanato (Artists’ Market) at Benfica, south of Luanda. • Little information was gathered on the presence and operation of ivory carving workshops in Luanda, but it appears that most local craftsmen work from their homes. Further, it appears that significant quantities of ivory are being carved in neighbouring Congo Basin countries to the north and routinely imported into the Angolan market in violation of CITES. • Observations of local conservationists and long-term residents suggest that the ivory trade in Luanda has increased dramatically in recent years, possibly doubling in scale within the last year. By the same token, the majority of retail traders indicated that Luanda represented a growing market for ivory products, and that such business was generally good. • Raw ivory appears to be relatively easy to acquire for vendors in the main market, with prices ranging from USD35 per kg up to USD100 per kg. While it is likely that some of this ivory is derived from Angolan elephants, the majority of the stock is believed to originate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The high proportion of French-speaking traders in Luanda’s principal ivory market further suggests a strong link with the ivory trade in Francophone countries in Central Africa immediately to the north of Angola, particularly DRC and Congo (Brazzaville). • There is no evidence to suggest that the conditions noted in Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP12) for the control of internal trade in ivory are being met or implemented in Angola. As a non-Party to the Convention, the country is under no formal obligation to CITES in this regard. Still, the continued trade in ivory has serious implications for Angola’s remaining elephant populations, which are thought to be small and highly fragmented (Blanc et al., 2003). Further, the current trade is believed to involve a persistent illegal importation of unprocessed elephant tusks and worked ivory products from neighbouring countries that are Parties to CITES. • Angolan authorities responsible for developing policy and enforcing legislation in the wildlife sector showed a genuine enthusiasm to address ivory trade issues. The desire to better monitor and protect the country’s remaining elephant populations, however, faces two significant obstacles. Firstly, the political will of senior politicians remains very much focused on social issues and rebuilding the collapsed infrastructure of the nation in the post-war period, rather than with the environment in general and wildlife in particular. This sector remains a remote secondary concern on the national agenda of priorities. Secondly, environmental institutions in Angola remain very weak and the capacity of the wildlife authorities to carry out their duties is routinely circumscribed by a lack of human and material resources. • There is a need for a protracted programme of external support to assist Angolan wildlife authorities in their efforts to build strong environmental institutions from which to protect and manage the country’s wildlife resources. Assisting Angola to complete the interrupted process of accession to CITES would be an important first step in this regard. Reviewing and updating Angola’s antiquated wildlife legislation is called for, as well as a broad programme of capacity-building and training for law enforcement personnel, including police and Customs officers. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2006. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: TRAFFIC Online Report Series No.11: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.traffic.org/mammals/ Year: 2006 Country: Mozambique URL: http://www.traffic.org/mammals/ Shelf Number: 128060 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Mozambique)Wildlife Management |
Author: Shepherd, Chris R. Title: The Export and Re-export of CITES-listed Birds from the Solomon Islands Summary: Large numbers of birds, including more than 68 000 wild-caught and reportedly captive-bred CITES-listed individuals, were imported from the Solomon Islands in the 2000s. The vast majority were imported by Malaysia and Singapore and often re-exported, particularly in the case of Singapore. In terms of species composition, there were a few species native to the Solomon Islands, however the majority (77%) were non-native species from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. 13 736 individuals of these non-native species were exported as “captive-bred”. However, it is unclear how the parent stock of these captive-bred birds was acquired as there is no documented export of these CITES-listed species to the Solomon Islands. In terms of the number of individual birds involved in the trade, the majority of exports were species native to the Solomon Islands (54 793). Of these native bird species, 13 692 were declared as wild-caught and 41 101 were reportedly captive-bred. These large numbers of native and non-native captive-bred birds suggest the existence of commercial breeding facilities on the Solomon Islands capable of housing thousands of breeding pairs. However, in 2006, CITES reported the Solomon Islands was “not known to have substantial bird breeding facilities” and a comprehensive State of the Environment report published by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meterology (the Solomon Islands’ CITES Scientific Authority and Management Authority) in 2008 makes no mention of captive-breeding or captive-breeding facilities for birds. Meanwhile the Environment Conservation Division (ECD) informed TRAFFIC researchers (in litt.) that although there were registered bird breeders in the islands, they were not breeding birds, only taking them from the wild. Furthermore, the ECD wrote: “There are no breeding facilities, only some confusion with storing facilities. Most of the exported birds were captured and kept in holding sites only.” Given the official confirmation of a lack of suitable bird breeding facilities in the Solomon Islands, these data lead to the inescapable conclusion that large numbers of wild-caught birds have been laundered into the global wildlife trade through being declared as captive-bred. Over the past decade, Singapore and Malaysia combined have accounted for 93% of all birds imported from the Solomon Islands, with significant amounts being re-exported elsewhere, such as Taiwan. The vast majority, if not all the birds declared as captive-bred are in fact sourced from the wild. This has grave implications for maintaining healthy populations of birds in the wild. In light of the above, TRAFFIC makes the following recommendations: • The CITES Standing Committee should evaluate the captive breeding operations of the Solomon Islands and consider recommendations that address the concerns raised in this report. In the event the Standing Committee makes recommendations and the Solomon Islands fails to comply, TRAFFIC then recommends the Standing Committee consider a trade suspension. • The CITES Management Authority of the Solomon Islands should investigate species’ origins, including whether individuals were wild-caught versus legitimately captive-bred as well as the origin and legality of non-native stock. • The CITES Management Authorities of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea—the range States of the majority of non-native bird species exported from the Solomon Islands—should contact their counterparts in the Solomon Islands as well as in Singapore and other export destinations, to investigate the potential laundering of birds. This recommendation is extended to the Management Authority of Taiwan and all other importers of birds declared as originating from the Solomon Islands. • All countries reporting data to CITES based on permits issued should take steps to provide more accurate information. Reporting should reflect the actual numbers of permits used to ensure transparency in the international wildlife trade and to enable the UNEP-WCMC CITES trade database to be used to its fullest potential. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2012. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 22, 2013 at: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sb_report__final_1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Solomon Islands URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sb_report__final_1.pdf Shelf Number: 128067 Keywords: BirdCITESIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Solomon Islands)Wildlife Management |
Author: Born Free Foundation Title: Ivory Update. Prepared for the: 54th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee 2nd – 6th October 2006, Geneva Summary: This ivory report documents the seizure of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since CoP13 (November 2004). Since 1998, when the Species Survival Network first began collecting data on ivory seizures, more than 151 tonnes of ivory have been recorded as seized. This interim ivory report has been prepared for the 54th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (SC54) and is intended to update the Parties on significant ivory seizure information since CoP13. It will additionally discuss elephant issues that will arise at SC54, including the one-off trade of ivory approved at CoP12, MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants) baseline data, and the ivory Action Plan. Finally, it will comment on the issue of ivory stockpiles and problems relating to the harmonisation of seizure reporting. At the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (Santiago, Chile, 2002), the Parties approved a one-off sale of 60 tonnes of ivory (30 tonnes from South Africa, 20 tonnes from Botswana and 10 tonnes from Namibia). No such trade has taken place as conditions placed upon these exports have not been met to the satisfaction of the Standing Committee. These conditions are: i) only registered government-owned stocks, originating in the State (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin) and, in the case of South Africa, only ivory originating from the Kruger National Park; ii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev CoP12) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade; iii) not before the Secretariat has verified the prospective importing countries, and the MIKE programme has reported to the Secretariat on the baseline information (e.g. elephant population numbers, incidence of illegal killing); iv) a maximum of 20,000kg (Botswana), 10,000kg (Namibia) and 30,000kg (South Africa) of ivory may be traded, and despatched in a single shipment under strict supervision of the Secretariat; v) the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation and community conservation and development programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range; and vi) only after the Standing Committee has agreed that the above conditions have been met. Details: Horsham, UK: Born Free Foundation, 2006. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 23, 2013 at: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/reports/SCIvoryReportFINAL.pdf Year: 2006 Country: International URL: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/reports/SCIvoryReportFINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 128094 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes |
Author: Global Tiger Workshop Title: Saving Wild Tigers: Kathmandu Summary Document A Report from the Global Tiger Workshop October 27-30, 2009 Kathmandu, Nepal Summary: Tigers are symbols of all that is powerful, mystical, and beautiful in nature. But wild tigers are in crisis, having fallen in numbers from about 100,000 in 1900 to just 3,200 today as a result of adverse human activities, including habitat destruction and a huge illegal trade in tiger parts. The decline continues to this day. This decade is the last opportunity to save wild tigers and the ecological riches they and the landscapes they inhabit represent. The good news is that despite serious loss, enough habitat remains in Asia that can be restored to support as many as 20,000 wild tigers. To develop recommendations to reverse the wild tiger’s decline, more than 250 participants from 13 of the 14 tiger range countries (TRCs) and the international community met in Kathmandu from October 27-30, 2009, as part of a process designed to lead to the Vladivostok Tiger Summit in September 2010. The workshop resulted in the unanimous adoption of the Kathmandu Recommendations—actions that will help achieve the goal of doubling the population of wild tigers within the next ten years. These recommendations emerged from the national priority actions that each TRC identified in individual country sessions, after thematic sessions that offered ideas and approaches for their consideration. Each TRC’s priority transformational actions are a unique set and many of these are already under implementation. They can be summarized under the following broad themes: Make core tiger breeding areas inviolate with commitments from TRCs and financing institutions to not build infrastructure in these areas. Engage in cross-sector dialogue to integrate tiger conservation into land-use and infrastructure plans. Ensure local support in favor of tiger conservation based on participatory, community-based programs that provide social and economic incentives for conservation and pro-actively manage human-wildlife conflict through mitigation and compensation. Relocate villages from core tiger breeding area using best practices. Develop innovative sustainable financing mechanisms for tiger conservation. Determine full costs of tiger conservation activities. Pilot mechanisms to transfer resources from infrastructure activities to conservation programs. Assess carbon stocks in TCLs to make the case for funding from REDD Build institutional capacity to train the next generation of leaders in protected-area and landscape management, networked in a regional community of excellence, and develop science-based management plans for protected areas and tiger landscapes. Dramatically reduce poaching and illegal trade by enhancing national law-enforcement capacity and strengthening coordinated support from international wildlife law enforcement bodies. Implement the Pattaya Manifesto and CITES resolution Conf.12.5. Garner political will for improved law enforcement. Reduce demand for tiger parts through large-scale, targeted campaigns to change behaviors and perceptions of consumers of tiger parts and socialize opposition to tiger consumption. To guide the international community and the Global Tiger Initiative, each TCR also identified specific areas for which it requires international support. Country requirements naturally vary but converge on capacity building, knowledge sharing, financing to fill critical gaps, cross-border law enforcement and protected-area management, global campaign to change consumer attitudes, and creating and sustaining political will. Generating political will to conserve tigers—to take full advantage of the expertise that exists and transformational ideas that are emerging—is the most important step toward saving the world’s most iconic species. This effort will intensify at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation in January 2010, in Thailand, which will aim to define the support needed to accelerate the implementation of national programs. At the Vladivostok Tiger Summit in September 2010, the global goals, programs, funding, and implementation and monitoring mechanisms will be launched. Details: Kathmandu, Nepal: Global Tiger Workshop, 2009. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2013 at: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/download/GTI-Kathmandu-Outcomes.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Asia URL: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/download/GTI-Kathmandu-Outcomes.pdf Shelf Number: 128096 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Asia)Wildlife Management |
Author: Malik, Iqbal Title: Wildlife Trade in Nilgiri Bio Reserve Summary: Though there have been very many reports on illegal trade, this is the probably the first on Trade in Nilgiri Bio Reserve Area. It is the result of an extensive study conducted at odd hours for Six months. Challenge no word of this report as Vatavaran has photographic proof of the illegal trade in NBR. Details: New Delhi: Vatavaran, 2008. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2013 at: http://re.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/reports-documents/wildlife-trade-nilgiri-bio-reserve Year: 2008 Country: India URL: http://re.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/reports-documents/wildlife-trade-nilgiri-bio-reserve Shelf Number: 128097 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime (India) |
Author: Horne, Brian D. Title: Conservation of Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles: Setting Priorities for the Next Ten Years Summary: The workshop entitled "Conservation of Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles: Setting Priorities for the Next Ten Years ” hosted by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), 21-24 February 2011. Nearly 70 delegates from 17 countries –including 14 Asian nations – attended. A primary directive and the basis of the workshop, participants were tasked with looking back at the last decade of turtle conservation since the pivotal meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 1999 that first brought together the region’s turtle experts. By assessing the past eleven years, participants were able to identify what actions worked well, which ones did not work as well as hoped, and which recommendations/priorities had not been adequately addressed. Next, the participants were asked to look forward to determine emerging trends and new developments and dilemmas/challenges in the continuously changing habitat impacts and market trade in turtles and turtle products. This report presents a set of recommendations and conclusions arising from presentations, discussions, and break-out sessions at the workshop. The first set of overall recommendations represent the immediate steps necessary for staving off extinction of Asia’s most endangered turtles. These recommendations are of the highest priority. Key policy recommendations are then made, arising from an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red-Listing process that was incorporated as part of the Singapore workshop. In addition, a specific session on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held. These recommendations dovetail into recommendations for proposed changes to the CITES listing of Asian turtles and how specific species need to be more strictly regulated and supervised in their international trade to protect wild populations. The key policy recommendations should be pivotal in encouraging participating countries to enforce existing laws and regulations and in some cases create new laws or regulations. Two genera have been identified as priority groups as they make up a large percentage of the most critically endangered turtles in Asia. This is followed by a section on emerging threats and includes recommendations for dealing with these new issues. After which a number of emerging opportunities are detailed for turtle conservation in Asia. The report then features two potential species for pilot reintroduction programs. Before the report concludes, it details species-specific recommendations for the 36 confirmed and proposed Critically Endangered Turtles and Tortoises in South and Southeast Asia, and lastly, there is a short section on the need to gather information on species’ ranked as Data Deficient in order to determine such species population status. Details: Singapore: Wildlife Conservation Society, 2012. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2013 at: http://www.turtlesurvival.org/storage/documents/Singapore_Report_complete.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Asia URL: http://www.turtlesurvival.org/storage/documents/Singapore_Report_complete.pdf Shelf Number: 128107 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTurtles and Tortoises (Asia)Wildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Global Tiger Initiative Secretariat Title: Global Tiger Recovery Program Implementation Report 2012 Summary: In November of 2010, leaders of the 13 Tiger Range Countries (TRCs) assembled at an unprecedented International Tiger Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. With the extinction of wild tigers looming, they unanimously adopted the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation and endorsed its implementation mechanism, the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP). The overarching goal of the St. Petersburg Declaration and the GTRP is to double the global number of wild tigers across their range by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger, from an estimated 3,200 to more than 7,000. This Summit, the first-ever devoted to an endangered species, marked a historic milestone in tiger conservation and in biodiversity conservation more broadly. The St. Petersburg Declaration represents a commitment to go beyond governments and NGOs creating isolated impacts to working collaboratively for collective impact to achieve a shared vision. The comprehensive GTRP comprises the National Tiger Recovery Priorities (NTRP) of the 13 TRCs and Global Support Programs to be spearheaded by international and national partners to bolster country efforts. The GTRP outlines the concerted country-specific and collaborative actions required in the first five years of the program to move toward the 2022 goal. These actions fall under several broad themes: policy and institutional change; habitat protection and management; controlling tiger and prey poaching; institutional strengthening and capacity building; increasing community engagement and reducing human-tiger conflict; controlling illegal trade in tigers and reducing the demand that drives it; cooperation to manage transboundary tiger landscapes and to combat illegal trade; scientific monitoring, surveys, and research; and finding new sources of sustainable financing for tiger conservation. The emphasis on these themes varies from TRC to TRC, depending on each TRC’s unique challenges and situation. To track progress toward the shared goal, TRC governments committed to transparent mutual accountability for implementing the actions necessary for recovering tigers in their particular context. Partners are holding themselves accountable to the TRC’s for fulfilling their promised support programs. All agreed to periodic stocktaking to review progress, consider new information, and establish future program directions. The First Stocktaking Meeting of Senior Officials and Experts to Review Implementation of the GTRP took place on May 15- 17, 2012, in New Delhi, India. All 13 TRCs reported on their progress as well the challenges and obstacles each faced in implementing their Priority Implementation Activities (PIAs). Partners also reported on their progress and setbacks. At the same time, the TRCs and partners outlined priorities for 2012-2013. Progress in 2011 and the first half of 2012 was impressive and a clear sign that the political will generated at the 2010 Tiger Summit is leading to action on the ground. TRCs completed or made progress on most of their PIAs and partners did the same. TRCs are actively collaborating, sharing knowledge and experience. Some activities took longer to get going than planned, but that is to be expected in a new and highly ambitious undertaking involving 13 governments and dozens of partners in NGOs and international organizations. After some initial delay, external funding streams have begun to flow, and the outlook for developing the resources needed to fully fund the GTRP seems bright. The Global Tiger Initiative was founded just four years ago, in June 2008. It will take considerably more time for tigers to begin to recover and to determine whether we are moving toward the goal of doubling their numbers. The progress reported here gives cause for some optimism but it is imperative that the momentum be maintained. Also encouraging is news of a potential new TRC. Kazakhstan, once home to the Caspian tiger subspecies, is working toward reintroducing tigers to their former range there. Other TRCs with very low tiger numbers are also beginning to plan for restoring tigers to their priority landscapes. How this Report was Prepared and is Organized The St. Petersburg Declaration charged the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) Secretariat, based at the World Bank where the GTI was founded in 2008, with a coordinating role in implementing the GTRP and supporting and encouraging the TRCs in their efforts. Before the Tiger Summit, the GTI and the TRCs were engaged in a rigorous interactive process to develop the NTRPs and the GTRP. Since the Summit, this process has continued as TRCs developed individual lists of PIAs: these were the milestones the TRC planned to reach by the end of the first implementation period. Similarly, a Partners’ To-Do List of milestones was agreed upon. All were periodically revised and updated through mid-2012. It was agreed that progress would be assessed against the PIAs and Partners’ list. To develop this first Global Tiger Recovery Program Implementation Report 2012, each TRC provided to the GTI Secretariat a two-page summary of their progress in implementation of its PIAs, including a self-assessment of whether it completed a PIA, made significant or some progress toward completing it, or made no progress. Each TRC also contributed brief information on a best practice or success story, major challenges, and PIAs for 2012-2013. Before and after the stocktaking, TRCs had opportunities to revise their summaries. These country summaries form the bulk of this report. Details: Washington, DC: The World Bank,, 2012. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 25, 2013 at: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GTRP_Implementation_Report_2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GTRP_Implementation_Report_2012.pdf Shelf Number: 128117 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Global Tiger Initiative Secretariat Title: Global Tiger Recovery Program 2010–2022 Summary: Wild tigers are under threat of extinction across their entire range. Wild tigers (Panthera tigris) have for centuries occupied a very special place in the nature and culture of Asia. These magnificent big cats sit at the top of the ecological pyramid in vast Asian forest landscapes. The presence of viable populations of wild tigers is an indicator of the integrity, sustainability, and health of larger ecosystems. However, wild tigers are on the brink of extinction, with only about 3,200 to 3,500 surviving today, scattered among 13 Asian Tiger Range Countries (TRCs): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russian Federation, Thailand, and Vietnam. Diverse, rich, but undervalued tiger ecosystems are degrading and disappearing. Tiger landscapes support tigers, their prey, and a vast amount of biodiversity. They also contribute to human well being, locally and globally, through the provision of many ecosystem services such as water harvesting, carbon sequestration, plant genetic materials, food security and medicinal plants, and opportunities for community-based tourism. Most of these benefits are not currently monetized so tiger landscapes are significantly undervalued in national and global agendas. As a result, degradation, fragmentation, and loss of natural habitats, depletion of prey animals, and poaching to supply a large illegal global trade in their body parts, have pushed wild tigers and their landscapes to the brink of extinction. These threats are exacerbated by limited capacity for conservation action and, in most TRCs, by insufficient resources. The Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) seeks to empower TRCs to address the entire spectrum of threats, domestic as well as those that are transboundary in nature, and work toward increased financial sustainability through the integration of conservation objectives into development. To solve the tiger crisis, which represents the larger Asian biodiversity crisis, the TRCs, international organizations, and civil society have come together on a collaborative platform within the framework of the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI). After a two-year process of sharing knowledge and best practices and developing a common vision, the GTRP was developed, with the shared goal of doubling the number of wild tigers globally by 2022 through actions to: (i) effectively manage, preserve, protect, and enhance tiger habitats; (ii) eradicate poaching, smuggling, and illegal trade of tigers, their parts, and derivatives; (iii) cooperate in transboundary landscape management and in combating illegal trade; (iv) engage with indigenous and local communities; (v) increase the effectiveness of tiger and habitat management; and (vi) restore tigers to their former range. The foundation of the GTRP is 13 individual National Tiger Recovery Priorities (NTRPs) that outline the urgent priority activities each TRC will take to contribute to the global goal. These NTRPs are buttressed with other actions that TRCs need to do in concert with others, such as arresting transboundary illegal trade, knowledge sharing, and establishing robust systems for monitoring populations, habitats, and overall progress. Additional actions to eliminate illicit demand for tiger parts and their derivatives and to undertake habitat valuation in order to promote payment for ecosystem services schemes are also included in the GTRP portfolio of 80 activities. The GTRP calls for incremental financing of about US$350 million over the first five years of the program, over and above the domestic financing to be provided by individual TRCs, based on their ability. TRCs have identified policy and institutional reforms to enhance the effectiveness of these proposed expenditures. TRCs have built considerable early momentum in implementing policy and institutional actions. Financial support for GTRP implementation is to be through a flexible financing mechanism that enables all potential funders—official bilateral programs, multilateral development banks, and the GEF, international NGOs, as well as private and corporate entities—to support the GTRP portfolio, which is to be kept current. Program management and coordination arrangements are built on the establishment and strengthening, as needed, of robust national implementation mechanisms, supported by TRC-wide and global processes to ensure mutual accountability and transparency through vigorous monitoring and reporting of progress. The existing Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is to be strengthened to play its mandated intergovernmental role and, until longer-term coordination arrangements are agreed upon, the TRCs asked the GTI Secretariat to support the implementation phase. Suitable collaborative platforms for those providing support to TRCs, through financing, capacity building, or arresting illegal trade, are to be created. Expected results include stabilized tiger populations in most critical habitats by year five and overall doubling by 2022; critical tiger habitats becoming inviolate and protected areas professionally managed; significant reduction in poaching and illegal trade and trafficking along with decreased illicit demand for tiger body parts and derivatives; consistent monitoring in place; and economic valuation of all tiger landscapes completed as a basis for sustainable financing. The GTRP is the last best hope for tigers. Wild tigers are at a tipping point and action, or inaction, in the coming decade will decide their fate. Action will lead to the tiger’s recovery; inaction or mere maintenance of the status quo will lead to its extinction. The GTRP represents the last best hope for the survival of the world’s most magnificent species and the conservation of the valuable landscapes in which it lives. Details: Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 25, 2013 at: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/download/St_Petersburg/GTRP_Nov11_Final_Version_Eng.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/download/St_Petersburg/GTRP_Nov11_Final_Version_Eng.pdf Shelf Number: 128118 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Altherr, Sandra Title: Canapés to Extinction: The international trade in frogs’ legs and its ecological impact Summary: In some regions of India, frogs are called “jumping chickens,” as their taste is similar to chicken. Their palatability to humans is why billions of frogs are consumed annually. In many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America frogs are collected for subsistence or local consumption. Some of these same countries are engaged in the commercial trade of frogs and frog products— including frogs’ legs—supplying markets in the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA), where native frog populations have been seriously depleted (Mohneke 2011, Lannoo et al. 1994). While frog farming plays an increasing role in meeting the global demand for frogs’ legs, in several countries millions of frogs are still taken from the wild to satisfy international demand. The exploitation of wild frogs to sustain this trade mainly focuses on larger-bodied species of the family Ranidae, such as the Asian brackish frog (Fejervarya cancrivora) and giant Javan frog (Limnonectes macrodon, formerly Rana macrodon). Some experts warn that even for common, fast-growing and fecund amphibian species, present levels of exploitation may be far from sustainable (Mohneke 2011, Bickford pers. comm. 2010, Lau et al. 2008). Within the last 20 years, Indonesia has become the world’s leading exporter of frogs’ legs, followed by China, Taiwan. The present report gives an overview of recent developments, trends, and the impacts of the frogs’ legs trade since the 1980s. The role of the EU and the USA as the main consumer markets is documented. During the last decade the EU imported an annual mean volume of 4,600 tonnes of frogs’ legs. With 84% of total imports, Indonesia is by far the leading supplier for the EU market (with the vast majority of those frogs being wild-caught). Belgium, France and the Netherlands are the main importers within the EU (see Section 3.1). In recent years, the USA has been annually importing on average 2,280 tonnes of frogs’ legs of the species Rana spp. Almost the same volume of live frogs (2,216 tonnes)—mainly American bullfrogs—is imported by the USA to supply the Asian-American market (see Section 3.2). The report recommends measures exporting and importing countries should take to reduce the extreme burden on wild frog populations as well as avoid other ecosystem risks within both range states and importing countries. Details: Munich, Germany: Pro Wildlife; Washington, DC: Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Welfare Institute, 2011. Source: Year: 2011 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 128133 Keywords: Frog's LegsIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Thornhill, Daniel J. Title: Ecological Impacts and Practices of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade Summary: It is estimated that 14–30 million fish, 1.5 million live stony corals, 4 million pounds of coral skeleton, 65–110 thousand pounds of red and black coral, and 9–10 million other invertebrates are removed each year from ecosystems across the world to supply the aquarium, curio/home décor, and coral jewelry industries. This trade has a collective annual value estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and involves over 45 source countries. This report examines the ecological impacts and practices associated with the ornamental trade in coral reef wildlife, including a lack of monitoring and regulation, illegal harvesting practices (including poaching and cyanide fishing), and a sizeable black market for reef-dwelling organisms. Over-collection of coral reef wildlife can potentially cause far-reaching consequences for coral reef ecosystems, disrupting trophic webs and removing creatures that play important roles in the reef. The combined effects of collection could weaken coral reefs, making them less able to respond to the larger threatsthat imperil these ecosystems globally, like climate change and ocean acidification. Details: Washington, DC: Defenders of Wildlife, 2012. 174p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 26, 2013 at: http://www.defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/ecological-impacts-and-practices-of-the-coral-reef-wildlife-trade.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/ecological-impacts-and-practices-of-the-coral-reef-wildlife-trade.pdf Shelf Number: 128134 Keywords: Coral ReefsIllegal Wildlife TradeNatural ResourcesWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes |
Author: Born Free Foundation and the Elephant Working Group of the Species Survival Title: The Tip of the Tusk Summary: The data provided in this report, a compilation of the information collected since 1998, provides compelling evidence that the illegal ivory trade is thriving, and that elephants continue to be poached for their ivory. Analysis of the data shows that between 1998 and 2004 at least 95.3 tonnes of ivory have been reported seized and, in addition, more than 12,591 elephants (Asian and African) have been reported poached. Ninety-five tonnes roughly represents the ivory of more than 15,000 dead elephants. However, it is widely accepted that not all illegal ivory in trade is seized and not all poached elephants are found and reported; hence these figures represent just the ‘tip of the tusk’ in terms of the scale of illegal trade in ivory and level of elephant poaching. Indeed, Born Free Foundation has received many reports involving poaching and trade, that for one reason or another could not be included. For example, we have information concerning more than 19,420 pieces of seized ivory which were either unweighed, or where weights were not reported. There are also a significant number of countries from which no information was received (identified in Appendix A). Recent surveys investigating the availability and volume of ivory found in the markets located in Africa, Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan have also demonstrated that an ivory industry is still thriving. The threat that illegal trade brings, particularly to those elephant populations which are under the greatest pressure, such as those in Asia and West and Central Africa, is of grave concern to all those involved in the protection and conservation of elephants. Details: Horsham, UK: Born Free Foundation; 2004. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 26, 2013 at: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/reports/IvoryReport.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Africa URL: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/reports/IvoryReport.pdf Shelf Number: 128135 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife Crimes (Africa, Asia) |
Author: Martin, Esmond Bradley Title: On a Knife's Edge: The Rinoceros Horn Trade in Yemen Summary: While Asia's rhinoceroses have been poached predominantly for their horn to be made into medicines in eastern Asia, the horn of Africa's rhinoceroses has been in demand for both medicines and production of traditional dagger handles in the Middle East, especially Yemen. Dagger-like knives have been part of a man's traditional dress in Yemen for centuries. Known as jamibyas, these daggers are worn daily by many Yemeni men and serve as an important status symbol. The quality of the blade, sheath, belt and handle decorations are all important, but the most prestigious element of a jambiya is a good rhinoceros horn handle. This report examines the continuing use of rhinoceros horn in the production of the jambiya in Yemen. The report documents the results of TRAFFIC and WWF fieldwork data collected on the trade in rhinoceros horn in Yemen from 1978-1996. It focuses on the centuries-old trade in horn of Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis and White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum from Africa to Sanaa, Yemen's capital. Today, there are only an estimated 2,400 Black Rhinoceros and 7,562 White Rhinoceros left in the wild in Africa, compared to approximately 70,000 in total in 1970. Snared, speared, shot with poisoned arrows and bullets for their horn, rhinoceros numbers in most populations have plummeted dramatically. The demand and trade in horn for jambiyas has been a major contributory factor to this decline, and continues to threaten Africa's rhinoceros populations. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC Network, 1997. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 27, 2013 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=e8195581c2de3d4dd827b63357480761&act=refs&CODE=ref_detail&id=1165240008 Year: 1997 Country: Yemen URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=e8195581c2de3d4dd827b63357480761&act=refs&CODE=ref_detail&id=1165240008 Shelf Number: 128145 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosWildlife Crimes (Yemen) |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Hidden in Plain Sight: China’s Clandestine Tiger Trade Summary: Undercover investigations and a review of available Chinese laws have revealed that while China banned tiger bone trade for medicinal uses in 1993, it has encouraged the growth of the captive-breeding of tigers to supply a quietly expanding legal domestic trade in tiger skins. This Government-authorised trade spurs the poaching of wild tigers and undermines the international ban on tiger trade agreed by the majority of the world through the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The lack of clarity over the use of bone from captive-bred tigers to make wine has further stimulated trade and demand. Details: London: EIA, 2013. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 28, 2013 at: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-Hidden-in-Plain-Sight-med-res.pdf Year: 2013 Country: China URL: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-Hidden-in-Plain-Sight-med-res.pdf Shelf Number: 128160 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife Crimes (China) |
Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Title: Caught in the Web: Wildlife Trade on the Internet Summary: The Internet has revolutionised our lives and opened up huge opportunities for doing business and communicating. However, it also provides increased opportunities for the unscrupulous or the criminal to operate, taking advantage of the unregulated and impersonal nature of transactions. The trade, both legal and illegal, in live and dead animals (including body parts) is increasing and the Internet is coming to play a central role in the activities of illegal traders. This trade has devastating implications for both wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Whole species risk being wiped out by over-exploitation. Millions of animals caught up in the trade suffer immensely and many die, resulting in yet more being taken from the wild. For this report, IFAW UK monitored the nature and scale of wildlife trade on the Internet over several months. We found that, each week, thousands of animals and animal parts – from live primates to stuffed polar bears, from giant ivory tusks to tiny dried seahorses – are being offered for sale on the Internet. IFAW found a shocking array of species for sale in which all commercial trade is legally prohibited or strictly regulated. Within an intensive one week survey, we found over 9,000 wild animal products and specimens and live wild animals for sale, predominantly from species protected by law. A further 122 traders were identified, each advertising an unspecified number of items – often in sizeable quantities. Our survey was limited to certain species and products, so the figures cited here represent only the tip of the iceberg of Internet trade in protected species. Illegal wildlife trade is now an arrestable offence in the UK and some aspects of the trade are classified as serious and organised crime. However, the increasing use of the Internet to organise illegal wildlife trade poses new challenges to legislators and enforcement agencies. The Government, the intelligence service and other enforcement agencies in the UK have recognised the problem and have already devoted resources to tackling it, although these are insufficient to deal with the apparent scale of the trade. Even establishing the actual scale of wildlife crime is complicated by the lack of truly reliable data and this is particularly the case in relation to Internet trade. A series of reports have called for a better understanding of how much illegal trading is organised over the Internet to assist in taking concerted action to disrupt criminal activity. The legal framework that applies to Internet trade in wildlife, including live animals, spans national, regional and international legislation relating to endangered species, animal welfare and Internet trading. Contemporary international law has fallen behind in its consideration of commercial Internet activity. Specific laws to combat abuses are not yet well developed at the international level, although there is a recognition that concerted action is best taken globally. Some individuals are taking advantage of this situation to perpetrate illegal wildlife trade. Whether or not traders are aware that they are breaking the law, the negative impact on endangered species and on the welfare of individual animals is the same. However, it is also currently far too difficult for those buyers and sellers wishing to act within the law to check what can be legally sold or to report suspect items. The information that is available is often inadequate and difficult to access. Auction sites on which wildlife is traded have taken very limited voluntary action to inform users or to facilitate reporting of potentially illegal wildlife items. The lack of information available on auction sites may be in part a consequence of the lack of gravity accorded to wildlife crime in general. This situation must be remedied urgently through statutory regulation. Attempts have been made to address the use of the Internet to commit or facilitate other types of crime. This report considers options for regulation and enforcement that have been applied in the areas of child pornography, online pharmacies and defamation. These provide valuable models for more effective and relevant regulation of wildlife trade. Good cooperation between enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, has delivered notable successes. Explicit campaigns enabling and encouraging users to report instances of ‘suspect’ material posted allow enforcement authorities to gain a far wider reach. International organisations have identified the need for closer connections between international law and domestic laws to further a more effective response to the diverting of drugs via Internet pharmacies. Better inter-agency cooperation and a better coordinated response from legislators would be useful in the fight against illegal wildlife trade organised on the Internet. Details: London: IFAW, 2005. 41p. Source: Internet Resource: March 15, 2019 at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/Report%202005%20Caught%20in%20the%20web%20UK.pdf Year: 2005 Country: International URL: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/Report%202005%20Caught%20in%20the%20web%20UK.pdf Shelf Number: 128198 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeInternet CrimesWildlife Crimes |
Author: INTERPOL Environmental Crime Programme Title: Project Web: An Investigation Into the Ivory Trade Over the Internet Within the European Union Summary: INTERPOL’s Project Web was launched following studies by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which concluded that elephant ivory is the most widely traded wildlife product over the Internet. Project Web is intended to provide an initial snapshot and insight from a law enforcement perspective into the drivers, scale, nature, and involved entities of the illegal trade in ivory over the Internet. Over a period of two weeks, ten participating countries from the European Union (EU) conducted surveillance of their national auction sites to identify advertisements for ivory items. The details of 660 advertisements on 61 auction sites were analysed and estimated to have a total volume of around 4,500 kilograms of ivory and a total value of approximately EUR 1,450,000. Through analysis of its two week Internet surveillance data, Project Web found that ivory is predominantly sold by individuals residing in the country where they are selling the item, although a number of advertisements did have international links. Enforcement data from other sources was also analysed, but often could only provide a limited representative picture of the total volume of ivory illegally imported into the EU. In particular, Project Web identified through customs seizure analysis that the majority of ivory sold was in the form of worked items shipped from mainly four African countries. The ivory was predominantly traded through EU countries, with Asia as the destination. However, three EU countries and North America were also identified as common final destinations. The report also demonstrated that the enforcement of this electronic trade is in its infancy and presents new challenges. Few Internet companies have policies governing the sale of ivory, and those that do have weaknesses in enforcing their own regulations. Law enforcement participants also identified a lack of legislation as a weakness, specifically that governing the Internet trade of ivory and other wildlife products, and cited a lack of prioritisation at departmental and political levels. This can lead to the combination of a strongly profit driven illicit market with little risk of detection or prosecution. While Project Web demonstrates that the Internet is being used in the ivory trade, the extent to which the Internet is an important medium in the illegal trade cannot be conclusively determined with the existing legislation and available data. However, it is clear that specially adapted legislation and strong collaboration with customs is needed to further investigate this crime type, in order to determine the scale and nature of the illegal trade so that appropriate enforcement measures can be taken against it. To this end, the Project Web report also includes a number of recommendations to improve responses to the illegal trade of wildlife products online. Details: Washington, DC: International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2013. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 4, 2013 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Project%20Web%20-%20PUBLIC.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Project%20Web%20-%20PUBLIC.pdf Shelf Number: 128207 Keywords: Computer CrimesElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeInternet CrimesIvoryWildlife Crimes |
Author: Schoppe, Sabine Title: Science in CITES: The biology and ecology of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle and its uses and trade in Malaysia Summary: The Southeast Asian Box Turtle Cuora amboinensis is one of 18 freshwater turtle and tortoise species native to Malaysia. It is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, having four subspecies with similar habitat requirements but different geographic distribution. Among them, the Malayan Box Turtle C. a. kamaroma occurs in Malaysia. In Malaysia, as elsewhere throughout its range, the Southeast Asian Box Turtle is considered the most common freshwater turtle. Nevertheless, the survival of the species is in peril due to over-exploitation. Of the hard-shelled freshwater turtle species in Asia, it has the highest exploitation rate, and is the species most sought after by East Asian consumers and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) markets. Thousands are harvested annually in Southeast Asian source countries and exported. The Southeast Asian Box Turtle has a slow reproductive cycle characterized through late maturity and limited number of eggs. It is therefore feared that the continuous highvolume exploitation in combination with its life history might lead to serious population reductions and finally to local extinction. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2008. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 6, 2013 at: http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/science_in_cites_the_biology_and_ecology_of_the_southeast_asian_box_turtle.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Malaysia URL: http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/science_in_cites_the_biology_and_ecology_of_the_southeast_asian_box_turtle.pdf Shelf Number: 128315 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTurtlesWildlife Crimes (Malaysia)Wildlife ManagementWildlife Protection |
Author: Robbins, Christopher S., ed. Title: Prickly Trade: Trade and Conservation of Chihuahuan Desert Cacti Summary: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers the Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion (CDE) of Mexico and the United States an important ecoregion for conservation because of its outstanding biological diversity, ecological fragility, and environmental concerns. The ecoregion, rich in natural resources, faces a range of visible threats stemming from human activities such as mining, fossil fuel exploration, livestock grazing, industrial agriculture, and development. A less publicized, but significant, threat in the U.S. portion of the ecoregion is the commercial extraction of wild native succulents, including cacti, for landscaping in private gardens hundreds of miles away. In the Mexican Chihuahuan Desert, some of the world’s rarest cacti are harvested and exported, often illegally, by opportunistic foreign collectors, or sold to unaware tourists by impoverished villagers supplementing paltry incomes. WWF approached TRAFFIC North America, the wildlife trade monitoring unit of WWF and the World Conservation Union (IUCN), to investigate the implications of harvest and trade on the conservation of affected cactus taxa and localities in the Chihuahuan Desert. TRAFFIC divided this study into two parts to reflect the political boundaries of the CDE in the United States (Part I) and Mexico (Part II). TRAFFIC recognizes, however, that the geographic delineation of the CDE is defined by ecological and biological characteristics shared by both countries, and so it should be treated as one biogeographic region. TRAFFIC’s decision to assess the trade and management of CDE cacti in Mexico separately from the trade and management of CDE cacti in the United States was determined by practicality and methodology. The disparate issues associated with cactus trade, taxonomy, and management in Mexico and in the United States required two different investigators with knowledge specific to each country. Each investigator contributed a report to this publication and, to the extent possible, the reports have been harmonized to minimize stylistic differences. Commercial trade drives the harvesting of CDE cactus species in Mexico and the United States, but the nature and scale of this trade differ in both countries. Mexico harbors the greatest diversity of endemic, endangered, and newly discovered cactus species. Those species are highly sought after by foreign collectors and continue to appear in the international marketplace in spite of Mexico’s laws prohibiting illegal collection. The number of specimens entering trade illegally is believed to be small but may be significant enough to destabilize wild populations of some species. This practice also undermines the competitive advantage of Mexican growers to propagate and sell endemic cacti in the marketplace. In the United States, the cactus trade involves fewer cactus species but considerably more plant material. The primary markets are southwestern U.S. cities with an arid climate where consumers are trying to conserve water by resorting to desert landscaping with plants like cacti instead of water-intensive gardens. Contrary to their best intentions, gardeners and homeowners are addressing one conservation issue at the expense of another. Details: Washington, DC: TRAFFIC North America, World Wildlife Fund, 2003. 137p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 6, 2013 at: http://www.traffic.org/plants Year: 2003 Country: United States URL: http://www.traffic.org/plants Shelf Number: 114743 Keywords: CactiIllegal Wildlife TradeNatural Resource ConservationNatural ResourcesWildlife Crimes (U.S., Mexico) |
Author: Lowther, Jason Title: Crime and Punishment in the Wildlife Trade Summary: The attitude of the UKs legal system towards the ever-increasing illegal wildlife trade is inconsistent. It does not adequately reflect the nature and impact of the crimes, and it is erratic in its response. The result is that the courts perceive wildlife crime as low priority, even though it is on the increase. Having said that, there are positive indications that change is taking place, thanks largely to increased political awareness of environmental issues, and increased lobbying by nongovernmental organisations. The United Kingdoms laws regulating the trade in wildlife reflect a tripartite system of control encompassing international, European Community (EC) and our own domestic legislation. Within each tier is the potential for difference in implementation, and while the EC is a strong centralising force, for the member states there remain discrepancies in implementation and practice. While the UK has a legislative framework that is generally supportive of the fight against wildlife trade crime, it lacks effectiveness in some areas because it allows the imposition of low penalties in the majority of prosecuted cases. Not only that, but there are also only limited provisions for joined-up working between the principal agencies involved in bringing such cases to court. This relative ineffectiveness does not derive from lack of effort on the part of the enforcing authorities, but rather by laws which, in theory and in practice, do not provide an appropriate deterrent to offenders. There is an apparent lack of seriousness attached to wildlife trade offences. This is surprising, given the potentially high rewards at stake for very little risk of detection and penalty, and because of the seriousness of their impact on species sustainability. Issues of seriousness and tolerance need to be examined, so that public and judicial attitudes towards such offences can be re-shaped. One response to this challenge would be to make offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (COTES) arrestable. This change in the law would give the police increased powers and would enable enforcement agencies to take more effective action against wildlife criminals. At the same time it would rightfully acknowledge the seriousness of the illegal trade itself. This would not be out of line with offences committed under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA) which are arrestable: indeed, it would incorporate an element of certainty into the law that is at present missing. Compared with other jurisdictions, the UK has a relatively well-developed system of laws. However, it does not compare favourably with the US, where custodial sentences are often imposed for wildlife trade offences and levels of fines are higher. The UK has the potential to impose higher penalties, but chooses not to. Now, our membership of the EU and the free market without borders offers important opportunities to frame effective law, but presents a challenge in terms of greater internal control. The illegal wildlife trade has immeasurable impacts that can potentially affect biodiversity through the loss of endangered species. These impacts are not adequately taken into account by the courts when cases are prosecuted. One way of addressing this would be to develop and issue effective sentencing guidelines. At present, no specialised guidance or awareness training is given to judges or magistrates, many of whom will rarely come across wildlife trade offences because prosecutions are so infrequent. In addition, the present system of precedent-based guidance in the UK is insufficient, given the very few cases that reach the higher courts It would therefore be useful for those who impose sentences to have guidelines at their disposal. These could be along the lines of those already developed for certain environmental offences, such as water pollution, where issues affect human quality of life. These have succeeded in raising the perception of the seriousness of environmental offences, and there is no reason why similar guidelines may not be successful in relation to wildlife trade offences. Overall, there are varying and inconsistent approaches to the law by enforcement and other agencies, as there are in terms of the imposition of penalties for illegal wildlife trade. This raises doubts about any deterrent value. Of course, the fear of a severe penalty is not a sufficient deterrent in itself the potential offender must realise at the outset that there is a certainty of detection and arrest, and that the authorities will prosecute. At present, this is unlikely. The risks that wildlife offenders take are minimal, and the rewards extremely high, when balanced against the chance of getting caught and the likely penalty that would be imposed. Details: Godalming, Surrey, UK: World Wildlife Fund - UK, The Species Programme, 2002. 41p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 17, 2013 at: http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/crime_and_punishment.pdf Year: 2002 Country: International URL: http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/crime_and_punishment.pdf Shelf Number: 111723 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Theile, Stephanie Title: Fading Footprints: The Killing and Trade of Snow Leopards Summary: Snow Leopards, in a genus of their own, are endangered big cats. They inhabit rugged, mountainous terrain, in 12 range States - Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. There are regional differences in prey, but the cats’ natural prey includes ungulates and rodents. The global population of Snow Leopards is estimated to be between about 4000 and 7000, but sharp declines in populations have been reported over the past decade from parts of the species’s range. High levels of hunting for the animals’ skins and for live animals, for zoos, during the last century contributed to the species’s endangered status and, from the 1970s, legal measures were taken for its protection. In 1975, the species was listed in Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) and in 1985 it became an Appendix-I species of the Convention of Migratory Species. It has been accorded nation-wide legal protection in almost every range State, in some cases since the 1970s. In spite of such provision, Snow Leopards have been hunted during the 1990s in numbers as high as at any time in the past and this killing continues in the present century. Several factors are adversely affecting Snow Leopards throughout their range. These factors show regional variation and are sometimes inter-connected. The picture that emerges shows that the species is menaced primarily by direct, intentional killing and loss of wild prey, with habitat fragmentation and accidental trapping or poisoning as secondary threats. Direct killing of Snow Leopards is driven by two main objectives: the desire to protect domestic livestock from predating cats and the desire to trade in the animal or its parts, but the two objectives cannot always be separated entirely. The cost of livestock loss can be very great and herders are often driven to kill Snow Leopards, either following an attack on livestock, or to prevent future attacks. However, herders are likely to try and sell Snow Leopard parts whenever the opportunity arises, so that, even where trade was not the primary incentive for killing, it is usually the end result. Generally speaking, conflict with herders is seen as the main threat to Snow Leopards in the Himalayan region of their range and in the Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountains, while killing for trade is the prominent threat in the central Asian region and northern part of the species’s range - in the Chinese Altai and Tien Shan mountains, Mongolia and the Russian Federation. There are indications that both types of threat - that resulting from conflict with herders and that arising from the incentive to trade in Snow Leopard body parts - have increased in recent years. Loss of natural prey is a threat to the species throughout its range, sometimes caused by competition for grazing with domestic livestock or by unmanaged hunting by humans. These pressures on wild prey can drive Snow Leopards to seek alternative prey among domestic stock, and so lead to resentment and killing of the cats by herders. These threats have been the subject of extensive study and this report draws on the findings of such research. Additionally, original surveys of trade in Snow Leopards, were conducted, especially for this project, in Mongolia and Pakistan, and information was collected by consultants in India and the Russian Federation during 2002. The results clearly show that Snow Leopards and their parts are traded in all range States, with the possible exception of Bhutan. In the large majority of cases, this trade is illegal. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2003. 84p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 17, 2013 at: http://www.wwf.de/fileadmin/fm-wwf/Publikationen-PDF/report_schneeleopard_03.pdf Year: 2003 Country: United States URL: http://www.wwf.de/fileadmin/fm-wwf/Publikationen-PDF/report_schneeleopard_03.pdf Shelf Number: 128390 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeSnow LeopardsWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes |
Author: Santos, Anna Title: Do Wildlife Trade Bans Enhance or Undermine Conservation Efforts? Summary: The billion dollar businesses of both legal and illegal wildlife trade show little decline and continue to pose major threats to global biodiversity. Despite international wildlife trade bans such as the Appendix I listing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the illegal trade of wildlife undermines conservation efforts. Evidence has shown that Appendix I listing can inadvertently increase black market prices and trade of wildlife. However, examples of national scale bans combined with CITES restrictions can decrease wildlife trade activity. More collaboration and integrative measures between global, national and local institutions are needed to combat wildlife trade issues. Details: College Station, TX: Applied Biodiversity Science NSF‐IGERT, Texas A&M University, 2011. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 18, 2013 at: http://biodiversity.tamu.edu/files/2012/08/ABS_Perspectives-1_3_Santos_etal.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://biodiversity.tamu.edu/files/2012/08/ABS_Perspectives-1_3_Santos_etal.pdf Shelf Number: 128417 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes |
Author: BIO Intelligence Service Title: Stocktaking of the main problems and review of national enforcement mechanisms for tackling illegal killing, trapping and trade of birds in the EU. Final Report Summary: The European Union (EU) is rich of a diversity of over 500 wild bird species. These species have been facing several threats for a long time: fragmentation and reduction of their habitat, diminution of their food supply linked to an intensification of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as direct threat to their population due to a massive use of pesticide, unregulated hunting and the development of illegal practices like poaching. Many species which suffer under an unfavourable population status are impacted by illegal killing (see annex 6). This is important because it increases threats to populations already threatened, but many common species with favourable status are also impacted, which may lead to an unfavourable status of these populations in the future. The Birds Directive (BD) is the legal EU text protecting birds. It has the overall goal to preserve all species of birds naturally occurring in the wild (articles 1 and 2), while allowing sustainable hunting activities for listed bird species (article 7). However, no reporting on this overall goal was found in the summary of the main findings in the report from the European Commission (EC) on the implementation of the Bird Directive (Period covered: 2005 – 2007, EC2009). Similarly to other biodiversity targets at EU and international levels, and considering the population status of several bird species, this overall goal can be considered however not (yet) achieved. The European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds, co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Game Fund of Cyprus (Ministry of Interior) in July 2011 concluded that “despite efforts by many governmental authorities, illegal taking and trading in wild birds is still a serious pan- European problem with clear regional patterns, having a considerable negative impact on biodiversity across the continent. In some European countries, the driver for such activities is mainly direct or indirect financial profit for individuals or organised crime, generating illegal (untaxed) benefits not related to basic survival needs. Considering the multiple dimensions of illegal killing, trapping and trading of birds in Europe, such as the ecological/environmental, legal, economic, social and political aspects, a combination of measures, policies and strategies is necessary to solve the problem.” Details: Paris: European Commission (DG Environment, 2011. 215p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2013 at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Shelf Number: 128757 Keywords: BirdsIllegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes (Europe) |
Author: Lee, K.S. Title: Wild Animal Trade Monitoring at Selected Markets in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, South China, 2000-2003. Summary: Despite the booming live wild animal trade in South China, very few long-term, systematic studies have been conducted in the main markets. There is also a need to update our knowledge given the dynamic nature of the wildlife trade and the changing status of the animals concerned. The present study was initiated and conducted under the South China Biodiversity Conservation Programme of Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, with the aim to document the species composition, relative trade volume and conservation implications of the wild animal trade in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. The survey started in October 2000 and finished in March 2003. It focused on live, non-aquatic wild animals, i.e. mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, which were commonly traded for food and/ or pets in South China. Major wild animal markets and shops in Guangzhou and Shenzhen were surveyed twice a month from October to March, when food trade activity reaches its maximum. For the rest of the year, they were surveyed monthly. A wide range of animals was recorded, some in huge quantities (over 90,000 snakes and 24,000 turtles could be seen in one visit). The survey yielded 39 mammal species, 453 bird species, 154 reptile species and 31 amphibian species. A high proportion (59 species), particularly of turtles, were listed in the 2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: ten classified Critically Endangered, 19 Endangered and 30 Vulnerable. Many of them are CITES-listed (nine in Appendix I and 68 in Appendix II). Many nationally protected species in China were also traded: eight species in Category I of China's State Key Protected Wildlife List and 38 species in Category II. Besides wild-caught animals, captive-bred individuals (in particular mammals and turtles) constituted a fair proportion of the observed trade. Many of the animals traded were Chinese species or wide-ranging East Asian species. However, in the food and pet turtle trade, a large proportion of animals were imported from other countries. The species traded overlap fairly extensively with those reported in past studies with the exception of the food turtle trade. Large river turtles from Southeast Asia (such as Batagur baska, Callagur borneoensi sand Orlitia borneens)i sand Burmese species (Morenia ocellat aand Lissemys scutat)a were common in the markets whereas they were practically absent eight years ago. This supports the belief that the trade in wild-caught food turtles is unsustainable and new sources are being sought to satisfy the demand. A drastic reduction in the volume and the size of animals traded occurred in some species (e.g. the water snake Enhydris bocour tfriom Southeast Asia) during the course of the survey, again indicating that the wild population of the species concerned has crashed due to over-exploitation. In July 2001, the Guangdong Provincial Government enacted the "Guangdong Wildlife Protection and Management Regulation" and "Major Protected Wildlife of Guangdong Regulation" to prohibit the trade of certain wildlife species. This measure seemed to have only a short-term impact and the trade resumed to the original level several months later. The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is thought by some experts to be linked to the wild animal markets. In view of the serious threat posed by the commercial wildlife trade to regional biodiversity and to public health, the recent decision made by the Guangdong authority to restrict the trade to 54 successfully captive-bred species is to be welcomed. Other provinces should adopt similar measures and the cross-border wild animal trade should be banned. Greater numbers of captive-bred animals, of more species, are being sold than before. This indicates commercial-scale production of wild animals in China has been successful for certain mammals, birds and turtles. However, there is an urgent need to improve the wellbeing of the animals and the hygiene of the whole process. It is recommended that efforts be made to investigate the extent and success of these captive-breeding farms in order to come up with practical measures to make them sustainable, hygienic and safe. The pet trade in South China is insignificant (apart from cage birds) but is growing. Also many threatened Chinese species are being exported for the international pet trade. Hence, continual monitoring is needed. Also the import of known invasives should be banned. The wellbeing of the pet animals and the hygiene of the pet markets also need to be improved. The wildlife trade is dynamic and has changed substantially since records were first made. Further monitoring is essential to detect any change and/or trend in the markets so as to provide a warning system. Moreover, such monitoring would function as an independent check on the effectiveness of legislation, regulations and enforcement actions. In the longer term, a concerted effort by all the conservation groups looking at different aspects of the wildlife trade in the region would be useful to document the real extent of this trade, its impacts on wild populations and its socio-economic importance. The chances of making the trade sustainable will be much higher when this information is available. Many threatened and/or protected species are traded in South China and this exploitation is one of the main threats to the biodiversity in the region. Very good legislation and regulations on the wildlife trade are already in place but enforcement actions tend to lag behind in China. Technical support should be provided whenever appropriate. Also the State Key Protected Wildlife List should be expanded to cover all known threatened species. Details: Hong Kong: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, 2004. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 21, 2013 at: http://www.kfbg.org/content/71/18/1/Wild%20Animals%20ENG.pdf Year: 2004 Country: China URL: http://www.kfbg.org/content/71/18/1/Wild%20Animals%20ENG.pdf Shelf Number: 128767 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes |
Author: Scharf, Katie Title: Strategies for Enforcing Wildlife Trade Regulations in Ulaanbaatar- Mongolia Summary: This report reviews and recommends strategies to regulate the trade of wildlife through Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar is an ideal site to launch an effort to support improved enforcement of wildlife trade regulations. The city is the seat of Mongolia’s government, media markets, and civil society, as well as the center of the wildlife trade. Some of the country’s largest raw materials markets are located to the east and west of the city. Ulaanbaatar’s many road inspection points, its train station, and its airport are all strategic sites for enforcing trade regulation. A comprehensive — and sometimes internally contradictory — framework of “species-oriented” regulations provides different penalties and fines based on the species hunted. “Trade-oriented” regulations assign criminal or administrative liability for a limited range of market activities, including transport, export, and advertising of wildlife products. At the risk of repeating the efforts of a legislative gap analysis of wildlife-related regulation (recently completed for by Wingard & Odgerel in 2006), this report will not propose legal reforms, but will assess enforcement strategies available under the existing laws. Responsibility for enforcement of wildlife trade regulations is distributed among half a dozen different agencies. Inspectors (state and municipal), rangers, and customs officials enforce administrative penalties for minor violations. Criminal-level violations must be referred to the Mongolian National Police, who then turn cases over to the state General Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution in any of soum or aimag-level courts. Getting these different agencies to collaborate on investigations, share information, and harmonize confiscation procedures must be a major focus of any successful enforcement support strategy. After reviewing the existing legal framework and the present state of enforcement, this report will discuss specific recommendations for improving wildlife trade regulation enforcement. These include near-term measures (market surveys and “ride-alongs” with enforcement officials) to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing enforcement system. Public awareness strategies targeted towards Mongolians, foreign tourists, and tour operators are discussed, as well as the need for further legal research on the adjudication of wildlife crimes, and possible collaboration with Mongolian human rights lawyers, whose approach of monitoring mining-related litigation and petitioning to have cases reopened or reinstated could be applied successfully in the wildlife context. Recommended measures for improving inter-agency coordination include: establishing a database for enforcement information collection and sharing; publicizing the Mongolian State Specialized Inspection Agency’s *SSIA+ wildlife hotline; and creating a pocket guide to wildlife trade enforcement. The recommendations in this report build on prior research, including the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Silent Steppe report (2005), and a recent training session conducted for Mongolian customs and law enforcement officials by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service [USFWS] and TRAFFIC International (2006). Details: Washington, DC: The World Bank, 2009. 115p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 1, 2013 at: http://s3.amazonaws.com/WCSResources/file_20111006_161059_Strategies+for+enforcing+wildlife+trade+regulations+in+Ulaanbaatar-+Mongolia_BVSgF.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Mongolia URL: http://s3.amazonaws.com/WCSResources/file_20111006_161059_Strategies+for+enforcing+wildlife+trade+regulations+in+Ulaanbaatar-+Mongolia_BVSgF.pdf Shelf Number: 128906 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Title: Enforcement Not Extinction: Zero Tolerance on Tiger Trade Summary: The International Tiger Forum held in November 2010 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, provides an exciting opportunity. Convened by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, leaders of Tiger Range Countries (TRC) endorsed a declaration and Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) to double the tiger population by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger, setting the tone for future national and global efforts. Many of the strategies advocated in the Forum have been proposed repeatedly since the last Year of the Tiger. Some are older still. On paper they appear objective, logical and scientific – yet governments have failed to implement them thoroughly or consistently. Will this time be any different? Can world leaders rise to the challenge and deliver meaningful action, not simply fine words? Drawing on EIA’s experience of investigating the illegal trade in consumer countries, this position paper highlights the key recommendations on law enforcement that have consistently been made over the years and examines the possible underlying reasons why they have not yet been implemented. Accepting that these enforcement recommendations are still key to the survival of the wild tiger, we identify actions that governments can take to overcome those obstacles and demonstrate real progress and change on the ground. We call upon governments to prioritise the following: • Secure greater involvement of police and Customs officers in tiger and other Asian big cat conservation • Reduce demand for tiger and other Asian big cat parts • Expand the use of intelligence-led enforcement in combating tiger trade • Improve international cooperation to disrupt transnational criminal networks • Continue with reform of judicial processes • Increase resources to combat wildlife crime • Improve the motivation of enforcement personnel • Tackle corruption in wildlife crime Details: London: EIA, 2011. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2013 at: http://www.eia-international.org.php5-20.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/wp-content/uploads/reports210-1.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.eia-international.org.php5-20.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/wp-content/uploads/reports210-1.pdf Shelf Number: 128960 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeTigersWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Banks, Debbie Title: Thailand's Tiger Economy Summary: In the last ten years there have been thousands of column inches dedicated to the news that the tiger is on the brink of extinction. With a global population that has crashed by 95% over the last 100 years, millions of dollars have been spent on new and innovative approaches for tackling habitat destruction, the decline in prey population, and the continuing international illegal trade in tiger parts and derivatives. But the tiger can be saved, if people really want it to happen. Across it’s range, there are several isolated examples of tiger populations bouncing back in the face of what were once thought to be insurmountable odds. Sadly, one country where this hasn’t happened is Thailand, once the primary range of the Indo-Chinese tiger. Years of rampant illegal logging, widespread poaching of endangered species, poorly implemented conservation strategy and government indifference have decimated the tiger population and the forests that it depends on. Thailand has shown itself to be woefully inadequate in implementing domestic legislation to stamp out the tiger trade and in enforcing international agreements to which it is a signatory. EIA has learned through its investigations that Thailand has also become a conduit for illegal trade as well as a manufacturer and supplier of tiger products. A blossoming institutional belief that tigers can be saved by the breeding of captive tigers outside a scientific international studbook programme is threatening to undermine in situ conservation efforts. Instead of securing a longterm future for tigers, these activities shield a more sinister threat : the commercial trading of tigers into extinction. EIA investigations have revealed a persistent lack of interest and effort on the part of the Thai authorities to control a growing domestic and international trade that threatens not only the remaining wild tigers in Thailand, but also wild tigers across their range. Despite the widely available tiger products which publish their factory address details on the packaging, the authorities appear to have taken no action and displayed no interest in curbing this trade. The tiger, once a symbol of strength and progress, has been reduced to a symbol of apathy and disregard for a once rich biodiversity. But EIA believes that it is not too late for the new Prime Minister to take immediate and decisive action to reverse the recent trend and to reinstate the wild tiger as a symbol of a new Thailand. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency, 2001. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 7, 2013 at: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Thailands-Tiger-Economy-low-res.pdf Year: 2001 Country: Thailand URL: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Thailands-Tiger-Economy-low-res.pdf Shelf Number: 129010 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Thailand) |
Author: Jahrl, Jutta Title: Illegal Caviar Trade in Bulgaria and Romania - Results of a market survey on trade in caviar from sturgeons (Acipenseridae) Summary: Overfishing and unsustainable trade in caviar from wild sturgeons have been identified as the major direct threats to sturgeons in the Danube – one of the last mainstays of these globally threatened fish1. In the two key range States of Danube sturgeons, Romania and Bulgaria, both fishing and domestic trade in caviar from wild sturgeons are now illegal, due to general moratoria lasting until the end of 2015. However, there are unconfirmed reports that poaching continues there. The aim of this report is to provide research findings from a survey of caviar trade in Bulgaria and Romania, with a special focus on illegal trade as well as on illegal fishing of sturgeons. The goals of the survey were to collect reliable data and provide clear indications as to whether illegal caviar is available in Bulgaria and Romania in order to support the actions of national authorities controlling fishing and trade. The survey adds to Objective 6 of the “Action Plan for the conservation of sturgeons (Acipenseridae) in the Danube River Basin” in that it aims to investigate the trade in caviar including the chain of custody from fishermen to restaurant sellers and exporters of products (Action 6.5) and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) universal caviar labelling system (Action 6.3)1. The project involved local surveyors visiting selected shops, restaurants, markets, street vendors and sturgeon farms in different parts of the two countries in order to buy caviar. The survey took place from April 2011 to February 2012, with a special focus on times of peak supply or demand (e.g. spring and autumn migration times for wild caviar; Christmas and New Year). Samples were obtained from vendors and then the DNA analysed to determine the species of origin. Overall, the findings of the survey suggest that illegal fishing of sturgeons and illegal trade in caviar continues in both Romania and Bulgaria in spite of the moratoria. Details: Vienna, Austria: WWF Austria & TRAFFIC, 2013. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 25, 2013 at: Year: 2013 Country: Europe URL: Shelf Number: 129159 Keywords: CaviarFishing IndustryIllegal Wildlife TradeOverfishing (Bulgaria, Romania)Wildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Poaching |
Author: Bio Intelligence Service Title: Stocktaking of the Main Problems and Review of National Enforcement Mechanisms for Tackling Illegal Killing, Trapping and Trade of Birds in the EU. Final Report for the European Commission (DG Environment) Summary: The European Union (EU) is rich of a diversity of over 500 wild bird species. These species have been facing several threats for a long time: fragmentation and reduction of their habitat, diminution of their food supply linked to an intensification of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as direct threat to their population due to a massive use of pesticide, unregulated hunting and the development of illegal practices like poaching. Many species which suffer under an unfavourable population status are impacted by illegal killing (see annex 6). This is important because it increases threats to populations already threatened, but many common species with favourable status are also impacted, which may lead to an unfavourable status of these populations in the future. The Birds Directive (BD) is the legal EU text protecting birds. It has the overall goal to preserve all species of birds naturally occurring in the wild (articles 1 and 2), while allowing sustainable hunting activities for listed bird species (article 7). However, no reporting on this overall goal was found in the summary of the main findings in the report from the European Commission (EC) on the implementation of the Bird Directive (Period covered: 2005 – 2007, EC2009). Similarly to other biodiversity targets at EU and international levels, and considering the population status of several bird species, this overall goal can be considered however not (yet) achieved. The European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds, co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Game Fund of Cyprus (Ministry of Interior) in July 2011 concluded that “despite efforts by many governmental authorities, illegal taking and trading in wild birds is still a serious pan- European problem with clear regional patterns, having a considerable negative impact on biodiversity across the continent. In some European countries, the driver for such activities is mainly direct or indirect financial profit for individuals or organised crime, generating illegal (untaxed) benefits not related to basic survival needs. Considering the multiple dimensions of illegal killing, trapping and trading of birds in Europe, such as the ecological/environmental, legal, economic, social and political aspects, a combination of measures, policies and strategies is necessary to solve the problem.” This study describes the situation in the EU related to illegal killing, trapping and trade of birds and reviews the enforcement mechanisms of Member States (MS) legislation implementing the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC and 2009/147/EEC). The information provided through the European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds forms an excellent resource to achieve this goal especially the materials collected by the Council of Europe and BirdLife International. The present report is composed of five main chapters. After a presentation of the main issues related to illegal killing of birds in Europe, the study reports the feeling of the different Member States concerning this issue. In the third chapter, a “country profile” assesses and summarises for each Member states the implementation and the enforcement of the Bird Directive. A focus is then realised on some examples of successful and failed enforcement. Finally, the main findings as well as the proposed recommendations to make more efficient the fight against the illegal killing of birds are available in the last chapter. The Birds Directive is the main EU text, which ensures the protection of threatened bird species. This Directive was adopted first in 1979 and “relates to the conservation of all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies. It covers the protection, management and control of these species and lays down rules for their exploitation. It shall apply to birds, their eggs, nests and habitats” (article 1). The overall goal of the Birds Directive is, that “Member States shall take the requisite measures to maintain the population of the species referred to in article 1 at a level which corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements, while taking account of economic and recreational requirements, or to adapt the population of these species to that level” (article 2.1). The Birds Directive allows hunting in certain conditions, recognising that it is an important recreational activity in some areas, that it can constitute an acceptable exploitation of species where populations can be maintained, and that it may be used as a tool to reduce ecological damage caused by birds. Hunting is a traditional recreation activity in most EU countries. Given how widespread it is, hunting is also an important economic activity, over and above providing an occasional source of income for landowners, and hunters, if the specimens are sold. The Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE) has estimated that hunting accounts for 100 000 jobs in the EU, based on the approximation that 65 hunters are needed for the creation of one job (Pinet, 19952). In September 2010, FACE says there were 6,571 millions of hunters were recorded in the EU3. Hunting is differentiated from trapping since whereas hunting implicitly refers to the lawful pursuit and killing of wildlife for food, recreation or trade, trapping is usually considered separately since it does not involve the pursuit of the animal (note that trapping is legal under certain conditions). Lawful hunting and trapping of birds if properly managed can constitute a sustainable use of wild species for at least two reasons. Hunting can contribute to the restoration or maintenance of natural areas, through activities carried out by the hunters, and can be enhanced through the revenues raised from the sale of hunting licences. In France for example, the national hunting agency ONCFS manages 31 protected areas4. Hunting can also contribute to regulating or eradicating populations of some damaging species. For example, in France, the Great Cormorant and the Canada Goose can be hunted under a derogation year around for this reason. Not all killing and trapping of birds is performed in accordance with the law. Illegal killing, trapping or trade in the EU may be a significant driver in the decline of some wild bird populations and a cause of wider ecosystem disturbance (see examples in section 1.2). Illegal killing, trapping and trade encompasses: killing/shooting/trapping protected species (most of the species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, but also most of the species not listed in Annex I, unless authorised for hunting (Annex II) or under a derogation), capture of protected species, killing/trapping/capture in areas (e.g. bird sanctuaries) and/or periods during which hunting/trapping is forbidden (e.g. during the spring migration period, without derogation), use of methods prohibited under the Birds Directive without derogation (see annex 1), involuntary killing (using illegal products), killing/shooting/trapping game birds without a hunting licence, and nest robbery or nest destruction. Reasons for illegal killing/ trapping and trade of birds vary. In Mediterranean countries, some traditional delicacies involve songbirds (Franzen, 20105). Despite bans on songbird killing, there is still significant demand from restaurant owners. This demand has encouraged poaching and illegal trade since the sale of songbirds is well remunerated. Throughout the EU, raptors are illegally killed (mainly by the use of poisoned bait), as hunters often consider birds of prey to be “competitors”6. Farmers or fishermen may also consider that birds are reducing their yields. The poisoning of protected birds can also be an indirect, involuntary consequence of other practices. For instance, some hunters used to spread poisoned bait for foxes before breeding since they are considered a pest in several countries. Unfortunately, this bait is eaten by raptors and can kill them. In Ireland, over 20 protected birds of prey have been tested positive for exposure to poisons over the last three years. Many other species are poisoned but never found, which makes it hard to estimate the effect of poisoned bait on local population decline. Trophy hunting and taxidermy are also motivations for poachers. Trophy hunting is an old practice in southern and central Europe, going back to historical times when the head or pelt of an animal was displayed as a sign of prowess. An argument in favour of trophy hunting is based on projected economic benefits for the environment and local communities. Lindsey et al. (2007) developed for example the theory that trophy hunting is viable in countries that receive few conventional tourists. They have shown that compared to the ecotourism, trophy hunting can generate 14 times greater revenues. Consequently, they demonstrate that hunting can potentially generate considerable income without the environmental disagreement usually generated by the tourism (littering, fossil fuel use, habitat conversion for infrastructure development, etc.). The Capercaillie7 in several EU countries and also the migratory bird species on the Greek island of Zakynthos8 are both hunted to serve as trophies. While legal trophy hunting may provide interesting revenues in rural localities, illegal activities must be banned. Illegal trophy hunting and taxidermy can generate high benefits and are often associated with illegal trade. Details: Paris: Bio Intelligence Services, 2011. 215p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2013 at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Shelf Number: 129203 Keywords: Animal PoachingBirdsIllegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime (Europe) |
Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Criminal Nature: The Global Security Implications of Illegal Wildlife Trade 2013 Summary: In 2008, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) embarked on an effort to fully understand the true nature of wildlife crime around the world. What we found was shocking, and we chronicled our findings in a report becoming one of the first organizations to assert that the illicit trade in wildlife could be a genuine and increasing threat to national and global security. Since that time, the international trade in endangered species has only grown, making the threat all the more real and menacing. Elephants were killed for their ivory in record numbers in 2011 and 2012, and some rhinoceros subspecies have become extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Rangers are regularly killed by poachers, and some of the world’s poorest countries continue to see their wildlife decimated for the black market in wild animals and parts. Meanwhile, the profits realized from the illegal trade in wildlife have surged to levels once reserved for legally traded precious metals. Criminal and violent groups around the world have become the main actors exploiting this global industry. Details: Yarmouth Port, MA: IFAW, 2013. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed August 22, 2013 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-Criminal-Nature-global-security-illegal-wildlife-trade.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-Criminal-Nature-global-security-illegal-wildlife-trade.pdf Shelf Number: 129672 Keywords: Animal PoachingEndangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: DLA Piper Title: Empty Threat: Does the Law Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade? A Ten-Country of Legislative and Judicial Approaches Summary: In 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) entered into force through ratification or accession by ten countries. Today, 179 countries are Parties to CITES, and yet illegal trade in wildlife has continued to proliferate to the point where it ranks behind only illegal trafficking in drugs, guns and human beings in the value of the illegal trade. Each of the 179 Contracting Parties has some form of principal domestic legislation implementing CITES and setting out offences relating to the illegal trade in wildlife which are subject to prosecution through some form of domestic judicial process. Many Contracting Parties also have ancillary legislation that can be used to prosecute illegal trade in wildlife. Examples include legislation with respect to money laundering, illegal use of weapons and anti-corruption legislation. Numerous factors are often cited as drivers of the proliferation of illegal trade in wildlife including wealth, poverty and cultural demand. Strong principal and ancillary legislation and enforcement through an effective judicial process act as deterrents to this criminal activity. By contrast, weak or limited legislation enforced on a haphazard basis by a judiciary with limited experience or capacity to prosecute not only fails to deter but furthers an environment where those engaging in such activity are emboldened. Notwithstanding the number of contracting parties to CITES, work still needs to be done to strengthen legislation around the world and improve prosecutorial and judicial capacity and processes. DLA Piper was engaged by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (the "Royal Foundation") on behalf of the United for Wildlife partnership to review and evaluate the state of legislation and judicial processes with respect to illegal trade in wildlife in ten countries: Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam. A team of 55 lawyers from 15 DLA Piper Offices around the world reviewed and analysed the relevant principal and ancillary legislation and domestic prosecutorial and judicial processes, using this information to produce a report for each country. Following an executive summary, each country report includes an overview of the principal legislation on illegal trade in wildlife. This is also the domestic legislation implementing CITES. The reports then discuss the criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment) associated with illegal trade in wildlife, with an emphasis on whether such penalties cause the crime to be considered a "serious crime" within the meaning of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime ("UNODC"). The reports also review relevant ancillary legislation that can be used to prosecute crimes associated with the illegal trade in wildlife. Each report then assesses the local judicial process and capacity to enforce the domestic principal or ancillary legislation. The reports then conclude with observations and recommendations based on the findings of the country team. Details: London: DLA Piper, 2014. 47p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 5, 2014 at: http://www.dlapiperprobono.com/export/sites/pro-bono/downloads/pdfs/Empty-Threat---Does-the-law-combact-illegal-wildlife-trade---Summary-Report-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.dlapiperprobono.com/export/sites/pro-bono/downloads/pdfs/Empty-Threat---Does-the-law-combact-illegal-wildlife-trade---Summary-Report-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 132238 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife Law and Legislation |
Author: Roe, Dilys Title: The elephant in the room: sustainable use in the illegal wildlife trade debate Summary: Illegal transnational wildlife trade is currently attracting considerable international attention. This is partly due to conservation concerns but also to suggestions of links with organised crime and militant groups. The attention afforded to this issue is much needed and the various international initiatives that have emerged rightly take a multi-faceted approach. But they tend to emphasise law enforcement and demand reduction, with considerably less focus on effective incentives for community-based and private sector management. In particular, the role of sustainable use as a tool for both conservation and local development has generally been overlooked. Wildlife is one of the strongest assets for many rural communities, and depleting it through illegal trade removes potential income. But tackling illegal trade in ways that further restrict sustainable use can limit communities' options even more. Addressing wildlife crime effectively means developing approaches that protect wildlife for poor people not from poor people. Details: London: International Institute for the Environment and Development, 2014. 4p. Source: IIED Briefing: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2014 at http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17205IIED.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17205IIED.pdf Shelf Number: 132410 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTransnational CrimeWildlife Crime |
Author: Nadal, Alejandro Title: Leonardo's sailors: A review of the economic analysis of wildlife trade Summary: Illegal trade of wildlife has been recognised as an important driver of biodiversity loss. In many quarters the use of legal markets has been presented as the best policy option for conservation, giving way to the economic analysis of wildlife trade and markets. This paper focuses on the analytical framework used in these analyses and on its deficiencies, both at the conceptual or theoretical level, as well as from an empirical point of view. We examine the implications of using a partial equilibrium framework dominated by comparative statics in all models and the implications of ignoring market structure, strategic behaviour and multi-product operations in key segments of the supply chain. Furthermore, this review considers the way in which demand is conceptualised and the implications of ignoring the role of economic policies. Our study shows that the literature advocating trade as a conservation solution for endangered species relies on models that are based on simplistic and/or extremely restrictive assumptions. In most cases, these models also rely on conceptual tools that have been theoretically discredited. Failure to take into account the theoretical and empirical issues covered in this review undermines recommendations to adopt market-based policies in response to conservation problems. Details: Manchester, UK: University of Manchester, Leverhulme Centre for the Study of Value, 2014. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: LCSV Working Paper Series No. 6: http://thestudyofvalue.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WP5-Nadal-and-Aguayo-Leonardos-Sailors-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://thestudyofvalue.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WP5-Nadal-and-Aguayo-Leonardos-Sailors-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 133023 Keywords: Economics of CrimeIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Whitcraft, Samantha Title: The Continuing Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays: 2013-14 Market Surveys, Guangzhou, China Summary: Listed by the IUCN as 'Vulnerable', the primary threat to the Manta species is unsustainable fisheries driven by a growing demand for their gills used in a medically unproven 'health tonic'. New data showing their acute biological vulnerability and the rapid escalation of threats to their populations indicate an urgent priority to conserve manta rays and their close relatives, mobula rays. Although already known to be among the slowest to reproduce of all sharks and rays, newer data on manta ray reproduction suggest that they may reproduce even more slowly than previously believed, with a maximum lifetime reproduction potential estimated at only 5 to 15 offspring. Such extremely low reproductive capacity shows that manta and mobula rays are far more vulnerable to exploitation than previously known, and that immediate investment in their conservation is necessary to avoid continued rapid declines. Research conducted by WildAid, our partners, The Manta Trust and others, has uncovered new evidence of a rapidly escalating threat to manta ray species from increased demand for their gill plates, primarily in Guangzhou, China. Fishermen in key range states (e.g. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Peru, etc.) report sharp declines in catches despite increased fishing effort. Further indication of manta population declines is evidenced by traders reporting increased difficulty in sourcing manta gill plates and prices more than doubling over the previous two years as supply has plummeted. Moving forward our goals are to: ◦Use existing methodology, networks, and contacts from our China shark fin campaign to raise awareness in China of the impacts of manta gill plate consumption and urgency of manta ray conservation, and measurably reduce demand for gill plates in China, ultimately working towards ending the gill plate trade in Guangzhou. ◦Pursue legal protection for manta and mobula rays in key range countries. ◦Support implementation of manta and mobula protections through community outreach and enforcement strategies. Details: San Francisco, CA: WildAid, 2014. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 13, 2014 at: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/The%20Continuing%20Threat%20to%20Manta-Mobula%20Rays_2013-14%20Report_FINAL.pdf Year: 2014 Country: China URL: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/The%20Continuing%20Threat%20to%20Manta-Mobula%20Rays_2013-14%20Report_FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 133032 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Goga, Khalil Title: The illegal abalone trade in the Western Cape Summary: This case study provides the context in which the abalone trade in South Africa occurs, describes the various stages of the trade and analyses the impact of the illegal trade on governance. The community of Hout Bay was chosen as it appears to typify the trade across the Western Cape. The report concludes that criminal governance in the abalone trade takes various forms. These include the marginalised turning to the informal economy; both abalone wholesalers and gangsters developing a level of power over a region that renders them parallel sources of authority; the corruption and co-opting of state officials; and, arguably, the state's reliance on the seizure of poached abalone. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 2014. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: ISS Paper 261: Accessed August 14, 2014 at: http://www.issafrica.org/uploads/Paper261.pdf Year: 2014 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.issafrica.org/uploads/Paper261.pdf Shelf Number: 133051 Keywords: AbaloneAnimal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife Crime (South Africa)Wildlife Trafficking |
Author: WildAid Title: Ivory Demand in China Summary: Elephants are primarily poached for their ivory, which comes from the tusks of all African and male Asian elephants, and is used for carvings, jewelry, chopsticks, and other crafts. While the use of ivory dates back hundreds of years, scientists believe ivory has been processed on an industrial scale in the last century to supply markets in the U.S., Europe, and recently Asia. In 2007, African elephant populations were approximately 500,000-700,000, while the estimated global Asian elephant population was 30,000-50,000. In 1976, the African elephant was listed under Appendix II of the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), designed to control and limit trade, while in 1975 the Asian elephant was listed on CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international trade. However, the CITES regulatory system was subject to widespread abuse and African elephant populations fell from more than 1.2 million to roughly 600,000 by 1989. During the 1980s, a decade referred to as the "Ivory Wars", at least 700,000 elephants were slaughtered throughout Africa as legal trade enabled large-scale laundering of ivory from poached elephants. Details: San Francisco: WildAid, 2014. 7p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 14, 2014 at: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/WEBReportIvoryDemandinChina2014.pdf Year: 2017 Country: China URL: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/WEBReportIvoryDemandinChina2014.pdf Shelf Number: 133071 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsEndangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeIvory Wildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (China) |
Author: Sellar, John M. Title: Policing the Trafficking of Wildlife: Is there anything to learn from law enforcement responses to drug and firearms trafficking? Summary: The "tipping point" on wildlife crime is fast approaching: the extinction of key species and irreparable damage to the environment are both imminent possibilities in the near future. Growing demand for wildlife products in key markets has triggered a professionalization and aggression in poaching which is unparalleled. Armed with advanced weaponry, surveillance equipment and facilitated by extensive corruption, the criminal market in wildlife crime is now one of the most significant illicit markets in the world. Key species such as the rhino are being slaughtered at record levels. Lesser known animals are traded at a scale that is almost incomprehensible. This is no longer just a criminal act: it is warfare. The law enforcement community, at national and international levels, has long been engaged in what are described as 'wars' against narcotic and firearm trafficking. These two forms of criminality share many of the same features as those of wildlife trafficking, particularly as all three involve: the harvesting or acquisition of material or products in one State; usually require illicit export from the same State; the subsequent clandestine movement of the material or products across further national borders (regularly many borders and also intercontinentally); illicit import to the State of destination; and final delivery to customers and consumers. This paper is not an attempt to determine whether battles have been lost or won in each of these wars. Rather, it seeks to describe some of the strategies adopted by individual nations and international alliances to respond to drug and firearms trafficking, the manner in which they have rallied their troops, and examines whether illegal trade in wildlife can be thought of as a 'common enemy' and, thus, addressed in a similar fashion. The assessment and findings presented in this report are drawn from the extensive experience of the author, a law enforcement professional with over four decades of experience. The author held the role of Chief of Law Enforcement for CITES, and during 14 years with CITES he conducted 234 missions to 66 countries, assessing enforcement in the field and designing strategies to tackle wildlife trafficking. Thus while this study may not draw upon comprehensive research, it nonetheless presents an unparalleled expert perspective of the global state of affairs. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, 2014. 46p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2014 at: http://www.rhinoowners.org/WYSI/assets/SRP%20DOCS/Global%20Initiative%20-%20Wildlife%20Trafficking%20Law%20Enforcement%20-%20Feb%202014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.rhinoowners.org/WYSI/assets/SRP%20DOCS/Global%20Initiative%20-%20Wildlife%20Trafficking%20Law%20Enforcement%20-%20Feb%202014.pdf Shelf Number: 133424 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife CrimesWildlife Law EnforcementWildlife Trafficking |
Author: World Wildlife Fund Title: Illegal Wildlife Trade in India Summary: Illegal wildlife trade has evolved into a complex activity, estimated to be worth at least USD15 billion per year globally. The PANDA Special Issue on Illegal Wildlife Trade in India highlights the different aspects of this terrible for species depleting trade. Illegal wildlife trade is one of WWF-India's major concerns and along with its wildlife crime monitoring division of TRAFFIC India. WWF-India has been working closely with the national and the state governments as well as other enforcement agencies to help study, monitor and influence action to curb illegal wildlife trade in the country. India is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Its porous borders allow for a wide range of products such as mongoose hair, snake skins, rhino horn, tiger and leopard claws, bones, skins, whiskers, elephant tusks, deer antlers, shahtoosh shawl, turtle shells, musk pods, bear bile, medicinal plants, timber and caged birds such as parakeets, mynahs, munias to be trafficked. This is endangering many of its species, including the iconic tiger, the rhino and smaller species such as the pangolin and otters. India has a strong legal and policy framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade. Trade in over 1800 species of wild animals, plants and their derivatives, is prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. While government and other enforcement agencies are well-positioned to act, WWF-India through TRAFFIC India engages in training and building capacity of its frontline staff to quell this trade. Challenges in the field faced by conservationists, including our own teams, bring to light experiences that other agencies can act on. This will not only prove effective in combating illegal wildlife trade which is in need of scaling up, but also be able to curb the wildlife crime nexus. In keeping with the overall objective of WWF-India, this issue of the PANDA alerts its readers to the plight these animals are subjected to and calls for mass public awareness in order to sensitize its readers to the issue of wildlife crime and lead to a call for action. Details: New Delhi: World Wildlife Fund - India, 2014. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Panda Newsletter Special Issue: Accessed October 17, 2014 at: http://awsassets.wwfindia.org/downloads/traffic_panda_8_oct.pdf Year: 2014 Country: India URL: http://awsassets.wwfindia.org/downloads/traffic_panda_8_oct.pdf Shelf Number: 133733 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife Crimes (India)Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Burgess, Elizabeth A. Title: Assessing The Trade In Pig-Nosed Turtles Carettochelys insculpta in Papua, Indonesia Summary: The Pig-nosed Turtle Carettochelys insculpta, also known as the Fly River or Pitted-Shell Turtle, is a taxonomically distinct, large freshwater chelonian restricted to the river systems of northern Australia and southern New Guinea (divided politically between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Papua Province, Indonesia). The high international demand for Pignosed Turtles in the exotic pet trade, food market and traditional medicine practices has driven the intensified exploitation of this species in Papua. Despite being afforded legal protection in Indonesia and being listed in Appendix II of CITES, the Pig-nosed Turtle is increasingly being targeted in the province of Papua, Indonesia for international wildlife trade. This study highlights an urgent need for the existing laws and regulations concerning Pig-nosed Turtle trade to be rigorously enforced to curtail the illegal harvest and trade. Surveys on the trade of Pig-nosed Turtles throughout the Indonesian province of Papua were carried out in November and December 2010 to coincide with the Pig-nosed Turtle nesting season (September to February). Pig-nosed Turtles were primarily collected by Papuan villagers who source eggs of this species by excavating nests on the banks of rivers and swamps. Predominant collection areas lie in the Asmat region of Papua, although more expansive collection areas also exist further east and north of Merauke near the PNG border. Village collectors sell the wild harvested Pig-nosed Turtle eggs directly to traders operating in villages (typically non-Papuan immigrant traders settled in the region). There was also a growing trend towards incubating the collected eggs in ex-situ hatcheries located within Papuan villages, which was favourable among local collectors and traders because live hatchling turtles can command a higher price than eggs. Pignosed Turtles from Papua are traded as live pets, for meat consumption as well as for medicinal purposes. One respondent reported a company in Jayapura that purchases hatchling Pig-nosed Turtles for drying and then grinding into a powder for export to China, and resale in the traditional medicine trade. Local Papuans realize that the natural resources around them have a high value to outsiders, and what previously was opportunistic hunting for daily needs has become a large-scale exploitation of Pig-nosed Turtles. Turtle traders have also significantly influenced remote communities in Papua by bringing in and bartering with modern commodities (such as outboard boat motors) and provisions (such as useful equipment, supplies, fuel and foodstuffs). This survey found that local people were actively encouraged by immigrant traders to harvest and independently incubate eggs for trade, and that immigrant traders often organized and co-ordinated egg-collecting trips further upriver using motorboats. Improved transportation (e.g., motorboats and access to fuel) in the region have increased the accessibility of more remote river systems, and thereby expanded the harvest potential of Pig-nosed Turtles in Papua. Turtle buyers offering trade in rural communities, combined with a recent shift to a cash economy (cf. subsistence economy), has created strong incentives for local Papuans to trade in Pig-nosed Turtle eggs and hatchlings. Eggs and hatchlings of Pig-nosed Turtles are smuggled from remote source villages (via boat or small aircraft) to centralized trade hubs within Papua, including the towns of Agats, Merauke, Timika and Jayapura. From Papua, turtles were typically smuggled westward into major domestic trade destinations in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo in Java, Makassar (Ujung Pandang) in south Sulawesi, and Denpasar in Bali. This survey also found that Pig-nosed Turtles could be bought through a growing online marketplace, with sellers located in Indonesia as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom. Along this international trade chain, the value of Pig-nosed Turtles increased exponentially: hatchlings were generally sold in Papuan villages for USD 0.56-1.33 each; in domestic trade hubs such as Jakarta and Surabaya for USD 3.30-8.33 each; and on international markets for USD 39-56 each. Thirty-two seizures of Pig-nosed Turtles, between 2003 and 2012, were compiled in this study, including more than 81,689 individual turtles. Most seizures (75% of reported cases) occurred early in the calendar year (i.e., between January-March) towards the end of the nesting season for Pig-nosed Turtles, suggesting that traders are moving shipments as soon as the turtles are hatched. Available seizure data suggests that Pig-nosed Turtles are being traded in large quantities, with consignments averaging 2817 3701 turtles per seizure. Highlighting the enormity of this illegal trade was one seizure that rescued 12 247 Pig-nosed Turtles in Timika, Papua en route to Jakarta. Most enforcement actions and confiscations occurred at points of export from Indonesia, with little documented enforcement at the source of eggs collection. Undoubtedly, the swamps and river systems where turtles are sourced are vast and the villages involved in the trade are remote, making enforcement efforts for Pig-nosed Turtle trade geographically challenging. Nonetheless, the lack of enforcement, and potential corruption, at the source of trade means that the exploitation of wild Pig-nosed Turtles populations proceeds unhindered. All of the egg collections and ex-situ hatchery operations observed during this survey were illegal, relying on wild harvested eggs for commercial sale. An apparent problem for addressing trade issues in Papuan villages is that many local people are confused by the concept of 'captive breeding' and are freely collecting eggs without remorse. Inadequate enforcement of Indonesia's legislation to protect Pig-nosed Turtles from wild harvest in Papua is a major factor contributing to the excessive exploitation. Anecdotal information implies that while there have not been any quotas issued for taking Pig-nosed Turtles or their eggs from the wild, there are a few traders licensed to breed and export Pig-nosed Turtle in Indonesia. How they would have acquired breeding stock is not clear. Yet, according to the CITES Trade Database (WCMC), Indonesia has only ever legally exported one shipment of 57 Pig-nosed Turtles for the purpose of trade in 2006 to the US (these animals were declared as being Farmed). It is suspected that illegal smuggling is an easier and cost-cutting option, and therefore the preferred route for traders. The trade threat to Pig-nosed Turtles is further compounded by the high mortality rate reported in smuggling operations, with available data from reported seizures showing that on average 18% of turtles die in a shipment. Turtles that are found alive by authorities in confiscated shipments are held in a temporary holding facilities or rescue centres. Surviving confiscated turtles were sometimes repatriated back into the wild in Papua by Indonesian Customs and local government BKSDA officials - often with financial aid from industries within Papua. The environmental risks and financial costs associated with maintaining, translocating and reintroducing seized Pig-nosed Turtles are substantial, particularly for cases where turtles are seized outside of Papua and/or large numbers of turtles are involved. Results of this study have shown that the exploitation of Pig-nosed Turtles in Papua, Indonesia has reached a level that requires immediate action. High international demand for Pig-nosed Turtles, combined with an organised and influential global wildlife trade network within Indonesia, unregulated harvesting of eggs, an increased potential to collect eggs in previously inaccessible swamp habitat in Papua (i.e., using motorboats, improved regional infrastructure), growing socio-economic incentives for rural Papuans to harvest turtles for income and a lack of enforcement at the source of wild harvests, are contributing to unprecedented levels of exploitation of Pig-nosed Turtles throughout its Papuan range. Unless actions are taken to mitigate the high demands of consumer nations and to fully enforce the legal protection of Pig-nosed Turtles within Indonesia, the current unabated harvest regimes observed in rivers throughout Papua will lead to significant population declines of Pig-nosed Turtles (see Eisemberg et al., 2011). For the effective protection of the Pignosed Turtle in Papua, Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.: TRAFFIC, 2014. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2014 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/10/4/intensive-collection-threatens-peculiar-pig-nosed-turtle-in.html Year: 2014 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/10/4/intensive-collection-threatens-peculiar-pig-nosed-turtle-in.html Shelf Number: 133748 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeNatural ResourcesTurtlesWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime (Indonesia)Wildlife EnforcementWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Duffy, Rosaleen Title: Rhino Poaching: How do we respond? Summary: This report outlines the main actors in rhino conservation, the major main threats to rhinos in the 'Big 4' range states (Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Namibia) which together conserve almost 99% and 96% of Africa's wild white and black rhino respectively, and offers a review of a range of possible policy responses. The main conservation actors across the Big 4 can be grouped as: - Public sector conservation agencies, including government departments and parastatal boards - International organisations - Regional organisations - Locally based NGOs - Private sector - External agencies, including conservation NGOs and donors - Sub-state entities, including local communities The range of actors is slightly different in each country, and the relative importance of different actors varies across countries. The main threats to black and white rhinos are: - Poaching, driven by illegal demand for rhino horn from South East Asia - Disinvestment by some in the private sector due to the increasing costs and risks of protecting rhinos coupled with declining incentives for conserving rhino - Resources are currently insufficient to adequately protect some populations Currently poaching rates are lower than birth rates, so rhino numbers continue to rise. However, poaching at a continental level has increased significantly since 2007-8; and if this trend continues unabated the tipping point (where deaths start to exceed births and rhino numbers start declining) could be reached as early as 2014/2015. Therefore interventions to tackle poaching at this stage can be seen as a critically important preventative measure. There are 9 key findings from the review of possible policy responses: 1. Each range state requires a different menu of approaches that deal with both proximate and ultimate causes of the rises in rhino poaching. 2. Capturing the economic value of rhinos is important. 3. Even though it is illegal, there is currently a lucrative market for rhino horn products in some countries. 4. Efforts need to focus on demand reduction in end user communities, but there is insufficient knowledge of the dynamics of those markets. 5. Despite increased prison sentences in some rhino range states, poaching continues to escalate in some countries, while some states do not or did not have 'deterrence sentences' at all. 6. Dehorning can have a (limited) deterrence effect but is not a practical option for all rhino populations. 7. Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) can have a (limited) deterrence effect. 8. Each of the 4 range states faces a different combination of threats and their circumstances differ, therefore efforts need to be tailored and targeted 9. Effective Governance 'Matters'. Details: London, UK: Evidence on Demand, 2013. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 22, 2014 at: http://www.evidenceondemand.info/rhino-poaching-how-do-we-respond Year: 2013 Country: Asia URL: http://www.evidenceondemand.info/rhino-poaching-how-do-we-respond Shelf Number: 133790 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Africa)Illegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Chandran, Remi Title: Bytes beyond Borders: Strengtning Transboundary Information Sharing on Wildlife Crime through the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System (WEMS) Initiative, Summary: The multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade is a global crisis that not only threatens the conservation of protected species but also has deep implications for peace and security in nations across the world. As wildlife trafficking becomes more organized and illegal trade of wildlife continues to flourish on the ground and in cyberspace, there is an urgent need for a concerted international effort to gather and share wildlife crime information among law enforcement and policymakers, empowering them to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking. There are several good examples out of such efforts, primarily by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and INTERPOL, to combat wildlife poaching and transboundary illegal wildlife trade. At a policy level, the formation of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)1 can be considered as one of the major achievements in recent times, where CITES, INTERPOL, World Bank, UN Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and World Customs Organization have come together as one unit to address the issue. The good work done by civil society, including WWF, TRAFFIC, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and member organizations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Species Survival Network (SSN) including grass root NGOs, is noteworthy as well. Yet, combating wildlife crime remains a big challenge. The collective efforts of the conservation community and governments are still unable to check the behaviour of poaching syndicates and organized criminals. We remain far behind in finding an adequate response to the crisis. Details: Yokohama: United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies, 2013. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Brief: Accessed October 22, 2014 at: http://archive.ias.unu.edu/resource_centre/bytes_beyond_borders-strengthening_transboundary_information.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://archive.ias.unu.edu/resource_centre/bytes_beyond_borders-strengthening_transboundary_information.pdf Shelf Number: 133794 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Braun, Birgit Title: Wildlife Detector Dogs: A guideline on the training of dogs to detect wildlife in trade Summary: According to IUCN, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the current extinction rate is estimated to exceed the natural rate by at least 1000 times. The international community is aware of the threat of unsustainable and particularly illegal trade that can result in the extinction of species. After the loss of habitat, unsustainable collection and use is the second main factor that puts wild animal and plant species at risk of extinction. In the interest of future generations, it is an important challenge to stop the decline of threatened animals and plants species. It is estimated that trade in wild plants and animals and their derivatives is worth several billions of US dollars per year, and millions of wild plants and animals are involved in international trade every year. In 2009, the World Customs Organization (WCO) organized a global day-long Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Operation. Through increased checks, Customs administrations seized about 4630 endangered live species as well as products. This operation demonstrates the great dimension of illegal wildlife trade, which in turn demonstrates the need for increased enforcement of wildlife trade laws and regulations. Detector dogs can perceive the smallest concentrations of odours and have a highly evolved ability to discriminate between scents. They are used to detect hidden contraband like drugs, weapons, cigarettes and cash, but are also suitable for the detection of wildlife and their derivatives. They can be used to screen checked-in or hand carried baggage, freight or on the body of smugglers. This ability enables dog handlers with their dogs to carry out quick and discreet controls. Detector dogs therefore are suitable tools in the fight against the smuggling of wildlife and their derivatives. In 1998, TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network of WWF and IUCN , launched a report, The Feasibility of Using Canines to Detect Wildlife Contraband (Parry-Jones, R. 1998). This report was followed by a Master's thesis, Enforcement of CITES in Germany: the use of sniffer dogs to detect wildlife contraband (Felgentreu, B. 2004, in German). Both reports compiled infor-mation on existing wildlife detector dog programmes and provided recommendations for their use and implementation. Following these promising results and the demonstrated potential to use detector dogs to fight against illegal trade in wildlife the first International Expert Workshop on Wildlife Detector Dogs was held in 2006 in Bad Schandau, Germany (Felgentreu, B. 2006). This workshop was a promising start for the development and implementation of wildlife detector dog programmes in several European countries and was followed by a second Workshop organized by the General Directorate of Customs of the Czech Republic and a third Workshop organized by Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Italy. The results of these workshops demonstrated a high potential to use dogs detecting wildlife contraband in the EU and led to the independent development of wildlife detector dog programmes in several European countries. Details: Berlin: WWF Germany, 2013. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 10, 2014 at: www.traffic.org Year: 2013 Country: International URL: www.traffic.org Shelf Number: 134313 Keywords: CaninesDogsIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Wanted -- Dead or Alive: Exposing Online Wildlife Trade Summary: IFAW has shared key results from its reports with national enforcement agencies in order that they might assess whether to investigate if traders have sold items in breach of the law. It is not possible to measure the scale of illegal online wildlife trade based on IFAW investigations alone. This requires law enforcement agencies to record and publish wildlife cybercrime prosecutions as well as the number of incidents or intelligence logs that relate to this issue. Sadly IFAW's investigations are taking place at a time when wildlife poaching levels are alarmingly high with reports of more than 100,000 elephants killed for their ivory in just three years1 and a recent increase in the number of large ivory seizures. The illegal trade in ivory, wildlife and wildlife parts and products is not only a threat to the conservation of species, but also to national and global security as well as to social and economic development in the countries in which it occurs. The illegal wildlife trade generates an estimated US $19 billion per year. It ranks fourth on the list of the most lucrative global illegal activities closely behind drugs, counterfeiting and human trafficking. Meanwhile, cybercrime is a growing area of concern, as was highlighted in the United Kingdom's Home Office Select Committee report of 2013 on e-crime, which states: "We live in a world where terms like 'cybercrime' no longer belong in the realm of science fiction. Modern devices such as smart phones and tablets have brought the internet not only to our fingertips but to our bedsides, our pockets and to our children. And yet there is strong evidence that access to such technology, with all its opportunities and benefits, can put businesses and families at increasing risk of exploitation and internet-based crime (e-crime)." It was in this context of high levels of poaching and the increasing threat of cybercrime that IFAW investigated the trade in endangered wildlife taking place on 280 online marketplaces in 16 countries during a six week period in 2014. Investigators found a total of 33,006 endangered wildlife and wildlife parts and products from species listed on the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I and II available for sale in 9,482 advertisements, estimated to be worth at least US $10,708,137. Of the advertisements, 54 per cent were for live animals while 46 per cent were for animal parts and products. Ivory, reptiles and birds were the most widely traded items, with ivory and suspected ivory featuring in almost one-third of all advertisements and reptiles accounting for one-quarter of the items found for sale. IFAW investigators submitted 1,192 intelligence files to law enforcers, which equates to almost 13 per cent of the advertisements. While it was not possible to determine the legality of each item provided to law enforcers based on the information available to the investigators, IFAW shared this information with enforcers because it believes that it could inform or be used as the grounds for future police or customs criminal investigations. At a time when poaching of endangered wildlife has reached unprecedented levels, the widespread availability of the internet has transformed some traditional criminal activity to the extent that law-breaking takes place on an extraordinary scale. IFAW believes it is essential that governments, policy makers, law enforcers and online marketplaces do not ignore online wildlife crime in their battle for justice. Governments must ensure they have robust laws in place that specifically tackle the unique challenges of wildlife cybercrime supported by sufficient enforcement capacity, while online marketplaces must commit to strong policies that are effectively implemented to prevent their platforms being abused by wildlife criminals. Lastly consumers must be made aware of the devastating cost of wildlife crime Details: London: IFAW, 2014. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 30, 2015: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-Wanted-Dead-or-Alive-Exposing-Online-Wildlife-Trade-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-Wanted-Dead-or-Alive-Exposing-Online-Wildlife-Trade-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 134495 Keywords: Animal PoachingCITESCybercrimeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife Crime (International) |
Author: World Wildlife Fund Title: Illegal Russian Crab: An Investigation of Trade Flow Summary: World Wildlife Fund investigated the trade flow of illegal and legal crab harvested from Russian waters throughout the Pacific Rim to better understand the likelihood of U.S. importation of illegally harvested Russian crab, as well as conservation concerns associated with overharvest of crab from Russian waters. This report found the following: - Official customs data from South Korea, Japan, China and the United States indicate that in 2013, these four countries (which account for nearly all of Russia's official crab exports) imported 1.69 times as much live and frozen crab from Russia as official Russian harvest levels. Over the past decade, the level of overharvest due to illegal crab harvesting was two to four times the legal limit, causing grave concern about the sustainability of several Russian Far East crab species. - Foreign-flagged vessels harvest crab illegally in Russian waters, and some Russian-flagged vessels either overharvest or harvest crab illegally. Misdeclaring product quantities, off-loading undeclared product onto a transport vessel at sea, or delivering undeclared crab (or declared using fake documentation) directly to a foreign port are known techniques to launder crab. Foreign ports receiving Russian crab are typically in Japan and South Korea and are also likely to be intermediary stop-offs or final destinations for illegal Russian crab. - WWF examined the Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals for 32 vessels believed to have delivered crab to Hokkaido, Japan in early 2012. Two foreign-flagged vessels showed a pattern that indicated harvesting in Russian waters and three foreign-flagged vessels approached the Russia-Japan maritime border, which could indicate transshipment. Five Russian-flagged vessels showed a pattern of possible harvesting in Russian waters and motoring directly to ports in Japan without stopping in a Russian port first to register the catch, therefore potentially violating Russian law (if crab or other seafood from Russian waters was off-loaded in Japan). - Several species of crab are commercially important to both Alaska and Russian crab fisheries, but the highest value is garnered by red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus). King crab is consumed in large quantities in the United States with the source of this crab generally split between domestic harvests from Alaska and imports from Russia. On average over the last ten years, three-quarters of the king crab consumed in the U.S. market is from Russia. With 21% of total U.S. crab imports coming from Russia in 2012, the United States is likely importing crab that was harvested illegally. - The current U.S. system for seafood imports is not able to detect or block every shipment of illegally harvested crab. Currently, seafood-tracking systems that verify legality are not in common practice. - In recent years, Russia has worked to shrink the illegal crab problem by developing bilateral agreements with Japan and South Korea, developing a national plan of action to address illegal fisheries, and continued enforcement at-sea. Yet the problem is multilateral and it demands a multilateral solution. Details: Anchorage, Alaska: World Wildlife Fund Arctic Field Program, 2014. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 3, 2015 at: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/733/files/original/WWF_Illegal_crab_report_final_15_Oct_2014.pdf?1413407573 Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/733/files/original/WWF_Illegal_crab_report_final_15_Oct_2014.pdf?1413407573 Shelf Number: 134522 Keywords: CrabsIllegal FisheriesIllegal SeafoodIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime (Russia) |
Author: International Institute for Environment and Development Title: Conservation, crime and communities: Case studies of efforts to engage local communities in tackling illegal wildlife trade Summary: Wildlife crime is at the top of the international conservation agenda. Current strategies for addressing it focus on law enforcement, reducing consumer demand and engaging local communities in conservation. To date considerably more attention has been paid to the first two strategies than to the third. This volume of case studies explores a range of different models of community engagement - from awareness - raising to community-based rapid response teams - and a wider range of conservation incentives - from land leases, to sustainable use schemes, to reinvigorated cultural institutions and social status. The case studies highlight that while community engagement is not a panacea for tackling wildlife crime - and indeed there are examples where it has proved to be a real challenge - it can, under the right circumstances, be highly effective. We need to learn from these examples. In the long run, the survival of some of the world's most iconic wildlife species lies in the hands of the communities who live alongside them. Details: London: IIED, 2015. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 12, 2015 at: http://pubs.iied.org/14648IIED.html Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://pubs.iied.org/14648IIED.html Shelf Number: 134915 Keywords: Community-Based ApproachesConservationIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Sin City: Illegal Wildlife Trade in Laos' Golden Triangle Special economic Zone Summary: This report takes a journey to a dark corner of north-west Lao PDR (hereafter referred to as Laos), in the heart of the Golden Triangle in South-East Asia. Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) have documented how the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GT SEZ) in Bokeo Province, in Laos has become a lawless playground, catering to the desires of visiting Chinese gamblers and tourists who can openly purchase and consume illegal wildlife products and parts, including those of endangered tigers. Despite being a part of Laos territory, the GT SEZ is run by the Chinese company Kings Romans Group. It has a 99-year lease and an 80 per cent stake in the operation. Clocks are run on Beijing time, all business is done in Chinese currency and businesses are Chinese-owned. With its 20 per cent stake in the GT SEZ, the Government of Laos is a complicit partner in what is a free-for-all illegal wildlife supermarket and has granted special benefits to the businesses in the SEZ by declaring it a duty-free area. While Laos' wildlife laws are weak, there is not even a pretence of enforcement in the GT SEZ. Sellers and buyers are free to trade a host of endangered species products including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinos, pangolins, helmeted hornbills, snakes and bears, poached from Asia and Africa, and smuggled to this small haven for wildlife crime. The unchecked illegal wildlife trade in the GT SEZ is illustrative of illegal wildlife trade across the region, largely catering to growing numbers of Chinese visitors. The casino-led set-up is a model exported from Mong La in Myanmar, one of the longest-standing illegal wildlife markets in the region. The Government of China is acutely aware of the footprint of Chinese businesses and consumers in relation to poaching, trafficking and the consumption of illegal wildlife. If the Government of China is truly committed to ending illegal wildlife trade, there is much it can do to help end the illegal wildlife trade at the GT SEZ. The blatant illegal wildlife trade by Chinese companies in this part of Laos should be a national embarrassment and yet it appears to enjoy high-level political support from the Laos Government, blocking any potential law enforcement. Cleaning up the GT SEZ, reversing Laos' role as the weak link in the regional wildlife crime chain and ending tiger farming throughout the country will require a major policy shift from the top. The international community has a responsibility to stop fawning over lip-service commitments to combating organised wildlife crime and reducing demand. This is not a new phenomenon, but one that has persisted and escalated because of a failure to take bold action. Business-as-usual is a recipe for disaster for wild tigers and other endangered species. Details: London: EIA, 2015. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 15, 2015 at: http://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-Sin-City-FINAL-med-res.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Laos URL: http://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-Sin-City-FINAL-med-res.pdf Shelf Number: 135230 Keywords: Animal PoachingEndangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Yu, Xiao Title: Moving Targets: Tracking Online Sales of Illegal Wildlife Products in China Summary: Transactions for illegal wildlife products, particularly ivory, are shifting away from online retailers and onto social media platforms according to TRAFFIC's research into the Chinese-language online retail community. This is a key finding of a new report, Moving targets: Tracking online sales of illegal wildlife products in China, which discloses the results of routine market monitoring of China's online retailers that began in 2006 and is released today, World Wildlife Day. At its peak in March 2012, more than 4,000 new advertisements per month for illegal wildlife products were appearing online on Chinese language online retail websites, finds the new report. More than half of the illegal products offered comprised ivory items. However, following advertisement removal and blocking of code words used to describe illegal products through regular exchange with e-commerce and enforcement agencies by TRAFFIC, this fell dramatically to around 1,500 from July 2012 and has remained around that level ever since. One change has been an increase in the number of code words used by sellers to conceal the identity of their goods, from 15 code words used in 2012 to 64 identified and monitored by TRAFFIC today. At least 22 code words exist for ivory, including terms such as "African materials, yellow materials, white plastic, jelly". All 64 code words are searched each month by TRAFFIC on 25 e-commerce and antique selling websites for eight wildlife products - ivory, rhino horn, Tiger bone, hawksbill shells, pangolin scales, leopard bones, Saiga horn and Hornbill casques. There has also been evidence of the move to social media, where dealers release photos and information about illegal wildlife products in order to attract and interact with potential customers. Some dealers also use "agents" to extend their audiences by re-posting the information about illegal wildlife products onto their own social media platform. Details: Cambridge, UK; TRAFFIC International, 2015. 10p. Source: Internet Resource: Traffic Briefing: Accessed April 15, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/storage/China-monitoring-report.pdf Year: 2015 Country: China URL: http://www.traffic.org/storage/China-monitoring-report.pdf Shelf Number: 135232 Keywords: Computer CrimesIllegal Wildlife TradeInternet CrimesSocial MediaWildlife Crime |
Author: United Nations Environment Programme Title: Emerging Technologies: Smarter ways to fight wildlife crime Summary: The illegal trade of animals - for luxury goods, traditional medicine or cultural ceremonies, pets, entertainment, and even research - is a major threat to wildlife conservation and welfare (Baker et al., 2013). Poachers and illegal traders use highly sophisticated and rapidly changing techniques to avoid detection. To keep pace with the "war on wildlife", conservation and law enforcement communities have started to adopt cutting-edge military tools and techniques. High-tech equipment can magnify counter-poaching efforts without requiring armies of rangers or risking lives. Tools include acoustic traps, mobile technology, mikrokopters, radio frequency identification tags, encrypted data digital networks, camera traps, DNA testing, radio collars, metal scanners, and satellite imagery. Details: Sioux Falls, SD: UNEP, Global Environmental Alert Service, 2015. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 15, 2015 at: http://na.unep.net/geas/archive/pdfs/GEAS_Jun2014_EmergingTechnologies_illegalwildlife.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://na.unep.net/geas/archive/pdfs/GEAS_Jun2014_EmergingTechnologies_illegalwildlife.pdf Shelf Number: 135236 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Title: High Profit/Low Risk: Reversing the wildlife crime equation Summary: In February 2014, global leaders convened for The London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, an unprecedented gathering "to help eradicate illegal wildlife trade and better protect the world's most iconic species from the threat of extinction". The outcome was the London Declaration, calling for a range of actions including: the designation of wildlife crime as a serious crime; applying the same investigative techniques and tools currently applied to other transnational organised crimes; enhanced international cooperation; demand-reduction; supporting communities; and addressing corruption and money-laundering. International wildlife crime has long been recognised as a serious organised crime with far-reaching global impacts. It is destabilising, subverts the rule of law and the proceeds may fuel other organised criminal activities and conflict. While accelerating biodiversity loss, wildlife crime robs resource-dependent communities of livelihoods, undermines local and national economies and also poverty alleviation efforts. A single live wild elephant can generate over US$1.6 million for tourism revenue over its lifetime, yet some of the least developed countries are experiencing high levels of elephant poaching for ivory trade. Meanwhile, rangers risk their lives on the front line of ecosystems: in 10 years, an estimated 1,000-plus park rangers have been killed, 80 per cent by commercial poachers and armed militia groups. It has become increasingly dangerous to defend rights to land and the environment, yet killers of environmental defenders are not being brought to justice. The London Declaration of 2014 was one of a number of events, announcements and declarations from the international community, variously recognising the serious nature of wildlife crime and urging steps to address it. The Declaration itself lists 16 other wildlife-related meetings and initiatives which took place between 2010 and the London meeting and urges the full implementation of their measures; additionally, there have been several meetings since, including some at high-level. In March 2015, the Government of Botswana hosts the follow-up conference to review status of implementation of the actions agreed as part of the London Declaration. A year down the line, it is time for signatories to describe their progress against commitments, although formal indicators of activity are yet to be formulated. Wildlife crime has brought about devastating impacts in one year alone. The South African Government reported it lost 1,215 of its rhinos to poaching in 2014,9 an average of three rhinos killed every day in an escalating slaughter driven by resurgent rhino horn trade in Vietnam and China. Asian rhinos are also under threat: in 2014, 35 rhinos were poached in India. Elephants continue to face the devastating consequences of ivory trade, with a 2014 study finding 100,000 elephants had been killed over three years11 and initial reports show at least 26 tonnes of ivory seized internationally during 2014, representing at least 3,880 dead elephants; while 215 Asian big cats were intercepted in illegal trade, including 61 tigers. This briefing highlights examples of best practice, showing how countries have implemented some elements of the London Declaration. It also shows where barriers to implementation remain and the gaps which countries can fill to deter wildlife criminals. EIA supports the London Declaration commitments regarding anti-poaching and communities but, given EIA's organisational focus, the examples relate primarily to those sections of the London Declaration concerning legislative law enforcement and demand-reduction. Details: London; Washington, DC: EIA, 2015. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: A briefing for the Kasane Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade March 25, 2015: Accessed April 15, 2015 at: https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=http://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-High-Profit-Low-Risk-FINAL.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=http://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-High-Profit-Low-Risk-FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 135239 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryOrganized CrimeWildlife Crime |
Author: Burgess, Meryl Title: Rhino poaching and East Asian policies: Facts and debates Summary: 2011-2012 saw the highest levels of poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn in many years, bringing some rhino species towards the verge of extinction in some African and Asian regions. Two of the world's five rhino species, the Javan and Sumatran species (found in Asia), have been reduced to only a few dozen while in Africa, the black and white rhino have been under increasing threat by poachers. With increasing wealth in East Asia, the demand for rhino horn - in use in traditional medicine - is also increasing; Rhino horns can fetch up to US$ 110,000 per kilogram. The issue is not simply a Chinese one: In South Africa, the number of poachers arrested has included Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese nationals. From this assessment of current challenges in the rhino poaching crisis, largely in South Africa, and a discussion of the possibility of legalising the rhino horn trade, this briefing makes recommendations for East Asian authorities on their role in the crisis. Details: Stellenbosch, South Africa: Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2012 4p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Briefing: Accessed May 30, 2015 at: http://www.ccs.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MB-rhino-poaching-policy-briefing_FINAL.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Asia URL: http://www.ccs.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MB-rhino-poaching-policy-briefing_FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 135827 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crime |
Author: Kasane Conference Title: London Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade: Review of Progress Summary: Heads of State, ministers and officials from 31 governments meeting today in Kasane reaffirmed their determination to scale up their response to the global poaching crisis, and adopted crucial new measures to help tackle the unprecedented surge in illegal wildlife trade. During the one-day meeting, governments reported on their progress since the London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in February last year, when 41 countries and the EU agreed to take urgent and decisive action to combat wildlife crime, which threatens national security and sustainable development as well as populations of iconic species, such as elephants, rhinos and tigers. Key successes in the past year include increased levels of law enforcement action, especially in Africa, which have led to a rise in ivory seizures, while some countries have started to improve their domestic wildlife-related legislation. Last month, 13 tiger range countries in Asia committed to a zero poaching framework and toolkit, which could be used as a blueprint for curbing poaching worldwide. Details: s.l.: Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, 25th March 2015, 2015. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 3, 2015 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/415690/review-progress-kasane-conf-150317.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/415690/review-progress-kasane-conf-150317.pdf Shelf Number: 135867 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Wildlife TradeIvory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime |
Author: Inskipp, Carol Title: Making a lasting impression: The impact of the UK's wildlife trade on the world's biodiversity and people Summary: Few people living in the UK are aware of how much they rely on wildlife trade. Whether we're buying bulbs from the garden centre, wood furniture from a store, or a meal from a fish and chip shop, we are not only trading in wildlife, but also making a small but lasting impression on biodiversity and communities around the world. Those who may regard this as inconsequential - there are always more fish in the sea, as the saying goes - are mistaken: many wild species used in the UK are declining, due to unsustainable harvests and trade. This threatens biodiversity, the livelihoods of those who rely on wildlife harvests as a source of income, and opportunities to use those resources in the future. This report describes the impact people in the UK have on biodiversity and livelihoods as a result of their use and trade of wild plants and animals. A general overview of the UK trade is followed by case studies on the trade in live plants used in gardening and horticulture, and in live animals for pets. The "bad news" is presented, as is the "good news" - where it exists. We also list recommendations for UK policy-makers, industry and consumers. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2003. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2015 at: http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/lasting_impression.pdf Year: 2003 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/lasting_impression.pdf Shelf Number: 135904 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: Maguire, Tom Title: An Illusion of Complicity: Terrorism and the Illegal Ivory Trade in East Africa Summary: A number of myths and misperceptions have grown alongside the illegal ivory trade - none more troubling than the alleged participation of terrorist groups. In East Africa, the Somali terror group Al-Shabaab has supposedly received up to 40 per cent of its running costs through the illegal ivory trade alone. This is a powerful narrative, espoused by some politicians, policy-makers and practitioners. But it is largely wrong. Evidence for Al-Shabaab involvement in poaching and trafficking remains extremely limited and controversial. Briefings given to policy-makers on terrorism and the illegal ivory trade continue to refer to unverified sources. This is a cause for concern: such a narrative risks diverting attention from the trade's main facilitators and, counter-intuitively, from Al-Shabaab's known funding sources. To address these misconceptions, this report explores the complex ecosystems of terrorism, poaching and ivory trafficking in East Africa. Its key findings are that: - Highly networked organised crime groups (OCGs), brokers and corrupt government officials continue to drive the illegal ivory trade across East Africa. Weak legislation and enforcement by security agencies provides a benign environment for their activities - The OCGs, brokers and corrupt officials involved - and the routes and methods used - likely overlap with other forms of organised crime (such as the trafficking of drugs, humans and small arms) - The majority of ivory that transits East Africa comes from source areas on the Tanzania-Mozambique border and in central Tanzania. These are far removed from Al-Shabaab territory - Few, if any, elephants are present directly within Al-Shabaab's area of influence in south-central Somalia and northeastern Kenya. The majority of elephants in Kenya roam at significant distances from the border - There is little evidence of large ivory flows transiting Somalia; established Kenyan and Tanzanian ports remain the primary points for export. This makes the assertion that Al-Shabaab's monthly ivory revenues total $200,000-$600,000 highly unlikely - Estimates of the proportion of Al-Shabaab funds raised from ivory trafficking rely on flawed sums. A range of other sources (including the taxation of charcoal and sugar) are more important to the terrorist organisation - Any Al-Shabaab involvement in the ivory trade to date is likely to have been opportunistic, ad hoc and small-scale. These findings suggest that the illusion of a terrorism - ivory trade nexus distracts policy-makers and law-enforcement agencies from effectively managing limited resources to tackle both terrorist financing and the illegal ivory trade. Details: London: Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, 2015. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Occasional Paper: Accessed September 30, 2015 at: https://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/201509_An_Illusion_of_Complicity.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Africa URL: https://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/201509_An_Illusion_of_Complicity.pdf Shelf Number: 136892 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryOrganized CrimeTerrorismTerrorist FinancingWildlife Crime |
Author: Chng, Serene C.L. Title: In the Market for Extinction: An inventory of Jakarta's bird markets Summary: TRAFFIC found over 19,000 birds representing 206 species for sale in the Pramuka, Jatinegara and Barito markets over a three-day period. The vast majority of the birds counted - 98 per cent - were native to Indonesia and harvested outside of the national harvest quota system or in direct violation of laws protecting select species. Most were considered to be wild-caught. While Indonesia's law allows trade in unprotected bird species, it has put in place a 'no harvest' quota for native birds since 2002. This makes capture or trade of any wild birds in Indonesia illegal regardless of whether the species is protected or not. The only exception to this rule is for the capture of small quantities of a few species for breeding stock in commercial breeding operations. Researchers found that a fifth of the birds observed were endemic to Indonesia - species found nowhere else on earth. Eight native species for sale are assessed as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List: the Bali Myna and Black-winged Myna (both Critically Endangered), Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush (Endangered), Java Sparrow, Sumatran Laughingthrush, Chattering Lory, Straw-headed Bulbul and Javan Coucal (all Vulnerable). The Pramuka market, the largest bird market in the country, had over 10 times more birds than Barito and Jatinegara markets. This is the first time a full inventory of the city's three largest bird markets has been carried out at once. Earlier surveys in Indonesia's bird markets have largely focused on selected species, only partially uncovering the scale of the bird trade in the country's capital. Bird-keeping has cultural significance in Indonesia, and the number of birds found in these markets reflects that. Songbird competitions have also added to the demand of certain prized birds, and increased pressure on these species in the wild. As a result, a number of species are in real danger of being wiped out by the trade. The study found that laws for native species generally afforded good protection, but monitoring and enforcement in the markets were lacking. Accordingly, TRAFFIC recommends that prosecution of traders found openly selling protected species is made an enforcement priority. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2015. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Year: 2015 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Shelf Number: 136922 Keywords: BirdsEndangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Cantu, Juan Carlos Title: The Illegal Parrot Trade in Mexico: A Comprehensive Assessment Summary: Mexico has 22 species of parrots (psittacines) of which six are endemic. Wild parrots are widespread across the country and have a strong connection with Mexican culture. All species except two are officially listed as at risk; 6 species are classified as endangered, 10 as threatened, and 4 as under special protection. The foremost threats psittacines face in Mexico are loss of habitat and illegal trapping for the pet trade. While some research has been done in the past regarding parrot trafficking, the fundamental questions of the volume of illegal trapping, how and where it is carried out, how trapping affects particular species and how the illegal trade relates to the legal trade were poorly understood. This assessment provides, for the first time, comprehensive answers to these and related questions, as well as detailed historical information on the regulatory programs applied to parrot trapping, the enforcement of those programs, seizures by enforcement officials, mortality rates of captured parrots, and prices in the legal and illegal trades, including historical trends. Based on interviews with trappers and representatives of their unions, and analysis of other data, an estimated range of 65,000 to 78,500 parrots are captured each year. The overall mortality rate for trapped parrots exceeds 75% before reaching a purchaser, which translates to about 50,000 to 60,000 dead birds annually, making this trade terribly inhumane and wasteful. The rate of parrot seizures by the environmental police, Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (Profepa), was assessed. The seizures by Profepa represent an average of only about 2% of the annual illegal trade. Seizure rates appear to be mostly correlated with the level of enforcement effort. It is apparent that Profepa and other agencies currently lack adequate personnel and budgets to police the trade. Through analysis of seizure data obtained from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the assessment determined that only a small percentage of the annual illegal capture is being smuggled out of the country; about 86% to 96% of all trapped Mexican parrots stay in the internal trade. This is a shift from the 1970s and 1980s when the lucrative and huge USA market was considered to drive the trafficking. Now, Mexico must solve the problem internally. This assessment finds that fewer than 150 registered trappers have focused on parrots exclusively. No parrot trapping had been authorized by wildlife officials between 2003 and late 2006. Prior to 2003, the trapping regulations had many drawbacks. Officials were unable to control the number of specimens taken, the time period or the place of capture. The existence of legal trapping authorizations provided cover for the illegal trade, through forging of documents and other illicit methods. Despite the lack of any approved trapping seasons for the last three years unsustainable capture of wild parrots has continued unabated. It takes place all year round, even inside natural protected areas, and affects almost all of the 22 species. Populations of parrots are decreasing due to this exploitation. Scientific surveys estimate a 25-30% decrease in some species; interviews with parrot trappers themselves further corroborate some of these declines. Some parrots have been extirpated from large parts of their historic range. Eventual extinction is foreseeable for whole species if illegal trapping is not reined in. This assessment shows that national and international bans have not cause increased smuggling or increased prices of the affected parrot species over the last 10 years. Prices in Mexico and the USA have, in fact, generally decreased in that time period. Mexico's imports of non-native parrots have sharply increased, but they are too expensive for the huge segment of the Mexican public that purchases low-cost, illegal wild-caught parrots. Breeding centers for native parrots are few; they can breed only a small number of the 22 species and their prices cannot compete with the prices of their wild-caught cousins. This assessment provides policy recommendations to stop the devastating impacts on Mexico's prized native parrots. First and foremost is a well-publicized complete ban on any more trapping authorizations. While authorizations were temporarily halted for three years, new information obtained at the time of printing this report, in October of 2006, indicated that government officials have issued more trapping authorizations. This could be disastrous as it will provide more cover for the illegal trade and fails to send the needed strong message to the trappers and traffickers that the government is serious about conserving viable populations of parrots for the future. Not only a permanent ban, but also dramatically increased enforcement efforts to make the ban effective are needed. This should include increased enforcement efforts by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement agents to reduce the illegal trade, especially for the orange fronted parakeet (Aratinga canicularis), white fronted parrot (Amazona albifrons), yellow cheeked parrot (Amazona autumnalis), lilac crowned parrot (Amazona finschi) and red crowned parrot (Amazona viridigenalis), for which smuggling across the border appears to be increasing, thus is a continuing threat to the species' survival. The lessons about the need for a total ban were learned over several decades in a comparable situation when Mexico attempted to cut back on sea turtle harvesting, but only after several failed harvesting programs and drastic population crashes in almost all native sea turtle populations. For parrots, the time is ripe to tackle the challenges before it is too late. Several Profepa inspectors interviewed agreed a permanent ban is needed. The recommended permanent ban on further parrot trapping should be accompanied by a well-funded bi-national education campaign to make the Mexican and USA publics fully aware that it is wrong to buy any parrot that lacks proper documentation. Encouraging the breeding of low-cost exotic parrots could provide a substitute supply of pets. A Mexican government program to train parrot trappers to pursue other work will be vital, such as breeding exotic parrots and guiding birdwatchers in the field. An important element of conserving wild populations will be to provide some subsidization of trappers, to shift them from an illegal occupation to a legal occupation. USA funding should assist in this as well, in view of the vast deleterious impact that consumer demand from the USA had on these species particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. In sum, only integrated, coherent and well-funded policy changes will succeed in solving the biological, economic and social challenges of the illegal parrot trade. Details: Washington, DC: Defenders of Wildlife, 2007. 121p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 12, 2015 at: https://www.defenders.org/publications/the_illegal_parrot_trade_in_mexico.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Mexico URL: https://www.defenders.org/publications/the_illegal_parrot_trade_in_mexico.pdf Shelf Number: 110587 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeParrotsTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Goyenechea, Alejandra Title: Combating Wildlife Trafficking from Latin America to the United States: The illegal trade from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America and what we can do to address it Summary: WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING is one of the most lucrative forms of illegal activity, with an estimated annual global value of $7 billion to $23 billion. About 350 million plants and animals per year are sold on the black market. Every region of the world is experiencing the negative impacts of this illegal wildlife trade as natural resources are stolen by poachers and traffickers. New strategies are desperately needed to counter this growing crisis that threatens our planet's natural heritage. Discussions on combating wildlife trafficking have focused mainly on elephants, rhinos and tigers in Africa and Asia. Often forgotten, however, is the fact that wildlife trafficking occurs across all continents and threatens a wide range of imperiled species, including exotic birds, sea turtles, coral, caimans, iguanas, pangolins and land tortoises. This report draws attention to two important regions involved in wildlife trafficking that are often overlooked: the United States and Latin America. The United States is generally accepted as one of the largest consumers of illegal wildlife and wildlife products worldwide. Much of the world's trade in illegal wildlife is either driven by U.S. consumers or passes through U.S. ports on its way to other destinations - making the United States a key player in wildlife trafficking. The value of legal wildlife trade in the United States is estimated at $6 billion annually, the illegal wildlife trade at one-third of that or $2 billion annually. The Latin American region (Mexico the Caribbean, Central America and South America) experiences the same perfect storm of factors that have led to rampant wildlife trafficking in other regions: It is home to many developing countries, has thousands of imperiled and endemic species, and struggles with corruption and enforcement. Consequently, the United Nations designated Latin America a priority region in combating wildlife crime. The purpose of this report is to help the United States address this growing crisis by 1) assessing the capacity of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to detect and deter wildlife trafficking and to collect and analyze data on this illegal activity; 2) analyzing the effectiveness of existing law enforcement mechanisms and proposals for enhancing the overall capacity of the federal government to counter wildlife trafficking 3) identifying current patterns of high-volume trafficking from Latin America; and 4) identifying gaps in the existing response to wildlife crimes at our ports of entry. Details: Washington, DC: Defenders of Wildlife, 2015. 95p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 12, 2015 at: http://www.defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/combating-wildlife-trafficking-from-latin-america-to-the-united-states-and-what-we-can-do-to-address-it.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Latin America URL: http://www.defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/combating-wildlife-trafficking-from-latin-america-to-the-united-states-and-what-we-can-do-to-address-it.pdf Shelf Number: 137241 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimesWildlife SmugglingWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Dual Extinction: The Illegal Trade in the Endangered Totoaba and its Impact on the Critically Endangered Vaquita Summary: The vaquita and the totoaba have much in common: both are critically endangered, both are protected from international trade under CITES and both are endemic to a relatively small area of the Upper Gulf of California, Mexico. They are of a similar size, have a similar lifespan and both species are threatened with extinction by the same activity - illegal fishing. The vaquita is a small porpoise found only in the waters of the northern Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico. In 1997, its population was estimated at 567 but by 2014 it had plummeted to just 97 animals due to fishery bycatch. Recent evidence based on acoustic monitoring suggests a 42 per cent decline in the vaquita population between 2013-14. This decline is attributed to the resurgence of an illegal fishery for totoaba, the swim bladders of which are highly sought in Hong Kong and southern mainland China. Dubbed 'aquatic cocaine' due to the high prices it fetches, the demand for dried totoaba swim bladders is threatening not just the totoaba but also the vaquita - the world's most endangered marine mammal, which is accidentally caught in the illegal nets set for totoaba. Details: London: Washington, DC: EIA, 2016. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 1, 2016 at: https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-Dual-Extinction.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 137714 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal FishingIllegal Wildlife TradePorpoiseWildlife Crime |
Author: Knights, Peter Title: The Illusion of Control: Hong Kong's 'Legal' Ivory Trade Summary: For more than a century, Hong Kong has been a hub for the global ivory trade. Due to the region's high overall trade volumes, easy access to mainland China, and lax regulation and supervision, this role continues, despite the 1989 international commercial ivory trade ban. Hong Kong has been the gateway through which the tusks of hundreds of thousands of poached elephants have been laundered - first en route to Japan, and more recently, to China. Officials claiming to regulate the trade provide a facade of legitimacy while making no physical link between the ivory itself and the paper trail with which they legitimize it. In short, Hong Kong has been the ivory poacher's and smuggler's laundry. At the time of the 1989 ban, Hong Kong held 670 tonnes of ivory, much of it highly dubious in origin and laundered through the discredited quota system under the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Rather than set a deadline for selling off this stock and closely monitoring its disbursement, Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the government agency charged with implementing CITES, has continued to allow unregulated sales for 26 years, making no meaningful checks to ensure the ivory is from the original stock and not from recently poached elephants. Traders admit they routinely replenish stocks with newly poached ivory, as there is no system to connect any individual tusk or ivory product to required documentation. Essentially, the AFCD has provided unlimited license to launder poached ivory. Nearly all of Hong Kong's ivory vendors flout even the most basic regulation: the requirement that vendors clearly display licenses in their stores. In international meetings, AFCD officials have defended - and even promoted - continued domestic trade, insisting that its system is airtight, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. It's clear that the AFCD lacks the resources, capability and desire to monitor the ivory trade, even superficially. Though long-term sales trends indicate that Hong Kong's stockpile should have been exhausted around 2004, 111.3 tonnes remain unsold, a figure that has barely changed in recent years, when demand for ivory has been the highest-ever, fueled by mainland China's economic growth. A recent study indicated that over 90% of the ivory sold in Hong Kong is purchased by tourists from the mainland (47 million visited in 2014), with unscrupulous vendors coaching them on how to successfully evade detection when smuggling it back to China. According to the latest figures, up to 33,000 elephants are poached each year for their ivory. In a recent poll, 75% of the Hong Kong public interviewed supported a ban on ivory sales. China and the United States recently announced a joint commitment to ending all commercial ivory sales - a move that is undermined by Hong Kong's ongoing laundering and illegal exports. Details: San Francisco: WildAid, 2015. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 2, 2016 at: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/The%20Illusion%20of%20Control-Full%20Report.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/The%20Illusion%20of%20Control-Full%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 137738 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsEndangered SpeciesIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife CrimeWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Crosta, Andrea Title: Blending Ivory: China's Old Loopholes, New Hopes Summary: A report on an undercover investigation in mainland China and Hong Kong in an effort to expose the areas where illegal ivory opportunistically enters the legal ivory market, and where China's legal trade system and legal businesses are exploited to launder illegal ivory onto the legal market. The investigation was performed over a 10-month period in 2015. EAL investigators conducted two field missions to Hong Kong and four field missions to mainland China using various stories to garner meetings with ivory traders and other industry insiders. The team made extensive use of undercover filming and set up a series of entities to legitimize these back-stories. A few highlights from the report include: - Legitimate businesses and business people participate in and facilitate the laundering of illicit ivory through the legal ivory market by such means as 1) importing supposedly pre-ban, antique, and trophy hunting ivory, 2) the manipulation of the ivory registration system within China, 3) trading ivory privately and illegally without following the government's guidelines and restrictions, and 4) the use of the existing huge illegal raw ivory stocks (>1,000 tons) in the hands of a few traders. - Chinese traders now import ivory mainly via Hong Kong (or purchase worked ivory in Hong Kong), "legalize" it, and re-export the ivory to mainland China. - The company Beijing Mammoth Art Co LTD (ivory imports, retail sales, carving factory, trophy hunting), one of the most powerful ivory traders in China, and chosen as the main target of this investigation, confirmed to EAL investigators that they are connected to a company in Hong Kong called Tung's Carving Gallery (Tung Pit Wang), to import and work ivory in Hong Kong. The trader then re-exports the worked ivory to his business in Beijing to avoid Chinese ivory quotas and to facilitate import permitting. According to a source very familiar with the ivory industry (a maker of ivory carving machines) Beijing Mammoth Art also provides ivory to around 300 illegal small carving facilities in and around Beijing. - Among the galaxy of various connections, Beijing Mammoth Art is also linked to Beijing Tian Hao Bo Rui International Sports Exchange LTD (another importer in Beijing), Safari Taxidermy in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and another company, supposedly owned by Beijing Mammoth's "boss," that brokered the purchase and importation of live elephants to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou from Zimbabwe. - Data shows how during the past two years Beijing Mammoth Art and Beijing Tian Hao Bo Rui have been importing ivory and trophies from all over Africa, including South Africa, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania. - According to our sources, over 1,000 metric tons of illegal ivory is being stockpiled in secret locations and warehouses in China by investors and traders who, regardless what the Chinese government decides, are still betting on future profits. - Through their trophy hunting connections in South Africa, the associates of Beijing Mammoth Art are apparently able to import rhino horns using a new method. After the rhino has been killed the whole animal is preserved by a taxidermist as a trophy. The full body mount is then sent to China and is imported legally as a hunting trophy. Once inside the country the real horn is removed and replaced with a fake one. - Rhino horn was available for sale in every facility visited by the investigative team. Rhino horn is still in high demand throughout China, with traders indicating they can sell it as quickly as they can acquire it. - EAL investigators also assessed the availability of other rare wildlife products because at the demand end of the trade chain (China), ivory traders consistently deal with multiple wildlife products. An ivory carver and trader in Beijing - also a collector of hunting trophies and rare wildlife products from around the world - also showed EAL investigators tiger teeth and tiger bone wine. Objects made of rhino horn and tiger teeth were showed to EAL investigators multiple times, often as pictures via the app WeChat. - There is evidence that the social pressure to end the ivory trade from the international community, and now the Chinese government, is mounting and having an effect on the market. Ivory traders in China were supposedly scheduled to meet in November of 2015 to discuss the future of the ivory trade, both legal and illegal. - We do want to express our appreciation to the Chinese government for its agreement to work toward closing down the domestic ivory trade, heightening efforts to reduce both the legal and illegal ivory markets, continuing efforts to reduce demand, and pledging to help solve the elephant poaching crisis. "One of the major findings of this report is an apparently growing uneasiness among illegal ivory traffickers in China to continue with their business," says Andrea Crosta, Executive Director of EAL. "There's a huge quantity of illegal ivory in China, over 1,000 tons, and it's unclear how to deal with it, but the traders are discussing, for the first time, the future of the ivory trade, both legal and illegal. There may be reason to have hope that the tide is finally turning in favor of elephants in Africa. Now it's in the hands of President Xi Jinping" he concludes. Also of significance is an alarming amount of rhino horn that is apparently readily available in China; the EAL investigation team was offered rhino horn at every facility they visited. "The traders we spoke with claim that they can sell rhino horn as quickly as they can get their hands on it," says Crosta. "Other wildlife products - tiger wine, tiger bone wine - are also readily available and easily obtainable." The undercover footage collected over the course of this investigation will be publicly shared following the premiere of the feature documentary 'Ivory' in May 2016. The documentary, produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios and Microsoft Co-Founder Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Productions, will reveal the fight against poachers and traffickers across Africa and Asia unlike any other documentary previously made. The film follows the ivory supply chain and will include EAL's investigation into the blending of China's legal and illegal ivory markets. Details: Los Angeles: Elephant Action League, 2015. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 4, 2016 at: http://elephantleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/EAL-BLENDING-IVORY-Report-Dec2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: China URL: http://elephantleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/EAL-BLENDING-IVORY-Report-Dec2015.pdf Shelf Number: 137759 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: European Parliament. Directorate-General for Internal Policies. Policy Department A Economic and Scientific Policy Title: Wildlife Crime Summary: Wildlife crime poses not only a real threat to biodiversity, but has also come to be regarded as a security issue in some source countries. While the latter is also relevant to the EU as part of the international community, the EU is first and foremost one of the main global markets for wildlife trade. The present study gives an overview over the state of wildlife crime in Europe based on available documents, data from the EU-TWIX database which centralises data on seizures reported by the EU Member States, and empirical research including interviews with experts. It has to be noted that any overview on this topic is limited by the fact that comprehensive data on illegal activities are not available; even where data on wildlife crime could be obtained they are not always reliable and coherent. Illegal wildlife trade within the EU The EU is both a destination and a transit region for wildlife products. Although European countries seem to have become less important consumers in the trade with African mammals, many countries still seem to have a very important role as a trading hub in that trade. This trade is conducted via the major trade hubs (airports and ports) but new trade hubs (e.g. smaller European airports with direct connections to Africa and Asia) are also emerging. On the other hand, European countries still seem to be very important consumers and importers of pets, especially of reptiles and birds. As this trade is often not conducted via the main trade hubs, but via the Eastern European land borders and the Mediterranean and Black Sea, enforcement is even more challenging. Moreover, the demand for alternative medicinal products very often produced in Asia from endangered wildlife appears to have increased in Europe. The available information on trade routes is not very detailed, but the following four important trade routes could be identified: - Large mammals like elephants, rhinos and big cats from Africa and South America to major trade hubs and for further transit to Asia - Coastal smuggling of leeches, caviar, fish, as well as reptiles and parrots for the pet trade in Europe - Endangered birds from South Eastern Europe to Southern Europe - Russian wildlife and Asian exports via Eastern European land routes. The overall trend in wildlife crime measured in the number of seizures has been roughly constant in recent years. Seizures are concentrated in countries with large overall trading volumes like Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and France. Overall the UK, Germany and Netherlands are responsible for more than 70% of seizures in 2007-2014. The high number of seizures may also be attributable to well developed enforcement in these countries. The most frequently seized species are reptiles, mammals, flowers and corals. About half of the seizures are carried out at airports (e. g. London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt a. M. and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol). Mailing centres are expected to become more important in the coming years. Most of the products confiscated are reported as imports in the EU-TWIX database although it is not clear whether parts of these imports are destined for re-selling to other countries. For the illegal trade in wildlife and its products the internet is becoming an increasingly important place. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016. 124p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 25, 2016: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/570008/IPOL_STU(2016)570008_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/570008/IPOL_STU(2016)570008_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 138414 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeMoney LaunderingOffenses Against the EnvironmentOrganized CrimeWildlife CrimeWildlife SmugglingWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Krishnasamy, Kanitha Title: Trading Faces: A Rapid Assessment on the use of Facebook to Trade Wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia Summary: The rapid growth and widespread use of social media has allowed these new platforms to facilitate wildlife trade, both legal and illegal. Market leader Facebook was the first social network site to exceed the one billion marker of user accounts just eight years into its existence. In Malaysia, over 80% of the internet users are reportedly active on Facebook. Given its popularity and scope, it is not surprising that this site is being used to conduct illicit wildlife trade. The threat of undetected illegal online wildlife trade is real and very relevant and is further compounded by the internet's ability to reach a wide audience within a short time frame. It is suspected that the use of online social networks to conduct wildlife trade is increasingly common. Although reports on the misuse of the internet for the trade in illegal wildlife exist, there has been a distinct paucity of research that examines the prevalence of such trade on access-limited social media sites. Where research does exist, it is often unable to quantify the scale of this trade comprehensively. With this in mind, TRAFFIC undertook a rapid assessment to monitor wildlife trade occurring on 14 Facebook groups in Peninsular Malaysia, conducted over approximately 50 hours during a five month period (November 2014 - March 2015). The majority of the groups investigated were "Closed", meaning only members of that group can view activity on its page. At the time of monitoring, there were 67 532 active members in these 14 groups, one of which was particularly substantial, with over 21 000 members. In total, 236 individual posts of live wild animals being offered for sale were captured and documented from the 14 Facebook groups during the assessment period (an average of 30 minutes a day), with an average of 47 posts per month. A minimum of 311 and a maximum of 380 individual animals from 80 different species were observed for sale. The highest proportions of wildlife recorded were birds (44%), followed by reptiles (34%) and mammals (22%). Close to half of the trade recorded is deemed to be illegal, involving 39 species for which trade is prohibited in Peninsular Malaysia. All animals offered were live, with posts sometimes referring to them as "tame", indicating a proclivity for the pet trade. International Protection Eighty six percent (n=69) of all traded species found during this assessment are governed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means international trade in these species is either regulated or prohibited. Ten of the CITES-listed species, with a minimum of 24 individual animals, are listed in CITES Appendix I where international commercial sale in wild-caught specimens is prohibited. Notably, 80% of the non-native species recorded in trade (25 of the 69) are listed on CITES, involving a minimum of 50 animals, meaning any trade in these animals requires a CITES permit. Six of these are listed on CITES Appendix I including four Critically Endangered species such as the Ploughshare Tortoise Astrochelys yniphora; it is considered to be the rarest tortoise in the world with only a few hundred adult individuals left in the wild in its native Madagascar. National Protection Ninety three percent (n=74) of all traded species found during this assessment have legal protection in Peninsular Malaysia. Almost half (49%) of all species observed in trade are considered "Totally Protected" by the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 in Peninsular Malaysia, meaning domestic trade is prohibited. Over 60% (n= 49) of all species recorded in trade are native to Malaysia. Significantly, this assessment reveals an unprecedented level of trade in 18 native mammal species, driven primarily by the demand for pets, collector's items and breeding stock. This includes the Sun Bear Helarctos malayanus, Sunda Slow Loris Nycticebus coucang, White-handed Gibbon Hylobates lar and Smooth Otter Lutrogale perspicillata and involved a minimum of 83 and a maximum of 101 animals. Trade in these animals is strictly prohibited in Peninsular Malaysia. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 2, 2016 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/3/3/facebook-groups-malaysias-new-wildlife-trade-marketplace.html Year: 2016 Country: Malaysia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/3/3/facebook-groups-malaysias-new-wildlife-trade-marketplace.html Shelf Number: 138532 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife ProtectionWildlife Trade |
Author: U.S. National Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking Title: U.S. National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking: 2015 Annual Progress Assessment Summary: The escalation of wildlife trafficking in recent years poses an urgent threat to conservation and global security. African elephant populations have declined by about 20 percent in the last decade to just over 400,000, and one out of every twenty wild rhinos was killed by a poacher in the last year alone. Well-armed traffickers exploit porous borders and weak institutions, eroding governance and undermining livelihoods. To tackle this problem, President Obama created the Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, bringing together 17 federal departments and agencies to create and implement a National Strategy to stop illegal activities that threaten the future survival of a multitude of species, including such iconic wildlife as elephants, rhinos, tigers, and sea turtles. Despite these alarming trends, 2015 was a turning point in the fight against wildlife trafficking. In September, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to enact nearly complete bans on ivory import and export, and to take significant and timely steps to halt the domestic commercial trade in ivory. When enacted, these steps will have a dramatic impact on two of the world's largest wildlife markets and may lead other countries to halt their domestic commercial ivory markets. Here at home, President Obama announced wide-ranging restrictions on the domestic trade in African elephant ivory. Events like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) crush of one ton of ivory in New York City reinforced the message that elephant tusks have no place in commerce. In China, USAID supported public service announcements aimed at reducing the demand for illegal wildlife reached 23 million Chinese people daily. Early results of these and many other international and domestic demand reduction efforts appear heartening: studies show that the price of ivory in China has fallen by almost half in the past two years and elephant poaching is decreasing in some key habitats. President Obama's National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking and the Task Force's Implementation Plan center on three objectives: strengthening enforcement, reducing demand, and expanding international cooperation. The Task Force agencies have realized substantial progress in all three areas. Details: Washington, DC: The Task Force, 2016. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2016 at: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/254013.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/254013.pdf Shelf Number: 138703 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife SmugglingWildlife Trafficking |
Author: United States Agency for International Development Title: Measuring Impact - Measuring Efforts to Combat Wildlife Crime: A Toolkit for Improving Action and Accountability Summary: Killing protected or managed species and the illegal trade in wildlife and their related parts and products (hereafter wildlife crime, but see Box 1) are among the most severe threats to global biodiversity. Globally, hundreds of millions of individual animals belonging to hundreds of species are the targets of illegal harvesting and trade. Wildlife crime not only threatens the survival of focal species, but may also significantly alter ecosystem function and stability when one or more species are substantially depleted or even made locally extinct. High-value wildlife products are often trafficked by organized criminal syndicates and are known to finance violent non-state actors including terrorist groups and unsanctioned militias. Armed conflict can exacerbate wildlife killing and trafficking, and trafficking is frequently associated with other forms of crime such as money laundering (Loucks et al. 2009; UNODC 2012). Additionally, wildlife criminals generate insecurity in rural communities and are responsible for killing park rangers, which hurts morale and recruitment of park staff and reduces tourism and associated revenue needed for conservation and community development. For developing countries, loss of revenue from trade, taxes, and/or tourism can be significant and particularly damaging (Rosen & Smith 2010). The illegal trade in wildlife can also introduce and/or spread pathogens endemic to the exporting regions or transmitted during transit (Gomez & Aguirre 2008). This poses a major risk to human and livestock health, with implications for food security, commerce, and labor productivity (consider recent outbreaks of Ebola virus, SARS, and avian influenza). Despite focused efforts often lasting several decades, wildlife crime remains a global threat (Broad & Damania 2010; Sharma et al. 2014). The importance of wildlife crime as a threat to conservation and development has attracted the attention of governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and multilateral organizations all over the world. Strategies to combat wildlife crime depend on accurate and reliable knowledge about the status of focal species and the basic attributes of illegal wildlife supply chains. However, the clandestine nature of this activity, its geographic spread, the large number of people involved, and the size of the trade make analysis of status and trends, as well as measuring progress in combating it, a challenge (Blundell & Mascia 2005; UNODC 2012). A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report concludes that many of the available figures on wildlife crime "are the result of guesswork rather than of systematic analysis" (UNODC 2012). Global knowledge about wildlife crime remains fragmented and lacking in common standards, which hinders the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategies to combat it. USAID has a long history of investing in programs that support compliance with and enforcement of laws and regulations to protect wildlife, as well as other strategies aimed at decreasing the threats to conservation and development stemming from wildlife crime. In support of President Obama's Executive Order 13648 and the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, as well as associated funding and directives for USAID to increase programming on these issues, the Office of Forestry and Biodiversity in USAID's Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3/FAB) identified a need to adopt or develop robust indicators with which to track progress on USAID's investments in combating wildlife crime (CWC) and gauge the effectiveness of different approaches. Details: Washington, DC: USAID, 2015. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2016 at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KQR6.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KQR6.pdf Shelf Number: 139090 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Klaas, Katharina Title: Wildlife Crime in Germany. In-depth Analysis for the ENVI Committee Summary: The Ecologic Institute, together with a consortium, conducted a study on wildlife crime, which gives an overview over the state of wildlife crime in Europe. As a basis for this study, in-depth analyses were carried out for five EU member states. Ecologic Institute conducted the in-depth analysis of wildlife crime in Germany. The analysis concludes that Germany is not a main destination for illegal wildlife products from iconic species, but still an important destination for live animals like reptiles for the pet market. It is also an important transit country for ivory and other illegally traded animal parts from Western and Central Africa with East and South-East Asia as the main region of destination. Germany is quite active in promoting the fight against wildlife crime, both by cooperating closely with destination countries, sharing expertise and intelligence, and internally regarding demand reduction, e.g. regarding reptiles. The cooperation between the various German authorities and institutions as well as with NGOs is reported to function well, formally as well as informally. Problems are mainly of an organisational nature; they result from the high number of competent authorities which is due to the federal structure of the German political system. Regarding enforcement, the study points out that there is a lack of specialised knowledge on wildlife crime in administrative, enforcement and judicial bodies, ultimately attributed to a general lack of prioritisation and resources allocated to wildlife crime issues. Wildlife crime is a serious threat to biodiversity and sustainable development. The EU is both one of the most important markets for illegal wildlife products and an important actor in the fight against wildlife crime. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578958/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578958_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Germany URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578958/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578958_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 138724 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Paquel, Kamila Title: Wildlife Crime in Poland. An In-depth Analysis for the ENVI Committee Summary: Wildlife crime is not a priority for Polish authorities involved in environmental and criminal legislation and enforcement. Despite a decreasing number of seizures of illegally handled CITES species that is ascribed to trainings provided to CITES enforcement bodies and an increased awareness of wildlife crime among the Polish society, there is no evidence that the scale of wildlife crime in Poland has been reduced. Recent findings by regional NGOs indicate that Poland is a leading country in terms of the volume of illegal on-line trade in protected fauna and flora in the Central and Eastern part of the EU. There is, however, very little information in this regard collected by the public enforcement authorities involved in wildlife protection. In terms of illegal imports and (re)exports of wildlife, Poland is mainly a destination country, but it is also a territory of transit and, to some extent, of origin. The actual scale of wildlife traffic is not certain. However, it is estimated that the Customs Service only discloses some 10-15 % of illegal traffic of protected species. Illegal markets of traditional Asian medicine, avifauna (including birds of prey), exotic wood, and wildlife suitable for aquaria and terraria are growing. In this context, wildlife crime can be considered a significant problem in Poland, and its scale is believed to grow proportionately to the increase in economic welfare of the Polish society and the demand by Asian minorities in Poland. Limited capacities of enforcement authorities, a lack of a holistic vision, and inadequate legislation further aggravate the problem. Apart from CITES-related offences, the number of illegal poaching instances reported in Poland every year is significant and increasing. While national legislation implementing EU law relevant to wildlife protection is in place, Poland is struggling to ensure adequate human resources in terms of volume and skills to counteract wildlife crime effectively. This may partly explain why wildlife crime is not among the major issues law enforcement entities are dealing with in Poland. Due to limited resources, these bodies do not have the capacity to follow all threads linked to wildlife crime and effectively counteract it. Moreover, some technical barriers are reported to hinder CITES enforcement. For example, enforcement officers in Poland often have difficulties with establishing the legal origin of captive-bred specimens originating from breeding operations across the EU. The difficulty is considered to stem, among others, from non-harmonised formats of documentation used as a proof of legality of the species' origin. In terms of judicial action, in the majority of CITES-related cases, Polish courts close the cases in an early phase or impose low penalties unlikely to deter commercial perpetrators. This is likely to stem from an overly rigid system of sanctions for CITES infringements embedded in the Polish Penal Code, which categorizes any breach in this respect as a crime and thus creates a risk of congestion of criminal cases in the already saturated Polish courts. According to stakeholders CITES implementation in Poland would be better if the law was more reflective of the wildlife crime specificity and trainings were provided to the judiciary sector. In what can still be largely considered a learning process, Poland's efforts against wildlife crime are based on education and public outreach. A number of dedicated trainings have been provided to public enforcement bodies dealing with wildlife protection. To tackle the demand side, awareness-raising is promoted in seminars organised in schools at different levels, as well as by glass displays in airports, border posts and other public places. In both, training and education, the role of conservationist NGOs (namely WWF Poland and PTOP 'Salamandra') has been prominent, often compensating for the constrained capacity of the public authorities in the area of wildlife crime prevention and control. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578960/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578960_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Poland URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578960/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578960_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 138726 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wild Animal Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crimes Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Fajardo Del Castillo, Teresa Title: Wildlife Crime in Spain. In-depth Analysis for the ENVI Committee Summary: Spain is a relevant entry point to Europe as well as a country of origin and transit of wildlife crime with trade routes introducing illegal timber from Latin American and Barbary Macaques and elephants and rhino trophies from African countries as well as trade routes of eels, raptors and ivory to the Middle East and Asia. Recent police operations point to the existence of criminal groups, with organized crime infrastructures and their modus operandi. The internet is increasingly used for selling rare species outside the legal market. As examples of good practice, the Spanish Environmental Police, (SEPRONA), is one of the few specialized forces in Europe fighting environmental crime as well as its CITES Management Authorities which implement CITES and EU legislation. SEPRONA has developed and implemented day-to-day strategies against wildlife crime. Its agents have engaged in significant major wildlife crime operations, some of which have been perpetrated by organized criminal groups, however, the examined case law shows a limited number of convictions and lenient punishments due to difficulties in providing the required evidence and the resistance of judges to consider environmental crime as serious. Spain also has a specialized Prosecutor's Office that cooperates closely with CITES Management Authorities and SEPRONA. Both SEPRONA and the Spanish CITES Management Authorities cooperate with authorities of other Member States and third countries on a regular basis as well as in coordinated operations that show the importance of institutional contacts of the CITES Authorities as well as the institutional networks and agencies, such as EUROPOL and INTERPOL. This cooperation contributes to overcoming the limits of the CITES Convention and EU Regulation that in the opinion of the experts interviewed are fragmented and lack clarity. Moreover, the legal instruments at domestic and European level to fight against organized crime do not envisage environmental crime or wildlife crime, and can hardly be applied to fight them since they are destined to fight serious crimes. It is the opinion of the Spanish Management Authorities as well as the Prosecution Office that a specific legal instrument to fight wildlife crime would be most useful to overcome these problems. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578962/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578962_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Spain URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578962/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578962_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 138727 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wild Animal Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crimes Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Illes, Andrea Title: Wildlife Crime in the United Kingdom. An In-depth Analysis for the ENVI Committee Summary: The illegal trade of wildlife is a major problem in the UK, which is a significant transit and destination country. There is a very wide range of species affected by the illegal trade, including reptiles, endangered birds and their eggs, caviars, corals, ivory from elephant and hippo and horns from rhino. The number of seizures is high; between 2009 and 2014 UK Border Forces made 2 853 seizures in total1. Nevertheless, wildlife crime covers not only illegal trade in wildlife but other illegal actions, such as poaching. Within the UK, the other most common wildlife crimes include badger persecution, bat persecution, deer and fish poaching, hare coursing and raptor persecution (NWCU, 2014). Links between wildlife crime and organised crime groups have also been identified. Organised crime and illegal wildlife trade is known to be linked to rhino horn thefts and trade, to trade in raptors and bird eggs, and to the repeated sale of traditional medicine products (Sollund and Maher, 2015, p. 24), while poaching and raptor persecution are sometimes linked to organised crime groups. At the same time, the efforts to combat wildlife crime in the UK are wide-ranging and numerous actions taken provide good practice examples that could be followed in other EU Member States. The UK government has undertaken a large number of capacity-building and cooperative actions both within the UK and with international actors. Some of the most prominent examples include the organisation of the high-level London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade where the London Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade was adopted, the establishment of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which supports projects in the developing world focusing on the reduction of demand for endangered species, and the Government's support for the Global Tiger Initiative Multi Donor Trust Fund and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). Furthermore, numerous awareness-raising campaigns have been launched with the involvement of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs). The current domestic regulation on CITES, the Control of the Trade in Endangered Species (COTES) Regulation, is under review with the aim of further strengthening enforcement. There is a well-established institutional set up with various governmental actors involved in wildlife crime related issues. The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) within the UK Police Force and the UK Border Forces specialised CITES team based at Heathrow Airport play an important role in tackling wildlife crime. Furthermore, the UK Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW UK), a multi-agency group comprising representatives of statutory bodies and NGOs involved in wildlife law enforcement in the UK, is also a key player. Finally, national and international NGOs, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC and the World Society for the Protection of the Animals (WSPA) also contribute to ending wildlife crime in the UK and to raising awareness of the issue. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578963/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578963_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578963/IPOL_IDA%282016%29578963_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 138728 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wild Animal Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crimes Wildlife Smuggling |
Author: Lauck, Elizabeth Title: Measuring Impact: Summary of Indicators for Combating Wildlife Trafficking Summary: Killing protected or managed species and the illegal trade in wildlife and their related parts and products (hereafter wildlife crime) are among the most severe threats to biodiversity. Globally, hundreds of millions of individual animals belonging to hundreds of species across all animal taxa are the targets of illegal harvesting and trade. Wildlife crime not only threatens the survival of focal species, but may also significantly alter ecosystem function and stability through biodiversity loss and the species introductions that are a common byproduct of this activity. High-value wildlife products are often trafficked by organized criminal syndicates and the revenue generates is known to finance violent non-state actors including terrorist groups and unsanctioned militias. Armed conflict can exacerbate wildlife crime, and wildlife crime is frequently associated with other forms of crime, such as money laundering (Loucks et al. 2009; UNODC 2012). In addition, wildlife traffickers generate insecurity in rural communities and are responsible for killing park rangers, which hurts morale and park staff recruitment. This, in turn, reduces tourism and associated revenue needed for conservation and community development. For developing countries, loss of revenue from trade, taxes, and/or tourism can be significant and particularly damaging (Rosen & Smith 2010). Additionally, the illegal trade in wildlife can introduce and/or spread pathogens endemic to the exporting regions or transmitted during transit (Gomez & Aguirre 2008). This poses a major risk to human and livestock health, with implications for food security, commerce, and labor productivity (consider recent outbreaks of Ebola virus, SARS coronavirus, and avian influenza). Despite focused efforts often lasting several decades, wildlife crime remains a global threat (Broad & Damania 2010; Sharma et al. 2014). The importance of wildlife crime as a threat to conservation and development has attracted the attention of governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and multilateral organizations all over the world. Strategies to combat wildlife crime depend on accurate and reliable knowledge about the status of focal species and the basic attributes of illegal wildlife supply chains;1 however, the clandestine nature of this activity, its geographic spread, the large number of people involved, and the size of the trade make analysis of status and trends, as well as measuring progress in combating it, a challenge (Blundell & Mascia 2005; UNODC 2012). A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime concludes that many of the available figures on wildlife crime "are the result of guesswork rather than of systematic analysis" (UNODC 2012). Global knowledge about wildlife crime remains fragmented and lacking in common standards, which hinders the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategies to combat it. In July 2013, President Obama issued an Executive Order on Combating Wildlife Trafficking, resulting in a National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking released February 2014. A Congressional directive required $45 million in FY2014 foreign assistance funds to combat wildlife trafficking, including a minimum of $30 million managed by USAID. The Agency has a long history of investing in programs that support compliance with and enforcement of laws and regulations to protect wildlife, and in other strategies aimed at decreasing the threats to conservation and development that stem from wildlife crime. In 2014, the Agency's Office of Forestry and Biodiversity/Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and the Environment (E3/FAB) identified a need to develop robust indicators with which to track progress on USAID's investments in combating wildlife trafficking (CWC). As part of these efforts, Measuring Impact staff developed a CWC Situation Model (Activity 2.2.3.A from the Measuring Impact FY15 work plan; Figure 1), facilitated a workshop on CWC indicators and theories of change (Activity 2.2.3.C), and will produce a final report on recommended CWC indicators (Activity 2.2.3.D). Measuring Impact also conducted a survey and analysis of existing wildlife crime indicators (Activity 3.1.2) to inform the development of USAID indicators and build the evidence base for better alignment of the Agency's monitoring efforts with best practices. This report summarizes the search strategy and main results of the survey. Details: Washington, DC: United States Agency for International Development, 2015. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KJRB.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KJRB.pdf Shelf Number: 138786 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife Trade Organized CrimeTrafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife SmugglingWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Lo, Cheryl Title: The Hard Truth: How Hong Kong's Ivory Trade is Fuelling Africa's Elephant Poaching Crisis Summary: In recent years, the global illegal wildlife trade has exploded, expanding to meet vastly increased demand for wild animal products. Underpinned by crime syndicates, wildlife is trafficked in the same way as drugs or weapons: it is now the fourth-largest illicit trade, valued at over US$ 19 billion annually. Of grave concern to WWF is the effect of this trade on elephants - over 30,000 are killed every year in Africa, primarily for their tusks. The majority of the illegal ivory harvested is sent to Asian markets, particularly China and Thailand, with Hong Kong playing a key role in this trade. Hong Kong currently has a legal stockpile of ivory taken from wild elephants, amassed before African elephants were listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and enacted in local legislation in 1990. Today, Hong Kong ivory traders claim to conduct their business by using this stockpile from 25 years ago. The current size of this stockpile is 111.3 tonnes and it lies in the possession of over 400 license holders. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Illegal ivory is accessible in Hong Kong. The city ranks fifth globally in terms of the quantity of ivory seized - over 33 tonnes have been confiscated since 2000. A recorded conversation with an ivory trader revealed that a buyer in Hong Kong can make a "purchase order" for ivory directly from Africa, thus fuelling the ongoing poaching crisis. Legal ivory is used as a front for the illegal ivory trade. Traders claim to the government that they are selling very little ivory, yet Hong Kong has an extensive ivory business. One major ivory trader explained that "laundering" is easy, whereby traders use the stockpile of legal ivory as a front while they instead sell smuggled, illegal ivory to unsuspecting buyers. Loopholes exist in the licensing system. These enable the system to be exploited by unscrupulous businesses, perpetuating the illegal ivory trade and driving the rapid decline in elephant populations. A major ivory trader suggested best licensing practices to the government, but this proposal was not adopted. Also, the government does not perform forensic testing to confirm the age of ivory being displayed, stored or sold. The re-export of ivory from Hong Kong without permits is illegal, but rampant. Over 90 per cent of ivory buyers are mainland Chinese tourists, yet it is illegal to take ivory across Hong Kong's borders without a permit. An ivory trader described how buyers can simply smuggle their purchases across the border. This presents a huge challenge to Hong Kong Customs, as the city welcomes 60 million visitors every year. Inadequate deterrents and prosecution. The maximum penalties for smuggling and selling illegal ivory under Hong Kong Law are harsh, but often only low penalties are given. Between 2011 and 2013, most prosecutions resulted in relatively small fines, with only about 10 cases resulting in short prison sentences. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has limited resources to inspect ivory traders. There are only eight inspectors who are tasked with checking all the shops selling items derived from rare and threatened species in Hong Kong. The regulatory system lacks transparency. Most key information relating to the ivory trade is not publicly available. In view of the lack of effectiveness in regulating ivory trafficking and trade and the toll it is taking on elephant populations, it's time to re-write the future of elephants by banning ivory sales in Hong Kong. WWF calls for the Hong Kong government to rapidly phase out the commercial processing and sale of ivory, based on a firm plan and a short timeline. Hong Kong has earned an international reputation as a law-abiding society, and must ensure that this reputation is maintained. The threats posed by global crime syndicates and the legal loopholes in local regulations are a serious challenge to our rule of law, therefore WWF calls the Hong Kong government to take all available measures to disrupt and prosecute those who prey on and profit from the illegal trade. Only firm, robust and immediate action can halt the trade in ivory and save the elephants. WWF's detailed study of the ivory trade in Hong Kong assesses the effectiveness of the existing regulatory system through an analysis of government data and information from other specialist organizations in the field, supplemented by information collected by field investigators who posed as authentic ivory buyers to conduct interviews with ivory traders. The research has included conversations with three traders, who claimed to have access to at least 15 to 20 tonnes of ivory between them. This is a large sum compared with the 111.3 tonnes of legal ivory stockpile held by all businesses in Hong Kong. All three traders pointed to a number of irregularities in the Hong Kong ivory trade. The study has uncovered several fundamental flaws in the current regulatory system and evidence of widespread illegality relating to the ivory trade. The evidence in this report demonstrates the systemic flaws in Hong Kong's illegal and under-regulated trade, which is directly fuelling present-day poaching activities in Africa. The study identifies seven major weaknesses in the current system of regulation. In recent years, the global illegal wildlife trade has exploded, expanding to meet vastly increased demand for wild animal products. Underpinned by crime syndicates, wildlife is trafficked in the same way as drugs or weapons: it is now the fourth-largest illicit trade, valued at over US$ 19 billion annually. Of grave concern to WWF is the effect of this trade on elephants - over 30,000 are killed every year in Africa, primarily for their tusks. The majority of the illegal ivory harvested is sent to Asian markets, particularly China and Thailand, with Hong Kong playing a key role in this trade. Hong Kong currently has a legal stockpile of ivory taken from wild elephants, amassed before African elephants were listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES) and enacted in local legislation in 1990. Today, Hong Kong ivory traders claim to conduct their business by using this stockpile from 25 years ago. The current size of this stockpile is 111.3 tonnes and it lies in the possession of over 400 license holders. Details: Hong Kong) World Wildlife Fund - Hong Kong, 2015. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 2, 2016 at: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/816/files/original/wwf_ivorytrade_eng_eversion.pdf?1442844784 Year: 2015 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/816/files/original/wwf_ivorytrade_eng_eversion.pdf?1442844784 Shelf Number: 138891 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Ivory TradeIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryWildlife Crime |
Author: Hubschle, Annette Michaela Title: A Game of Horns: Transnational Flows of Rhino Horn Summary: A multi-sectorial regime of protection including international treaties, conservation and security measures, demand reduction campaigns and quasi-military interventions has been established to protect rhinos. Despite these efforts, the poaching of rhinos and trafficking of rhino horn continue unabated. This dissertation asks why the illegal market in rhinoceros horn is so resilient in spite of the myriad measures employed to disrupt it. A theoretical approach grounded in the sociology of markets is applied to explain the structure and functioning of the illegal market. The project follows flows of rhino horn from the source in southern Africa to illegal markets in Southeast Asia. The multi-sited ethnography included participant observations, interviews and focus groups with 416 informants during fourteen months of fieldwork. The sample comprised of, amongst others, convicted and active rhino poachers, smugglers and kingpins, private rhino breeders and hunting outfitters, African and Asian law enforcement officials, as well as affected local communities and Asian consumers. Court files, CITES trade data, archival materials, newspaper reports and social media posts were also analysed to supplement findings and to verify and triangulate data from interviews, focus groups and observations. Central to the analysis is the concept of "contested illegality", a legitimization mechanism employed by market participants along the different segments of the horn supply chain. These actors' implicit or explicit contestation of the state-sponsored label of illegality serves as a legitimising and enabling mechanism, facilitating participation in gray or illegal markets for rhino horn. The research identified fluid interfaces between legal, illegal and gray markets, with recurring actors who have access to transnational trade structures, and who also possess market and product knowledge, as well as information about the regulatory regime and its loopholes. It is against the background of colonial, apartheid and neoliberal exploitation and marginalization of local communities that a second argument is introduced: the path dependency of conservation paradigms. Underpinning rhino conservation and regulation are archaic and elitist conservation regimes that discount the potential for harmonious relationships between local communities and wildlife. The increasing militarization of anti-poaching measures and green land grabs are exacerbating the rhino problem by alienating communities further from conservation areas and wild animals. The third argument looks at how actors deal with coordination problems in transnational illegal markets. Resolving the coordination problems of cooperation, value and competition are considered essential to the operation of formal markets. It is argued that the problem of security provides an additional and crucial obstacle to actors transacting in markets. The systematic analysis of flows between the researched sites of production, distribution and consumption of rhino horn shows that the social embeddedness of actors facilitates the flourishing of illegal markets in ways that escape an effective enforcement of CITES regulations. Details: Koln,Germany: International Max Planck Research School, 2016. 418p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 18, 2016 at: http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/6685/ Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/6685/ Shelf Number: 139087 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal MarketsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryOrganized CrimeRhinocerosWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Weru, Sam Title: Wildlife Protection and Trafficking Assessment in Kenya. Drivers and trends of transnational wildlife crime in Kenya and Summary: This report is an assessment of the status, drivers and trends of transnational wildlife crime in Kenya and its role as a key transit point for wildlife species illegally traded from East Africa. The assessment has been carried out under the auspices of the USAID-funded five year Wildlife Trafficking Response, Assessment, and Priority Setting (Wildlife-TRAPS) Project implemented by TRAFFIC and IUCN. The Wildlife-TRAPS initiative aims to increase understanding of the true character and scale of the international response required, identify intervention points, test non-traditional approaches, and develop and deliver a suite of ground-breaking partnerships and pioneering approaches to tackle wildlife crime between Africa and Eastern Asia. The project therefore strengthens the knowledge base, resolve and co-operation of governments, inter-governmental organizations, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in tackling wildlife trafficking between Africa and Eastern Asia. This report examines wildlife crime in Kenya and its linkages to illegal wildlife trade dynamics in the East African region. It is informed by a review of available literature, internet sources and intelligence from and interviews with knowledgeable individuals and agencies. It is also greatly informed by discussions and outcomes of the "Kenya Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking Stakeholder Workshop" held in Nairobi on April 14 and 15, 2015. This workshop was organized and hosted by TRAFFIC in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), USAID and IUCN and brought together relevant stakeholders from UN agencies, donors, NGOs, regional wildlife enforcement networks and the private sector to discuss a range of anti-trafficking issues, culminating in the identification of priority actions for future high-value interventions. Discussions and presentations at the workshop focused on key thematic areas: the biological status of key species involved in illegal wildlife trade; poaching and trafficking in Kenya; community wildlife policing; wildlife policy and law enforcement; and an overview of the role of development partners in securing Kenya's wildlife. The main results of the Assessment Report are contained in chapter three, starting with the biological status of key species involved in trade. This is followed by an assessment of the extent of poaching and trafficking in Kenya, including trends and key drivers of the trade, the structure of poaching syndicates, consumer hotspots, and key trafficking routes. The Assessment also documents arrests and seizures of wildlife contraband in Kenya, and the linkages between the illegal wildlife trade and organized crime. Kenya's policy and legal environment on combating wildlife trafficking is analysed, including the effectiveness of prosecution and the strengths and weaknesses of the Wildlife Law. The Assessment also discusses regional and international co-ordination efforts in the fight against poaching and trafficking. Kenya is home to some of the richest biodiversity and most iconic landscapes in Africa, characterized by high levels of habitat and species diversity, endemism, ecological interconnectedness, and globally recognized conservation hotspots. Landscapes range from coastal/marine to freshwater and saline lakes, from tropical montane forests to savannah plains and arid and semi-arid lands. Kenya is home to 9152 documented species of higher order wild flora and fauna, out of which 2148 are animals. Kenya's savannah ecosystems play host to dramatic wildlife spectacles like the world famous Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus migration and are inhabited by iconic species such as the African Elephant Loxodonta africana and the Critically Endangered Eastern Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michaeli. The marine waters and contiguous coastal forests are inhabited by a variety of endangered species, including the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas and the Sokoke Pipit Anthus sokokensis, respectively. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2016. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27010478/1462446890040/Kenya-report.pdf?token=NwhziN9IRuNnc9zow37leGMcHuQ%3D Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27010478/1462446890040/Kenya-report.pdf?token=NwhziN9IRuNnc9zow37leGMcHuQ%3D Shelf Number: 139130 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife ManagementWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Economists at Large Title: Horn of Contention: A review of the literature on the economics of trade in Rhino horn Summary: Poaching of rhinos in Southern Africa has increased dramatically in recent years. There is considerable debate within policy circles and the conservation movement as to the best policy response to increased poaching. Because many of the factors driving poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn are economic, many stakeholders are looking to economics for potential policy responses. In particular, there are suggestions that a legalised, heavily regulated trade in rhino horn could reduce rates of poaching. This paper is a review of studies on the economics of trade in endangered wildlife in general and on rhino horn in particular. Two studies reviewed are from formal academic literature and another four are less formal articles or "grey literature". The formal studies are from peer-reviewed journals, but do not explicitly address the recent increase in rhino poaching. The grey literature are less rigorous, but have the benefit of focussing on recent events in Africa. The formal studies suggest that predicting the outcome of liberalising trade is complex and difficult to determine. Although it may decrease pressure on poaching, as rhino horn becomes increasingly supplied through the non-lethal legal trade, there is also a real risk that trade could drive an increase in poaching through any combination of five mechanisms: - Through legal and illegal markets coexisting and interacting in complex ways. - Through reducing the stigma attached to consumption of the product. - By potentially reducing the supply costs of illegal supply. - By potentially facilitating the laundering of illegal supply in with legal supply. - As a result of uncertainty around the response of illegal suppliers to competition from a legal market. The articles from the grey literature are all overtly pro-trade, generally assuming that: - Legal markets will "hijack" consumers from illegal markets and that legal and illegal horn would be perfectly substitutable. - Stigma effects are small and that efforts to reduce demand through education and information would be ineffective. - Increased surveillance funded by rhino horn sales would increase poaching costs. - Technical advances such as DNA technology would minimise laundering. - Smugglers with market power would respond to the introduction of a legal trade passively, accepting reduced sales, rather than competing to retain market share. Little empirical evidence is offered to support these views. Under certain conditions these assumptions may hold, but it is unclear if these conditions are in place in either supplying or consuming countries. We suggest further research should be undertaken before any formal steps are taken towards legalising trade in rhino horn. Details: Yarmouth, MA: International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2013. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2016 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Horn-of-Contention.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Horn-of-Contention.pdf Shelf Number: 139137 Keywords: Animal PoachingAnimal SmugglingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: International Rhino Coalition Title: Assessing the Risks of Rhino Horn Trade Summary: INTRODUCTION: In April 2014 economists, conservationists, researchers, consumer state representatives and wildlife law consultants from around the world gathered in Pretoria to discuss the risks or rhino horn trade in South Africa. This report is a summary of their presentations. Topics include the impact of a legal ivory trade on Africa's elephant population, wildlife trade management in Vietnam and the work of WildAid in consumer states to name a few. Details: Cape Town, South Africa: Conservation Action Trust, 2014. 85p. Source: Internet Resource: A Journal of Arguments Presented at the April 2014 Conference in South Africa: Accessed June 1, 2016 at: http://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Assessing-the-risks-of-the-rhino-horn-trade.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Assessing-the-risks-of-the-rhino-horn-trade.pdf Shelf Number: 139270 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinocerosWildlife CrimeWildlife Management |
Author: Waterland, Shelley Title: Illegal Wildlife Trade Review, Malawi Summary: An exponential increase in the scale and nature of the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) globally has left governments, policy makers and conservationists lagging far behind the perpetrators of the crime. In many countries, criminals are shipping enormous quantities of high value products such as ivory, rhino horn and pangolin scales largely untouched by ineffective enforcement efforts. Given significant black market prices for wildlife products, and woeful detection and prosecution rates for wildlife offences, it is not surprising that organised crime networks have turned their attention to IWT. The rewards for wildlife crime, in most cases, far exceed the risks. This situation is true in Malawi, as with several other countries. However, Malawi for a long time has remained largely under the radar of those trying to combat IWT, due to its small size and relatively small numbers of wildlife. This Review of Illegal Wildlife Trade in Malawi used the ICCWC Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit to analyse wildlife crime data, wildlife legislation, enforcement capacity and agencies, judiciary and prosecution services and the drivers of wildlife crime. The findings are comprehensive and show that although Malawi is setting some excellent examples and making some crucial progressive steps - e.g. being signatory to several wildlife conservation Agreements and Declarations and establishing an Inter-Agency Committee on Combating Wildlife Crime (IACCWC) - there is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done if Malawi is to effectively combat IWT and rid itself of wildlife criminals. Details: Lilongwe, Malawi: Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, 2015. 251p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 1, 2016 at: http://www.lilongwewildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/IWT-Review-Malawi.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Malawi URL: http://www.lilongwewildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/IWT-Review-Malawi.pdf Shelf Number: 139271 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Sina, Stephan Title: Wildlife Crime Summary: This study on wildlife crime was commissioned by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. It gives an overview of the state of wildlife crime in Europe based on available documents, EU-TWIX data and empirical research including interviews. The study identifies main routes and species linked to illegal wildlife trade, as well as enforcement deficits. It also develops policy recommendations in view of the upcoming EU Action Plan. EU is both a destination and a transit region for wildlife products. Although European countries seem to have become less important consumers in the trade with African mammals, many countries still seem to have a very important role as a trading hub in that trade. This trade is conducted via the major trade hubs (airports and ports) but new trade hubs (e.g. smaller European airports with direct connections to Africa and Asia) are also emerging. On the other hand, European countries still seem to be very important consumers and importers of pets, especially of reptiles and birds. As this trade is often not conducted via the main trade hubs, but via the Eastern European land borders and the Mediterranean and Black Sea, enforcement is even more challenging. Moreover, the demand for alternative medicinal products very often produced in Asia from endangered wildlife appears to have increased in Europe. The available information on trade routes is not very detailed, but the following four important trade routes could be identified: - Large mammals like elephants, rhinos and big cats from Africa and South America to major trade hubs and for further transit to Asia - Coastal smuggling of leeches, caviar, fish, as well as reptiles and parrots for the pet trade in Europe - Endangered birds from South Eastern Europe to Southern Europe - Russian wildlife and Asian exports via Eastern European land routes. The overall trend in wildlife crime measured in the number of seizures has been roughly constant in recent years. Seizures are concentrated in countries with large overall trading volumes like Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and France. Overall the UK, Germany and Netherlands are responsible for more than 70% of seizures in 2007-2014. The high number of seizures may also be attributable to well developed enforcement in these countries. The most frequently seized species are reptiles, mammals, flowers and corals. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, Environment, Public Health, Food Safety (ENVI), 2016. 124p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/570008/IPOL_STU(2016)570008_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/570008/IPOL_STU(2016)570008_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 139528 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Tournier, marin Title: Countering Illegal Wildlife Trade in Southeast Asia: A critical comparison of the leading strategies and their corresponding initiatives. Summary: This study provides a critical comparison of the leading strategies to mitigate illegal wildlife trade across Southeast Asia, designated in the paper as Enforcement and Awareness initiatives. The purpose of this comparison is to determine the differences and similarities of those initiatives regarding their respective approaches, effectiveness to tackle illegal wildlife trade and influential parameters. In the first part, the paper examines Enforcement and Awareness initiatives based on the initiatives' underlying theories, literature and case studies. It reveals the presence of common characteristics summarised under four thematic points: (1) the complexity, (2) velocity, (3) adaptability and (4) scope of an initiative. In a second stage, the study provides an analysis of the empirical findings collected according to the thematic area previously presented. Evidence for this study was obtained from interviews and observations made in the context of an internship. Thanks to the thematic analysis, the paper approves the presence of specificities and similarities between Enforcement and Awareness initiatives and suggests the consideration of two parameters essential for the success of the initiatives: (1) the governmental authorities' commitment to participate in the conduct of Enforcement or Awareness-related activities and (2) the involvement of non-governmental actors ensuring an efficient conduct. Details: Uppsala, Sweden: Uppsala Universitet, 2015. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Master thesis in Sustainable Development 234: Accessed July 18, 2016 at: http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:822507/FULLTEXT01.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Asia URL: http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:822507/FULLTEXT01.pdf Shelf Number: 139648 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: De Wet, Neil J. Title: The South African regulatory framework relating to illegal trade in rhino horn Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the current South African regulatory framework related to the illegal trade in wildlife, provides the means to regulate the illegal trade in rhino horn effectively. In an effort to combat and eradicate the illegal trade in wild species and parts therein, South Africa has enacted numerous laws and it has ratified various international conservation Conventions. However, with more than 800 rhinos having been killed in 2013 alone, it is doubtful whether these laws and conventions are adequate. The first chapter is an introductory chapter summarising the latest statistics on rhinos fatalities as a result of poaching, an estimate on their numbers as well giving a brief overview of what laws and conventions will be discussed in this study. In the second chapter the historical development of the trade in rhino horn is dissected, who the culprits are and the reason why rhinos are poached for their horn. The third chapter analyses international conventions that have been adopted by South Africa, including conventions such as the Convention on International Trade in Enangered Species, the Convention on Biological Diversity and agreements such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. The fourth chapter will focus more on the regional contributions which the African Union and Southern African Developing Community have made in an effort to combat the illegal trade in endangered species and their products such as rhino. The fifth and final chapter discusses South African legislation which comprises of the National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act and the Criminal Procedure Act so as to determine what influence it has had in the effort to regulate the illegal trade in rhino horn. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the South African regulatory framework on paper is indeed adequate enough to regulate and even eradicate the illegal trade in rhino horn. The reason, however, for it's currently failure is attributable to a lack of enforcement of these measures as a result of a lack of provisions holding entities accountable. Details: Potchefstroom, South Africa: North-West University, 2014. 81p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed July 18, 2016 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/144/1441177074.pdf Year: 2014 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/144/1441177074.pdf Shelf Number: 139649 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinoWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: Gomez, Lalita Title: Illegal Otter Trade: Summary: Although numbers are small, in Southeast Asian countries the quantities of live otters seized increased in the last four years (2011-2014) to average six individuals per seizure compared to three to four previously. A maximum of 16 live otters were seized in 2013. The study reveals a rise in the number of otter skin seizure cases over the years, but a decrease in the quantities being seized: from two to three cases a year averaging 50 individuals per seizure, to 8 seizures a year of about 30 individuals each. More cases could mean an improvement in enforcement efforts, but the lower quantities seen in those seizures implied a decline in otter populations. The authors also reported that illegal trade records involving otters were scarce and that the trade was likely to be much larger than official seizure data alone suggested. This, together with a lack of population information, legal loopholes that enable trafficking and the low priority given to otter trade, forms a large gap in information on the impacts of illegal trade on the region's wild otter populations. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 20, 2016 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/7/5/otters-in-asia-at-risk-from-demand-for-their-skins-and-incre.html Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/7/5/otters-in-asia-at-risk-from-demand-for-their-skins-and-incre.html Shelf Number: 139722 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOttersTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: DLA Piper Title: Empty Threat 2015: Does the Law Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade? A review of legislative and judicial approaches in fifteen jurisdictions Summary: EMPTY THREAT 2015: DOES THE LAW COMBAT ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE? EXECUTIVE SUMMARY By Project Leaders and General Editors DLA Piper Richard Obank, Partner & Location Head Andrew Schatz, Associate Allan Flick, Solicitor Amy Heading, Pro Bono Manager & Counsel Staś Kuźmierkiewicz, Pro Bono Associate Emma Brookes, Pro Bono Trainee In 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (" CITES ") entered into force through ratification or accession by ten countries. Today, 181 countries are Contracting Parties to CITES, and yet illegal trade in wildlife has continued to proliferate to the point where it ranks behind only trafficking in drugs, guns and human beings in the value of illegal trade. Almost all of the 181 Contracting Parties have some form of principal domestic legislation implementing CITES and setting out offences relating to the illegal trade in wildlife which are subject to prose cution through their respective domestic judicial processes. Many Contracting Parties also have ancillary legislation that can be used to prosecute illegal trade in wildlife. Examples include legislation with respect to money laundering, illegal use of wea pons and anti-corruption legislation. Numerous factors are cited as drivers of the proliferation of the illegal trade in wildlife, including wealth, poverty, corruption, and cultural demands. Strong principal and ancillary legislation and enforcement thr ough an effective judicial process act as deterrents to this criminal activity. By contrast, weak or limited legislation enforced on a haphazard basis by a judiciary with limited experience or capacity to prosecute not only fails to deter, but creates an e nvironment where those engaging in such activities are emboldened. Notwithstanding the number of Contracting Parties to CITES, much work still needs to be done to strengthen legislation around the world and improve prosecutorial and judicial capacity and p rocess. DLA Piper was engaged by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (" The Royal Foundation "), on behalf of the United for Wildlife partnership, to review and evaluate the legislation and judicial processes with resp ect to illegal trade in wildlife in fifteen jurisdictions: Angola, Cambodia, The Republic of the Congo (" Congo "), Gabon, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. A team of 80 lawyers from 25 DLA Piper offices around the world reviewed and analysed the relevant principal and ancillary legislation, and domestic prosecutorial and judicial processes, using this information to produce a report for each country. This report follows on our initial eleven - country report, published in 2014, for the following jurisdictions: Botswana, Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of Congo (" DRC "), Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam. Following an executive summary, each country report includes an overview of the principal legislation on the illegal trade in wildlife. This is generally the domestic legislation implementing CITES, but may also include other wildlife, environment, and natural resources legislation. The reports then discusses the criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment) associated with illegal trade in wildlife, with an emphasis on whether such penalties cause the crime to be considered a "serious crime" within the meaning ascribed by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (" UNODC "). The reports also review relevant ancillary legislation that can be used to prosecute crimes associated with the illegal trade in wildlife. Each report then assesses the local judicial process and capacity to enforce th e domestic principal or ancillary legislation. Where information is available, the reports also assess relevant enforcement actions taken under the principal and ancillary legislation. The reports then conclude with observations and recommendations based on the findings of each country team. The only consistent theme in the country reports is that significant work needs to be done in each country in order to effectively tackle the illegal wildlife trade. With few exceptions, weaknesses exist in the princip al legislation of each of the countries analysed. These include significant loopholes, variations on provincial implementation of national laws, inadequate penalties, and in some cases, extremely antiquated legislation or legislation which is expressly con trary to the country's obligations under CITES. Substantial differences exist across the countries analysed, in terms of the severity of penalties for violating local law. Several reports discuss limitations regarding lack of capacity, including insufficie nt numbers of park rangers, poorly funded and understaffed enforcement agencies (detectives, police, prosecutors), and limited prosecutorial power or experience. Each report identifies issues with judicial procedure and capacity. All of these countries face a number of competing priorities, such as poverty eradication, improving education, violent crime, military or civil strife, and terrorism. In some cases, a lack of political willpower has led to insufficient enforcement action. Details: London: DLA Piper, 2016. 498p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 6, 2016 at: https://www.dlapiper.com/~/media/Files/News/2015/05/IllegalWildlifeTradeReport2015.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: https://www.dlapiper.com/~/media/Files/News/2015/05/IllegalWildlifeTradeReport2015.pdf Shelf Number: 140023 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife Law and Legislation |
Author: Martin, Esmond Title: No Oasis: The Egyptian Ivory Trade in 2005 Summary: A comprehensive survey of the ivory trade in Egypt, focused upon the cities of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, was undertaken in March and April 2005. The principal findings of that effort can be summarized as follows: - Raw elephant ivory tusks are still being imported illegally into Egypt, albeit in very limited quantities. Such shipments reportedly originate in the Democratic Republic of Congo and southern Sudan and are moved overland from Sudan into Egypt. Other reports suggested that a few tusks also may come from India, but such information could not be substantiated. Compared with the late 1990s, however, the quantity imported has declined markedly. - The price paid by craftsmen and owners of the ivory workshops in Cairo for a 2-5 kg raw ivory tusk averaged about USD190/kg, while larger tusks weighing 10-19 kg cost around USD345/kg. When adjusted for inflation in 1998 USD terms, these prices are 200-250% of those documented for comparable tusks noted in surveys in 1998 and 1999. This price increase may be credibly attributed to three factors: increased law enforcement, a reduction in supply in Egypt and the increasing cost of elephant ivory at its source in neighbouring African countries. - Somewhere between 25 and 50 ivory craftsmen, some located in and around Khan al-Khalili, the main market in Cairo, are estimated still to be carving ivory today, but their numbers have fallen to somewhere between one-quarter and one-half of the 100 carvers identified in 1998 and most only carve ivory on a parttime basis. This continues the significant decline in the number of ivory carvers in Egypt, documented with comparable data for the years 1989 and 1998 (Martin and Stiles, 2000). - A total of 130 retail outlets were found selling ivory products in the five cities and towns surveyed. Cairo, Luxor and Aswan collectively had 142 shops in 1998 but, by 2005, the number of retail outlets selling ivory had apparently fallen to 119 in these three cities, indicating an overall reduction of about 15-20%. - The number of ivory items seen for sale at the retail level numbered 10 709 in 2005, less than half the number observed in 1998 (21 460). While the scale of the trade has apparently fallen in all cities surveyed, the greatest decline in the number of ivory products on the retail market was noted in Aswan and Luxor, where only 373 and 1308, respectively, were found in 2005 compared to 3388 and 6445 ivory products observed in 1998. - Cairo, with 83% of the ivory items seen for sale, continues to be the major outlet for ivory products in Egypt. Luxor accounted for 12% of the ivory products observed and Aswan had only three per cent. In sharp contrast, the huge tourist resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh displayed only negligible amounts of ivory. - The most common items found for sale were figurines of Egyptian gods and humans - 34%; animal figurines, such as scarabs, camels and elephants - 30%; pendants - 9%; necklaces - 6%; and bangles - 4%. It is worth noting that there were almost no ivory name seals or chopsticks, key ivory products for the Asian market, found during the survey. - The main buyers of ivory products were reportedly tourists from Italy and Spain, followed by those from France and unspecified Latin American countries. This largely mirrored the findings of the 1998 survey. Local Egyptians apparently consume virtually no ivory themselves. - Retail prices for worked ivory items sold in Egypt in 2005, adjusted for inflation in US dollars (USD) terms, appear to be anywhere from twice to over four times those of late 1998. In 2005, a typical 10-cm human figurine cost about USD185, a medium-sized bead necklace was USD51, a 2.5-cm bangle was USD35, a 5- cm pendant was USD14 and a small ring was USD7. - There were very few antique ivory pieces observed for sale (less than one per cent of the total number of ivory products surveyed). Equally, only a very small number of ivory items that had been manufactured in other countries were found for sale on the Egyptian market. Thus, virtually all of Egypt's ivory trade comprises products that were locally produced in recent times. - The Egyptian Government has made significant efforts, particularly from 1999 through to 2003, to seize elephant tusks and illegal worked ivory items in several parts of the country. Altogether, over 3.5 t of ivory has been seized during this period. Improved law enforcement has been partly responsible for the decline of the Egyptian ivory industry and various shopkeepers indicated awareness concerning the illegality of the trade or had experienced government pressure to curtail sales directly. - Although ivory trade in the country is under pressure and has declined considerably since 1999, the scale of the current trade at retail level is still significant and of conservation concern. In this regard, Egypt has not conformed with the CITES requirements for controls on the internal trade in ivory contained in Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP12). - To reduce the availability of elephant ivory products in key markets throughout the country and to ensure compliance with all CITES requirements, it is recommended that Egypt: - review and improve policy, legislation and regulatory measures so that they fulfil the requirements of CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. 12); - address implementation and enforcement deficiencies; - raise awareness and publicity on wildlife trade controls; and - be reviewed as part of the CITES Standing Committee process for assessing domestic ivory markets worldwide, with a view to including Egypt as a priority country for attention within the context of the Action plan for the control of trade in African elephant ivory. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2005. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 8, 2016 at: http://www.traffic.org/mammals Year: 2005 Country: Egypt URL: http://www.traffic.org/mammals Shelf Number: 147904 Keywords: ElephantsIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvory |
Author: Travers, Henry Title: Nature's stewards: how local buy-in can help tackle wildlife crime in Uganda Summary: High levels of illegal resource use in two of Uganda's national parks show the need to rethink current approaches to combatting wildlife crime. Our research suggests that more than 40 per cent of households living adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks have been involved in illegal hunting within the past year, mostly to catch bushmeat for local sale and consumption. Most hunters do not typically target high value internationally traded species, but may occasionally kill them as 'bycatch.' Though rare, this phenomenon has a significant cumulative impact. Effectively tackling the root causes of illegal hunting will require longer-term and more focused engagement between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and communities. Local people and wildlife officials identified mitigating human-wildlife conflict, supporting sustainable livelihoods and increasing employment opportunities as promising avenues for further investigation. Details: London: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2015. 4p. Source: Internet Resource: Briefing: Accessed September 8, 2016 at: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17354IIED.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Uganda URL: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17354IIED.pdf Shelf Number: 140240 Keywords: Illegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradePovertyWildlife Crime |
Author: Tuan Do, Anh Title: Measuring the effectiveness of the enforcement of organised wildlife trade crime : a comparative assessment between Vietnam and England and Wales Summary: In recent decades, the public has become increasingly aware that the many beautiful and varied forms of endangered wildlife species are an irreplaceable part of the natural system of the earth that must be protected for this and the next generations to come. Today, this is of more concern than ever because of the rapid rate of wildlife extinction around 27 thousand wildlife species being disappeared yearly. At this rate, one third to two thirds of all wildlife species are expected to be lost during the second half of the present century which would be equal to the total past extinctions. Meanwhile, there is much evidence to affirm that, next to habitat destruction, illegal trade offers the greatest threat to world's rarest wildlife species. Each year, about 350 million wildlife species of fauna and flora are traded on average, irrespective of international law enforcement efforts. Vietnam and England and Wales are CITES country members, both have made a lot of attempts to protect endangered wildlife species, laws relating to crime and also powers provided to law enforcement agencies have been made however they are still in danger and need both countries to do more. Details: Bristol, UK: Bristol law School, University of the West of England, 2010. 420p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed September 8, 2016 at: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.525193 Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.525193 Shelf Number: 140241 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeOrganized CrimeWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Xu, Ling Title: An Overview of Pangolin Trade in China Summary: KEY points: t All Asian and African pangolin species are listed in CITES Appendix II, and a zero export quota for the international commercial trade of the four Asian pangolin species is in place; t China has regulated the use of pangolin scales. Since 2007, pangolin scales can only be used for clinical applications at designated hospitals and manufacturing of Chinese patented medicines. During the 2008-2015 period, the average annual legal consumption of pangolin scales in China was 26 600 kg; t In June/July 2016, 35% of animal medicine wholesalers, 62% of TCM retail shops, and 153 online advertisements were found to be illegally selling pangolin scales. Most illegal pangolin scales sold at markets in China were from Southeast Asian countries, followed by African countries; t Between 2007 and 2016, there were 209 pangolin seizures in China; 2405 live pangolins, 11 419 dead pangolins and 34 946 kg of scales were seized. Amongst these, Malaysia, Indonesia and Viet Nam were major source countries for whole pangolins; while main sources for smuggled pangolin scales were Nigeria, Cameroon and Myanmar. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2016. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: TRAFFIC Briefing: Accessed September 29, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27254615/1474377211627/Pangolin-trade-in-China-briefing-paper.pdf?token=2e3bmKXfZdrTcqkTP83Tf78OAXM%3D Year: 2016 Country: China URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27254615/1474377211627/Pangolin-trade-in-China-briefing-paper.pdf?token=2e3bmKXfZdrTcqkTP83Tf78OAXM%3D Shelf Number: 146125 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradePangolinWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: Martin, Scott Title: Feasibility Study on the Ban of Hong Kong's Ivory Trade Summary: Just days after the Hong Kong government published its draft five-year timetable to end the domestic ivory trade, WWF today published a legal research report confirming that an ivory ban could be put in place within two years under current Hong Kong law. Commissioned by WWF and conducted by Hong Kong barrister Tim Parker and international consultancy Global Rights Compliance LLP, the Feasibility Study on the Ban of Hong Kong's Ivory Trade concludes that the government could within 6 months halt the practice of issuing new licenses to sell ivory and follow this with legislation to end the trade completely by 2018 - earlier than the government's proposal to outlaw the trade by 2021 "WWF welcomes the government's draft timetable but we believe that an ivory ban in Hong Kong could be legally enacted sooner," said Gavin Edwards, Conservation Director at WWF Hong Kong. "WWF understands that the government's 'five year plan' has been adjusted out of concern for ivory traders and legislatures and that a rushed legislative plan could risk backfiring, while our legal analysis shows that it can be completed within two years." Apart from the speed of the legislative process, WWF's legal analysis is largely consistent with the government's draft proposal and agrees with the key principle that the authorities do not need to compensate ivory traders for their remaining stocks - finding that the proposed ban does not infringe the "right to compensation for lawful deprivation of "property" as protected by Article 105 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR. Traders who chose to speculate over the past 26 years ago - since the international ivory trade started to come under regulation in 1976 and was banned in 1990 - by buying up elephant ivory on the grounds that it was a good investment have no legal grounds to claim compensation. Worse, it may even create a perverse incentive to smuggle ivory into Hong Kong to try and 'cash in' on any compensation scheme, thus creating further challenges for Hong Kong customs authorities. Back in 1990 when the ban on international ivory trade came into force, the Hong Kong government successfully re-trained hundreds of ivory carvers and workers. One of Hong Kong's ex-ivory crafters "Uncle Lee", explains that "there are barely any ivory crafters left in Hong Kong". Mr Lee was a full-time ivory carver in the 1970s who exited the profession in the 1990s. The authorities should explore suitable assistance measures for the few remaining ivory carvers who might be affected by the proposed ban. Details: Surrey, UK: Global Rights Compliance LLP, 2016. 123p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 29, 2016 at: http://awsassets.wwfhk.panda.org/downloads/full_grc_report___hk_ivory_1.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://awsassets.wwfhk.panda.org/downloads/full_grc_report___hk_ivory_1.pdf Shelf Number: 140517 Keywords: ElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvory TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Stoner, Sarah Title: Briefing Document: Reduced to skin and bones re-examined : An analysis of Tiger seizures from 13 range countries from 2000-2015. Summary: Illegal trade and the trafficking of Tiger Panthera tigris, as well as their parts, products and derivatives, and the poaching which supplies it, is the most immediate threat to the survival of wild Tigers. A new minimum estimate of the number of Tigers that now exist in the wild of over 3890 was released by WWF in April 2016. Much of this change stems from the release of new national surveys results in a number of Tiger range countries (TRCs), many of which employed more rigorous methods of sampling compared to previous surveys efforts (WWF, 2016). Studies also indicate that the known Tiger range has declined by 42% between 2006 and 2014, attributed to actual range decline and a reflection of better data collection methods and increase in Tiger surveys (Goodrich et al, 2015). Current knowledge on the range and number of wild Tigers has improved, yet poaching and illegal trade shows no signs of abating. Additionally, the role of captive Tiger facilities has become more relevant in recent years. In 2010 and 2013, TRAFFIC produced two systematic reports analysing Tiger seizures from range countries that described trafficking patterns (Verheij et al., 2010; Stoner and Pervushina, 2013). This 2016 report presents an updated situational analysis, assessing information over a 16-year period from January 2000 to December 2015 for all Tiger range countries (TRCs), using a combination of data acquired from governments and open source media reports. During May-June 2016, TRAFFIC, with the assistance of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), formally requested seizure data (for incidents occurring between January 2012 and 2016) from the government departments responsible for gathering illegal wildlife seizure data within each TRC. Only government data from Bangladesh and Malaysia was supplied, and India pointed TRAFFIC to source required information from Tigernet. The governments of Bhutan, India, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand supplied data previously to TRAFFIC to service Tiger trade analysis for previous reporting periods (Verheij et al, 2010, Stoner and Pervushina, 2013). However, the majority of this dataset comprises Tiger seizures held within TRAFFIC's database that are reported within the media or from openly available sources, such as Tigernet in India. Any duplicate incidents were removed. Data parameters did not consider seizures that have taken place outside the 13 TRCs (including, for example: seizures that originated from or are destined for any TRC). Data have been analysed to show overall trends for the full 16 years as well as a closer examination of changes over time across four quarterly periods: 2000-2003 (Q1), 2004-2007 (Q2), 2008-2011 (Q3) and 2012-2015 (Q4). TRAFFIC is preparing a full report of this analysis, which aims to illustrate findings on the trade in Tigers at a global level, while also describing trends in each TRC through country profiles, describing key considerations at a country-specific level (Stoner et al., in prep). This Briefing Document highlights top-line findings from the detailed analysis over the 16 years, including key occurrences and patterns over the period assessed. Key recommendations are provided for consideration by actors at national, regional and international levels. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 7, 2016 at: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/reduced_to_skin_and_bones.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/reduced_to_skin_and_bones.pdf Shelf Number: 147818 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTigersWildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Gomez, Lalita Title: Observations of the illegal pangolin trade in Lao PDR Summary: Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammal in the world. All eight extant pangolin species are currently listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), prohibiting any uncertified international trade. In addition, a zero quota for CITES exports of all four Asian species was established in 2000. Despite these measures, pangolins continue to be threatened by increasing levels of illegal wildlife trade. Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is known to play an important role in the international wildlife trade and is a range country for two pangolin species, Sunda Pangolin Manis javanica, and Chinese Pangolin M. pentadacytla. Its wildlife laws currently fail to protect non-native pangolin species and do not meet the requirements for the effective implementation of CITES. In addition to having weak legislation, Lao PDR is strategically located next to China, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam and forms an important transit hub for these countries, which all have an active wildlife trade profile for aspects of supply, transit and end-use demand. This report explores Lao PDR's role in the illegal pangolin trade and discusses the findings of two market surveys, conducted in several locations as well as the outcomes of an analysis of pangolin seizures that involved Lao PDR as either an origin, transit, seizure or destination country between 2010 and 2015. Opportunistic market surveys were conducted between April 2016 and July 2016 within seven cities in the northern regions of Lao PDR. An estimated total of 2734 pangolin scales were found in 13 shops at these different locations. The largest quantity of scales was observed in Luang Prabang, with an estimated 1200 scales found in two shops. Prices for pangolin scales ranged from USD1/ (small) piece to USD1/gram, with large scales sometimes weighing as much as 20 grams. Lao PDR's pangolin trade appeared to be mainly focused on a Chinese clientele in the areas surveyed. Shop owners and employees were predominantly of Chinese ethnicity and prices were often given in Chinese Yuan (CNY). In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, pangolin products were mostly found in popular tourist spots, alongside other illegal wildlife products such as elephant ivory and rhino horn. Forty-three reported pangolin seizures involving Lao PDR were recorded between 2010 and 2015, involving an estimated 5678 pangolins. Most of these seizures involved shipments being smuggled into the country from Thailand and out to China and/or Viet Nam. In five incidents shipments were confirmed to originate from Africa, confirming the increasing occurrence of African-sourced pangolin trade which complements and substitutes supply from the four declining Asian species. The large discrepancy between observed local trade and the seizure records confirms Lao PDR's role as a transit country in the international pangolin trade. Improved control of Lao PDR's pangolin trade will be an essential step in reducing the global pangolin trade. In order to achieve this, TRAFFIC recommends the following: CITES and national legislation - Proposals to list all eight pangolin species in Appendix I of CITES should be supported at CoP17 (i.e. Proposals 8 and 12) as this places an overall higher degree of international protection, and will enhance efforts to safeguard pangolins and support regulatory control mechanisms by non-range States. - National legislation requires urgent improvement to enable effective law enforcement, which is currently ineffectual due to weaknesses in the law that prevent arrests, prosecutions and convictions. Currently considered a Category 3 country by the CITES National Legislation Project, meaning that its "legislation (...) is believed generally not to meet the requirements for the implementation of CITES", Lao PDR needs to amend its national wildlife laws to incorporate CITES implementing legislation, including legislation protecting all species of pangolins not native to the country and providing for stricter deterrents / penalties for serious wildliferelated offences, especially when perpetrated through organized groups, transnationally and repetitively. Law Enforcement - Law enforcement capacity should be enhanced to improve proactive investigation into international wildlife crime in general and the pangolin trade in particular. Multi-agency collaboration, both at national and international levels, should be enhanced to tackle the international and organized criminal networks involved in smuggling pangolins across Lao PDR's borders. This should include members of Lao PDR Wildlife Enforcement Network (WEN), notably the environmental police, Customs, the Department of Forest Inspections (DOFI), prosecutors and judges, to investigate mid-high profile cases that involve organized and transboundary activities. - Increased surveillance of trade in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and in the other trade "hotspots" identified in this report is also needed. - Increased prosecution rates including more severe penalties should be realized in order to deter potential wildlife criminals. - Lao PDR should aim to improve its reporting to the CITES Secretariat as per the new annual illegal trade reporting requirements i.e. CITES Notification 007 that was issued in February 2016. Seizure reports, including comprehensive accounts of actions and outcomes, specifics of seizure and prosecution details are imperative to the analysis of the country's wildlife trade levels and trends, and, eventually, a better understanding of the international illegal wildlife trade. - Better co-operation and co-ordination between the Customs agencies of Lao PDR and Thailand is required in order to increase detection rates along the Lao-Thai border (which has proven to be a crucial transit point in the international pangolin trade). - Better co-operation and co-ordination is also needed between Lao PDR and China and Viet Nam, which should include extra vigilance concerning exports from Lao PDR to these two countries. - In the case of Chinese citizens caught smuggling wildlife products from Lao PDR into China, or involved in illegal purchase, sale or transport of protected species in Lao PDR, moving seizures and apprehension of suspects to prosecution (in both Lao PDR and China) would help increase deterrents to illegal wildlife trade. Future Research - Continued research into Lao PDR's role in the international illegal wildlife trade in general, and the pangolin trade in particular, is needed in order to obtain a current and improved understanding of the trade levels and dynamics in this crucial transit hub. Such research should include seizure analyses and market monitoring, especially in SEZs. - Beyond Lao PDR, additional research into the global pangolin trade will help guide law enforcement efforts, with the goal of improving the effectiveness of interventions. Such research should include: 1) continued research into the Asian pangolin trade, including seizure and trade route analyses, and drivers of demand; 2) increased research into the trade of African pangolin species to Asia, including seizure and trade route analyses, and drivers of demand. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 7, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27258781/1474607479773/Pangolin-trade-Lao-PDR.pdf?token=Q0LsZOB5mA8Ov0Pk57W25nPfOSk%3D Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27258781/1474607479773/Pangolin-trade-Lao-PDR.pdf?token=Q0LsZOB5mA8Ov0Pk57W25nPfOSk%3D Shelf Number: 147817 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife Trade Pangolin Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade |
Author: Sinovas, P. Title: Ecuador's Wildlife Trade Summary: This report provides a comprehensive overview of wildlife trade in Ecuador, focusing on the ten-year period 2004-2014. The exact time-frame of trade varies slightly depending on the different data sources used. The aim of this analysis is to provide a baseline of trade levels and trends in Ecuador, and to inform future trade management in the country in order to ensure that wildlife trade is legal, sustainable and traceable. Ecuador has one of the highest diversities of amphibian species in the world and has a high concentration of threatened species. The production of amphibians for the pet trade is an emerging market in Ecuador, with an average of around 500 live frogs being exported per year in recent years for the pet market, with approximately a third of them being CITES-listed species (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The main species involved were Ceratophrys stolzmanni (Pacific Horned Frog) and Epipedobates anthonyi (Anthony's Poison-Arrow Frog), while the main destination countries of this trade were the United States of America, the Netherlands and Canada. In addition, Lithobates catesbeianus, (Bullfrog) a non-native species, was exported by Ecuador to the United States in volumes of over 400,000 per year for the food market. Approximately 9,000 tonnes of by-caught sharks are landed per year in Ecuador. Most of their meat is destined for the domestic market, while relatively small amounts are exported to the United States, Spain, Japan and other countries. Virtually all of the fins, amounting to a total of about 200 tonnes per year in recent years, are exported to mainland China and Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China (henceforth referred to as Hong Kong SAR). The main species captured are Alopias pelagicus (Pelagic Thresher), Prionace glauca (Blue Shark) and Carcharinus falciformis (Silky Shark). Captures also include two species listed in the CITES Appendices of the 16th Conference of the Parties (CoP16): Sphyrna lewini (Scalloped Hammerhead Shark) and S. zygaena (Smooth Hammerhead Shark), even if recent legislation limits the amount of bycatch that can be landed for these species. The ornamental fish trade often goes unreported and data are lacking on their taxonomic details and origins. Although trade data on ornamental fish is scarce, the United States reported the import of 1.3 million ornamental fish from Ecuador per year, largely recorded as unspecified tropical freshwater species, showing a declining trend over the ten years (2005-2014). Sea cucumber fishing started in the 1990's in the Galapagos Islands, with harvests and exports concentrating on Isostichopus fuscus (Brown Sea Cucumber). After being listed in Appendix III by Ecuador in 2003, the species was the top CITES-listed taxon in terms of number of individuals exported by Ecuador between 2005 and 2014, with over 1.5 million individuals shipped during that period. Virtually all exports were destined for China. However, trade has been banned in recent years as a result of population over-exploitation. Whilst domestic demand accounted for the majority of timber production by Ecuador between 2010 and 2014, the international trade was an important part of the market. Timber exports amounted to about 87,000 m3 per year on average between 2012 and 2014, with India being the main destination of timber exported by Ecuador and cultivated Tectona grandis (Teak) the main species. Ecuador's extremely diverse orchid flora was one of the most highly traded wildlife groups in Ecuador, averaging over 46,000 plants per year between 2004 and 2015. Almost all were artificially propagated and around three quarters reached Germany, the United States, Japan and Canada. Over 250 genera were reported in trade by Ecuador, with genera Masdevallia, Cattleya and Pleurothallis accounting for more than 25% of exports. Trade in Appendix I was dominated by Phragmipedium species. The wildlife trade in Ecuador has a minimum estimated value of US $35 million a year. Most of this value (US $29 million) is represented by the export of timber. Excluding these timber/processed wood commodities, shark exports were the next most valuable commodity, with an average of US $3.4 million per year. Forty CITES-listed species occurring in Ecuador showed noteworthy trends (high volume and/or sharp increase) in global exports of wild or ranched specimens in 2012. Birds were the group with the highest number of species showing noteworthy trends, with fourteen species meeting the selection criteria. Of these forty species, only three were reported in trade by Ecuador during the period 2003- 2012: Swietenia macrophylla (Big-leaf Mahogany), Cedrela odorata (Spanish Cedar) and Isostichopus fuscus (Brown Sea Cucumber). According to CITES, over 800 species native to Ecuador were reported in trade between 2004 and 2013, both as wild-sourced and captive-bred or artificially propagated. Two species which are thought to be endemic to Ecuador were traded as captive-bred and artificially propagated by countries that are not in their distribution range (non-range). The majority of these species are not utilized by Ecuador for international trade, and may represent an opportunity for the development of additional wildlife sustainable use systems in the country. Details: Quito, Ecuador: Ministry of Environment of Ecuador; Bonn: German Development Cooperation, 2015. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: English translation of the technical report prepared for the Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). UNEP-WCMC: Accessed October 11, 2016 at: https://www.unep-wcmc.org/system/comfy/cms/files/files/000/000/808/original/Ecuador%C2%B4s_wildlife_trade.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Ecuador URL: https://www.unep-wcmc.org/system/comfy/cms/files/files/000/000/808/original/Ecuador%C2%B4s_wildlife_trade.pdf Shelf Number: 145415 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeNatural ResourcesThreatened SpeciesWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: Smith, Lucy Olivia Title: The Costs of Illegal Wildlife Trade: Elephant and Rhino. A study in the framework of the EFFACE research project Summary: African elephants and rhino are facing an uncertain future, placed at risk in the short term by increasing demands for ivory and rhino horn and in the long term by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation from expanding human settlements. It is the short term threat of poaching, however, that puts elephant and rhino at immediate risk of extinction in the wild. Since 2007, illegal poaching has risen precipitously year after year to meet the insatiable market demand of mainly Asian consumers. The high value of ivory, and particularly rhino horn, have established these items as lucrative black market commodities, which has led to the trade becoming highly organised and professionalised. Historically, both elephants and rhino became nearly extinct because of unsustainable hunting. The mass slaughter and near elimination of both species during the twentieth century led to concerted rehabilitation missions. In the 1960's an international coordinated effort called "operation rhino" involved the re-population of white rhino to southern Africa using just a few individuals. For elephants, unregulated poaching and hunting led to the introduction of important protection measures in the late 1980s with a 1989 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ban on commercial trade of ivory and the inclusion of elephants on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as "vulnerable." Elephant poaching levels are also the highest in over 25 years. Both elephants and rhino are currently listed in Appendix I of CITES meaning that commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal. As a result of these efforts, elephant and rhino populations experienced a decade of low levels of poaching (from 1995 to 2007) that saw their populations begin to rehabilitate. This brief period, however, came to an end in 2007 when poaching levels escalated dramatically and continued to increase on an annual basis. For rhino in particular, the poaching rate over time exhibits the magnitude of growing demand with an average of only fourteen poached rhino individuals per year between 1990 and 2007 increasing to over a thousand in 2014. Poaching for ivory and particularly rhino horn is driven by the high value these products have on the black market. According to the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, the street price of Rhino horn is $100,000/kg compared to the price in 1990 which at the time was estimated at $250-500/kg, with a single horn weighing between 1-3kg, depending on the age and species. Thus, the poached value of a rhino individual ranges between $100,000 - $300,000. The price of ivory has tripled in the last three years in China. Uncarved ivory is worth $2,100 per kilo and an elephant on average has 10 kilos per tusk, thus the black market revenue of one poached elephant is approximately $21,000. Demand from consumers is not abating and parallels the purchasing power of Asia's rising middle class which finds rhino and ivory to be symbolic of prestige and wealth. However, what is fundamentally new is the surge in demand of rhino horn from Vietnam stemming from a rumour around 2008 when a Vietnamese politician claimed to be treated for cancer with rhino horn. Contrary to popular belief, rhino horn is not a common ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine and its use now is distinctly a new trend tied to increased wealth and its perceived medicinal qualities. The number of multimillionaires in Vietnam has grown 150% in the last five years. At the same time, cancer rates in Vietnam are increasing 20-30 % annually with an estimated 150,000 new cases each year making for a long waiting list for radiation therapy and lack of capacity to deal with cancer in conventional facilities. Scientifically rhino horn is composed of carotene and is the same chemical composition as a human finger nail, thus making the trade not only unsustainable but scientifically misguided. On the other hand, ivory has been traded throughout history, but demand from Asian countries particularly Vietnam (for rhino horn) over the last decade has led to a resurgence in poaching pushing many African elephant populations towards extinction. Details: Berlin: Ecologic Institute, 2015. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2016 at: http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE%20D3.2c%20-%20Quantitative%20and%20monetary%20analysis%20of%20Elephant%20and%20Rhino%20hunting.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE%20D3.2c%20-%20Quantitative%20and%20monetary%20analysis%20of%20Elephant%20and%20Rhino%20hunting.pdf Shelf Number: 145536 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryRhinosWildlife Crime |
Author: Krishnasamy, Kanitha Title: Observations of the Helmeted Hornbill Trade in LAO PDR Summary: Unlike other species of hornbills, Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil casques are made of solid keratin, making them ideal for carving, and for this reason they are sought after for trade. Since 2012, unprecedented illegal trade in this species has been recorded, with high numbers of Helmeted Hornbill items being seized in China, Indonesia and Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR). As a result of high levels of illegal trade in the species over a short period of time, in 2015, the species was assessed globally as being Critically Endangered. However, little is known of the market and trade dynamics of this species in many Asian countries and therefore conservation strategies are hampered. To understand the trade dynamics in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) better, TRAFFIC conducted an assessment of the open Helmeted Hornbill trade in five locations throughout Lao PDR. Surveys took place over eight days between April and July 2016. Surveys recorded 74 Helmeted Hornbill products in three locations. TRAFFIC recorded 18 Helmeted Hornbill products in Vientiane, 36 in Luang Prabang and 20 in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. A total of 11 whole casques were recorded during the survey, two of which were carved. Beads (24) and pendants (18) were the most commonly observed items. Every shop that sold Helmeted Hornbill products also sold carved elephant ivory items in large numbers—between 100 to over 1000 ivory products each. Where shops advertised prices, these were advertised in either Chinese Yuan or US Dollars—not in local currency. All shops were operated by ethnic Chinese, with all traders in Vientiane and Luang Prabang stating they were from mainland China. This species does not occur in Lao PDR and it is not protected by national legislation. However, it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), prohibiting any international commercial trade. Lao PDR has been a Party to CITES since 2004. The high volume of products observed as offered for sale during our survey therefore represents a violation of CITES regulations. Information recorded during this survey provides a baseline for product availability at a given point in time. Although the number of products observed was not high, it is concerning as it involves a Critically Endangered, CITES Appendix I listed species. This has previously been raised as a concern following CITES Secretariat missions to Lao PDR. The most recent of these missions was conducted from 4–8 July 2016, just 11 days before TRAFFIC’s second visit in Lao PDR. Foremost to Lao PDR being able to commit to and implement CITES regulations is the crucial need for the government to revise its legislation that control the use, import, export and re-export of wildlife, particularly those involving non-native species. This remains a high priority for the country and the CITES mission in July 2016 identified significant loopholes in the national legislation, including matters related to the trade in specimens of species that are not native to Lao PDR. Lao PDR has previously come under pressure at the 16th CITES Conference of Parties (CoP) to improve its implementation of CITES. A year later, the country was subjected to an oversight process by CITES for its role in the illegal ivory trade—Lao PDR was asked to develop and implement a time-bound National Ivory Action Plan, a process that still remains in place. Considering the close trade link between China and Lao PDR, including the presence of traders and businesses that stated they were from mainland China, close collaboration on investigations and law enforcement action between the two countries is critical. Intelligence-led investigations into trade routes and individuals and/or organized networks involved in such crime must be made a priority, from point of source to consumer. Given Lao PDRs disinclination to take action on violations involving non-native species in the country, law enforcement efforts at border points become extremely crucial to cut off any supply into Lao PDR. Trends in the Helmeted Hornbill trade should continually be monitored to document patterns, including in neighbouring countries of Lao PDR. China’s influence in places like the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone points to the significance of—and need for—China-Lao PDR co-operation to end such trade. The CITES Secretariat’s mission to Lao PDR reinforced this need, as there are no clear guidelines on the operation of these Economic Zones in relation to trade in CITES-listed species. This should be key to any deliberations for transboundary enforcement collaboration between China and Lao PDR. A pioneering law enforcement workshop between the two countries was recently held, in June 2016, in Xishuangbana in China’s Yunnan province, which also borders Lao PDR and Myanmar. This workshop discussed the need to strengthen bilateral co-operation including on information exchange, joint enforcement actions and co-operation and awareness raising. International pressure for Lao PDR to shut down the illegal trade will be a critical component in safeguarding this species from extinction. For example, one of the locations found to be selling a Helmeted Hornbill casque and pendant (and many ivory products) was a luxury hotel and Convention Centre in the heart of Vientiane. Governments organizing events should be discouraged from doing so at locations such as these that openly violate CITES. Such a position sends a strong message against those openly violating CITES protocols. Since 2012, the number of Helmeted Hornbill seizures have persisted, with high volumes being reported by Indonesia. If the enforcement and regulation efforts as well as demand for this species, in both source and consumer countries do not succeed in abating demand for this species, Indonesian Helmeted Hornbill populations are likely to reduce significantly and perhaps disappear. Should this happen, it will force poachers to look for the species in the other range States, in particular Malaysia and Thailand, where populations would in turn become vulnerable to poaching, if they are not already. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species assessment for the species postulates that Malaysia is likely to become the next target for the species once the Indonesian supply is exploited. Only with a suite of all these efforts can the poaching of Helmeted Hornbills be reduced and the illegal trade in their parts and products be brought to an end. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 27, 2016 at: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Traf-136.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Laos URL: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Traf-136.pdf Shelf Number: 145009 Keywords: Animal PoachingHelmeted HornbillsIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Wright, Elisson M. Title: Analysis of International Funding to Tackle Illegal Wildlife Trade Summary: Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking are reaching unprecedented levels, robbing the livelihoods of local communities and eroding the global commons. In response, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has launched a major effort to help tackle the supply, trade, and demand for wildlife products. Importantly, the project is not only about stopping the slaughter of animals in the forests and savannas of Africa; it also aims at reducing the demand in Asia. The $131 million GEF-funded program includes 19 countries in Africa and Asia. It is expected to leverage $704 million in additional financing over seven years. The national projects aim to promote wildlife conservation, wildlife crime prevention, and sustainable development in order to reduce adverse impacts to known threatened species. Additionally, a global coordination grant from the GEF will strengthen cooperation and facilitate knowledge exchange between national governments, development-agency partners, and leading practitioners. This program is part of the wider effort by the international donor community to combat illegal wildlife trade. Numerous international financial institutions, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and foundations have launched strategies, programs, and projects to address this serious problem. But while there is a growing momentum from the international community to combat the problem, reliable information on donor funding has been lacking. This important new report, Analysis of International Funding to Tackle Illegal Wildlife Trade, fills an important gap in our understanding of the collective response. The analysis will not only provide a better understanding and coordination of the contributions of the international community, it should ultimately assist those on the ground protecting the wildlife and the livelihoods of local communities. I want to congratulate the World Bank for leading this work, and all the partners who contributed to providing such a comprehensive overview of the investments of the international community to tackle this wildlife crisis. Details: Washington, DC: The World Bank, 2016. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 13, 2016 at: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/695451479221164739/pdf/110267-WP-Illegal-Wildlife-Trade-OUO-9.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/695451479221164739/pdf/110267-WP-Illegal-Wildlife-Trade-OUO-9.pdf Shelf Number: 140421 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking |
Author: Beastall, Claire A. Title: Apes in Demand: For zoo and wildlife attractions in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand Summary: A report based on a survey of 57 facilities across Thailand recorded 51 orangutans on display, but found records for only 21 in the 2014 International Studbook of the Orangutan, which records the source, births, transfers and deaths of individual animals in zoos and attractions worldwide. The numbers of non-native apes seen during the survey in Thailand were also much higher than those recorded as legally imported. Records from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) database showed the import of just five orangutans into Thailand since 1975 and none that could explain the presence of the single Western Gorilla or 14 crested gibbons seen during the survey. According to the study, Apes in Demand for zoos and wildlife attractions in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, this suggests "that at least some of these animals arrived in captivity illegally", and in breach of CITES’s strict rules governing the trade in Appendix I listed species. The report considers that largely to blame are Thailand's laws which fail to protect wildlife from outside the country. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27369265/1481208884120/Apes-in-demand.pdf?token=Bdbi81Hk2MLk7nWnuiLaAhVZGNY%3D Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27369265/1481208884120/Apes-in-demand.pdf?token=Bdbi81Hk2MLk7nWnuiLaAhVZGNY%3D Shelf Number: 146126 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife CrimeWildlife Protection |
Author: Duffy, Rosaleen Title: EU Trade Policy and the Wildlife Trade Summary: The wildlife trade is one of the most lucrative trades in the world. The legal trade into the EU alone is worth EUR 100 billion annually, while the global illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between EUR 8 and 20 billion annually. The trade is highly complex and its legal and illegal forms are often connected. The illegal wildlife trade cannot be tackled via the use of trade policy alone; instead trade instruments need to be used in conjunction with broader means of addressing the wide range of reasons why wildlife is traded illegally first place. This includes the need to reduce poverty and inequality in source countries, demand reduction in consumer countries and tackling corruption, organised crime, poor enforcement and low penalties in many source, transit and end user markets. The EU is also facing some new challenges in the legal and illegal wildlife trade, emanating from the growth of e-commerce, expansion of private mailing centres and the growth of containerisation. The EU already has a strong track record in promoting a legal and sustainable trade, while also attempting to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. The EU already has a legal framework (EUWTR) which sets out stricter arrangements than CITES for trading in wildlife products. It has played an active role at CITES since it joined as a member in 2015, and all 20 EU proposals were accepted at CITES CoP17 in 2016. It now has an opportunity to use trade policy to embed and develop this track record further. Details: Brussels: European Parliament, 2016. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2016 at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/578025/EXPO_STU(2016)578025_EN.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/578025/EXPO_STU(2016)578025_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 146127 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Booker, Francesca Title: First line of defence? A review of evidence on the effectiveness of engaging communities to tackle illegal wildlife trade Summary: Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in wild species and products is at the top of the international conservation agenda. But it is not just a concern for conservationists - it also has implications for economic and social development, and security. The level of international concern about IWT is reflected by the level of investment that has been made in tackling it - more than US$1.3 billion since 2010 (Wright et al. 2016). It is well recognised that tackling IWT requires a multi-pronged approach and that, beyond reducing demand for illegal products and increasing anti IWT law enforcement along the entire wildlife value chain, a third critical strategy is engaging local communities in conservation. By virtue of their proximity to and knowledge of wildlife, local people are well placed to participate in or support poaching and IWT. The same characteristics mean, however, that they are equally well placed to detect, report on, and help prevent it - if the appropriate incentives are in place. But community engagement has received far less attention and investment than law enforcement or demand reduction to date. Only about 15 per cent of the US$1.3 billion has been allocated to initiatives intended to support sustainable use and alternative livelihoods. Part of the problem is that there is no blueprint approach. While global and regional policy commitments to engaging communities abound, details of how these should be implemented and how they impact IWT remain vague. This report attempts to take a first step in addressing that vagueness. It does so by reviewing existing evidence on the effectiveness of different approaches to engaging communities in efforts to tackle IWT. Through a literature review and through submissions to IIED's Conservation, Crime and Communities (CCC) database (www.communitiesforwildlife.iied.org), we identified 49 different examples of community-based initiatives for tackling illegal wildlife trade from Africa (25 initiatives), Asia (18 initiatives) and Latin America (6 initiatives). The most common approach to community engagement in the 49 initiatives was direct involvement in anti-poaching activities - as guards/rangers or informants. Another common approach was the introduction of alternative livelihoods (both wildlife and non-wildlife based). Wildlife tourism development was the most common form of livelihood support activities deployed specifically to engage poachers in one case, but more commonly used to generate conservation incentives for the broader community. Human wildlife conflict mitigation was also employed in over 20 per cent of the initiatives. Very few (four) initiatives involved community members benefiting from sustainable harvesting and legal trade as a conservation incentive. Of the 49 initiatives identified, only 26 (53 per cent) reported on their effectiveness (either in terms of reducing poaching or maintaining or increasing wildlife populations), although a further six noted that the initiatives were at too early a stage in their development to report on effectiveness. For the 26 that reported on effectiveness, 19 (73 per cent) reported that they were effective - although in four cases effectiveness was partial (it varied over time or was site specific); two were not effective; and five were unclear (either they did not provide an assessment of the community engagement component of a broader anti-IWT initiative, or they showed contradictory results). Of the 26 initiatives with a reported impact on poaching/wildlife numbers, only seven (8 per cent of the total dataset) provided details of how this impact had been assessed - including through interviews with local community members, through analysis of records on reported poaching incidents, and through visual assessments. Of these seven, four found that illegal activities (poaching, logging, illegal plant collection) had declined and one found no change; one found that target populations had increased and one found no change. Details: London: IIED, 2017. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 8, 2017 at: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17591IIED.pdf Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17591IIED.pdf Shelf Number: 145348 Keywords: Community EngagementCrime PreventionIllegal Wildlife TradeNatural Resource ManagementNatural ResourcesWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Management |
Author: Nkoke, Christopher Sone Title: Ivory Markets in Central Africa: Market Surveys in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gabon: 2007, 2009, 2014/2015 Summary: Weak governance, corruption and shifting trade dynamics are significant factors seriously undermining the control of ivory trafficking throughout five countries in Central Africa, according to a new TRAFFIC study launched today. Ivory Markets in Central Africa for investigations and analysis spanning a decade In the first comprehensive assessment of ivory trade in the region in nearly two decades, investigators from TRAFFIC visited major cities across Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Gabon in 2007, 2009 and 2014/2015. The investigators posed as buyers at known and newly identified ivory markets and workshops throughout the Congo Basin, interviewing everyone that they encountered connected to the ivory industry. In addition, discussions were held overtly with major stakeholders, including government officials in the five countries. The illegal and unregulated domestic ivory markets in (each of) the five Central African countries have been one of the main sources fuelling ivory trade in the region, as well as in West and Southern Africa and beyond (especially to Asia) in recent years. The report's findings show that open ivory markets in the region are disappearing, largely due to increased enforcement and competition with underground criminal networks. In its place, high-level corruption and poor governance are helping enable sophisticated international trade. Corruption, Collusion and Weak Political Pressure Current legislation prohibits domestic ivory trade in all countries except Cameroon. However, according to the report "there is a loose and ambiguous interpretation of the law in all countries, not only by the authorities in charge of enforcement, but also by many other actors...enforcement efforts are hampered by corruption, often involving high-level governmental officials, insufficient human and financial resources, mismanagement and weak political will." In DRC, one ivory trader interviewed claimed to have a relative in the army who supplied him with raw ivory. He also alleged that the main suppliers are government officials and, to some extent, UN peace keepers, who have the ability to move around the country frequently. Also in DRC, researchers recorded well-informed claims that the FARDC, the country's official army, was one of the main groups responsible for elephant poaching in Virunga National Park, with the ivory exported by the non-State "Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda" (FDLR) to whom the army would sell arms and military equipment. Open Ivory Markets Shifting Underground Throughout the multi-year investigation, market research showed that the region's open illegal ivory markets are disappearing or going underground, often in the face of increasing pressure from authorities conducting frequent law enforcement operations. TRAFFIC investigators recorded less than 1 kg of ivory products openly displayed in 2014/2015 within CAR, Congo, Gabon and Cameroon, compared to around 400 kg in 2007, and more than 900 kg in 1999 between all four countries. The one exception was the ivory market in Kinshasa, DRC, where over 400 kg of ivory products were recorded in 2015. DRC, however, has recently committed to stronger enforcement against the illegal ivory market in Kinshasa, a milestone which TRAFFIC and WWF supported last month. Carved ivory items were said to be bought by a mixture of African and non-African buyers: the former mainly acting as middlemen for foreign buyers. In 2014/2015 80% of foreign buyers were ethnic Asians, especially Chinese but also Malaysians and Vietnamese. In earlier studies, in 2007 and 2009, other nationalities were more regularly mentioned as buyers including French, Japanese, Koreans, Lebanese, Portuguese, Russians, Spaniards, and US Americans, according to the report. Rising International Criminal Networks "The generally positive news contained in this report about the decline of Central African ivory markets needs to be weighed against the fact that, throughout this sub-region, there are still many issues to be addressed and underlying trade dynamics may be shifting beyond local markets," according to Sone Nkoke of TRAFFIC and lead author of the report. common theme heard throughout the sub-region were allegations concerning Chinese citizens operating within organized criminal networks as key actors in the ivory trade. The sharp increase in raw ivory prices locally in recent years was ascribed to "high demand and limited supply owing to the shift to exportation through transnational ivory networks and syndicates with greater financial resources." The study found that "ivory trade in the region is shifting from an open domestic retail trade of worked ivory to underground transactions with a focus on the export of raw ivory to foreign markets, especially China." Among other key issues identified was the lack of robust and transparent mechanisms in place to ensure effective management of stockpiles in all the target countries. In Kinshasa, DRC, the investigators found raw tusks and worked ivory pieces in unsecured government offices - signalling a high potential for leakage into the local market. In Bangui, Central African Republic, the investigators were unable to perform a stockpile survey in 2015 as the storage facility had been looted by rebels. "Real concerted efforts are needed to address the serious decline in elephant populations throughout Central Africa: this is no longer just a wildlife issue, but an ecological disaster strongly driven by highly-organized crime syndicates. Criminals involved in international ivory trade are regularly exploiting weak State governance, and official collusion, confusion and corruption," said Sone Nkoke. "Clearly Central African countries face significant governance and enforcement challenges in regulating elephant poaching and ivory trafficking. They urgently need to ramp up their efforts to implement a range of commitments that they have made at multiple international fora over the last ten years," said Paulinus Ngeh, Director of the TRAFFIC Central Africa Regional Office. "Such efforts will need to be continuously and transparently monitored for quality and action." Central African States have pledged commitments to stop elephant poaching and illegal ivory trade under CITES, the African Union Common Wildlife Strategy, and other regional strategies, as well as under the United Nations fora on combatting corruption. Follow-through on these commitments is crucial to sustain wildlife in the region. Details: Yaounde, Cameroon and Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2017. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 9, 2017 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2017/9/7/new-traffic-study-lifts-lid-on-central-africa-ivory-markets.html Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2017/9/7/new-traffic-study-lifts-lid-on-central-africa-ivory-markets.html Shelf Number: 147176 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal MarketsIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryOrganized CrimePolitical CorruptionTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crime |
Author: Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group - ESAAMLG Title: A Special Typologies Project Report on Poaching, Illegal Trade in Wildlife and Wildlife Products and Associated Money Laundering in the ESAAMLG Region Summary: 1. The majority of ESAAMLG member countries have vast resources in wildlife, which during the last few years have seen unprecedented targeting by both individuals and syndicates involved in poaching and other illegal wildlife activities. This typology project focused on poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products and associated money laundering in the ESAAMLG Region. 2. Illicit wildlife trafficking is one of the most lucrative types of transnational organized crime today, with annual revenues estimated to be between USD 7.8 billion and USD 10 billion per year1 (excluding fisheries and timber). These illegal proceeds are suspected to be laundered into the financial systems worldwide. 3. Common to wildlife poaching is its localized and cross-border phenomenon which is often orchestrated by well organised, sophisticated and at times heavily armed poachers. The cross border nature of poaching puts the illegal activity beyond the capacities of most governments in the Region. Poaching invariably transcends into illegal wildlife trade which has been associated with well organised crime groups which through the unlawful trade and complex laundering means of the proceeds have amassed a lot of resources. The resources include immediate large amounts of disposable cash, modern technology and established corrupt transportation routes. 4. The Independent newspaper, a daily publication in Britain, reported on 6 February 2014 that the dangerous criminal networks that run the global wildlife trade have been allowed to persist and prosper as a result of "chronic government failures" to treat them seriously. The report further states that the industry (dealing in illegal wildlife business) is the world's fourth biggest illegal trade after narcotics, human trafficking and counterfeiting. Feedback from regional wildlife NGOs (using former Police officers as consultants), indicated that the criminal networks involved in smuggling drugs, humans, extra are almost always the same networks involved in smuggling wildlife products. This is because they already have an established "network" - and the wildlife product is just a different product. 5. The ESAAMLG region, given its vast resources in wildlife is uniquely placed to study and uncover the illegal trends in this industry, in an effort to assist governments of its member states and other stakeholders in setting up an informed policy framework on wildlife resources. 6. The findings in this report also confirms that despite arresting traffickers and seizing illegal wildlife products, law enforcement have failed to arrest or convict, let alone confiscate/forfeit illegally acquired assets by the criminal masterminds wreaking havoc in this area across Africa. A report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), which has been investigating illegal wildlife trade for more than three decades states; "Despite record seizures of illegal ivory, not a single criminal kingpin involved in the international illegal trade of ivory has been prosecuted and convicted to date. That is a damning indictment. With less than 3,500 wild tigers left, elephant numbers plummeting and rhinos under attack again, we need to get it right,". 7. Azzedine Downes, a researcher on wildlife poaching, in an article titled; "When it comes to poaching, hate the crime not the criminal", highlights factors contributing to wildlife poaching being: the amounts of money generated, low risk of arrest, lenient penalties, killing and thefts done quickly, inexpensive and little social stigma associated with the crime (compared to other crimes such as murder, robbery, kidnapping, etc). The ESAAMLG Region, through this study found indications which may support the above factors as contributing to the ever increasing incidences of wildlife poaching and associated wildlife illegal trade in the region. 8. The ramifications of poaching and other wildlife crimes and illegal trade are horrendous. ESAAMLG member countries' future generations stand the possible risk of not seeing the wonderful wildlife which the Region has been naturally enriched with. This study found that cultural beliefs which do not have their origin in the ESAAMLG Region and the huge financial benefits derived from wildlife illegal trade and their successful laundering could be some of the factors fuelling poaching of wildlife in the Region. In summary the study, among other things, presents indications, trends and typologies to help understand how these crimes are organised, identify the players, proceeds generated and their movement with specific attention being paid to the laundering trends of the illegal proceeds. Ultimately the study is intended to influence policy change by the ESAAMLG member countries in their approach to combatting illegal wildlife activities and mitigate the gaps in combating wildlife crimes and laundering of the generated illegal proceeds. 9. The project was approved by the ESAAMLG Council of Ministers at its meeting in Luanda, Angola, in September 2014. The project team consisted of Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Namibia was the project chair. C. Executive summary 10. This typology report primarily looks at the poaching, trafficking and the proceeds thereof (illegal trade), in the ESAAMLG member countries and Africa as a secondary part of the scope. Given the significant demand for wildlife and wildlife products harvested in member countries, it is clear that there are significant financial flows associated with these crimes. Such financial flows constitute proceeds of crime, and thus fall within the ambit of money laundering, and to a certain extend these financial flows may in one way or the other be used to support terrorist financing activities in Central Africa. 11. The major finding is that wildlife crimes, particularly rhino and elephant poaching are escalating at alarming levels, with extinction being a reality. The study further found that a number of vulnerabilities in wildlife crime combatting frameworks across the various member countries are exploited by syndicates committing these crimes. The most common shortcoming highlighted by member countries as a hindrance to adequate and effective combative efforts is the general lack of resources for the various wildlife crime combative stakeholders aided by corrupt public officials. 12. The report aims to provide an overview on the: - Predicate offences of wildlife crimes; - Syndicates and persons committing these crimes and their methods of operation; - Notable trends and typologies in the flow of finances related to these crimes; - Notable preventative measures in place to mitigate these wildlife crimes and related financial flows; - Areas within combative and intelligence frameworks that may need improvement; Destination countries (regions) of poached wildlife products. 13. The study found that there is a growing demand for wildlife and wildlife products mostly in the Asian countries and U.S.A. In an effort to supply this demand, it came to the fore that organized transnational criminal syndicates have created networks that facilitate the execution of poaching and related wildlife crime activities and the trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products from mainly African countries to consumer destinations in Asia and U.S.A. These networks involve recruitment of locals who are in the ESAAMLG region into poaching activities for minimal financial rewards, the bribing of authorities at crucial points of entry and exits such as border posts and airports to help facilitate the smuggling of wildlife and wildlife products, ultimately compromising the border security. 14. It is however worth noting that despite the case studies indicating a lucrative business with significant financial gains in trading wildlife products such as ivory, almost all ESAAMLG member countries could not provide details on financial flows such as methods and techniques used to fund poaching activities in cases investigated. This is compounded by the fact that most ESAAMLG member countries' economies are predominantly cash based. Additionally, the study could not obtain data and information related to methods used to pay for the wildlife and wildlife products by end users and/or kingpins of the organized criminal syndicates, in the consumer countries. This lack of information in itself may explain why authorities in member countries did not paint successful wildlife crime combatting efforts as per information requested for this study. 15. The study equally found that the FIUs in member countries are hardly involved in investigative operations (tactically or strategically) concerning wildlife crimes. Apart from South Africa, LEAs in other member countries such as the police and the various environmental authorities do not have engagements through formal MoUs with the resident FIUs, let alone foreign FIUs, in an effort to coordinate and benefit from the strengths of one another. It goes without saying that despite the transnational nature of wildlife crimes, countries generally reported poor international cooperation as an area of concern in the combatting of wildlife crimes. 16. The study equally reviewed counter wildlife trafficking efforts in Asian countries, as destinations of wildlife and wildlife products. It is worth noting that information requested from most of the countries identified as the largest consumers of illegal wildlife products harvested from ESAAMLG member countries has to date not been provided by the relevant authorities in those countries. In two of the countries where wildlife and wildlife products from ESAAMLG member countries are consumed, it was surprising to find that these countries have only criminalised possession of wildlife and wildlife products, if same is originating from within their jurisdictions. This means, in these countries, being found in possession of wildlife and wildlife products from Africa is not a criminal offence. 17. Despite the various counter wildlife trafficking laws in most Asian countries advocating for investigative authorities to liaise with and involve the countries of origin of the wildlife and wildlife products seized or found in their jurisdictions, there were hardly any cases provided by such jurisdictions to show if this is indeed happening. In almost all cases provided for this study, by Asian countries, the wildlife crime investigations do not engage with relevant African authorities and the seized wildlife products such as rhino horns and elephant tusks are destroyed, if not reserved for local state museums. These factors may point a need to strengthen international cooperation, with the aim of enhancing combative efforts both locally and in consumer jurisdictions. Details: Dar es Salaam - United Republic of Tanzania: ESAAMLG Typologies Working Group, 2016. 131p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 8, 2017 at: https://www.esaamlg.org/userfiles/Typologies%20Report%20on%20the%20Wildlife%20Crimes%20and%20Related%20ML.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://www.esaamlg.org/userfiles/Typologies%20Report%20on%20the%20Wildlife%20Crimes%20and%20Related%20ML.pdf Shelf Number: 148054 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryMoney LaunderingOrganized CrimeTerrorist FinancingTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Flynn, Melanie Title: Sentencing Wildlife Trade Offences in England and Wales: Consistency, Appropriateness and the Role of Sentencing Guidelines. Summary: 'Sentencing wildlife trade offences in England and Wales: consistency, appropriateness and the role of sentencing guidelines' is a new report commissioned by WWF-UK. The report examines the state of sentencing for wildlife trade offences in England and Wales, and explores the possible benefits of creating sentencing guidelines for such offences. The research examined 174 cases of illegal wildlife trade between 1986 and 2013 that resulted in convictions in courts of England and Wales and found that: - Most cases (74%) resulted in non-custodial sentences with only 58% including a fine - Fines were low - 88% were ≤$2,500, and 70% were less than the wildlife product value - When custodial sentences were used, the length of imprisonment was short - usually under ten months Overall, sentencing was considered to be inconsistent and lenient when the high profits and significant harms of offending were taken into account. Our report showed that one of the reasons for the lenient sentences imposed in the UK is that judges and sentencers might not be informed about the seriousness of the crime or the harm caused. We are therefore urging the Sentencing Council to create sentencing guidelines for wildlife trade offences, which would set out clear ways that appropriate sentences can be reached. Details: Woking, Surrey: World Wildlife Fund UK, 2017. 157p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 15, 2017 at: https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-01/WWF-UK%20Report%20-Sentencing%20wildlife%20trade%20offences%20in%20England%20and%20Wales.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-01/WWF-UK%20Report%20-Sentencing%20wildlife%20trade%20offences%20in%20England%20and%20Wales.pdf Shelf Number: 148295 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeIvorySentencing GuidelinesWildlife Crime |
Author: Chemonics International Inc. Title: Wildlife Crime in Indonesia: .A Rapid Assessment of the Current Knowledge, Trends and Priority Actions Summary: Global Context Wildlife crime refers to any activities involving wild species that have been prohibited by law. It is now one of the largest criminal industries in the world, worth an estimated $19 billion (IFAW 2013). Whilst little overall empirical data is available, there is strong evidence that wildlife crime is rising in parallel with rising economic prosperity. There is also evidence that it is increasingly overlapping with other organized criminal activities. A key driver of the illegal trade in wildlife is the demands from the traditional medicine, exotic pet, curio and food markets, with prices for some wildlife products exceeding those for gold and platinum. Although the impacts of wildlife crime on the environment, particularly on endangered species, have long been recognized, the impacts of the illegal trade in wildlife on broader economic prosperity, social wellbeing and the stability of governance are increasingly being appreciated, and in line with this trend, international recognition of the severity of the problem has grown significantly in the last 10-15 years. Asia has long been a global hub for wildlife crime, both as a supplier and consumer. Due to the recent economic growth in Asia its role as a consumer has risen, increasing demand for regional and international products. After a long period of inaction, various Asian institutions are now also starting to respond to the threats presented by wildlife crime, with the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network the key initiative but increasing interest also being shown by APEC and the Asian Development Bank. Wildlife Crime in Indonesia It is currently impossible to provide accurate estimates of the scale and volume of wildlife crime in Indonesia. Current data gaps and biases are huge, the number of threatened and targeted species is long, and the data that does exist is often not readily accessible, or easily comparable. Despite this, the data that is available on specific species and from specific sites, combined with expert testimony from those fighting wildlife crimes in the field, paints a compelling and deeply concerning picture. Wildlife crime is considered to be widespread and relatively open in Indonesia and the country has a reputation for being one of the key regional players in the market. Details on Indonesia's role in the illegal trade in some key species are included in Section III. Most experts believe the industry to be growing, to be getting marginally less visible and to be getting more organised, but specific estimates on the size and growth of the industry are currently lacking. Although the key drivers behind wildlife crime in Indonesia are similar to the global drivers, with demand from China key, domestic markets in Indonesia are also significant, both for domestic and international products. The prices offered for wildlife products in Indonesia are also very significant in comparison to average per capita income and experts tend to agree that prices are rising. Secondary factors which create the enabling conditions for wildlife crime in Indonesia include limited or poorly enforced land use planning, and the weak protection of conservation areas. This leads to relatively uncontrolled deforestation, which opens up access to hunting and increases human-wildlife conflict, which is a key entry point of wild animals into the illegal trade. In addition, overlapping mandates, variable political interest in wildlife crime and a lack of inter-agency coordination are all factors that further complicate enforcement. The wider impacts of wildlife crime in Indonesia are not well understood. Environmental impacts on specific species, such as tigers, rhinos and specific bird species have been recorded, but the likely significant social and economic impacts are still largely based on limited data, or focused on specific sites or species. Analysis of this kind is severely hampered by poor data availability, and the limited comparability of data from different sources (e.g. NGOs, and different Government agencies). However, areas where the trade is better understood show fairly complex, well-organised crime syndicates controlling activities. Some of the illegal activity involves trading totally prohibited species or species parts, such as tiger, pangolin or elephant. Others involve illegal trade of legal species, such as reptiles and birds, either by passing wild-caught specimens off as captive bred, or by exceeding quotas (see Appendix IV). Online wildlife crime is also a growing problem in Indonesia. Although Indonesia's legislative framework is relatively robust, there are numerous loopholes related to wildlife and wildlife protection, and these remain a limiting factor in tackling the issue. Indonesia is also a signatory to CITES and a supporter of other international conventions related to wildlife crime, as well as and an active participant in numerous international and regional collaborations. As the importance of wildlife crime as an economic and social issue becomes more widely communicated regionally, these partnerships have enabled Indonesia to develop a strong political platform which could be used to demonstrate its leadership on this issue in the future. Prioritising interventions within Indonesia for addressing wildlife crime Interventions addressing the underlying macro-level drivers behind wildlife crime in Indonesia are important but difficult to implement, particularly because several of the markets are dominated by other countries in mainland Asia. Progress to date has been made predominantly close to the forest, with poachers, low level traders, transporters and middlemen being successfully targeted by the authorities or through combined NGO/Government operations. These efforts are critical, particularly those which target poachers before animals are trapped or killed, and new investment could be directed towards new and scaled up approaches at this scale, building on enforcement successes, and proven existing partnerships. Improvements in data collection, data coordination and information management are fundamental and will underpin the success of the majority of these initiatives. Much data already exists, but is of varying quality, collected using varying methodologies, and is often not shared with the agencies that need it for their work. A coordinating body on wildlife crime data could help address these concerns, and ensure all government units and all NGOs cooperate and collaborate to bring their individual competitive advantages to bear in addressing the problem. However, any attempt to target a reduction in Indonesia's role in the international supply chains for wildlife trade will also require investment in top down approaches that target the kingpins and criminal networks controlling the import and export levels of the supply chain, alongside strong government relationships, bilateral partnerships and joint action plans with other countries in the region which codify collective action and cooperation. In addition, there is also significant potential to reduce domestic demand and to provide more robust sanctions and incentives which curtail wildlife crime. Addressing the needed revisions to national legislative frameworks would support ground level enforcement, and both the priorities and process of reform are relatively well understood. Engendering a sea change in the culture and effectiveness of the authorities enforcing the laws is also absolutely crucial, but this is considerably more complex, requiring strong leadership from within, as well as sanctions and incentives that encourage behavioural change across institutions. High level political will is needed to engender and prioritise this change, and signs of this already occurring in Indonesia are enormously positive, and indicate that the process of raising wildlife crime from the environmental agenda to the political one has already begun. Details: Washington, DC: United States Agency for International Development, 2015. 88p. Source: Internet Resource: Changes for Justice Project: Accessed January 19, 2018 at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KH52.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Indonesia URL: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KH52.pdf Shelf Number: 148881 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crime |
Author: Sy, Emerson Y. Title: Trading Faces: Utilisation of Facebook to Trade Live Reptiles in the Philippines Summary: The trade in live reptiles as pets has increased significantly in the last three decades with Asian countries playing an increasing role as important trade hubs and consumers. In the Philippines, all non-native and native reptile species are protected under the Wildlife Act of 2001 and enthusiasts are required to obtain permits to keep reptiles legally. Physical markets were traditionally the main source of live reptiles, but some illegal wildlife traders suspected to have been displaced by successful enforcement actions have increasingly turned to online platforms to continue their illicit trading activities. Facebook is an immensely popular social networking website with more than 47 million active monthly users in the Philippines. Recognising the increasing importance of Facebook in live reptile trade, TRAFFIC researchers conducted a three-month survey from June-August 2016 to elucidate current trade dynamics, analyse trends, and identify areas for future work. CITES trade data for non-native reptiles imported to the Philippines from 2005-2016 were also analysed to determine species and quantities imported into the country over the 12-year period. A total of 2245 unique live reptile advertisements representing 115 taxa and a minimum of 5082 individuals were posted by 1046 traders in 90 pre-selected Facebook groups. The cumulative membership (i.e. summed membership without removing people who were members of multiple groups) in the 90 Facebook groups at the beginning of the survey was 359 328, but quickly increased by 11% within three months. The estimated potential value of all advertised reptiles recorded during this study was PHP26 451 345 (USD570 148). The results of this study were shared by TRAFFIC with the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and Facebook to augment their trade data and for follow-up action. The top 10 most commonly-traded species alone accounted for 82% of all animals recorded to be offered for sale on Facebook. Thirty four percent of traded taxa are native and legally protected in the Philippines, including the two Critically Endangered Philippine Forest Turtles Siebenrockiella leytensis offered. Practically all available native specimens found for sale were likely collected illegally from the wild since there are no credible commercial captive breeding programmes in the country. Based on current Philippine wildlife law and regulations, at least 80% of documented online traders in this study were deemed involved, knowingly or otherwise, in illegal trading activities. Research also showed that within Metro Manila, the preferred method of parties to finalise a transaction is to meet at a pre-arranged place such as at the trader's residence, pet center or train station. Philippines also reported the import of 6078 live non-native reptiles representing 72 taxa, from 25 countries between 2005-2016. Fifty two percent of taxa (n = 60) available in trade were internationally regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Five non-native CITES Appendix I-listed reptiles, representing 36 animals were also recorded for trade in the 90 Facebook groups. None of them had importation records, according to the BMB, and were therefore traded illegally. This includes the 20 Critically Endangered Radiated Tortoises Astrochelys radiata endemic to Madagascar and the seven Endangered Big-headed Turtles Platysternon megacephalum. Further, 33 non-native CITES Appendix II-listed species were also offered for sale on Facebook. Of these, 28 individuals from eight species had no importation records since 1981, meaning they were very likely acquired and being traded illegally. The availability of non-native species, including CITES Appendix I-listed taxa, without legal importation records suggests smugglers exploited loopholes in the implementation of Philippine wildlife and Customs rules and regulations. The weak implementation of wildlife law and corruption, where there have been recent reported cases with airport personnel facilitating trade, are factors affecting wildlife trade governance at seaports and airports. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) anti-illegal wildlife trade efforts will continue to be undermined unless import/export loopholes are addressed and those individuals involved are held accountable to the full extent of the law. The trade also directly threatens native and endemic reptiles due to unabated wildlife poaching throughout the country. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2018. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 1, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27803939/1516283835030/Facebook-Reptile-Trade-Philippines.pdf?token=CejcV%2BesSUguyxJBC0RKP5hWCVc%3D Year: 2018 Country: Philippines URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27803939/1516283835030/Facebook-Reptile-Trade-Philippines.pdf?token=CejcV%2BesSUguyxJBC0RKP5hWCVc%3D Shelf Number: 148958 Keywords: Animal PoachingIllegal TradeIllegal Wildlife TradeReptilesSocial MediaWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: May, Victoria Title: A Review of Wildlife Crime Court Cases in Malawi 2010-2017 Summary: Between 10,000 and 100,000 species are estimated to be going extinct each year, which is around 1,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate . Africa's elephants are declining at catastrophic rates. In 2014, the National Academy of Science in the United States published data showing that c. 40,000 Savannah elephants were poached each year in Africa between 2009 and 2013. At this rate of decline, this iconic species could be extinct in the wild by 2025. In Malawi over 50% of elephants have been lost in the last 25 years, and Kasungu National Park now supports c. 50 elephants down from c. 2,000 in the late 1980s. The illegal trade in ivory is driving the killing of our elephants, and armed criminal gangs now pose a real and immediate threat to our rangers and local communities. The volume of illicit ivory trafficked globally tripled between 1998 and 2011, and more than doubled between 2007 and 2011 . Between 2009 and 2014 there were over 90 seizures of ivory that weighed more than 500 kg, with a total weight of more than 170 tonnes. This included an ivory seizure in my own country in May 2013 of c. 2.6 tonnes. Unfortunately, the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Flora and Fauna (CITES) recently listed Malawi as a country of "primary concern" in terms of elephant ivory trafficking. The same report proclaimed Malawi to be the principal transit hub for illicit ivory in Southern Africa. This is something that we Malawians are fully committed to rectify and we have made some significant steps forwards, including amending and strengthening our principle wildlife legislation and increasing our wildlife crime investigation capacity. However, wildlife poaching and trafficking is no longer solely a wildlife conservation issue and wildlife authorities cannot succeed if they attempt to tackle wildlife crime alone. The illicit ivory trade is a multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise. It spans continents and contributes to the degradation not only of natural environments, but also our communities, rule of law, and security. It is evident that, in terms of crime profits, IWT now ranks alongside trafficking in drugs, arms and humans. So, whilst wildlife poaching and trafficking remain urgent conservation issues, they must also be seen as serious organised crimes that threaten states. A strong response is required, and by all arms of government. This includes wildlife authorities, but also wider law enforcement agencies, legislators and the judiciary. This project is evidence that here in Malawi we are adopting a collaborative inter-agency approach to tackling these serious crime, including the critical engagement of our Judiciary. This report presents legal analysis of all available elephant and rhino crime court cases concluded in Malawi since 2010. It also appraises the impact of courtroom monitoring and public-private prosecution on wildlife crime court outcomes, both of which were introduced in Malawi in July 2016. The purpose of this analysis was to develop a series of recommendations on the management and reporting of wildlife crime. All findings are based on data collected from courts across the country. Details: Lilongwe, Malawi: Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, 2017. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 2, 2018 at: https://www.lilongwewildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildlife-Justice-Report-Final.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Malawi URL: https://www.lilongwewildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildlife-Justice-Report-Final.pdf Shelf Number: 148975 Keywords: Animal PoachingElephantsIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crime |
Author: Martin, Rowan Title: Assessing the Extent and Impact of Illicit Financial Flows in the Wildlife and Tourism Economic Sectors in Southern Africa Summary: This study on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in the Wildlife and Tourism sectors in Southern Africa emanated from the TrustAfrica (TA) and the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) project "Assessing the extent and impact of illicit financial flows in key economic sectors in Southern Africa". The three components of the project are mining, agriculture and wildlife. IFFs are illicit movements from one country to another of money or products that are illegally acquired. The money typically originates from three sources in the private sector: commercial tax evasion, trade misinvoicing and abusive transfer pricing. However, other types of criminal activity can produce IFFs, which in this study include the trafficking of live animals and plants and their products and associated corruption (bribery and theft by corrupt government officials) through which the proceeds end up in another country. This wildlife trade and tourism IFF study is the first of its kind and the methodologies involved a combination of population modelling, estimated product offtakes and open source trade data. The trade research is limited to eight species groups - elephants, rhinos, lions, pangolins, crocodiles, abalone, sharks and rays, and cycads. The study concluded that for the period 2006-2014, Southern Africa lost almost US$ 1.5 billion in illicit transfers of funds or products overseas, or close to 50% of all wildlife commodity exports. Surprisingly, illegal exports of abalone meat made up almost half of this amount. The IFFs in the wildlife tourism sector were much larger, estimated at over US$ 22 billion in the ten years 2006-2015, and deriving mainly from tax evasion and trade misinvoicing, sometimes involving offshore shell companies. We predicted that more than US$3 billion could have been lost in 2016 in the eight countries covered in this study. The main causes of the huge losses to the economies of Southern Africa in wildlife trade were CITES trade bans and the fact that local communities were not empowered to manage what should rightfully be their resources on their land. Trade bans and disenfranchisement led communities to harvest illegally and to sell wildlife products to illegal exporters. The only way to mitigate these losses would be to do away with trade bans, bring most species into the legal sector, and establish supply and demand regulatory systems that would ensure conservation of the species while also satisfying legitimate stakeholder interests, primarily those of communities and enterprises that live in association with the wildlife and which share common habitats. Note: Disclaimer: The findings in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of TA and OSISA. Details: TrustAfrica and the Open Society for Southern Africa (OSISA), 2017. 177p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2018 at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2996874 Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2996874 Shelf Number: 149025 Keywords: Financial CrimesIllegal Wildlife TradeIllicit Financial FlowsTax EvasionTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Out of Africa: Byting Down on Wildlife Cybercrime Summary: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has been researching the threat that online wildlife trade poses to endangered species since 2004. During that time, our research in over 25 countries around the globe has revealed the vast scale of trade in wildlife and their parts and products on the world's largest marketplace, the Internet - a market that is open for business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whilst legal trade exists in respect of many species of wildlife, online platforms can provide easy opportunities for criminal activities. Trade over the Internet is often largely unregulated and anonymous, often with little to no monitoring or enforcement action being taken against wildlife cybercriminals. In addition, cyber-related criminal investigations are complicated by jurisdictional issues, with perpetrators in different geographical locations and laws differing from country to country. This poses a serious threat to the survival of some of the world's most iconic species and the welfare of individual animals. This report outlines the results of new IFAW research in seven different countries in Africa, exploring the availability of wild animals and their products in an area of the world with a rapid growth in access to the Internet. This research is part of a broader project to address wildlife cybercrime in Africa, funded by the US government's Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The wider project included researching trade in elephant, rhino and tiger products over the 'Darknet'; providing training on investigating wildlife cybercrime to enforcers in South Africa and Kenya; ensuring policy makers addressed the threat of wildlife cybercrime through adopting Decision 17.92 entitled Combatting Wildlife Cybercrime at the CoP17 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Johannesburg 2016; carrying out a review of legislation as it pertains to wildlife cybercrime; and providing training to online technology companies to assist with the effective implementation of their policies. Research focused on online marketplaces and social media platforms utilised by traders stating they were based in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. In most cases, this meant focusing on trading platforms based in those specific countries, but researchers also identified traders stating they were based in South Africa using international Alibaba and eBay sites. Details: Washington, DC: IFAW, 2017. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2018 at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/(Pixelated%20Webversion)SAInvestigationReport_lores.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/(Pixelated%20Webversion)SAInvestigationReport_lores.pdf Shelf Number: 149865 Keywords: Computer CrimeCybercrimeIllegal Wildlife TradeInternet CrimeWildlife Crime |
Author: Niskanen, Leo Title: Strengthening Local Community Engagement in Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade: Case studies from Kenya Summary: The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and associated poaching - particularly of iconic species such as African elephants and rhinos - is one of the highest profile conservation challenges today. A recent analysis by the World Bank (Wright et al., 2016) estimated that donors have contributed over $1.3 billion to tackling IWT since 2010. There is growing recognition among practitioners and policy makers of the need to engage and invest in rural communities that neighbour or live with wildlife as key partners in tackling IWT, particularly as they form a "first line of defence". However, to date, this strategy has received far less attention than other approaches including law enforcement and demand reduction. This is partly because there is no "one size fits all" solution to community engagement and a framework to guide such interventions on the ground has been lacking. In response, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and partners developed a dynamic Theory of Change (ToC) that seeks to better understand the different incentives and disincentives that influence whether local people engage in IWT or help to prevent it. An initial draft of the ToC was developed for a workshop led by the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi) held in the run up to the Kasane Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in 2015 (IUCN SULi et al 2015) and was subsequently refined through expert consultation. The ToC identifies four causal pathways for community-level actions, each underpinned by a series of key assumptions. The four pathways are: (a) strengthening disincentives for illegal behaviour; b) increasing incentives for wildlife stewardship; c) decreasing costs of living with wildlife; and d) supporting non-wildlife related livelihoods. Underlying all four pathways are a number of "enabling actions" to strengthen governance from the local to national to regional and to international scale including supporting the institutional framework to enforce against IWT; increasing the perceived fairness of wildlife laws; strengthening laws for community management of and benefit from wildlife; and fighting corruption. In addition, underlying all the actions in the ToC is the need for enhancing community capacity - to both manage and benefit from wildlife. The ToC is informed by situational crime prevention (SCP) theory. SCP recognises that any individual is capable of committing an offence at any time if the opportunity arises, and that the likelihood of the opportunity arising is completely context specific. SCP is based on five key principles: increase the effort, increase the risks, reduce the rewards, reduce provocation, and remove excuses (Clark 2009). While the four pathways in our ToC do not directly mirror these principles, many of the strategies that underlie the SCP principles are reflected in the pathways, particularly Pathway A on increasing the disincentives for illegal activities and Pathway C on reducing the costs of living with wildlife. Our ToC however goes beyond SCP to also explicitly focus on increasing positive incentives for "good behaviour" - wildlife stewardship and alternative livelihoods. The SCP framework was developed in a context of general, non-wildlife related, crime prevention where such incentives are generally not relevant. In a wildlife management context, however, decades of experience of community based wildlife management point to their importance. It should also be noted that our ToC focuses explicitly on community based interventions to tackle IWT and does not take account of efforts to reduce IWT through other means. Our ToC is just one part of the bigger puzzle. If evidence shows that IWT is declining or increasing in a particular location - be it at the local, regional or national scale - our ToC can help explain how community based approaches may have contributed to those observed outcomes. It is not intended to explore how other types of intervention such as conventional top-down law enforcement might also have contributed. It also cannot show causal linkages between community actions and IWT outcomes. The Strengthening Local Community Engagement in Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade project (2016-2018) intends to test the ToC with the aim of further refining it and then providing practical guidance to conservation programme designers, implementers, donors and policymakers who have an interest in engaging communities to tackle IWT. Funded by UKaid through the UK government's Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF), the project is implemented by IUCN (IUCN East and Southern Africa Regional Office, Conservation Areas & Species programme; the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG); and the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi)) in partnership with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED); Royal Roads University; Big Life Foundation (BLF); the Cottar's Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT); and the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA). The project is also sharing lessons and methodologies with the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), which works with Maasai communities in a large swathe of southern Kenya to help develop and enhance a network of conservancies and to strengthen its community-based approaches to reducing IWT. The project's long term goal is "More effective and widespread community engagement in tackling IWT resulting in reduction in pressure on African elephant populations and increased benefits from improved wildlife stewardship." The anticipated outcome of the project is "The conditions for stronger engagement of local communities to combat - rather than participate in - IWT while positively contributing to local livelihoods is better understood and forms the basis of practical guidance for anti-IWT policy and programme development in Kenya (and beyond)." Details: Nairobi: IUCN, International Institute for Environment and Development, 2018. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2018 at: https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/olderkesi_kilitome_case_study_final_press_ver.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Kenya URL: https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/olderkesi_kilitome_case_study_final_press_ver.pdf Shelf Number: 150325 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimesWildlife Management |
Author: Singh, Sarinda Title: Trade in Natural Resources in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR: An assessment of the wildlife trade in the Lao PDR demonstration site of the Mekong River Basin Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme (MWBP) Summary: As a contribution to the Mekong River Basin Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme (MWBP), field studies were conducted in the MWBP demonstration sites of Lao PDR and Cambodia to investigate trade in natural resources. This report summarises findings from the Lao demonstration site in Attapeu Province. The aim of the field study was to provide an overview of natural resource trade, including fish, wildlife (terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates aside from fish) and non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The MWBP is founded on an integrated approach to natural resource management, as it seeks to incorporate needs for biodiversity conservation with the promotion of sustainable use that supports local livelihoods. Thus, the study sought to highlight the varied economic, ecological and social factors that influence trade dynamics in the MWBP demonstration site. Participatory methods were used to collect information from four villages and 20 camps in the demonstration site, as well as from local urban markets, in order to identify the types of natural resources being traded, trade routes and trends in trade over time. In addition, information on regulations and current management practices was collected from government offices in the provincial capital in Attapeu. The results demonstrate the critical importance of trade in natural resources for rural livelihoods, as both a source of regular income and a coping strategy during rice shortages. Reliability in supply and market demand, along with flexibility in use, were key characteristics of natural resources that were preferred trade items. While trade in NTFPs is most significant at a provincial level, fish trade was considered more important by villagers in the demonstration site, thus indicating the significance of wetlands and river systems in the site. Trade in NTFPs and wildlife is, however, often conducted in conjunction with fishing activities. This trend was particularly apparent in temporary and semi-permanent camps established along the Xe Kong and Xe Pian Rivers, where fishing was interspersed with the collection of forest resources for trade. Local trade patterns for common wildlife match many of the trade routes for fish, due to limited transportation options, overlap in market demand and the fact that wildlife and fish are often traded by the same trader. Many of the natural resources currently traded in the demonstration site are also used for local subsistence. Given the impacts of trade on consumption patterns, it is not surprising then that while trade in natural resources is incredibly important for local livelihoods, unregulated trade is also regarded as an issue of concern by villagers. In Attapeu, 14 globally threatened (IUCN Red List) wildlife species and 23 CITES-listed species were observed in trade during the field studies. Estimates of trade volumes reveal that official perceptions of wildlife trade vastly underestimate its actual extent and hence its significance for both villagers' livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. As market demand and market access are key determinants of trade patterns, it is apparent that ongoing road improvements in Attapeu Province are having effects on trade in natural resources in the demonstration site. The prices, volumes and diversity of natural resources being sourced from the demonstration site for trade purposes have all increased in recent years. As construction of major roads in Attapeu has only just been completed, it can be expected that the trade-driven pressures on natural resources in the demonstration site will continue to intensify. Provincial authorities are making clear efforts to regulate trade in natural resources, such as by establishing checkpoints to regulate natural resources trade at domestic and international borders. However, uncertainties and contradictions persist in implementation and enforcement, as they do in policy. Interventions must ensure that local communities with limited alternative economic opportunities are able to secure their natural resources for long-term benefits. Village-level interventions are appropriate for some trade issues, but there must also be corresponding action to control the activities of outsiders, as well as interventions targeting local, domestic and international markets in order to ensure the effectiveness of management and the sustainability of trade in natural resources. Details: Vientiane, Lao PDR. TRAFFIC, 2006. 98p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2018 at: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Traf-099.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Laos URL: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Traf-099.pdf Shelf Number: 150355 Keywords: Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife TradeNatural Resources Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade |
Author: Leupen, Boyd T.C. Title: Black Spotted Turtle Trade in Asia II: A Seizure Analysis (2014-2016) Summary: The Black Spotted Turtle Geoclemys hamiltonii, native to South Asia, is a heavily trafficked chelonian, despite the presence of national laws prohibiting local trade in the species throughout its range and despite its listing in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1975, prohibiting all commercial international trade. A 2014 TRAFFIC study found that Black Spotted Turtle trade numbers had significantly increased between 2013 and 2014, with more than 1960 turtles seized in a total of 22 recorded incidents. This sudden escalation of the trade was a cause for concern and called for improved regulations and continued monitoring efforts. To understand the development of the Black Spotted Turtle trade since then, the current study was conducted, analysing seizures for the two-year period between April 2014 and March 2016. During this period, 53 Black Spotted Turtle seizures, involving a total of 10 321 specimens, have reportedly taken place. This constitutes more than two times the total number of seizures and more than five times the total number of specimens found in the 2014 study. Both the annual number of Black Spotted Turtle seizures and the annual number of specimens seized have approximately tripled between 2013 and 2015. Nevertheless, such efforts appear to vary among the different countries involved in the international Black Spotted Turtle trade chain. Black Spotted Turtle seizures were found to have taken place in 24 different locations in seven countries/territories, all of which are on the Asian continent. The highest number of seizures (n=20/38%) occurred in India, accounting for a total of 3001 (29%) specimens. These seizures occurred across the country, but appeared to be particularly abundant in the southern and eastern regions, with Chennai, a large city situated outside India's Black Spotted Turtle range, functioning as one of the country's most important collection and distribution hubs. A comparatively high number of seizures (n=12/23%) was also found to have occurred in Hong Kong SAR, accounting for a total of 1775 (17%) specimens. The Black Spotted Turtle trade is largely driven by East Asian demand. Shifting trends in China and Hong Kong SAR now indicate the species is desired as pets, where previously it was mainly sought after for its meat. These shifting trends are partly confirmed by the fact that all recorded seizures involved shipments of live animals (although in some cases large numbers of turtles were found to have died in transport). Black Spotted Turtles are primarily sourced in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and subsequently transported to East Asia, often through Southeast Asian transit hubs, particularly Thailand and Malaysia. The scale of the Black Spotted Turtle trade in Southeast Asian countries appears to be modest, but it is likely that at least part of the shipments seized there are destined for local markets. Almost half of all seizure records involved air transportation using commercial flights (n=25/47%). During the research period, at least 55 suspects were apprehended by local authorities in 55% (n=29) of the recorded seizure incidents, mostly in India (32 suspects). Conviction rates appear to be low throughout the region, with 20% of arrests reportedly resulting in a confirmed conviction. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC. Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2018. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 20, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27916134/1527420095177/Black-Spotted-Turtle-Asia-II.pdf?token=hmbp%2F8%2B%2BQMIB49r1IA3tajjLp1E%3D Year: 2018 Country: Asia URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27916134/1527420095177/Black-Spotted-Turtle-Asia-II.pdf?token=hmbp%2F8%2B%2BQMIB49r1IA3tajjLp1E%3D Shelf Number: 150615 Keywords: Black Spotted TurtleIllegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife CrimeWildlife SmugglingWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Xu, Ling Title: Red Panda Market Research Findings in China Summary: The Red Panda is a national second-class protected species in China-with both hunting and trade prohibited-and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It was upgraded to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2015. During April to May 2017, TRAFFIC conducted physical market surveys in areas close to Red Panda habitats (in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces) and an online market survey of Chinese websites. The results showed that only two dealers (one in the physical market and one in the online market) offered Red Panda products, which were allegedly obtained about 30 years ago (before the implementation of China's Wild Animal Protection Law). Most surveyed shopkeepers (60/65) had never heard of or had little knowledge of the species. Interviews with local residents, including members of minority ethnic groups who traditionally use Red Panda products, found that almost all were no longer interested in Red Panda products. According to CITES trade data, the international trade of live Red Pandas and parts between 2005 and 2015 was minimal. However, enforcement records revealed that some demand for Red Pandas as pets and for breeding purposes still exists in China. Ten seizure cases between 2005 and 2016 involved 35 live and seven dead Red Pandas. TRAFFIC encourages other range countries to look for evidence of Red Panda smuggling to China and to conduct similar market surveys to assess the extent of trade on Red Panda populations. Enforcement authorities in China also should increase their efforts to detect and deter illegal trade in Red Pandas. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2018. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Traffic Briefing: Accessed June 26, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27911569/1526902213083/Red-Panda-briefing-EN.pdf?token=faZQdaoT0DFe7WW7%2BkxtbPA767I%3D Year: 2018 Country: China URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27911569/1526902213083/Red-Panda-briefing-EN.pdf?token=faZQdaoT0DFe7WW7%2BkxtbPA767I%3D Shelf Number: 150703 Keywords: Endangered Species Illegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: Knierim, Jessica Title: Combatting the Illegal Pet Trade: Using Molecular Techniques to Determine the Provenience of Illegal Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Pets Summary: The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) was once widespread across southern Madagascar. However, anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss, hunting for bushmeat, and live capture for the illegal pet trade have caused L. catta populations to plummet in the past decade. Here I compare genotypes of illegal wild-caught pet and confiscated ex-pet L. catta to those from wild populations to determine their source localities. Fecal samples were collected from 20 wildcaught pet L. catta and 5 wild individuals from Isalo National Park. DNA was extracted and amplified at seven polymorphic loci following Parga et al. (2012, 2015). To determine the geographic origin of captive and confiscated lemurs, their genotypes were matched to a geographically-referenced allele frequency database generated from a reference library of 30 adults sampled from three wild L. catta populations in south-central Madagascar (Anja, Sakaviro, Tsinjoriake). Evidence for two genetic clusters was provided by both a Bayesian cluster analysis and a multivariate clustering method (Discriminate Analysis of Principle Components), suggesting genetic clustering based on geographic location. Mean number of alleles per locus of the wild populations ranged from 4.29-6.00. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.690-0.857 and 0.727-0.739, respectively. These populations maintained moderate levels of genetic diversity but lower levels of allelic richness as compared to other populations of L. catta. Additionally, most captive individuals could not be assigned to a source population, likely because sampling does not represent the species' entire geographic range. This is a pilot study and additional sampling of both captive and wild populations of L. catta will be needed to accurately pinpoint provenience of L. catta in the pet trade. Ultimately, results of this study can be used to help determine geographic "hot spots" of wildlife trafficking for which targeted conservation initiatives - including heightened security and increased conservation outreach - can be developed. Details: New York: Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), 2018. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed July 2, 2018 at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=hc_sas_etds Year: 2018 Country: Madagascar URL: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=hc_sas_etds Shelf Number: 150753 Keywords: DNA Testing Genetic Testing Illegal Pet Trade Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife TradeLemurs Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking |
Author: EMS Foundation Title: The Extinction Business: South Africa's 'Lion' Bone Trade Summary: For more than a decade, South Africa has been actively supporting and growing the international trade in big cat bones, despite local and international outrage and condemnation from conservation and protection organisations, lion scientists, and experts. In 2017, South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, controversially, and in the face of vociferous opposition and robust arguments against this trade, set the annual export quota at 800 lion skeletons. Even more alarmingly, Molewa, without stakeholder participation, took the incomprehensible decision to almost double the quota in 2018 to 1,500 skeletons. On July 11th 2018, the person in charge of the quota at the DEA told us categorically that no quota had been set for 2018. A few days later the DEA was forced to make a public announcement about the 2018 lion bone quota following a public outcry when a letter from Molewa, dated June 7th 2018, informing the provinces of the new quota allocation, was leaked. The undeclared reasons behind government's decision to conceal this information from interested and affected parties needs to be brought to light and interrogated. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) justified its decision to dramatically increase the quota on a single government commissioned interim study which, from the get-go guaranteed a skewed outcome, particularly because of the inclusion of outspoken pro-trade economist, Michael 't Sas-Rolfes, in the small research team. The report itself admitted that the findings were based on insufficient data and that "further avenues need to be explored". By no stretch of the imagination can this interim study translate into a conclusive scientific justification for a lion bone quota, and even less, an increase of the quota. Notably, some of the researchers involved in this study have distanced themselves from the decision-making process around the 2018 quota, stating that all the decisions were made by the Scientific Authority and the DEA, and that the researchers provided no input on what the quota should, or should not, be. They specifically added that "The wording of that quota letter via NW [NorthWest] is a bit unclear concerning our involvement...we provided no input on what the quota should, or should not, be. We correctly excluded ourselves from this process." In the last 18 months, the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading have been gathering extensive information and investigating South Africa's international 'lion' bone trade. This data has provided the basis of our Report, The Extinction Business: South Africa's 'Lion' Bone Trade. The South African captive big cat industry is a pariah and it is under severe local and international scrutiny. Hunting associations that support the trophy killing of captive bred lions have been sidelined by international hunting associations and organisations. Instead of working with all the stakeholders to limit and close down the industry, South Africa is steadfastly supporting it. It is facilitating its conversion into an even crueler industry: captive breeding and farming lions so they can be slaughtered solely to feed the problematic big cat bone trade in Southeast Asia. This is evidenced by the emergence of lion slaughterhouses in South Africa as well as the fact that we have clear evidence that 91% of the 'lion' skeletons exported from South Africa in 2017 included skulls. Thus showing that South Africa's lion bone trade is not a by-product of an existing industry (i.e. trophy hunting) but an entirely separate industry. Consequently, a trade in wild animal body parts, with links to international criminal networks, in countries where they are attempting to lower demand for big cat body parts, is being stimulated. Alarmingly, the Minister is unpersuasively attempting to argue that this abhorrent and destructive industry is a sustainable, and ethical alternative to trophy hunting. By doing so, true conservation efforts that should benefit wild animals in this country, as well as its citizens, are being undermined. A ban on the captive breeding of lions and tigers will bring an end to this unacceptable and brutal South African industry. The DEA, however, refuses to recognise this and instead, for inexplicable reasons, chooses to intensify its support for an industry that is tarnishing Brand South Africa's image. South Africa's tourism industry is suffering reputational damage, and this will, in turn, have a negative impact on South Africa's economy and job creation. A vast number of individuals rely on continued employment in the tourism sector, and their livelihoods are in the firing line in order to benefit only the few predatory elite in the 'lion' bone trade. When it comes to the economics of the 'lion' bone trade on the South African side - after all, this is what is driving the trade - there is almost nothing in the public domain about the modalities of the industry and/or the processes and mechanisms of how the money flows along the entire supply chain. Access to this information and transparency is crucial, not only to understanding the nature of the trade, but in gaining insights into the illegal trafficking links. The South African government urgently needs to open up this industry, and its participants, to public scrutiny so that it can be fully and accurately interrogated, understood, and the money trail monitored. The illegal trade in wild animals, which is not only devastating animal communities and consuming huge financial resources, cannot be adequately tackled without addressing the significant loopholes in the existing legal trade multilateral agreements, i.e. CITES. Drawing upon hundreds of CITES export permits, issued by South Africa's conservation agencies, this Report examines and investigates substantial problems and endemic loopholes in the CITES permitting, enforcement and oversight system. It further demonstrates the failings of South Africa's national policies and procedures, all of which translate into a convergence of the legal and illegal trade in wild animal. Systemic weakness in the international wild animal trade permitting regimen, particularly in South Africa and Asia as illustrated in this Report, not only add to wild animal trafficking, but also undermine any efforts to address the illegal trade. It is also clear that transnational wild animal trafficking networks and crimes perpetrated against wild animals cannot be disrupted without examining the legal and regulated trade, and the supply and demand chain thereof. Indeed, the critical mechanism to disrupt transnational organised wildlife crime is to critique and amend the legal trade. Our findings reveal that: - There are substantial loopholes in the CITES permitting system itself; Merely complying with the CITES Treaty is insufficient and is a threat to wild animals and biodiversity. Countries need to do more in the context of their own national legal frameworks to protect wild animals caught up in the international trade; - There is a lack of verification, one example of this is that more than the 2017 set quota of 800 skeletons went out of South Africa with legal CITES permits; - There is a lack of required due diligence by the CITES Management authorities on both the exporting and importing side, in profiling and authenticating exporters, importers, addresses and destinations; - There are major oversight problems in South Africa and in the countries of import. This has created a situation where the legal trade in 'lion' bones is fueling the illegal trade in lion and tiger bones and providing laundering opportunities for tiger bones in Asian markets. This is brewing into a toxic mix, particularly when it is placed in the context of the widespread overlap between those involved in international lion trade, trade in tigers and other CITES-listed species, and the routine leakage of imported lion products into illegal international trade. Details: Honeydew, South Africa: EMS Foundation, 2018. 122p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 25, 2018 at: http://emsfoundation.org.za/wp-content/uploads/THE-EXTINCTION-BUSINESS-South-Africas-lion-bone-trade.pdf Year: 2018 Country: South Africa URL: http://emsfoundation.org.za/wp-content/uploads/THE-EXTINCTION-BUSINESS-South-Africas-lion-bone-trade.pdf Shelf Number: 150918 Keywords: Animal ExtinctionIllegal Wildlife TradeLionsTigersTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife TradeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Wingard, James R. Title: Catch Me If You Can: Legal Challenges to illicit wildlife trafficking over the internet Summary: Although illicit internet trade falls into the larger universe of cybercrime, it is better described as a cyber-enabled crime - in other words, a traditional crime that uses new technologies with the traditional part being the illegal capture of wildlife and the associated physical forms of trade. In addition to the many legal and enforcement challenges associated with conventional wildlife crimes, internet-based illegal wildlife trade (IWT) poses another set of problems for officials, forcing them to operate in a trans-jurisdictional, virtual space that they, and the law, are largely unprepared to manage. On the practical side, they face substantial difficulties merely distinguishing legal from illegal trade, including: - knowing which species are involved and which countries' laws apply to the activity in question (e.g. advertising, sale and purchase, arrangement of logistics); - determining trade quantities and making decisions on whether to invest resources in the pursuit of crimes; and - knowing which specific legal basis may apply to the species being traded. In terms of their legal authorities and practices, officials also confront further problems, in that they may have no specific power to carry out covert investigations; no, or limited, access to cybercrime units; and no, or limited, experience with cybercrime laws and digital forensics to conduct necessary investigations. Concerning the legal frameworks directed at illicit wildlife trade, they face: - criminal and related laws that do not adequately address all parts of the digital trade chain by expressly criminalizing the advertising of illicit wildlife trade or related offences; - differing investigative authorities between jurisdictions that compromise transnational enforcement efforts; and - inconsistent regulation of and limitations to subject matter and personal jurisdiction that create 'digital safe havens' and prevent prosecutions. Taken as a whole, the overall ability of enforcement authorities to adequately identify, investigate and prosecute the advertising of illicit wildlife on the internet is severely compromised. Key efforts to improve this situation have been included in the conclusion and recommendations to this brief. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 23, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Wingard-and-Pascual-Digital-Dangers-Catch-me-if-you-can-July-2018.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Wingard-and-Pascual-Digital-Dangers-Catch-me-if-you-can-July-2018.pdf Shelf Number: 151245 Keywords: Computer CrimeCybercrimeIllegal Wildlife TradeIllicit TradeInternet CrimeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife CrimeWildlife Trafficking |
Author: Cowdrey, David Title: Switching Channels: Wildlife trade routes into Europe and the UK Summary: Illegal wildlife trade routes are difficult to uncover. By their very nature they are covert, sometimes run by organised criminals, and often used to smuggle other commodities such as drugs and guns. This report attempts to uncover some of these complex trade routes into Europe and the UK, as well as the techniques used to smuggle wildlife. It is based on research commissioned by WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, and independently conducted by the University of Wolverhampton which uses evidence from HM Customs and Excise, the Police and a number of court cases. THE SIZE OF THE LEGAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE It must be remembered that there is a huge legal market for wild plants and animals - a market which the illegal trade undercuts, supplants and exploits. Unscrupulous individuals, rogue traders and criminal gangs all threaten sustainable and responsible businesses that provide vital income to some of the world's poorest countries. The global legal trade in wildlife resources was estimated in the early 1990s to be worth nearly US$159 billion a year in export value. Sixty five per cent of this trade involves timber exports (worth US$104 billion), with fisheries exports constituting a further 25 per cent (US$40 billion). Trade in live animals, plants, products and derivatives was therefore estimated to be worth approximately US$15 billion annually. The legal trade in protected species broadly flows from range areas - where the species come from - to consumer areas. Some are both significant consumer and range areas. The situation is made more complex by a thriving trade in captive-bred or artificially propagated specimens, which may be farmed in non-range areas and traded internationally. The involvement of intermediate destinations and the consequent re-export trade further complicates the picture and opens up opportunities for illegal trade. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2002. 15p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 5, 2018 at: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/switchingchannels.pdf Year: 2001 Country: Europe URL: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/switchingchannels.pdf Shelf Number: 151394 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade Wildlife Trafficking |
Author: Haysom, Simone Title: Digitally Enhanced Responses: New Horizons for Combating On-line Illegal Wildlife Trade Summary: During the first decade of the 2000s, conservation NGOs began to identify the internet as a unique enabler of the illegal trade in wildlife. As the quote above illustrates, the internet has been seen as a virtual marketplace with unparalleled and expansive ability to advertise to consumers in any part of the world, at any time of day. As such, it can not only reach existing buyers of wildlife products, but also create whole new markets. The internet was also seen as a platform that allowed sellers and buyers alike greater powers to hide their identity and evade detection from law enforcement, in part by facilitating private communication between suppliers, dealers, traders and consumers. In the intervening period, internet access has grown enormously and social-media platforms, with billions of users worldwide, have become incredibly powerful tools for communication. At the same time, the threat that the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) poses to endangered species has grown apace. In the same way that the illegal drugs market, as well as the trade in guns and people, has adapted to the opportunities offered by digital platforms, this shift has also manifested in the way the illicit wildlife trade has taken advantage of online marketing opportunities. This brief sets out to describe how our understanding of the problems posed by the online IWT, and our responses to it, have evolved. It measures the progress made in exposing the threat posed by the adoption of digital platforms by traders in endangered wildlife and raises questions about what we have not yet been able to understand, and why we need to. It looks at trends in the phenomenon and suggests what they mean for the next generation of efforts to address this issue. Lastly, it describes the most pressing issues on the online IWT agenda, and explains how the Global Initiative's new project, Digital Dangers: Disrupting Online IWT, aims to contribute to tackling the problem. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 18p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 8, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/digitally-enhanced-responses/ Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/TGIATOC-Digital-Responses-Report-WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 151440 Keywords: CybercrimeEndangered SpeciesEnvironmental CrimesIllegal Wildlife Trade |
Author: Cakaj, Ledio Title: Deadly Profits: Illegal Wildlife Trafficking through Uganda and South Sudan Summary: Countries that act as transit hubs for international wildlife trafficking are a critical, highly profitable part of the illegal wildlife smuggling supply chain, but are frequently overlooked. While considerable attention is paid to stopping illegal poaching at the chain's origins in national parks and changing end-user demand (e.g., in China), countries that act as midpoints in the supply chain are critical to stopping global wildlife trafficking. They are needed way stations for traffickers who generate considerable profits, thereby driving the market for poaching. This is starting to change, as U.S., European, and some African policymakers increasingly recognize the problem, but more is needed to combat these key trafficking hubs. In East and Central Africa, South Sudan and Uganda act as critical way points for elephant tusks, pangolin scales, hippo teeth, and other wildlife, as field research done for this report reveals. Kenya and Tanzania are also key hubs but have received more attention. The wildlife going through Uganda and South Sudan is largely illegally poached at alarming rates from Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, points in West Africa, and to a lesser extent Uganda, as it makes its way mainly to East Asia. Worryingly, the elephant population in Congo has decreased by an estimated 75 percent since 1996 mainly due to poaching, according to park officials in Congo. Since conflict broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, South Sudanese poachers and armed groups have increasingly crossed into Garamba park in Congo, for example, through the little monitored Lantoto National Park in South Sudan, and likely now make up the majority of poachers there, according to park officials and United Nations experts. Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), armed Sudanese poachers, and Mbororo pastoralists in Congo also continue to poach in Garamba. South Sudanese poachers in Congo appear to be a mix of soldiers, former soldiers, police officers, and civilians, based on Enough Project field interviews. They traffic ivory and other wildlife to foreign markets via smuggling routes, mainly through South Sudan, particularly Juba International Airport and/or by road through neighboring Uganda, an important transit point for trafficked animals and ivory tusks originating from Congo and South Sudan. Insecurity in South Sudan has helped create an ivory trafficking route from the southwest of South Sudan eastward to Juba. From there, it is either flown out of the country via Juba Airport or driven south to Uganda via the border crossings at Nimule or Oraba. Over five tons of ivory was seized at Juba's airport in 2014-15 alone. Based on estimates from seizures in Uganda and interviews with experts in Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda, large amounts of ivory from Garamba are transported to Uganda either through South Sudan or via Congo-Uganda border crossings.6 Elephant ivory fetches up to $250 per kilogram ($113 per pound) in the Ugandan black market, a significant amount of money locally. The wildlife is then trafficked to either Entebbe International Airport or the border crossings between Uganda and Kenya and to the Kenyan port of Mombasa, which is another exit point of illicit goods destined for Asian markets, or to the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. International authorities increasingly recognize Uganda as a wildlife trafficking hub. Although the Ugandan government has taken several key anti-poaching and trafficking steps within the last year, much remains to be done to combat trafficking. Uganda was listed as one of ten countries worldwide "linked to the greatest illegal ivory trade flows since 2012," including those from Central Africa, according to the global body that tracks poaching and trafficking, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Trafficking through Uganda appeared to worsen with CITES listing it for the first time in 2013 as a country of "primary concern." The Ugandan government has recently taken important measures to address the problem. Recent efforts include setting up a court dedicated to wildlife crimes, ordering investigations into the leadership of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the alleged theft of ivory from its storerooms and other alleged offenses, completing the review of the 20-year-old Uganda Wildlife Act that will now be sent to the Parliament of Uganda, beefing up penalties for poaching and trafficking, and increasing the number of wildlife seizures, arrests, and prosecutions in recent years. However, organized criminal groups are likely still involved in trafficking in Uganda. International traffickers continue to use Uganda as a waypoint, as evidenced by the February 2017 seizure of over one ton of ivory suspected to be from neighboring countries and the arrest of three West Africans near Kampala. Also, UWA officials are accused of attempted bribery of banks, which UWA denies. And while a new court dedicated to wildlife prosecutions is an important step, there is only one such court in the country, and prosecutions of high-level traffickers have been limited to date. One problem has been the storage of seized wildlife and the subsequent trafficking of it. For example, in October 2014 an internal audit of the Uganda Wildlife Authority's stock room found that 1.35 metric tons of elephant ivory had gone missing from 2009 to 2014. Furthermore, there have also been several cases of state-affiliated actors involved in wildlife trafficking in Uganda and South Sudan. Some of these cases have been prosecuted, e.g., a February 2017 conviction of mid-level Ugandan army officers for ivory trafficking. However, several cases have either not been prosecuted or have lingered in the Ugandan court system for years, and there have been no convictions to date for the missing 1.35 tons of ivory first reported three years ago. In South Sudan and Uganda, there has been little accountability to date for high-level cases of officials involved in trafficking. In some cases, in South Sudan, traffickers were released or never charged. In addition, storerooms in Uganda for wildlife artifacts confiscated from smugglers appear, in some instances, to be sources for further black-market trade. Understanding and combating trafficking in South Sudan and Uganda should be of primary importance to policymakers aiming to curb the frenzied levels of poaching in one of Central Africas remaining sanctuaries for wildlife, Garamba National Park. To this end, the following authorities and offices should fully consider and implement wherever possible the recommendations as follows: Recommendations - Increase accountability. The United States and European nations should urge the Ugandan government to follow up on high-level cases of wildlife trafficking in Uganda's military, anticorruption, or wildlife courts, as well as cases in South Sudanese courts, to help ensure that the cases move forward in their respective justice systems. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), Denmark's Danida, and other donors should provide assistance to the Ugandan Ministry of Justice to expand the wildlife court and train judges in wildlife crimes. Training should include how to properly value wildlife, such that judicial sentences are appropriate to the scope of crimes committed. - Combat poaching in and around Garamba. With U.S. Congressional support, the U.S. Department of Defense should authorize funding to support Garamba National Park rangers and African Parks (the NGO which manages the park) to help interdict the illegal poaching and wildlife trade from Congo to South Sudan and Sudan. For example, with additional funding, AFRICOM could help provide technology to augment park rangers' interdiction capability, such as night vision, thermal recognition, camera traps, and night-flying panels for helicopters over Garamba park. European military personnel and contractors, MONUSCO, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could also provide assistance. MONUSCO peacekeepers could also, in collaboration with FARDC military or Congolese police, conduct 'stop and search' operations of trucks suspected of transporting ivory by road. - Follow the money. Justice authorities in the European Union, the United States, Uganda, and elsewhere with jurisdiction over individuals and companies suspected of high-level involvement in illegal ivory trafficking should investigate the most serious cases of trafficking, money laundering, and other related crimes. Financial intelligence units in the United States and Europe, banks, and other financial institutions should build on the study produced in mid-2016 by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) to combat the laundering of the proceeds of trafficking through the international financial system. Sanctions authorities such as the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) should pursue and designate key traffickers and their criminal networks. - Maintain wildlife stocks. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and European states should provide technical assistance to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to ensure that wildlife stocks are kept safely in one or two depots, under the sole control and responsibility of UWA executives. - Pass legislation with harsher penalties. The Parliament of Uganda should pass the revised Wildlife Act, which includes stiffer penalties for wildlife trafficking, that the Ugandan cabinet has now finished reviewing. - Support local anti-trafficking groups. International donors and conservation authorities should increase support to local organizations in Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda that carry out investigations of wildlife trafficking. Public-private partnerships may be applicable here. Details: Washington, DC: Enough Project, 2017. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 9, 2018 at: https://enoughproject.org/reports/deadly-profits-illegal-wildlife-trafficking Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://enoughproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DeadlyProfits_July2017_Enough_final_web-1.pdf Shelf Number: 151461 Keywords: East AfricaEnvironmental CrimesIllegal Wildlife TradeIllegal Wildlife TraffickingPoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: TRAFFIC Title: Empty Shells: An Assessment of Abalone Poaching and Trade from Southern Africa Summary: Over 17 years (2000-2016), world imports of H. midae from sub-Saharan Africa show an overall increasing trend. From 2009 to 2016, imports of H. midae have increased by an average of eight percent per annum, with 2016 showing imports of over 5,065 t. During the same time period, legal production from the wild-caught fishery declined from an annual quota of 545 t in 2000 to the current quota of 96 t. Despite this, overall legal production has increased due to the growth of the aquaculture industry. - World imports of H. midae outweigh legal production levels with the total mass of imports of H. midae from 2000-2016 being 55,863 t, while only 18,905 t was legally produced over the same period. H. midae illegally harvested between 2000 and 2016 is accordingly estimated to total 36,958 t, representing an average of 2,174 t per annum and equating to a total of over 96 million individual abalone poached since 2000. - The rampant illegal harvesting of abalone has resulted in the loss of a valuable commodity worth approximately ZAR628 million per annum, should the resource have been legally harvested and traded. - In addition, an analysis of trade routes suggests that up to forty-three percent of the illegally harvested abalone was traded through a number of non-abalone-producing sub-Saharan African countries to Hong Kong between 2000 and 2016. - In-transit and market states do not have legal provisions requiring traders to demonstrate that abalone products have their provenance in legal fisheries or aquaculture operations. - The increase in trade of dried South African abalone combined with the high value of the product and the presence of organised crime syndicates suggest that interventions and collaboration at international level are required in order to address the trade in illegally harvested abalone. - Local initiatives required to stem the poaching of abalone include increased multi-agency collaboration between different government departments to encourage solutions that address the combined effects of social, political, and economic conditions surrounding the illegal fishery. - Regional collaboration within sub-Saharan Africa is required to ensure that countries through which poached abalone is traded have the necessary resources and legal framework to thwart attempts to route abalone through their ports. - International trade regulation in the form of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix listing is highly recommended. As most of the illegally harvested abalone is traded in dried form, usually by air to Hong Kong, a focused and collaborative effort is required to ensure the effective administering and implementation of the CITES documentation. Details: Cambridge: UK, 2018. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 23, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11065/empty_shells.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Africa URL: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/empty-shells/ Shelf Number: 151583 Keywords: Environmental CrimeIllegal Wildlife ProductIllegal Wildlife TradeIllegal, Unreported, and Unregulated FishingPoaching |
Author: TRAFFIC Title: Slow Progress: A Reassessment of Japan's Ivory Market in 2018 Summary: Key Points - Market surveys conducted by TRAFFIC in 2017 revealed widespread illegal export of ivory from Japan's domestic market and recommended that the Japanese government should urgently address this issue and consider market closure with narrow exemptions, as called for by CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP17). - TRAFFIC conducted a follow-up survey of Japan's physical ivory market and auctions in 2018 to reassess their vulnerability to supplying illegal export after China's ivory trade ban in December 2017 and to track compliance with new domestic regulations introduced in June 2018. - Availability of ivory products declined by nearly half in surveyed indoor antique fairs, possibly as a result of stricter government oversight. It showed a smaller decline in the outdoor antique markets and remained similar in art and antique districts. While it was difficult to characterize the overall market dynamics, certain sellers expressed sentiments towards phasing out of ivory sales due to tightening regulations. - Widespread facilitation of illegal ivory export appeared to have diminished slightly. Though the proportion of interviewed sellers refusing to sell to foreign customers or domestic customers with intention to export increased from 9% to 26% in 2018, a majority still indicated willingness to sell to such customers, going from 73% in 2017 to 60% in 2018. - Newly manufactured ivory products of styles preferred in foreign (e.g Chinese) markets were identified at two new stores targeting foreign visitors in Tokyo's tourist area, one of which just opened in 2018. - Lax domestic regulation was no longer mentioned by sellers as a characteristic of their trade. However, the rate of non-compliance with new regulations (business registration and display of registration information) was high in antique markets and tourist areas where 42% to 83% of sellers did not display registration information. The proportion of apparently unregistered businesses was 31% amongst permanent shops. In contrast, 100% of hanko shops were registered with 95% displaying the registration information. - A reduction was seen in the illegal display of whole tusks (without registration cards), going from 68% in 2017 to 10% in 2018. However, whole tusks comprised less than 0.5% of the over 5,000 ivory items observed during the survey, and proof-of-legality is still not required under the new regulation for all ivory items other than whole tusks. - The number of whole ivory tusks traded at a major auction house declined by over 60% in 2018 compared to 2017 with all of them legally advertised; however, trade in tusks at other outlets was not assessed in this survey. - TRAFFIC recommends that the Japanese government: 1) urgently introduce the specific policy, legislative and regulatory measures previously recommended in TRAFFIC's 2017 report to ensure its market does not contribute to poaching or illegal trade; and 2) further increase enforcement efforts to deter illegal export and effectively implement the new regulations. - TRAFFIC also recommends that the CITES Standing Committee considers the case for Japan's inclusion in the National Ivory Action Plan (NIAP) process to evaluate and monitor its actions and progress against the conditions set out in Resolution Conf.10.10 (Rev. CoP17). Details: Tokyo, Japan, TRAFFIC, 2018. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 5, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/japans-domestic-ivory-market/ Year: 2018 Country: Japan URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11142/slow-progress-japan-ivory-markets-1.pdf Shelf Number: 152848 Keywords: Environmental CrimeIllegal Wildlife TradeIvoryPoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Title: Vietnam in Violation: Action Required on Fake CITES Permits for Rosewood Trade Summary: To feed an insatiable demand for luxury furniture in China, species of rosewoods such as highly prized Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) have been unsustainably harvested in the entire Mekong region. Documented evidence suggests various national wild stocks have now been exploited beyond return and are teetering on the brink of commercial extinction and, potentially, demographic collapse. Following the listing of the species on Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), EIA revealed how in 2014 a volume equivalent to the largest known population of Siamese rosewood remaining in the world had been harvested in the region and exported. Vietnam was central to this trade. EIA and some of the most qualified expert scientists in this field consider that the volume of CITES export permits issued pose a direct threat to the survival prospects for Siamese rosewood. EIAs information helped produce the imposition of a trade suspension on Laos for issuing CITES export permits without knowledge of the volumes of standing stocks and without the existence or implementation of credible Non-Detriment Finding (NDFs) systems or any verification of legal acquisition. Contrastingly, Cambodia claimed that Vietnams imports from Cambodia occurred with the use of fake CITES permits. Importantly, documents submitted by the Government of Cambodia to the CITES Secretariat during 2017, as part of the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of D.cochinchinensis, constitute evidence that Vietnam violated numerous provisions of CITES, including at least two fundamental provisions of Article IV of the Convention, and at least two Resolutions in support of them. With Vietnams CITES Management Authority (MA) not having been held accountable for these violations, the time for action is now. Details: London, 2018. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 11, 2018 at: https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Vietnam-in-Violation-FINAL.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Asia URL: https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Vietnam-in-Violation-FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 152897 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Logging Illegal Wildlife Trade |
Author: Musing, Louisa Title: Wildlife Trade in Belgium: An analysis of CITES trade and seizure data Summary: The new study, Wildlife trade in Belgium: An analysis of CITES trade and seizure data, examines trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and builds on earlier studies identifying Belgium as an important destination and transit point of such species, particularly from Africa to Asia. The latest study identified Belgium "as the top EU importer of reptile commodities within the EU, as reported by weight." This trade was dominated by reptile meat with Belgium responsible for importing 787,251 kg of mainly Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus meat, predominantly from Zimbabwe over the period studied, 2007-2016. However, based on the available data, it is unclear if the imported meat is consumed in Belgium or traded on within the EU to other Member States, due to the EU single market and free movement of goods. Belgium was also the second largest importer of plant products, including timber, as reported by volume, into the EU during the time period with trade dominated by sawn wood-just over 68,129 cubic metres in total-particularly Afrormosia Pericopsis elata originating from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Yet despite the large volumes of timber entering Belgium, seizures of wood deemed to be illegally imported were rare: "this disparity highlights the need for Belgium to ensure it is not being used as an illegal trade hub for protected timber species," write the report's authors. Plant imports included significant quantities of species with known medicinal properties, including 213,919 kg of wild-sourced African Cherry Prunus africana bark, used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from fevers and even insanity, through to use as an appetite stimulant. An analysis of wildlife seizures found Belgium to be a major intermediary in the illegal transport of CITES-listed commodities such as plant-derived medicinal products, reptile derived leather products, ivory and seahorse bodies. The data suggest that these commodities in transit through Belgium are mainly coming from West and Central Africa, going to China and are being shipped through air transport and postal systems. Most seizures took place because of a lack of or invalid CITES permits, or a breach of International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Among a number of key recommendations made by the report's authors are encouraging the country's CITES Management Authority to continue to ensure the legality of shipments entering Belgium, particularly for timber imports; further regular training for enforcement staff dealing with CITES issues; more targeted controls of CITES-listed timber imports at Antwerp sea port; enhanced co-operation between enforcement agencies; and increased awareness and understanding of market trade dynamics. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2018. 126p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 8, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11387/wildlife-trade-belgium.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Belgium URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11387/wildlife-trade-belgium.pdf Shelf Number: 153361 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife Crime |
Author: Ceesay, Hassoum Title: Razing Africa: Combatting Criminal Consortia in the Logging Sector Summary: Organised-crime syndicates often with connections to Chinese markets have been consolidating illegal timber exploitation in various African countries on an unprecedented and accelerating scale. This report, the result of ENACT research, analyses the layers of criminality that have come to define the logging supply chain, from extraction of rare species through to the sale of high-value timber in international markets. The report reveals how transnational organised crime allies with corrupt actors at the highest levels of states to profit from this lucrative and environmentally destructive illicit trade. ENACT research recommends for a policy-orientated investigation on organised crime in the forestry sector to be prioritized, advocating strongly for approaches targeted at disrupting these criminal consortia. Details: ENACT Programme, 2018. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 25, 2018 at: https://enactafrica.org/research/research-papers/razing-africa-combatting-criminal-consortia-in-the-logging-sector Year: 2018 Country: Africa URL: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2018-09-20-research-paper-06-logging.pdf Shelf Number: 153026 Keywords: Asian MarketsEnvironmental CrimeForestry SectorIllegal LoggingIllegal Wildlife TradeIllicit TradeInternational MarketsLoggingOrganized CrimeSupply ChainTimber HarvestingTimber Theft Transnational Organized CrimeWildlife Crime |
Author: Ortiz-von Halle, Bernardo Title: Bird's-Eye View: Lessons from 50 years of bird trade regulation & conservation in Amazon countries Summary: In 2014, TRAFFIC's South America office discussed with WWF the importance of assessing the status of trade in wild birds in Amazon countries in the lead up to the fiftieth "anniversary" of policy and legal changes that were urgently implemented to regulate the trade that seriously depleted many of the most sought-after species in demand by booming post-war economies. Six Amazon countries were visited by the author, although Venezuela and Bolivia were omitted due to budget constraints, consideration of the role of these two countries in the wider conservation context, and in relation to the trade dynamics of their neighbors is covered here. The author interviewed key stakeholders, including national and subnational governments, police forces, NGOs, zoos and rescue centers, bird experts, traders and breeders. These interviews and some field visits offered different perspectives about bird trade issues, mechanisms in place and the solutions needed to reduce any threats from the poaching of birds on their conservation status. During the 1970s, trade prohibition spread to most Amazon countries, and by the mid-1980s, every one had developed its own institutions and laws to manage and contain the problems generated by demand for illegal wildlife under the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which entered into force in 1975. This report is constructed from the institutional experience of TRAFFIC's South America office, which operated from Quito, Ecuador, from 1999 to 2015, and the personal experience of the author, dealing with species and habitat conservation in the region during the last 30 years. This culmination of wildlife conservation experience related to wildlife trade, its dynamics, socioeconomic linkages, institutional and legal elements, CITES included, helped structure the design of this research examining the reality and outlook for bird trade in the Amazon countries. The personal interviews in different countries, bibliography and web searches offer an updated insight into the bird trade status in each country, its linkages to other environmental and socioeconomic dynamics, and the way forward not only to resolve bird trade issues, but more importantly, to guarantee the conservation of birds and their habitats throughout Latin America. The conclusions presented are a compilation of issues the author considers worth highlighting to understand better where things are and in what direction they are going regarding bird trade and conservation beyond protected areas. This document presents country chapters for Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and combines in a single chapter Guyana and Suriname, as there are enough commonalities between these two countries to consider a joint analysis. One initial chapter compiles an overview of the birds of South America in relation to trade-legal or illegal, and another chapter dedicated to the USA as the former main market of Amazon country birds for more than two decades until it banned the import of CITES-listed species in 1992. The USA then turned into a major commercial breeder of South American bird species after this process was "exported' to the rest of the world-South American countries banned the trade while others legally profited from breeding and trading in the species. Banning the bird trade surely saved millions of birds, but it did not bring any incentives to conserve habitats or species as a whole. This exludes Guyana and Suriname, whose economic interest in conservation is left for non-consumptive uses like bird tourism, which is also an important economic activity in some rural portions of most Amazon countries. The reduction of the bird trade to current (2017) levels, which are a fraction of what they were just five or ten years ago, offers hope for a better future for birds and nature, other threats and pressures appear or increase as human populations grow, encroaching into pristine regions of the continent. Local conservation efforts have made enormous differences in many areas, even reversing the destruction of nature and the extinction process of species. Stakeholders still need to design and install the appropriate tools to contain deforestation and the impacts of climate change as we move further into the 21st century. The urgency of the situation requires the revision of currently failing conservation strategies, and above all, giving local stakeholders the economic conditions and motivations to appreciate, value and respect the invaluable avian treasures that enrich each South American country. Birds have been treated over the last 150 years as sources of money for whatever international business demanded them for their feathers, meat as pets or for sport. Attitudes towards their conservation have certainly changed, but there still needs to be a stronger boost to prevent further destruction and irreplaceable loss. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2018. 198p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 28, 2019 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11517/birds-eye-view.pdf Year: 2018 Country: South America URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11517/birds-eye-view.pdf Shelf Number: 154452 Keywords: BirdsEnvironmental CriminologyIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: ADM Capital Foundation Title: Trading in Extinction: the Dark Side of Hong Kong's Wildlife Trade Summary: The report 'Trading in Extinction - the Dark Side of Hong Kong's Wildlife Trade', consolidates a large body of pre-existing work and reconciles this with a snapshot of Hong Kong's seizure data. It aims to update and, for the first time, illustrate the extent and nature of the wildlife trade and wildlife crime in Hong Kong. It demonstrates that not only is the trade in legal and illegal wildlife at a significant and unsustainable scale, it is likely to get worse. Further, while Hong Kong plays a primary role in connecting trafficked products with their illegal markets, the Administration should and could do more to disrupt the associated criminal activity. Details: Hong Kong: ADMCF, 2019. 240p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 28, 2019 at: https://www.admcf.org/wildlife-trade-in-hong-kong/ Year: 2019 Country: Hong Kong URL: https://www.admcf.org/wildlife-trade-in-hong-kong/ Shelf Number: 154459 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife TradeTrafficking in WildlifeWildlife ConservationWildlife CrimeWildlife Trade |
Author: Haysom, Simone Title: In Search of Cyber-Enabled Disruption: Insights from the Digital Dangers project Summary: The internet has made new and more effective avenues available for the marketing and selling of endangered animals and illicit wildlife products. There are several indications that cyberspace has become a major area of online criminality in this respect, expanding demand among consumers and frustrating traditional law-enforcement approaches. Despite the apparent opposition from major tech companies to their platforms being used in the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), the Digital Dangers studies and reports in the international media have revealed the trade to be present on all major social-media platforms and easy to detect on most e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the low political priority placed on combating wildlife crime means that many state responses are inadequate and law enforcement under-resourced. While this picture of rampant, almost unimpeded criminality and its serious consequences for wildlife may be bleak, there are important exceptions to state apathy. We have noted, in some instances, the creation of new cyber enforcement capacity and the establishment of government operations to this end. Drawing on the knowledge gleaned from a year spent testing ideas, refining methodologies and exploring the dynamics of different markets, we suggest here some possible entry points for disruption of the trade; these range from openings for tactical improvements to strategic approaches that could change the playing field for those looking to respond. Details: Geneva: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2019. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 25, 2019 at: https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TGIATOC-FinalSynthesis-Web.pdf Year: 2019 Country: International URL: https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TGIATOC-FinalSynthesis-Web.pdf Shelf Number: 154738 Keywords: Cybercrime Endangered Species Environmental Crimes Illegal Wildlife TradeInternet Crime |