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Date: November 22, 2024 Fri
Time: 12:11 pm
Time: 12:11 pm
Results for poaching
30 results foundAuthor: Martin, Esmond Title: The ivory markets of East Asia Summary: This monograph reports on a survey of the ivory trade in four East Asian nations and one Special Administrative Region: China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong. The purpose of the survey was to establish a set of baseline indicators on aspects of the trade in the selected countries. From this, conservationists will be able to monitor and evaluate future changes, in accordance with CITES Resolution Conf 10.10 (Rev.). The target users are national government officers, nongovernment organizations (NGOs) involved in wildlife conservation, and CITES officials. The information in this report can be used to assess the effectiveness of policies, laws and enforcement activities related to ivory trading nationally and internationally. The data can also be used to infer the demand for illegal ivory, which is correlated with elephant poaching. Two investigators working independently between March and May and in December 2002 carried out the surveys. Martin visited Japan and Hong Kong while Stiles covered China, South Korea and Taiwan. The main findings were: - Over 54,000 ivory items were seen in 413 retail outlets in the 11 cities visited. - Hong Kong had by far the most (35,884), followed by China (9,096 in three cities) and then Japan (7,565 in two cities). Taiwan (1,849 in four cities) and South Korea (36 in Seoul) had small quantities of ivory items. - Japan has the most active legal ivory carving industry in East Asia. Most ivory is used to make name seals (~80%), followed by musical instrument parts (10%). - Almost all Japan's worked ivory production is bought locally and stays in Japan. - The most expensive raw and worked ivory is in Japan. Beijing, China, has intermediately expensive worked ivory, while Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taiwanese cities have roughly comparable, lower prices of worked ivory. - China has emerged as the main ivory manufacturing centre for all Asia, surpassing Hong Kong and Japan. Often with the involvement of Hong Kong businessmen, smuggling rings import African ivory, process it, and re-export it through Hong Kong and Macau to Europe, Japan, North America, Singapore and Thailand (the order of importance is unknown). China is probably also the only country in East Asia that has more worked ivory retail outlets now than in 1990. - China had the largest illegal ivory industry in East Asia and was the main destination of illicit African ivory in 2002. Small, private ivory workshops have replaced the larger, governmentowned factories since 1990. These arc unlicensed to deal with ivory and are therefore illegal. Most are located in Guangdong Province. They often use mammoth ivory, bone and stone as cover for elephant ivory working and exports. - Foreigners buy most of China's ivory items. They purchase it either in China or in neighbouring countries. Chinese nationals have been increasing their share of ivory purchases since 1990 as the economy grows. - Both Taiwan and South Korea were primarily transit and/or processing and re-export centres for ivory in the 1 980s and 1 990s. Today the ivory industry of Taiwan is dying and it is already dead in South Korea because of lower global demand for ivory products and increased government law enforcement. - The main buyers of East Asian worked ivory are ethnic Chinese of various nationalities and Japanese. Europeans and Americans also continue to buy worked ivory in Asia. - The internal ivory markets of all the countries surveyed have declined considerably since the CITES ivory international trade ban in 1990. The number of ivory craftsmen has plummeted in East Asia from about 2,200 in 1989 to fewer than 300 in 2002. Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea have no full-time ivory carvers. - The CITES-approved raw ivory sales to Japan from southern Africa in 1999 were not seen as important by ivory dealers outside Japan. Non-Japanese traders interviewed did not think it heralded a relaxing of the international ivory trade ban. Most ivory business people in East Africa were pessimistic about the future of the industry. Taiwanese vendors of worked ivory (the only ones interviewed after the CITES 12th Conference of the Parties in 2002) were not even aware that a second one-off southern African ivory auction had been approved for 2004, subject to certain conditions. - East Asian ivory business people attribute the decline in the industry to the activities of Western conservationists and journalists, which have resulted in a significant drop in Western buyers, who previously were the principal customers. They do not see this situation as susceptible to change. - In recent years East Asian governments have begun to pay more attention to controlling the ivory trade. China and Taiwan, in particular, have introduced new laws and have increased efforts to stop illegal ivory imports and to prosecute smugglers. - More needs to be done by East Asian governments to control effectively the ivory trade and to implement recommendations made in CITES Resolution 10.10 (Rev. CoP 12) and CITES Resolution 12.39. Details: London: Save the Elephants, 2003, 112p. Source: Internet Source: Accessed April 13, 2018 at: http://www.traffic.org/publications/the-ivory-markets-of-east-asia.html?no_redirect=true Year: 2003 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.traffic.org/publications/the-ivory-markets-of-east-asia.html?no_redirect=true Shelf Number: 116671 Keywords: AsiaIllegalIllegal HuntingIllegal tradeIvoryPoachingTransnational Crime |
Author: Clarke, Shelley Title: Trading tails: linkages between Russian salmon fisheries and East Asian markets. Summary: Ongoing efforts to study and conserve salmon species are targeting areas with high natural species diversity, un-degraded spawning habitat and limited existing legal and regulatory protection, and thus the salmon of the Kamchatka peninsula are a particular focus. Import data clearly indicate that East Asian markets receive a large portion of the Russian Far East's salmon catch. These markets may also play an active role in creating incentives for the illegal salmon trade. Therefore, exploring the relationship between markets and fisheries for Russian Far East salmon can provide a unique window on current salmon use practices as well as lead to new insights for sustainable management. In order to examine the roles of Japan, China and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in the trade of illegal salmon from the Russian Federation, it is necessary to describe the characteristics of the salmon distribution systems in East Asian markets. This study then compares the total quantity of Russian salmon in these markets to catch estimates from the Russian Federation. After assessing the potential trade in Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing products in this way, recommendations for trade measures to combat IUU activities are formulated. Details: Hong Kong: TRAFFIC East Asia, 2007, 120p. Source: Internet Source Year: 2007 Country: Hong Kong URL: Shelf Number: 117395 Keywords: IllegalIllegal FishingIllegal MarketsPoaching |
Author: Nellemann, Christian Title: The Last Stand of the Gorilla: Environmental Crime and Conflict in the Congo Basin Summary: Gorillas are under renewed threat across the Congo Basin from Nigeria to the Albertine Rift: poaching for bushmeat, loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion, degradation of habitat from logging, mining and charcoal production are amongst these threats, in addition to natural epidemics such as ebola and the new risk of diseases passed from humans to gorillas. Details: Arendal, Norway: United Nations Environment Programme, GRID-Arendal, 2010. 86p. Source: A Rapid Response Assessment Year: 2010 Country: Africa URL: Shelf Number: 118173 Keywords: Illegal HuntingOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoaching |
Author: Mwebaza, Rose Title: The Nature and Extent of Environmental Crimes in Seychelles Summary: This national study took place in Seychelles from January to March 2009 and included a national workshop to validate the findings. The study consisted of a thorough analysis of the state of the environment and the extent of environment crime in the country. In addition, the study examined the legal and institutional regime for combating environmental crime in Seychelles. Finally, an assessment of the challenges facing these institutions was undertaken and recommendations were made to effectively deal with the environmental crimes in the country. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2009. 31p. Source: Year: 2009 Country: Seychelles URL: Shelf Number: 118263 Keywords: Environmental CrimeIllegal FishingOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoaching |
Author: Vaisman, Alexey Title: Siberia's Black Gold: Harvest and Trade in Amur River Sturgeons in the Russian Federation Summary: This study reports on the population status of the Kaluga and Amur Sturgeon, evaluates legal fishing and illegal harvest of the sturgeons, and assesses efforts to prevent illegal sturgeon fishing in the Amur River basin. The study also investigates legal, and where possible, illegal trade in caviar and meat of Amur River sturgeons. Details: Brussels: TRAFFIC Europe, 2006. 31p. Source: N Year: 2006 Country: Russia URL: Shelf Number: 117679 Keywords: CaviarFish TradeIllegal FishingPoaching |
Author: McDowell, Don Title: Wildlife Crime Policy and the Law: An Australian Study Summary: This is an assessment of the illegal trade in wildlife in Australia, encompassing all its attendant issues. The assessment in meant as a document that educates and provokes discussion about how the whole business of protecting native fauna and flora can be made better. Details: Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1997. 188p. Source: Year: 1997 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 118172 Keywords: PoachingWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Benton, Nic Title: Trap Guns in Sri Lanka Summary: In Sri Lanka, the use of home-made weapons known as trap guns for crop protection and poaching is a significant cause of insecurity, indiscriminately threatening human life and development. This publication highlights the human, economic and environment impacts of trap gun use, the weak enforcement of laws controlling these illicit small arms, and calls for a co-ordinated solution to the trap gun problem. Details: London: Saferworld, 2008. 12p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: Sri Lanka URL: Shelf Number: 118676 Keywords: GunsPoachingViolenceWeapons (Sri Lanka) |
Author: Hamid, Abdel HA Title: Nature and Extent of Environmental Crime in Sudan: Situation Report Summary: This report analyses the nature and extent of environmental crime in Sudan. The study was carried out between October 2008 and March 2009 with two main objectives, namely to assess the nature and extent of environmental crime, and to determine the capacity needs of the environmental law enforcement agencies in the country. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2010. 38p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Sudan URL: Shelf Number: 118791 Keywords: Illegal LoggingOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoachingPolutionWildlife Crime |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Open Season: The Burgeoning Illegal Ivory Trade in Tanzania and Zambia Summary: Acting as major conduit and exporting countries for illegal ivory from other African elephant Range States, Tanzania and Zambia also have significant illegal domestic ivory markets. These cater for resident migrant workers and tourists seeking souvenirs and provide ivory in large volumes to traders and syndicates for export to destinations such as China and Vietnam. Elephants are being poached from within both countries to supply these markets. Details: London: EIA, 2010. 13p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Africa URL: Shelf Number: 119217 Keywords: Illegal TradeOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: Verheij, Pauline Title: Reduced to Skin and Bones: An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 11 Tiger Range Countries (2000-2010) Summary: Parts of at least 1,069 Tigers have been seized in Tiger range countries over the past decade, according to new analysis of Tiger seizures carried out by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. Reduced to Skin and Bones shows that from January 2000 to April 2010, parts of between 1,069 and 1,220 Tigers were seized in 11 of the 13 tiger range countries—or an average of 104 to 119 animals per year. Of the 11, India, China and Nepal ranked highest in the number of tiger part seizures, the report states, with India by far the highest number of Tiger part seizures at 276, representing between 469 and 533 Tigers. China, with 40, had the second highest number of seizures, or 116-124 Tigers, and Nepal reported 39 seizures, or 113-130 Tigers. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2010. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 11, 2010 at: http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_mammals60.pdf Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_mammals60.pdf Shelf Number: 120278 Keywords: Offenses Against the EnvironmentPoachingWild Animal TradeWildlife CrimesWildlife Trade |
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: Raidt, John Title: Advancing U.S., African, and Global Interests: Security and Stability in the West African Maritime Domain Summary: This report presents the analysis and recommendations of the Atlantic Council’s Michael S. Ansari Africa Center in cooperation with the On the Horizon Project to advance U.S. strategic interests in West Africa. Unaddressed problems of poor governance, severe poverty, widespread public corruption, and growing insecurity from the presence of criminal and militant enterprises engaged in theft, terrorism, trafficking, piracy, poaching, and pollution will continue to punish local populations and create conditions of instability that undermine public order from greater levels of armed confl ict and mass migration and threaten the reliable flow of oil from the region. As noted in a recent United Nations report, the “combination of coups from the top and insurgencies from below render West Africa in the opinion of the UN the least politically stable region in the world.” While this report focuses on the maritime domain, the Atlantic Council approaches the regional security challenges from a broad perspective. Security issues are holistic and must be addressed as such. The dynamics and consequences of insecurity in the maritime domain are part of a wider, more complex political and security dynamic encompassing rule of law, governance, public capacities, and economic and human development across geographic, societal, and national domains. Just as the causes, manifestations, and consequences of insecurity are comprehensive, so too must be the preventatives and remedies. This document provides a broad strategic-level analysis and corresponding recommendations for action that can, and we believe should, be supported and implemented by U.S. and allied policymakers, African leaders, and key stakeholders. Details: Washington, DC: Atlantic Council, 2010. 88p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 1, 2011 at: http://www.acus.org/files/publication_pdfs/3/advancing-us-african-global-interests-security-stability-west-africa-maritime-domain.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Africa URL: http://www.acus.org/files/publication_pdfs/3/advancing-us-african-global-interests-security-stability-west-africa-maritime-domain.pdf Shelf Number: 120632 Keywords: Maritime CrimeMaritime SecurityPiracy/PiratesPoachingTerrorismTraffickingTransnational Crime |
Author: Hubschle, Annette, compiler Title: Organised Crime in Southern Africa: First Annual Review Summary: In 2005 representatives of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Secretariat of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) discussed the lack of reliable information and research on organised crime and how it impacted on law enforcement in southern Africa. The lack of credible homegrown research data ultimately led to the conceptualisation of a joint research project between the Cape Town-based ISS Organised Crime and Money Laundering Programme and SARPCCO. The Enhancing Regional Responses Against Organised Crime (EROC) Project commenced in January 2008 and concludes in December 2010. The objectives of the research are to: Provide in-depth information on contemporary organised criminal activities in the sub-region to policy and decision makers; Analyse the transnational dynamics of organised criminal groups and networks; Determine whether, and to what extent, links exist between organised crime and terrorism; Consider and document the role that corruption plays in organised crime; and Evaluate the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in the sub-region to overcome organised crime. This report comprises the research findings of the first year of data collection (2008) for the EROC project. It is the first of three such reports that will be published by the ISS in collaboration with SARPCCO. It looks at selected organised criminal activities and observed levels of prevalence in 12 southern African countries. Research questions, methodologies, limitations and ethical considerations are discussed in detail. Due to the lack of statistical and quantitative data, the report relies mostly on qualitative methodologies. Representatives of law enforcement agencies, government departments and para-statals, civil society, business and professional associations, academics, prisoners, former gang members and members of the broader communities whose lives have been affected by organised crime, were consulted in one-on-one interviews, focus groups, observations and workshops. A team of field researchers led by a research coordinator collected the data presented and analysed in this report. The research was informed by a working definition of organised crime which was jointly developed by the heads of criminal investigation departments in southern Africa and the research team. The report shows that the more serious forms of crime in terms of the monetary value involved or the potential harm they cause have a transnational dimension, both in terms of being committed by people of varying nationalities and in terms of affecting more than one country. It has been established that organised crime in most countries is underpinned by corruption, which is either a facilitating activity or an organised criminal activity in its own right. The geo-political and economic environments of individual countries amplifies the significance of specific criminal activities, the commonest forms of which have been identified as stock theft, theft/hijacking of motor vehicles, cultivation of marijuana and a broad spectrum of economic crimes. Further, the research has shown that although economic crimes may not be as prevalent as other forms of crime, statistically their impact on the society and the economy are far reaching. Furthermore, the effectiveness of law enforcement against organised crime has been put in the spotlight. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2010. 101p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 11, 2011 at: http://www.iss.co.za/uploads/OrgCrimeReviewDec2010.pdf Year: 2010 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.iss.co.za/uploads/OrgCrimeReviewDec2010.pdf Shelf Number: 120675 Keywords: CorruptionCounterfeit GoodsDrug MarketsFinancial CrimesHuman TraffickingMoney LaunderingOffenses Against the EnvironmentOrganized Crime (South Africa)PoachingSmugglingStolen Motor VehiclesWildlife Crime |
Author: Wright, Belinda Title: Simpilal Tiger Reserve; Assessment of Recent Elephant Poaching and Protection Initiatives Summary: Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is part of one of the largest contiguous tiger and elephant habitats in the world. With a Biosphere Area of over 5,000 sq km, it is one of the most promising landscapes for tigers and their prey species. After a number of elephant deaths were reported in April and May 2010, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) constituted an independent assessment team on 3rd June 2010. The two-team members proceeded immediately to Simlipal to visit the Tiger Reserve from 6 to 11 June 2010. We made the following observations. ! From the evidence, we confirmed seven elephant deaths, all of which have most likely been killed by poachers. ! In some of the cases the field staff were aware of the elephant deaths but chose not to report them; rather they deliberately attempted to conceal the elephant deaths/poaching incidents, by destroying the evidence. ! At least six of the elephant deaths might never have been exposed had it not been for the local informers and two courageous and determined conservationists from Mayurbhanj District. ! Very little animal presence was noted. We did not see a single tusker (for which Simlipal is renowned) or fresh elephant dung, even though we travelled over 100 km a day, at all hours. ! The Forest Staff appeared to be thoroughly unmotivated and demoralized. ! There have been regular incursions of tribal mass-hunting groups of 100 to 200 people entering the Park for over a year. While we were there, at least three such groups entered the Park on 7, 9, and 11 June 2010. ! Forest staff can only try and persuade the hunters to turn back with “folded hands” since they do not have armed support; all arms have been withdrawn in view of the continuing threat from the Maoists. ! After last year’s concerted attack on the forest infrastructure, many of the protection beat houses in the National Park are yet to be re-occupied. ! Due to a new system of dual jurisdiction, by creation of the post of Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF), the Field Director no longer has control over three DFOs that manage1,555 sq km of the Buffer Zone. ! The Park’s senior management has not exercised tight control and supervision over the field staff due to insufficient visits to the Parks. ! There is little interaction with local tribal communities living inside and on the periphery of the Park thereby leading to distrust and lack of support to the Department. We have detailed 25 recommendations, which we have tried to keep as practical and implementable as possible. They include a strong recommendation to implement the advice of a previous NTCA team that visited Simlipal in August 2009. Our recommendations that are considered to be of “Immediate Priority” are: 1. Action against field staff for concealment of elephant deaths and destruction of evidence; 2. An independent monitoring committee should be formed by NTCA; 3. A wildlife crime intelligence gathering system should be started; 4. Special drive to seize country-made guns; 5. Protection Funds should not be re-allocated; 6. Funds to DFOs for enforcement raids; 7. Vacant Deputy Director and 2 ACF posts to be immediately filled; 8. Park management to exercise greater supervision and control; 9. Confidentiality of wireless messages should be maintained; and 10. Enlist local community support from peripheral areas bordering the Park. Details: New Delhi, India: National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests, 2010. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 2, 2011 at: http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/Simlipal%20Report_June%202010_FINAL2.pdf Year: 2010 Country: India URL: http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/Simlipal%20Report_June%202010_FINAL2.pdf Shelf Number: 120678 Keywords: PoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: Banks, Debbie Title: Skinning the Cat: Crime and Politics of the Big Cat Skin Trade Summary: The illegal trade in poached skins between India, Nepal and China is the most significant immediate threat to the continued existence of the tiger in the wild. While the importance of the problem has been recognised and plenty of information is already available, the lucrative illegal trade continues. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK); New Delhi: WPSI India, 2006. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 3, 2011 at: http://www.eia-international.org/cgi/reports/reports.cgi?t=template&a=129 Year: 2006 Country: India URL: http://www.eia-international.org/cgi/reports/reports.cgi?t=template&a=129 Shelf Number: 120692 Keywords: Illegal TradeOrganized CrimePoachingWild Animal TradeWildlife Crimes |
Author: van Kooten, G. Cornelis Title: Protecting the African Elephant: A Dynamic Bioeconomic Model of Ivory Trade Summary: International trade in ivory is banned in order to protect the African elephant. The trade ban is supported by some range states, because it is seen as an effective means for protecting a 'flagship' species, but is opposed by states, mainly in southern Africa, because populations exceed the carrying capacity of local ecosystems. Issues concerning the ivory trade ban are addressed in this paper using a dynamic partial-equilibrium trade model that consists of four ivory exporting regions and a single demand region. Results indicate that a trade ban might not be successful in maintaining elephant populations, even if it leads to a stigma effect that reduces demand and increases the marginal costs of marketing ivory. Results suggest that the species will survive only if non-market values are taken into account. Surprisingly, however, the interaction between tourism benefits and marginal compensation from rich countries can lead to the demise of elephants in some regions where this would not be the case otherwise. Finally, elephant populations are even projected to crash if range states can operate an effective quota scheme, even one that excludes poaching. In the final analysis, however, free trade in ivory and effective institutions that translate numbers of elephants into monetary payments may be the best hope for the elephant. Details: Selected paper presented at the American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meetings at Long Beach, CA, July 23-26, 2006. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 9, 2011 at: http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/21206/1/sp06va02.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Africa URL: http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/21206/1/sp06va02.pdf Shelf Number: 121690 Keywords: CartelsIllegal TradeIvoryPoachingWildlife 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: Sakamoto, Masayuki Title: Black and Grey: Illegal Ivory in Japanese Markets Summary: This report - Black and Grey - Illegal Ivory in Japanese Markets - takes a critical look at illegal ivory markets in Japan and argues that Japan’s domestic controls on the ivory trade are far from being adequate to ensure such trade does not threaten the elephant species. The Japanese ivory market has two faces. The first face is the “Black” market. Weak Japanese domestic trade control allows ivory acquired from illegal sources to be broadly distributed. The second face is the “Grey” market. “Legal” ivory in trade that is inevitably used as a cover for illegal sources of ivory to make their way to the market. The principal question that the report is trying to answer is: “Do domestic controls on ivory in Japan provide precautionary measures sufficient to ensure trades now proposed by the southern African countries do not accelerate poaching and increase illegal ivory in trade?” Details: Tokyo: Japan Wildlife Conservation Society, 2002. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 6, 2011 at: http://www.jwcs.org/data/030107blaclandgrey.pdf Year: 2002 Country: Japan URL: http://www.jwcs.org/data/030107blaclandgrey.pdf Shelf Number: 121975 Keywords: Illegal Ivory (Japan)PoachingWild Animal TradeWildlife CrimesWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Ng, Julia Title: Tiger Trade Revisited in Sumatra, Indonesia Summary: The Sumatran Tiger is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN 2006 Red List of Threatened Animals, as Appendix I under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and as a Protected species under the Act of the Republic of Indonesia No.5 of 1990 Concerning Conservation of Living Resources and their Ecosystems. However, despite being given full protection in Indonesia and internationally, Tiger parts are still found openly in trade in Sumatra. TRAFFIC revisited the markets of Sumatra in 2006 to conduct Tiger trade surveys, four years after the last TRAFFIC survey from 1999–2002 (Shepherd and Magnus, 2004). All intelligence information obtained on the names and addresses of retail outlets selling Tiger parts from the 1999–2002 survey were given to the Indonesian authorities, at province and federal level, prior to the report being published. Unfortunately, little or no action was taken by the Indonesian authorities against these retail outlets selling Tiger parts or the retail outlets’ owners. Results from the 1999–2002 survey were published in both English and Indonesian, the latter were then widely distributed to all Indonesian enforcement agencies. To raise awareness on Tiger trade among enforcement agencies in Sumatra, three training workshops were conducted there in 2006, two of which were Tiger focused, the third on general wildlife crime enforcement and included a component on Tiger trade. The 2006 surveys were conducted over a seven month period in 28 cities/towns in seven Sumatran provinces and nine seaports. A total of 326 retail outlets were surveyed which were goldsmiths, souvenir and Traditional Chinese Medicine shops, and antiques and precious stones vendors. TRAFFIC returned to the markets to investigate and document again the open availability of Tiger parts for sale, and to investigate further possible trade links between Indonesia and Malaysia. The information gathered in Sumatra is presented here and it is hoped it will clearly highlight the priority actions that should be taken and how resources should best be distributed in combating the trade of Tiger parts. In addition, TRAFFIC has given the findings of this report, including the names and addresses of the retail outlets found selling Tiger parts to the enforcement authorities in April 2007, and hopes that action will be taken against these retail outlets. Of the 28 cities and towns surveyed in Sumatra, eight (29%) were found to have Tiger parts for sale. At least ten percent of the total retail outlets surveyed sold Tiger parts. A conservative estimate of the number of Tigers killed, based on the number of Tiger canines found during the market surveys is 23 Tigers. From the results, it is evident that the trade in Tiger parts continues openly, and the number of Tiger canines, claws and skin pieces found openly for sale in North Sumatra province is higher compared to the 1999–2002 survey. Medan and Pancur Batu are the main hubs for the trade of Tiger parts in this province but there were no Tiger cases brought to the Indonesian criminal court in these two cities between 2004 and 2006. This indicates that enforcement efforts are lacking in these two important hubs for Tiger parts. However, for the provinces of Jambi, South Sumatra and West Sumatra, there is an indication of a decrease in the trade of Tiger parts compared to the 1999–2002 survey. Binjai, Jambi, Palembang, Padang and Bukit Tinggi recorded a drop in the open availability of Tiger parts for sale. The reason for this is unclear, but it could be that more traders are aware that the Tiger is a protected species and therefore they are more wary of whom they talk to, or there are fewer Tigers in the wild compared to five years ago, or more optimistically, because fewer poachers and traders are hunting and selling protected species. Surveys at the ports on the east coast of Sumatra did not provide any conclusive evidence that Tigers or their parts are being exported to Malaysia or Singapore. Only birds were found to be smuggled out of the Belawan and Dumai seaports. It is obvious that no amount of Tiger action plan workshops and Tiger trade surveys conducted will save the Sumatran Tiger. What is needed now is for strict enforcement to take place in Sumatra to stop the poaching of Tigers and the trade. This report therefore recommends that resources should be concentrated on effective enforcement to take place to protect Tiger habitats and combat the trade by arresting the main dealers/suppliers of Tigers and closing down retail outlets selling Tiger parts. The specific recommendations for this report are: 1) The Indonesian authorities must take prompt action against the open trade of Tiger parts in Sumatra by closing down retail outlets selling Tiger parts; 2) Other actions include monitoring of Tiger trade hotspots (such as Medan and Pancur Batu), to gather intelligence information of retail outlets selling illegal wildlife parts so they can be promptly raided; 3) Successful prosecutions of owners of retail outlets selling Tiger parts are needed. PHKA, KSDA and the relevant NGOs must raise awareness among the judiciary on the seriousness of wildlife crime and investigators should be given proper training on collecting sufficient evidence for making a strong case; 4) Better inter-agency cooperation is needed among the different enforcement agencies, such as Quarantine and Customs at the seaports and the Police to carry out the raids at retail outlets. The formation and function of the ASEAN-WEN Wildlife Crime Task Force, involving agencies such as the Judiciary, Customs, Police, Navy and Quarantine, should be hastened. Details: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2007. 59p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 14, 2011 at: www.traffic.org Year: 2007 Country: Indonesia URL: Shelf Number: 122057 Keywords: Illegal TradePoachingTigersWild Animal TradeWildlife CrimesWildlife Smuggling |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Made In China: How China's Illegal Ivory Trade is Causing a 21st Century African Elephant Disaster Summary: China has the largest illegal ivory trade of any nation in the world. It is the most significant global destination for illegal ivory. Ivory traders are now thought to be stockpiling elephant tusks and ivory products for lucrative sales to the hundreds of thousands of foreigners expected to attend the Beijing Olympics in the summer of 2008. China’s long failure to crack down on its massive illegal ivory trade makes a mockery of its claims to be hosting a “Green Olympics”. Chinese nationals, companies – some government owned – and organized crime syndicates are implicated in the smuggling of vast amounts of illegal ivory and the consequent elephant poaching afflicting much of Africa. Countries affected include Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Mali. Indications suggest that Chinese involvement in illegal ivory trade extends to other African elephant range states as well. With Chinese investment and human presence in resource extraction operations across Africa skyrocketing, demand for ivory will overwhelm the ability of range states to conserve their elephants from poaching gangs connected to Chinese ivory buyers, often in collusion with corrupt government officials. China’s massive illegal ivory trade is not an accident. Failure by the Government of China to ensure meaningful enforcement of CITES regulations that prohibit the import and export of ivory resulted in illegal ivory flooding onto the domestic market in the 1990’s. China’s demand for ivory is directly responsible for the renewed poaching crisis facing many African elephant populations, as this report shows. After CITES increased protection for Africa’s rapidly disappearing elephants by banning international trade in ivory products in 1989, China neglected to fully enshrine those legal protections in domestic law for 17 years. Over that period its government did little to enforce CITES regulations prohibiting ivory imports or exports. Major failures included a vast loophole enabling traders to register ivory which they had “forgotten” to register at the time of the 1989 CITES ban as “pre-convention”, in effect enabling smuggled ivory to be legalized and then moved onto China’s flourishing domestic market. Illegal ivory seized by Chinese government agencies is also alleged to have disappeared into government ivory stocks. Numerous traders have confirmed that government ivory stocks continued to be sold to them in the 1990’s and 2000’s, including via government owned companies. Even the ruling Communist Party of China is reported to have held ivory stocks which were sold to traders. Organized smuggling syndicates have proliferated across Africa in recent years as Chinese companies and nationals pour into the continent, extracting its rich resources to fuel the explosive growth in manufacturing on the Chinese mainland. Whether working for oil companies in Sudan and Angola, or logging companies in west and central Africa, some Chinese nationals are tempted into working for the lucrative underground ivory trade. Africa’s elephants are paying the price for China’s failure to enforce the CITES ban. Recent commendable efforts by China’s government to suppress the illegal ivory trade have resulted in some high-profile seizures as well as restrictions on ivory product sales. Yet the government has now legalized dozens of companies thought to be implicated in illicit trade. Further, it undermines its own efforts to crack down on illegal trade by auctioning off confiscated poached ivory to domestic traders. Worse, China is now seeking legal approval from CITES to take part in future ivory auctions in order to expand its domestic trade. The Chinese government’s determination to host a “Green Olympics” in 2008 will be badly tainted if it continues to protect a domestic ivory trade that is fueling widespread poaching and illegal trade across several continents. The country’s very belated efforts to ratchet up enforcement operations against large-scale smuggling and commercial trade in ivory are not enough to prevent a 21st century African elephant disaster, driven by Chinese consumer demand. Instead the Government of China can affirm its commitment to CITES and to protecting endangered species by taking immediate action to ban the domestic trade in ivory. By simplifying enforcement procedures and empowering enforcement personnel across the nation, ivory trade can be eliminated within China’s borders. A precedent already exists. In 1993 China banned domestic rhino horn trade after rhino poaching in Africa and Asia and the flow of horns to China had reached crisis levels. China’s successful action to save the world’s rhinos demonstrated high level political will to protect the wildlife of other nations. Today, China’s people face two key questions with regard to another beloved endangered species: the African elephant. First, where does all the ivory in China come from, almost 18 years after international trade was banned? And second, does the Government of China have the political will to ban the domestic ivory trade that is helping to push many African elephant populations towards extinction? Details: London; Washington, DC: EIA, 2007. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 31, 2011 at: http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/Report--MadeInChina--Species--May07.pdf Year: 2007 Country: China URL: http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/Report--MadeInChina--Species--May07.pdf Shelf Number: 122567 Keywords: Endangered SpeciesIllegal TradeIvoryOrganized CrimePoachingWildlife Crime (China) |
Author: Cadman, Mike Title: Consuming Wild Life: The Illegal Exploitation of Wild Animals In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia: A Preliminary Report Summary: The illegal killing of wild animals poses an urgent threat to their survival and involves enormous cruelty, untold suffering, pain and death for individual animals, family groups and social networks. The raison d’etre for this report was, therefore, to attempt to get an overview of the current scale of illegal killing of wild life in South Africa and the southern African region more broadly. This Report represents the groundwork – a foundation to build on. The need for further research is extensive. However, this preliminary investigation clearly reveals a startling picture – one of enormous suffering, an inability by state agencies to adequately monitor the illegal killing of wild animals, a lack of centralised statistics and data, an uncoordinated response from authorities, insufficient enforcement and a general way of thinking that promotes killing instead of protection and respect. South Africa and its neighbours have flourishing illegal wild animal markets and in South Africa, particularly, this is compounded by its geographical location and relatively sophisticated infrastructure. Indeed, poaching is taking place in an increasingly organised scale. Africa has seen the unprecedented annihilation of wild animals as a result of poaching and it is being fuelled by the profits that are made by commercial wildlife traffickers (often to satisfy consumer demand abroad) and uncontrolled commercial exploitation. This is part of a global problem which according to Interpol is worth some US$12 billion a year. Throughout Africa, money is the driving force of this illegal trade and it is motivated by greed and aided by corruption, inadequate ranger staffing, public attitudes to wildlife, lack of public awareness, lack of data and lack of adequate law enforcement. There are three general categories of consumptive use of wild animals: commercial trophy hunting, illegal poaching (including subsistence hunting), and commercial farming. Nearly all illegal poaching is commercial. For purposes of this report ‘poaching’ is defined as hunting wild animals for food and entrepreneurial exploitation, including the bushmeat trade for local and urban trade, trafficking (locally and cross-border) and trade in live animals and body parts. The traditional medicines market is an important component in the illegal wildlife trade. The killers come in a variety of forms: they may be local people, they may be using snares, they maybe using guns or they may be the lowest link in a massive international mafia chain of wildlife trade that is today almost as big as the drug trade. Poachers are thus often highly organised armed gangs and hardened criminals. Methods of poaching include: shooting, snaring (using wire, cables etc.), gin traps, poisoning and the use of packs of dogs. It is generally believed that wild animals are safe in Reserves. However, research has revealed that many of the reserves in southern Africa are heavily targeted by armed poachers. Of concern is that in some instances the park rangers themselves are poaching. A recent research study undertaken by Professor Greg L. Warchol shows “numerous instances of rangers poaching for bushmeat, elephant ivory and rhino horn. In a Kruger National Park-sanctioned ‘culling’ effort, rangers authorised to kill 120 impala illegally killed an additional 60 for sale to a local butcher shop. One Kruger ranger was arrested for shooting 20 white rhinos and another admitted to killing at least 46 over 12 years to pay his gambling debts.” Poaching, trafficking and the bushmeat trade continue to thrive and expand in the region because there are flawed efforts to combat it. In particular, it is as a result of: The ‘sustainable’ and consumptive use context, i.e., the belief that animals are a resource to be used rather than protected. An illegal activity occurs within a framework where the same activity (killing for food or for profit), is legal. The key to this problem is that animals are seen as property, whether the property of the landowner, of governments or of rural communities. This commodification of sentient beings implies their exploitation. Inadequate leadership from government – insufficient priority is being given to wildlife crime. Protecting wildlife is often viewed as a low priority. Poor conceptualisation and implementation of non-consumptive poverty relief and development projects. Wildlife laws are too weak, ambiguous and contradictory. Prosecutors and magistrates are often unfamiliar with wildlife laws. Strong enforcement and compliance is lacking. Low levels of staffing and capacity. Lack of effective anti-poaching strategies, nationally and regionally. Effective public awareness-raising is wanting. This report strongly indicates that urgent action is needed. It is imperative that authorities in the region address this grave situation and take effective steps to prevent wildlife crime and protect wild animals in the region so as to: 1. Create and coordinate long-term programmes and strategies at a national and regional level; 2. Reduce national demand; 3. Mitigate poaching activities; 4. Expose the extent of poaching and trade; 5. Gather intelligence for future analytical reports and to identify enforcement priorities; 6. Determine what animals are being targeted. Animal Rights Africa therefore recommends that governments in the region need to implement the following strategies: Establish national and regional Wildlife Crime Databases. Review policies and legislation. Review policy of ‘sustainable use’ and consumptive use. Ensure that legislation and judicial systems support prosecutions and higher penalties. Build capacity, increase numbers, train and support rangers. Forge partnerships; between government agencies, with NGOs and intergovernmentally. Actively seek participation of civil society. Promote public awareness and education which is aimed at protecting and respecting animals in the wild. Investigate non-consumptive ways of addressing hunger. Details: Animal Rights Africa; Zwe African Wild Life, 2007. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 31, 2011 at: http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/Archive/Consuming_Wild_Life_290307_final.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Africa URL: https://docplayer.net/21741902-Consuming-wild-life-the-illegal-exploitation-of-wild-animals-in-south-africa-zimbabwe-and-zambia-a-preliminary-report.html Shelf Number: 122568 Keywords: Illegal TradeOrganized CrimePoachingWildlife Crime (Africa) |
Author: The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Title: The Last Fish: Plunder in the South Pacific Summary: Looting the Seas is an award-winning project by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists looking at forces that are rapidly emptying oceans of fish. In its first installment ICIJ documented the massive black market in threatened bluefin tuna. In the second, it revealed that billions of dollars in subsidies flow into the Spanish fishing industry despite its record of flouting rules and breaking the law. For the last of the three-part investigation, ICIJ reporters focused on an unlikely protagonist: the bony, bronzed-hued jack mackerel in the southern Pacific. Industrial fleets, after fishing out other waters decimated it at stunning speed. Since so much jack mackerel is reduced to fishmeal for aquaculture and pigs, we eat it unaware with each forkful of farmed salmon. The plunder continues today as the world’s largest trawlers head south before binding quotas are established. Not long ago, this was one of the world’s richest fishing grounds. ICIJ reporters ranged from New Zealand’s South Island to the top of Norway and from ramshackle wharves in Chile and Peru to carpeted offices in Brussels and Hong Kong. They conducted more than 100 interviews; filed freedom of information requests in the European Union, Peru and the Netherlands; and analyzed more than 100,000 catch and inspection records. In Chile, where the damage is greatest, Juan Pablo Figueroa Lasch of the investigative reporting center CIPER looked at the few powerful families and industrial groups that control 87 percent of the jack mackerel catch. He lived aboard the Santa María II, watching as fishermen hauled up mostly empty nets. In Peru, Milagros Salazar of IDL-Reporteros investigated another species used for fishmeal, anchoveta. It is the world’s largest fishery. She found cheating so massive – at rigged scales and unsupervised docks – that at least 630,000 tons of fish “vanished” in just two and a half years. Fish, the reporters found, are at the heart of geopolitical wrangling among governments that protect, and often subsidize, their fleets. Mar Cabra, who covered Brussels, is still waiting for most EU records she requested through freedom of information laws. EU officials refused to give her catch records, saying disclosure would undermine the “protection of commercial interests.” Plenty of sources spoke frankly and at length. When Mort Rosenblum asked to speak with the elusive Ng Joo Siang, head of the giant Hong Kong fishing conglomerate, Pacific Andes, the company’s outsourced public relations people refused to transmit the request. But a call to the man’s cell phone produced a lengthy and revealing interview. Our media partners are Le Monde (France), the International Herald Tribune, South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), El Mundo (Spain) and Trouw (The Netherlands). In addition, ICIJ is co-producing a documentary with London-based tve that is planned to air on BBC World News TV in the spring. Key findings: Asian, European and Latin American fleets have devastated fish stocks in the southern Pacific, once among the world’s richest waters; Since 2006, jack mackerel stocks have declined by nearly twothirds. The oily fish is a staple in Africa, but people elsewhere are unaware that it is in their forkfuls of farmed salmon. Jack mackerel is a vital component of fishmeal for aquaculture; National interests and geopolitical rivalry have blocked efforts since 2006 to ratify a regional fisheries management organization that can impose binding regulations to rescue jack mackerel from further collapse; In Chile, a handful of companies controlled by wealthy families own rights to 87 percent of the jack mackerel catch; with government backing, they have secured unrealistically high quotas — beyond what scientists say are essential to save the stock; In Peru, the world’s second largest fishing nation, widespread cheating at fishmeal plants allows companies to overfish and evade taxes. At least 630,000 tons of anchoveta – worth nearly $200 million as fishmeal – “vanished” over two and a half years. Details: The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Source: Looting the Seas III: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2012 at http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B4de9af69-2fdc-420c-944b-436045c9b0e8%7D/LOOTING_THE_SEAS_3.PDF?tr=y&auid=10229971 Year: 0 Country: International URL: http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B4de9af69-2fdc-420c-944b-436045c9b0e8%7D/LOOTING_THE_SEAS_3.PDF?tr=y&auid=10229971 Shelf Number: 124851 Keywords: Environmental CrimeIllegal FishingOffenses Against the EnvironmentPoaching |
Author: Fischer, Carolyn Title: Bioeconomic Model of Community Incentives for Wildlife Management Before and After CAMPFIRE Summary: This paper formulates a bioeconomic model to analyze community incentives for wildlife management under benefit-sharing programs like the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) in Zimbabwe. Two agents influence the wildlife stock: a parks agency determines hunting quotas, and a local community chooses to either aid or discourage outside poachers. Wildlife generates revenues from hunting licenses and tourism; it also intrudes on local agriculture. We consider two benefit-sharing regimes: shares of wildlife tourism rents and shares of hunting licenses. Resource sharing does not necessarily improve community welfare or incentives for wildlife conservation. Results depend on the exact design of the benefit shares, the size of the benefits compared with agricultural losses, and the way in which the parks agency sets hunting licenses. Details: Washington, DC: Resources for the Future, 2005. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Discussion Paper 05-06: Accessed May 8, 2012 at: http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-DP-05-06.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Zimbabwe URL: http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-DP-05-06.pdf Shelf Number: 125178 Keywords: PoachingWildlife Crime (Zimbabwe) |
Author: Latour, Stephanie Title: Elephant Meat Trade in Central Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo Case Study Summary: Wild game meat, or ‘bushmeat’, has been the most important source of protein in the Congo Basin forests of Central Africa for millennia (Wilkie & Carpenter, 1999; Bakarr, et al., 2001). Human population density was very low over most of this long period, but over the last century population growth has been rapidly increasing with the introduction of modern health care and better nutrition (Bennett, 2008). Roads are penetrating previously inaccessible forests to prospect for oil and minerals or to log for timber (Wilkie, et al., 2000; Laurance, et al., 2006). These new roads and economic activities attract farmers and hunters. Agricultural interventions such as cocoa, coffee and oil palm plantations in the name of economic development degrade the forest and attract even more people (World Bank, 2011). Hunting methods have changed radically over the past few decades with the introduction and spread of military weapons, dramatically increasing bushmeat offtake (Barnes, 2002; Fa & Brown, 2009). All of these factors impact negatively on biodiversity in general and on mammals in particular (Nasi, et al., 2008). Central Africa presents a radically and rapidly changing dynamic for elephants. Range fragmentation is pushed by human population growth and by the expansion of extractive activities into remaining wilderness areas. Associated corruption and disregard of established laws by government officials and the populace contribute to the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources. In addition, persistent conflict in the region and subsequent spread of arms, facilitate the killing of elephants and the marketing of their products. A growing body of evidence indicates that Africa is facing a dangerous resurgence in illegal elephant killing following a relative lull of over a decade since 1990 with the commencement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) international trade in ivory moratorium. News reports, announcements by Interpol and TRAFFIC, amongst others, report increasing numbers of ivory seizures, including some of the largest ever recorded. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was implicated in more ivory seizures between 1989 and 2009 than any other country in Africa. There is also evidence to suggest that the DRC is the source of some of the ivory found in large consignments destined for Asian markets through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania (Milliken, et al., 2009). News reports to date have focused almost exclusively on the illegal trade in ivory, implying that this is the primary economic driver. An unacknowledged issue is the trade in elephant bushmeat. Elephant bushmeat is potentially a major economic bonus, and available to actors who may have little access to the proceeds from ivory. In addition, the consumption and trade of elephant meat may reflect underlying human-elephant conflict, with retaliatory killings or ‘authorized’ culls being a source of meat. In many Central African countries, exaggerated claims of elephant crop raiding are used as a pretext for state sanctioned killing and distribution of meat. Permissions for the killings, and the meat windfall, are used by local politicians to gain popular support (John Hart, in litt., 2010). Wildlife laws in Central Africa permit the harvesting of administratively culled elephants. While elephant meat may be a by-product of the ivory trade, it could also be a primary driver of elephant deaths in certain localities and of particular concern for conservation, given that elephants with small or no tusks can be targeted. While ivory networks target large tusk accumulations intended for export, and thus focus on the last remaining subpopulation concentrations – usually in protected areas – elephant bushmeat can be attractive and even profitable when the number of elephants to be killed are far fewer, and the value of the acquired ivory is almost negligible. An initial assessment of the existing Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (CITES-MIKE) programme’s carcass database, pertaining to information collected between 2001 and 2009, indicates that the demand for elephant meat, especially in the Central African subregion, may be an important factor underlying the illegal killing of elephants (CITES, 2010). The dynamics, scale and impact of the trade in elephant meat are not well understood and more information is required, both to improve the information in MIKE and the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) and to assist with the development of appropriate policy and management strategies. The IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) has been charged by MIKE with implementing a Introduction 13 project to investigate the linkages between the elephant meat trade and larger social and economic dynamics at play, including, but not limited to, ivory trade, logging (legal and illegal), mining, infrastructure development, global economic trends, law enforcement at the national and international level, and community forest governance. The project was carried out in four Central African countries. This report presents an account of the results of the DRC case study, which focuses on the Okapi Faunal Reserve as an example of an elephant poaching and product trafficking site. Objectives of the study The objective of the study is to enhance knowledge of contemporary elephant bushmeat market dynamics, patterns and trends in north-eastern DRC and determine the impact of elephant meat trade on the Okapi Faunal Reserve (OFR) population. Within this overall objective the study aims to collect information on: 1. who is involved in killing elephants for meat and ivory respectively; 2. the methods and work effort of those involved; 3. the transport methods and routes used for trafficking meat and ivory; 4. the final destination of meat and ivory and identification of the consumers; 5. the commodity chain of meat and ivory respectively and the social networks involved; 6. the economics of the trade: prices, quantities, frequency, etc.; 7. the quantities of meat and ivory that are obtained annually from OFR; 8. attitudes and motivation related to killing elephants of those involved in the trade: the hunters, transporters/ middlemen, vendors and consumers; 9. the relationship and functioning of elephant meat trade within the broader context of bushmeat trade in general; 10. the influence of external factors on the killing of elephants and trade in their products, for example, logging (legal and illegal); mining; infrastructure development; law enforcement at the national and international level; community forest governance; and economic trends that affect demand. Details: Gland, Switzerland: International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2011. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 3, 2012 at: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/SSC-OP-045-003.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Africa URL: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/SSC-OP-045-003.pdf Shelf Number: 125461 Keywords: BushmeatElephantsIvoryPoachingWildlife Crimes (Africa) |
Author: Fischer, Carolyn Title: The Complex Interaction of Markets For Endangered Species Products Summary: Economic models of trade in endangered species products often do not incorporate four focal arguments in the policy debate over trade bans: 1) law-abiding consumers may operate in another market, separate from illegal consumers, that trade would bring online; 2) legal trade reduces stigma, which affects demand of law-abiding consumers; 3) laundering may bring illegal goods to legal markets when trade is allowed; 4) legal sales may affect illegal supply costs. This paper analyzes systematically which aspects of these complicated markets, separately or in combination, are important for determining whether limited legalized trade in otherwise illegal goods can be helpful for achieving policy goals like reducing poaching. Details: Washington, DC: Resources for the Future, 2001. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Discussion Paper 02-21: Accessed July 19, 2012 at: http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-DP-02-21.pdf Year: 2001 Country: International URL: http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-DP-02-21.pdf Shelf Number: 125691 Keywords: EconomicsEndangered SpeciesIllegal TradePoachingWildlife Crime |
Author: Muchapondwa, Edwin Title: Abalone Conservation in the Presence of Drug Use and Corruption: Implications for Its Management in South Africa Summary: The illegal exploitation of wild abalone in South Africa has been escalating since 1994, despite increased enforcement, leading to collapse in some sections of its range. South Africa banned all wild abalone fishing in 2008 but controversially reopened it in 2010. This paper formulates a poacher's model, taking into account the realities of the abalone terrain in South Africa-the prevalence of bribery, corruption, use of recreational drugs, and the high value of abalone-to explore why poaching has not subsided. The paper suggests two additional measures that might help ameliorate the situation: eliminating the demand side through enforcement targeted on organized crime, and ceding the resource to the local coastal communities. However, local communities need to be empowered to deal with organised crime groups. Complementary measures to bring back community patriotism will also be needed given the tattered social fabric of the local coastal communities. Details: s.l.: Environment for Development, 2012. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Discussion Paper Series 12-15: Accessed May 19, 2017 at: http://www.rff.org/files/sharepoint/WorkImages/Download/EfD-DP-12-15.pdf Year: 2012 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.rff.org/files/sharepoint/WorkImages/Download/EfD-DP-12-15.pdf Shelf Number: 145632 Keywords: AbaloneBriberyOrganized CrimePoachingWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
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: Underwood, F.M. Title: Dissecting the Illegal Ivory Trade: An Analysis of Ivory Seizures Data Summary: Reliable evidence of trends in the illegal ivory trade is important for informing decision making for elephants but it is difficult to obtain due to the covert nature of the trade. The Elephant Trade Information System, a global database of reported seizures of illegal ivory, holds the only extensive information on illicit trade available. However inherent biases in seizure data make it difficult to infer trends; countries differ in their ability to make and report seizures and these differences cannot be directly measured. We developed a new modelling framework to provide quantitative evidence on trends in the illegal ivory trade from seizures data. The framework used Bayesian hierarchical latent variable models to reduce bias in seizures data by identifying proxy variables that describe the variability in seizure and reporting rates between countries and over time. Models produced bias-adjusted smoothed estimates of relative trends in illegal ivory activity for raw and worked ivory in three weight classes. Activity is represented by two indicators describing the number of illegal ivory transactions - Transactions Index - and the total weight of illegal ivory transactions - Weights Index - at global, regional or national levels. Globally, activity was found to be rapidly increasing and at its highest level for 16 years, more than doubling from 2007 to 2011 and tripling from 1998 to 2011. Over 70% of the Transactions Index is from shipments of worked ivory weighing less than 10 kg and the rapid increase since 2007 is mainly due to increased consumption in China. Over 70% of the Weights Index is from shipments of raw ivory weighing at least 100 kg mainly moving from Central and East Africa to Southeast and East Asia. The results tie together recent findings on trends in poaching rates, declining populations and consumption and provide detailed evidence to inform international decision making on elephants. Details: S.L., 2013. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 21, 2019 at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0076539 Year: 2013 Country: International URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0076539&type=printable Shelf Number: 155956 Keywords: Environmental CrimeIllegal IvoryIllicit TradeIvory TradePoachingSeizuresWildlife Crime |