Date: November 22, 2024 Fri

Time: 12:20 pm

Results for wildlife crime

317 results found

Author: Frankcom, S., editor Title: Stop Illegal Fishing in Southern Africa Summary: This report looks at the status and impacts of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the southern African region, covering a number of themes and issues including international trade, certification, MCS (monitoring, control and surveillance), flag state issues, and port state measures. This report also includes country studies and interviews with key politicians. Details: Botswana: Stop Illegal Fishing Programme, 2008 Source: Year: 2008 Country: Botswana URL: Shelf Number: 114344 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Unregulated Fishing Wildlife Crime

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: Poaching Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Abbott, Brant Title: The Economics of Endangered Species Poaching Summary: The poaching of endangered species is a global problem. In Africa elephants are poached for their ivory and rhinoceroses are poached to produce medicinal products from their horns (Fischer 2004). In North America grizzly bears are poached because their body parts are valuable, particularly gall bladders (Unknown 2004). In southwestern British Columbia there have been increasing occurrences of bald eagle poaching for the value of their feathers, but one poacher was only fined $1450 (Keating 2007). In a letter to the editor an outraged citizen called for greater penalties for those caught poaching as a means of deterrence (Foss 2007). This brings up an important point that has not received enough attention in the economics literature: poaching is a criminal activity and poachers make the same economic decisions as other criminals. The focus of this paper, therefore, is to examine the interaction between the economic decision making of poachers and the dynamics of endangered species. The literature regarding endangered species poaching has evolved largely in the context of the African elephant. One of the general goals of this literature has been to understand the impacts of an international trade moratorium on the survival of an endangered species. A common method by which researchers have contributed to the understanding of this subject is to examine the static impact on quantity poached that results from a policy change. For example, Fischer (2004) and Bergstrom (1990) develop static models to analyze policy changes. While such analyses provide valuable insights, a more complete approach would be to assess how policy changes would effect the population dynamics of the species. Under certain circumstances, policies will have ambiguous effects on the quantity of the resource that is poached, but this does not necessarily imply that the impact on the species population will also be ambiguous. It may still be possible to determine how the potential steady states of the species population will change. Two notable examples of work that examines changes in both the amount of poaching that occurs and the steady state resource population are Bulte and Damania (2001) and Kremer and Morcom (2000). Bulte and Damania examine the role of captive breeding in endangered species conservation in the context of imperfect competition. Kremer and Morcom investigate the possible impacts of storage on endangered species equilibria. Both studies use dynamic frameworks and provide results regarding steady state populations to give a complete account of the impact of policy on the vitality of the endangered species. Details: Victoria, BC: Resource Economics & Policy Analysis Research Group, Department of Economics, University of Victoria, 2008. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 25, 2018 at: https://web.uvic.ca/~repa/publications/REPA%20working%20papers/WorkingPaper2008-08.pdf Year: 2008 Country: International URL: https://web.uvic.ca/~repa/publications/REPA%20working%20papers/WorkingPaper2008-08.pdf Shelf Number: 117146 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Econometric Models) Endangered Species Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Logging Offenses Against the Environment Poaching Polution Wildlife Crime

Author: Milliken, T. Title: The Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) and the Illicit Trade in Ivory Summary: The illicit trade in ivory, which has been increasing in volume since 2004, moved sharply upward in 2009, according to the latest analysis of seizure data in the Elephant Trade Information System. The analysis was based upon 14,364 elephant product seizure records from 85 countries or territories since 1989, nearly 2,000 more records than the previous analysis, in 2007. The remarkable surge in 2009 reflects a series of large-scale seizure events that suggest an increased involvement or organized crime syndicates in the trade, connecting African source countries with Asian end-use markets. Details: Harare, Zimbabwe: TRAFFIC East and Southern Africa, 2009. 40p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 117396 Keywords: Illegal Trade (Ivory) Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Offenses Against the Environment Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Title: Illegal Foreign Fishing in Australia's Northern Waters Summary: This audit assesses the effectiveness of the Customs and Border Protection's performance in managing and coordinating enforcement operations against illegal foreign fishing in Australia's northern waters. Details: Canberra: Australian National Audit Office, 2010. 148p. Source: Internet Resource; ANOA Audit Report No. 23 2009-2010 Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 119207 Keywords: Crimes Against the Environment Illegal Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: Global Witness Title: The Untouchables: Forest Crime and the Concessionaires - Can Cambodia Afford to Keep Them? Summary: This report details the major illegal activities of a selection of concessionaires currently operating in Cambodia. It comprises both a historical record of concessionaire activity in Cambodia since 1995, and a critique of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) - funded concession review carried out by consultants Fraser Thomas. The report details the illegal activities of 12 concessionaires, and the fact that three further concessions are almost certainly no longer viable in the short term. Details: London: Global Witness, 1999. 17p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 1999 Country: Cambodia URL: Shelf Number: 119230 Keywords: Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Hastle, Jo Title: Back in Business: Elephant Poaching and the Ivory Black Markets of Asia Summary: This report presents a catalogue of ivory seizures during calendar year 2002. Sections of the report include: The Singapore Seizure; China's Emerging Ivory Market; The Impact on Elephant Populations; Illegal Ivory on the Move; and Conclusions and Recommendations. Details: Washington, DC: Environmental Investigation Agency, 2002. 25p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2002 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 118754 Keywords: Elephant Poaching Illegal Hunting Ivory Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition Title: Illegal Toothfish Trade: Introducing Illegal Catches into the Markets Summary: Toothfish poaching has rapidly risen to become one of the most lucrative, illegal fishing businesses globally. For example, the 85 ton toothfish catch of the Viarsa 1 alone was worth as much as US$ 1 million (US$ 1.7 million as a retail product). Due to the high price that toothfish can reach at the docks, this fish has been called “white gold” by illegal fishermen. Illegal operators have been successful in exploiting loopholes in the set of measures developed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to control illegal fishing and trade in toothfish. In some cases, poachers even launder their illegal catch through the use of the Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS), the certification system designed to track the trade in toothfish and to ensure that shipments of toothfish brought to market are legally caught. This paper summarizes the main results of a research study conducted by the National Environmental Trust (NET) in the United States aimed at evaluating the magnitude of illegal Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish currently being imported into that country. The detailed findings of this study have been published in the report “Black Market for White Gold: the Illegal trade in Chilean Sea Bass”. The report describes a number of tactics that are used by illegal operators to smuggle their fish into the market, which are summarized in this paper. Taking into account that the United States is one of the main import markets of toothfish and that its government has been in the forefront of developing trade measures to prevent illegal toothfish to access the market, ASOC believes that the loopholes identified here are relevant for all global trade in toothfish. Indeed, the authors of the NET report concluded that it is likely that the patterns of trade that allow “illegal, unreported, and unregulated” (IUU) toothfish into the United States are similar in all countries that import this fish. Details: Washington, DC: ASOC, 2004. 16p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2004 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 119243 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Walters, Julie Title: Following the Proceeds of Illegal Logging in Indonesia Summary: low number of prosecutions in Indonesia for illegal logging may not offer a strong enough deterrent against engaging in what is a lucrative crime. However, the movement of offenders and proceeds tied to illegal logging through other countries in the region offers some opportunities to support Indonesia’s law enforcement responses. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 6p. Source: Internet Resource; Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, No. 391 Year: 2010 Country: Indonesia URL: Shelf Number: 109420 Keywords: Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Agnew, David Title: The Global Extent of Illegal Fishing Summary: Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has now been recognised as a global problem, and many groups have developed proposals and plans for addressing IUU fishing. In order to clearly understand the impact of these initiatives we need to have a good understanding of current and historical levels of illegal fishing on a global and regional scale. Although a number of studies of illegal fishing have been undertaken previously, this report presents the first detailed quantitative analysis of the problem on a global scale. Estimates of illegal fishing from different Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and unregulated and unreported fishing high seas regions were collected through an IUU monitoring network (commissioned directly by the project) and sourced from the available literature and through discussions with monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) professionals. The combination of information was used to generate a series of in-depth studies detailing the level of illegal fishing for a number of different species in 60 countries (chosen as those with the highest catches in their EEZs) and 17 high seas FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) regions. Overall the estimates of illegal fishing are based on a number of species and areas that constitute 46% of global catches based on FAO catch statistics. The level of IUU catches was calculated on a regional and species group basis. The results demonstrated that there are significant differences in the level of IUU catch and the trends in those catches between regions, being highest in the Eastern Central Atlantic (Area 34) and lowest in the Southwest Pacific (Area 81). Over the last 10 years IUU has declined in 7 areas, increased in one and stayed the same in the remaining 7. We estimate that the overall loss from our studied fisheries is 11-19% of the reported catch in those fisheries, worth some $5-11bn in 2003. Taking the total estimated value of illegal catch losses within the analysed fisheries and areas and raising by the proportion of the total world catch, the lower and upper estimates of the total value of current IUU losses worldwide were between $10bn and $23bn annually, representing between 11.06 and 25.91 million tonnes. This estimate is roughly consistent with estimates made recently by MRAG (2005) ($9bn), the European Commission (2007) ($15bn) and the estimates from Pauly et al..(2002) ($25bn)." Details: Vancouver, BC: Fisheries Ecosystems Restoration Research, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2008. 33p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 119371 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Title: Wrap Up the Trade: An International Campaign to Save the Endangered Tibetan Antelope Summary: This report documents the international scope of the illegal trade in Tibetan antelope wool from China and shawls from India - a trade that may force the extinction of the Tibetan antelope. Details: Yarmouth Port, MA: IFAW; New Delhi: WTI, 2001. 79p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2001 Country: Asia URL: Shelf Number: 118628 Keywords: Illegal Hunting Illegal Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Preston, Brian J. Title: Achieving Consistency and Transparency in Sentencing for Environmental Offences Summary: Sentencing statistics for criminal offences have been used by Local, District and Supreme Courts in New South Wales for more than 15 years. This monograph reports on an intiative of the Judicial Information Research System to provide sentencing statistics for environmental offences in graphical form. Details: Sydney: Judicial Commission of New South Wales, 2008. 48p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 119451 Keywords: Offenses Against the Environment Sentencing Wildlife Crime

Author: Brack, Duncan Title: Controlling Illegal Logging: Consumer-Country Measures Summary: Consumer countries contribute to the problems of illegal logging by importing timber and wood products without ensuring that they are legally sourced. Over the last few years, however, consumer countries have taken a series of measures to try to ensure that they exclude illegal timber products from their markets. The bilateral voluntary partnership agreements negotiated between the EU and timber-producing countries, which will establish a licensing scheme for legal timber, offer one of the best ways of controlling the trade but will be slow to establish. Broader measures to exclude illegal timber lack some of the benefits of this approach but can be implemented more quickly and with greater coverage. The extension of the Lacey Act to timber in 2008 was a significant development, providing the US with an effective means of encouraging the timber industry to exercise 'due care' and preventing imports of illegal timber. Whether the EU's 'due diligence' regulation will prove as effective remains to be seen. Public procurement policies aimed at purchasing legal (and, usually, sustainable) timber can prove very effective in excluding illegal timber from segments of a consumer-country market. All these developments will encourage the spread of the voluntary certification and legality verification schemes, but at the same time are likely to expose them to increasing pressures, for example from fraud. Details: London: Chatham House, 2010. 12p. Source: Internet Resource; Briefing Paper Year: 2010 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 118627 Keywords: Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: 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 Trade Offenses Against the Environment Tigers Wildlife Crime

Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Rogue Traders: The Murky Business of Merbau Timber Smuggling in Indonesia Summary: During 2009 and 2010 EIA/Telapak carried out undercover investigations into the illicit merbau trade in China and Singapore, as well as Surabaya, Makassar and Papua in Indonesia. These investigations reveal how significant amounts of illegal merbau, in the form of square logs and rough sawn timber, continue to be smuggled out of Indonesia, with the bulk bound for China. They also uncover the illegal activities of two rogue timber traders; Hengky Gosal, the man behind a foiled attempt to ship 23 containers of merbau logs, and Ricky Gunawan, a serial smuggler based in Surabaya. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency; Bogor, Indonesia: Telepak, 2010. 13p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Indonesia URL: Shelf Number: 119547 Keywords: Illegal Logging Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Nijman, Vincent Title: An Assessment of Trade in Gibbons and Orang-utans in Sumatra, Indonesia Summary: This report presents an assessment of the trade in gibbons and orang-utans in Sumatra, Indonesia, including the islands off Sumatra’s west coast (most notably, the Mentawai Islands). Until recently Sumatra and its off-lying islands harboured one of the largest expanses of lowland evergreen rainforest in Southeast Asia. Most of the lowland forests are gone and the forest that remains is largely in the hills and mountains, running along the western part of the island, with the largest expanse of forests being in the Leuser Ecosystem, and adjacent Ulu Masen forest to the north. Commercial timber extraction, small-scale logging (legal and illegal), conversion of forest to palm oil or wood-pulp plantations, and forest fires – along with the concurrent increase in access to formerly remote areas – are increasingly threatening the integrity of the remaining forests, thus putting the survival of its inhabitants at stake. Sumatra is home to five species of ape i.e. the Sumatran Orang-utan Pongo abelii, and the Lar Gibbon Hylobates lar in the northernmost part, the Agile Gibbon Hylobates agilis in the central and southern part, and the Siamang Symphalangus syndactylus occurring sympatrically with the other apes throughout the island. Kloss’ Gibbon Hylobates klossi is found on the four Mentawai Islands, off Sumatra’s west coast. Lar Gibbons occur throughout Southeast Asia. The Sumatran Orang-utan is only found in Sumatra, and although the Agile Gibbon and the Siamang do occur in Peninsular Malaysia, based on the area of occupancy, over 90 percent of their populations are found in Sumatra. Kloss’ Gibbons are endemic to Indonesia. Indonesia bears a great responsibility towards safeguarding the future of these five ape species. All species are classified by the IUCN Red List as Globally Threatened, primarily due to loss of habitat but also due to illegal hunting and trade. This report finds that a lack of law enforcement against illegal trade in Indonesia threatens the survival of orang-utans and gibbons on Sumatra. The report recommends that the root causes of trade be examined and that laws be better implemented for the protection of orang-utans, gibbons and the island’s other wildlife. (Excerpts from publication) Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2009. 57p. Source: Internet Resource; Accessed August 13, 2010 at http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_mammals47.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_mammals47.pdf Shelf Number: 119591 Keywords: Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Ferrier, Peyton Title: The Economics of Agricultural and Wildlife Smuggling Summary: The United States bans imports of certain agricultural and wildlife goods that can carry pathogens or diseases or whose harvest can threaten wildlife stocks or endanger species. Despite these bans, contraband is regularly uncovered in inspections of cargo containers and in domestic markets. This study characterizes the economic factors affecting agricultural and wildlife smuggling by drawing on inspection and interdiction data from USDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and existing economic literature. Findings reveal that agricultural and wildlife smuggling primarily include luxury goods, ethnic foods, and specialty goods, such as traditional medicines. Incidents of detected smuggling are disproportionately higher for agricultural goods originating in China and for wildlife goods originating in Mexico. Fragmentary data show that approximately 1 percent of all commercial wildlife shipments to the United States and 0.40 percent of all U.S. wildlife imports by value are refused entry and suspected of being smuggled. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Services, 2009. 35p. Source: Internet Resource; Economic Research Report No. 81. Accessed August 16, 2010 at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err81/err81.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err81/err81.pdf Shelf Number: 116551 Keywords: Agricultural Crime Illicit Trade Offenses Against the Environment Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Bateman, Sam Title: Good Order at Sea in Southeast Asia Summary: This policy paper examines the threats to good order at sea in Southeast Asia . Threats to good order include piracy and armed robbery against ships, maritime terrorism, illicit trafficking in drugs and arms, people smuggling, pollution, illegal fishing and marine natural hazards. This paper reviews the current situation and makes recommendations for non-governmental actions that would enhance cooperation in addressing the problem. Details: Singapore: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, 2009. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: RSIS Policy Paper: Accessed August 20, 2010 at: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/publications/policy_papers/RSIS_Policy%20Paper%20-%20Good%20Order%20at%20Sea_270409.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Asia URL: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/publications/policy_papers/RSIS_Policy%20Paper%20-%20Good%20Order%20at%20Sea_270409.pdf Shelf Number: 119644 Keywords: Drug Smuggling Human Smuggling Illegal Fishing Illicit Trafficking Maritime Crime Maritime Security Offenses Against the Environment Pirates Wildlife Crime

Author: Lack, Mary Title: Continuing CCAMLR's Fight Against IUU Fishing for Toothfish Summary: The future of the Patagonian and Antarctic Toothfish and the highly valuable fishery based on them concentrated in the Southern Ocean, is under significant pressure from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This report documents the fact that IUU fishing is severely undermining protection of these valuable species. Details: Sydney: World Wildlife Fund - Australia and TRAFFIC International, 2008. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 21, 2010 at: http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_fish31.pdf Year: 2008 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_fish31.pdf Shelf Number: 115683 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Dexel, Birga Title: The Illegal Trade in Snow Leopards - A Global Perspective Summary: The snow leopard was listed by the CITES Parties in 1975 on Appendix I. Since then cross-border trade has become an ever increasing threat to snow leopards, but no further measures have been taken in the framework of the convention to stop the on-going illegal trade in live specimen, parts and derivatives. Many range countries did not become a party to CITES till the late 1990s and some have not joined at all. The species is fully protected in every range country under the respective national laws and hunting as well as the trade in live specimen and parts is prohibited. All range countries with the exception of Bhutan have difficulties in enforcing these provisions. The national and international trade in live specimen, skins and bones is, according to the global network of snow leopard experts (SLN), the major threat to the survival of the species, particularly in Central Asia. This report is the first of its kind to assimilate the somewhat scarce information available, and to provide the Parties with evidence on the existence of this trade which, if no comprehensive measures are implemented as a matter of urgency, will lead to the extinction of this unique species. It also presents new trade data derived from investigations by the Kirghiz snow leopard enforcement group, Gruppa Bars, which is part of the joint Snow Leopard Conservation Programme of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the German Society for Nature Conservation (NABU). (Excerpts from the report) Details: Berlin: German Society for Nature Conservation, 2002. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 21, 2010 at: http://www.nabu.de/schneeleopard/report.pdf Year: 2002 Country: International URL: http://www.nabu.de/schneeleopard/report.pdf Shelf Number: 119209 Keywords: Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: International Alert Title: The Role of the Exploitation of Natural Resources in Fuelling and Prolonging Crisis in the Eastern DRC Summary: For more than a decade, research has stressed the importance of the economic dimension of conflict, and of the economic interests of belligerents. Competition among political, military and business actors for the control of mineral resources in the east of the country is being increasingly recognised as a pivotal factor in assessing the causes of instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This report is based on a thorough review of all the main literature on the subject since the year 2000. It describes and assesses the different categories of actors and the processes, chains and linkages that are involved in mining and trading of minerals in the Kivu provinces and in the territory of Ituri. It also reveals some of the main gaps in the information on the issue that is needed to develop and refine more effective peace-building strategies by national and international interveners. Details: London: International Alert, 2009. 87p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 3, 2010 at: http://international-alert.org/pdf/Natural_Resources_Jan_10.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Africa URL: http://international-alert.org/pdf/Natural_Resources_Jan_10.pdf Shelf Number: 118599 Keywords: Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Violence Wildlife Crime

Author: Welsh, Brandon P. Title: Effects of Improved Street Lighting on Crime Summary: Improved street lighting serves many functions and is used in both public and private settings. The prevention of personal and property crime is one of its objectives in public space, which is the main focus of this review. There are two main theories of why improved street lighting may cause a reduction in crime. The first suggests that improved lighting leads to increased surveillance of potential offenders (both by improving visibility and by increasing the number of people on the street) and hence to increased deterrence of potential offenders. The second suggests that improved lighting signals community investment in the area and that the area is improving, leading to increased community pride, community cohesiveness, and informal social control. The first theory predicts decreases in crime especially during the hours of darkness, while the second theory predicts decreases in crime during both daytime and nighttime. Results of this review indicate that improved street lighting significantly reduces crime. This lends support for the continued use of improved street lighting to prevent crime in public space. The review also found that nighttime crimes did not decrease more than daytime crimes. This suggests that a theory of street lighting focusing on its role in increasing community pride and informal social control may be more plausible than a theory focusing on increased surveillance and increased deterrence. Future research should be designed to test the main theories of the effects of improved street lighting more explicitly, and future light. Details: Oslo: Campbell Collaboration, 2008. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Campbell Systematic Review, 2008:13: Accessed September 8, 2010 at: http://campbellcollaboration.org/lib/download/233/ Year: 2008 Country: International URL: http://campbellcollaboration.org/lib/download/233/ Shelf Number: 119765 Keywords: Crime Prevention Lighting Offenses Against the Environment Property Crime Situational Crime Prevention Street Crime Third Party Policing Wildlife Crime

Author: Greenpeace Title: The Untouchables: Rimbunan Hijau's World of Forest Crime and Political Patronage Summary: Rimbunan Hijau (RH) dominates the logging industry in Papua New Guinea and has interests in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Indonesia, New Zealand and Russia, making it one of the world's largest forest destroyers. Many of these operations are characterised by documented illegalities and environmental destruction. The company seems impervious to criticism and appears to be protected by an extensive and well-established network of political patronage and media control. Details: Amsterdam: Greenpeace, 2004. 19p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 21, 2010 at: http://www.wrm.org.uy/countries/Malaysia/RHreport.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Papua New Guinea URL: http://www.wrm.org.uy/countries/Malaysia/RHreport.pdf Shelf Number: 119840 Keywords: Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Scotland. Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland Title: Natural Justice Update Summary: The joint thematic inspection that led to the publication of the report "Natural Justice" in April 2008, was commissioned as a result of widespread and increasing public concern about wildlife crime in Scotland. While Inspectorates have systems for tracking the progress of their own recommendations as part of their routine monitoring, where joint inspections are carried out, joint assessments of progress are required. This update report examines the extent to which our recommendations have been implemented some eighteen months later. It also considers the current climate, conditions and challenges now facing those who have an interest in, or are charged with, preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime. Details: Edinburgh: Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland, 2009. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 9, 2010 at: Year: 2009 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 119887 Keywords: Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Lawson, Sam Title: Illegal Logging and Related Trade: Indicators of the Global Response: Country Report Cards Summary: This report card assesses the imports of illegally sourced wood, the government response, the private-sector response, media attention and areas for improvement for Brazil, Cameroon, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, UK, United States, The Netherlands, France and Japan. Details: London: Chatham House, 2010. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 12, 2010 at: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/research/eedp/papers/view/-/id/913/ Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/research/eedp/papers/view/-/id/913/ Shelf Number: 119934 Keywords: Illegal Logging Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Ishihara, Akiko Title: The State of Wildlife Trade in Japan Summary: The State of Wildlife Trade in Japan analyses the significance of Japan’s trade in wild animal and plant species and their products, reviews this trade in the light of national and international regulations and provides critical insights into the nature of Japan’s impact on global biodiversity. It provides, among other things, explanations of the current trends in topical issues involving Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, and the often-illegal trade in reptiles as pets, while highlighting the importance of sustainable use of medicinal plants, an issue closely related to the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Details: Tokyo: TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan, 2010. 95p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 18, 2010 at: www.traffic.org/general-reports/traffic_pub_gen38.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Japan URL: Shelf Number: 120007 Keywords: Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Bricknell, Samantha Title: Environmental Crime in Australia Summary: Environmental crime is the perpetration of harms against the environment that violate current law. The term environmental harm is often interchanged with environmental crime and, for some, any activity that has a deleterious effect on the environment is considered an environmental crime. At the other end of the spectrum, the harm may be conceived of as a crime per se only if it is subject to criminal prosecution and criminal sanction. The activities that are recognised in Australia as environmental crimes include: pollution or other contamination of air, land and water; illegal discharge and dumping of, or trade in, hazardous and other regulated waste; illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances; illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing; illegal trade in (protected) flora and fauna and harms to biodiversity; illegal logging and timber trade; illegal native vegetation clearance; and water theft. Compared with other crimes, environmental crime has taken longer to be accepted as a genuine category of crime. Changing perceptions about the vulnerability of the environment, particularly with respect to long-term outcomes of environmentally harmful practices, has altered this view to the extent that most behaviour with a potential environmental consequence is now tightly regulated. Environmental crime has received some research attention in Australia but little in the way of a comprehensive account. This report aims to address this by assembling the available literature to examine the nature and extent of environmental crime in Australia and the laws and other processes in place to prevent, deter and sanction environmental offences. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 132p. Source: Internet Resource: AIC Reports, Research and Public Policy Series 109: Accessed October 18, 2010 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/2/1/1/%7B211B5EB9-E888-4D26-AED4-1D4E76646E4B%7Drpp109.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/2/1/1/%7B211B5EB9-E888-4D26-AED4-1D4E76646E4B%7Drpp109.pdf Shelf Number: 120006 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Illegal Logging Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Rekins, Martins Title: Illegal Logging in Latvia and Export of Forest Products to the UK Summary: For several years illegal logging and forest crime have been priority issues for WWF globally as well as Pasaules Dabas Fonds (formerly WWF Latvia) forest programme. The previous studies conducted by WWF and its partners about the forest sector in Latvia have concluded that illegal logging and forest crime are major factors undermining the economic development of the industry, creating social problems and adverse environmental consequences. Export of forest products brought in about one third of Latvia’s export revenues in 2004, exceeding 1 billion EUR. The United Kingdom was the biggest trade partner (300 million EUR in 2004) and Latvia was the second largest supplier of timber products to the UK after Sweden. The main export product is sawn timber, constituting more than 90 % of all exported volume. The study has three main goals: to provide an overview on development trends of illegal logging and forest crime in Latvia; to gather information about the leading Latvia’s exporters of forest products to the United Kingdom and evaluate purchasing policy and corporate social responsibility of these companies; and to provide recommendations for responsible governmental organisations, industry and other stakeholders for further activities to eliminate illegal logging and forest crime in Latvia. Details: Riga, Latvia: Pasaules Dabas Fonds, 2006. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2010 at: http://www.pdf.lv/doc_upl/IllegalLogin.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Latvia URL: http://www.pdf.lv/doc_upl/IllegalLogin.pdf Shelf Number: 120031 Keywords: Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Palmer, Mick Title: Report on Illegal Fishing for Commercial Gain or Profit in NSW Summary: The illegal capture and sale of fish for commercial gain or profit is accepted as a significant issue in NSW. For a long time it has been known that abalone and rock lobster in particular have formed the basis of a significant illegal trade, but other species are becoming increasingly involved as the demand for fresh seafood, and the price of quality product, have risen. Various compliance strategies have been implemented over time to increase compliance capacity and effectiveness, with varying degrees of success. Accurate and timely information has traditionally been difficult to obtain and, consequently, even targeted compliance operations have frequently proven to be extremely resource and time intensive. The overall goal of this review is to scope and assess the nature and extent of illegal harvesting and black marketing of fish for commercial purposes and to recommend areas for potential improvement in legislation, regulation, education and enforcement including identifying the resources and priorities necessary to achieve optimal compliance and effective deterrents. Details: Sydney, N.S.W.: NSW Fisheries, 2004. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 21, 2010 at: http://www.illegal-fishing.info/uploads/Black-Market-Report-NSW.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Australia URL: http://www.illegal-fishing.info/uploads/Black-Market-Report-NSW.pdf Shelf Number: 120042 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Global Witness Title: Investigation Into the Global Trade in Malagasy Precious Woods: Rosewood, Ebony and Pallisander Summary: In June 2009, Madagascar National Parks (MNP) with an official mandate of the Ministry of the Environment and Forests contracted Global Witness and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) to investigate and monitor the flow of illegally harvested precious wood from the national parks and surrounding areas of Madagascar’s SAVA Region. This illicit trade in rare, high-value species such as ebony, rosewood and pallisander serves export markets in China, the United States and Europe, where it is used to manufacture furniture and musical instruments. The quick profits on offer have fuelled a timber rush which has decimated Madagascar’s few remaining precious forests. Our November 2009 report, Investigation into the illegal felling, transport and export of precious wood in SAVA Region Madagascar1, revealed the inner workings of the trade and the extent of the damage. It estimated the traffic’s value at up to USD460,000 per day on international markets, with most profits pocketed by a small group of “timber barons”, who typically channel the money into overseas bank accounts and property. This latest report tells what happened next. It traces several important developments since the November publication, and presents findings from our follow-up investigations into the trade flows and consumer markets which facilitate and promote demand for Madagascar’s precious woods. Details: Washington, DC: Environmental Investigation Agency; London: Global Witness, 2010. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 1, 2010 at: http://www.financialtaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Illegal_Timber_Report_261010.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Madagascar URL: http://www.financialtaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Illegal_Timber_Report_261010.pdf Shelf Number: 120136 Keywords: Illegal Logging Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Bawumia, Mahamudu Title: Fisheries, Ecosystems and Piracy: A Case Study of Somalia Summary: It has been argued that a possible root cause of Somali piracy is the (illegal) overfishing that has been taking place in the country's waters, which has deprived local fishers of their livelihoods, and which may be considered as another form of '�piracy'. In this paper, we explore the origins of this argument using both historical and ecosystem justice frameworks. We demonstrate in this contribution that this claim has some wings to it and that further research is needed to verify if this claim, as we suspect, is empirically valid. Details: Vancouver, BC: Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2010. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper Series; Working Paper # 2010-04: Accessed December 2, 2010 at: ftp://ftp.fisheries.ubc.ca/FCWP/2010/FCWP_2010-04_BawumiaSumaila.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Somalia URL: Shelf Number: 120346 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Pirates/Piracy (Somalia) Wildlife Crime

Author: Arky, Aaron S. Title: Trading Nets for Guns: The Impact of Illegal Fishing on Piracy in Somalia Summary: Somali piracy reached a record high level in 2008, with 111 of the 293 worldwide attacks occurring in the waters surrounding Somalia. The incidence of piracy in Somali waters almost doubled in 2009, and the Somali share of total piracy attacks worldwide increased from under 40% to over 50%. Often overlooked is the initial upsurge in piracy, following the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, which contributed to a sharp increase in piracy in 2005 and again in 2008. This thesis addresses why this initial surge occurred when it did. This increase can be attributed to the transformation of the pirate business model from fishermen who started to defend themselves, to the organized crime that displaced them in 2004 due to the opportunistic behavior of warlords. A convergence of factors contributing to the conditions at the time of the tsunami had short-term effects in 2005 that were enough to provide a boost to the already increasing business model of piracy. Details: Monterey, CA: Naval Postgraduate School, 2010. 41p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed December 2, 2010 at: http://www.hsdl.org/?view&doc=131926&coll=limited Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.hsdl.org/?view&doc=131926&coll=limited Shelf Number: 120362 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Maritime Crime Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Piracy/Pirates Pirates Wildlife Crime

Author: VERIFOR Title: Meeting the Challenge of Timber Legality Verification: A Policy Brief Summary: Worldwide, interest in timber legality is growing. The handwringing that has sometimes characterised debate on illegal logging is giving way to practical measures designed to increase the proportion of timber that is harvested and traded according to the law. Proponents argue that the verification of timber legality can encourage good forest governance and ensure access to markets that might otherwise be restricted. This policy brief considers the merits of that argument. It draws on the collective knowledge of 100 forest governance practitioners and researchers who, in late 2008, attended an international workshop on the issue organised by the VERIFOR project (Box 1) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It describes the process of effective timber legality verification, identifies the challenges, and presents eight key messages for policymakers. Details: London: VERIFOR, 2009. 10p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 15, 2010 at: http://www.verifor.org/RESOURCES/workshop_summary.pdf Year: 2009 Country: International URL: http://www.verifor.org/RESOURCES/workshop_summary.pdf Shelf Number: 119936 Keywords: Illegal Timber Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: ProFauna Indonesia Title: Wildlife Trade Survey on the Bird Markets in Java Summary: Indonesia is a mega-biodiversity country. It is estimated that about 300,000 wild animals or 17% of the world animals inhabit the nature of Indonesia, despite Indonesia’s lands is only 1.3% of the world’s. Indonesia has the largest mammals (515 species) and is inhabited by 1,539 bird species. 45% of the world’s fish species live in Indonesia’s waters. However, illegal wildlife trade becomes a huge threat towards wild animals survival in Indonesia. 183 mammal, 115 bird, 27 reptile, and 111 fish species are threatened in Indonesia (IUCN, 2008). Unless there are efforts to save and protect the animals, wild animals in Indonesia will be extinct like Balinese Tiger which was gone in the 1970’s. Similarly, Javan tiger is considered extinct even though some scientists believe that there are some still left in Merubetiri National Park in Banyuwangi, East Java. The main causes of wild animal extinction are the habitat loss or destruction and poaching for trade. Now, wildlife trade poses serious threat to the Indonesian animals’ survival. More than 95% of the traded animals are caught from the wild instead of captive-bred. The hub of wildlife trade takes place in bird (animal/ pet) markets in Java. Almost every big city in Java has a bird market. Java Island is one of the largest islands in Indonesia which 12 millions hectares (6% of the Indonesian land) and 116 millions population (60% of the whole country population) since Java is the centre of Indonesian government and economy. To the Javanese’s believe, birds as pets take certain position in their social life. Keeping birds has been a lifestyle for a Javanese man. Some also believe that keeping bird is a symbol of accomplishment and settlement. In the past, noble Javanese were considered to be successful in life when he had a turangga (horse/ride), a curiga (Javanese weapon), and a kukila (bird. This traditional belief is assumed to explain why Javanese keep birds which also encourages the flourishing bird markets in Java. Because the market sells birds the most, it is named ‘bird market’ by the locals despite it also sells other species or wildlife. To study the wildlife trade in bird markets, ProFauna has conducted a survey on the bird markets in Java between May and July 2009. Details: Malang, Indonesia: ProFauna, 2010(?). 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 21, 2010 at: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/final-report-bird-market-survey-(2009).pdf Year: 2010 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.profauna.org/download/publication/final-report-bird-market-survey-(2009).pdf Shelf Number: 120567 Keywords: Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife 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: Dogs Illegal Wildlife Trade Smuggling Wildlife 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 Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife 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 Trade Offenses Against the Environment Poaching Smuggling Wildlife 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: Corruption Counterfeit Goods Drug Markets Financial Crimes Human Trafficking Money Laundering Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime (South Africa) Poaching Smuggling Stolen Motor Vehicles Wildlife 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: Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Haken, Jeremy Title: Transnational Crime In The Developing World Summary: This report analyzes the scale, flow, profit distribution, and impact of 12 different types of illicit trade: drugs, humans, wildlife, counterfeit goods and currency, human organs, small arms, diamonds and colored gemstones, oil, timber, fish, art and cultural property, and gold. Though the specific characteristics of each market vary, in general it can be said that these profitable and complex criminal operations originate primarily in developing countries, thrive in the space created by poverty, inequality, and state weakness, and contribute to forestalling economic prosperity for billions of people in countries across the world. Details: Washington, DC: Global Financial Integrity, 2011. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2011 at: http://www.gfip.org/storage/gfip/documents/reports/transcrime/gfi_transnational_crime_high-res.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.gfip.org/storage/gfip/documents/reports/transcrime/gfi_transnational_crime_high-res.pdf Shelf Number: 120716 Keywords: Art Crime Counterfeiting Drug Trafficking Financial Crimes Human Trafficking Illicit Trade Offenses Against the Environment Transnational Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Australia. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and forestry Title: Australian National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Summary: Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing seriously damages fish stocks, associated species and the marine environment in waters of national jurisdiction and on the high seas. The IPOA-IUU calls on all States to take effective measures globally, regionally and nationally to combat IUU fishing. Australia played a leading role in the development and adoption of the IPOA-IUU by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Effective implementation of the voluntary IPOA-IUU through binding commitments applicable in waters of national jurisdiction and on the high seas is possible only if States enact appropriate domestic laws and if regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) adopt binding fishery conservation and management measures to that effect. This AUS-NPOA-IUU is Australia’s initial National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing. It has been developed through extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders in Australia, including state and territory government fisheries agencies, national government departments and agencies, fishing industry representatives, and non-governmental organisations concerned about the conservation and sustainable management of fisheries and the preservation and protection of related species and biodiversity. After an introduction that outlines the significance of IUU fishing for Australia and Australia’s role in addressing the issue internationally, the AUS-NPOA-IUU follows the structure of the IPOA-IUU and deals essentially with every provision paragraph by paragraph. The AUS-NPOA-IUU also outlines actions in all Australian jurisdictions to fish responsibly and combat IUU fishing, since around 80 per cent by value of Australian fish production derives from state and territory managed fisheries. Where state and territory actions relate closely to specific paragraphs of the IPOA-IUU, they are included in the relevant sections of the national plan of action. Other important measures by the states and territories are outlined in Annex 4. Internationally, Australia is party to the major global and regional fisheries-related conventions and treaties, participates fully in the Committee on Fisheries of FAO and implements the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and related instruments. New measures to be implemented include formal endorsement of the NPOA-Seabirds, finalisation of several new fishery plans of management and negotiation of new high seas fishery agreements as new and currently unregulated fisheries emerge. Australian jurisdictions have comprehensive fisheries laws in place and are committed to amend them as new regulatory needs are identified. Implementing stronger and more effective measures to combat (internal) cross-border fisheries crime is a particular priority for all jurisdictions. In New South Wales, a review of crime in fisheries is expected to result in major improvements in fisheries regulation and compliance. Details: Canberra: Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2005. 99p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 18, 2011 at: http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/33963/npoa_iuu_fishing.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Australia URL: http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/33963/npoa_iuu_fishing.pdf Shelf Number: 120818 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: Martin, Esmond Title: Ivory Markets in the USA Summary: This report is the fifth in a series of surveys that depicts the status and trends of the elephant ivory markets in a particular region of the world. This investigation covered the United States of America (USA) and Vancouver, Canada. It differs significantly from previous studies of this trade by quantifying the nature and scale of the market. The investigators made the survey between March and December 2006 and March and May 2007. Seventeen cities and towns were selected for study based on their population size and wealth, and tourist importance. The purpose of the surveys is to enable CITES Parties and governmental and non-governmental wildlife conservation bodies to assess the scale of national ivory markets, and hence their potential impact on elephant populations. This initial round of surveys compared the data obtained with any existing figures to assess the changes that have taken place and to suggest trends in the ivory markets. CITES entered into force in the USA on 1 July 1975. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), under the Secretary of the Interior, is both the CITES Management Authority and Scientific Authority for the USA. The USFWS shares the responsibility for enforcing all US laws related to CITES and wildlife conservation with the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. CITES regulations and three federal laws mainly govern the ivory trade: The Endangered Species Act (ESA), the African Elephant Conservation Act (AECA) and the Lacey Act. People can legally import only three categories of ivory (with proper documentation) into the USA: antiques (items more than 100 years old), sport-hunted trophy tusks from approved African countries, and pre-Convention (i.e. pre-July 1975) tusks. The main findings of the USA survey were: • The survey found 24,004 ivory items in the 657 outlets in the 16 towns and cities visited in the USA, most of which probably were legally for sale. • New York City had by far the most ivory for sale with 11,376 items, followed by San Francisco (2,777) and Los Angeles (2,605). • The USA appeared to have the second largest ivory retail market in the world after China/Hong Kong, as determined by numbers of items seen for sale. • Perhaps 7,400 ivory items, or nearly one-third of the total, may have been crafted after 1989 making their importation illegal, but this estimate is tentative and should be treated with caution because of the difficulties of dating ivory objects. • The western USA, particularly Honolulu (Hawaii), San Francisco and Los Angeles (California), appeared to have more post-1989 worked ivory for sale than the eastern cities. • The size of the ivory market has declined since 1989, with many former businesses closing. • In 1989, retail outlets or workshops sold most worked ivory. Now fewer outlets and workshops exist, and buyers find an increasingly larger proportion of worked and raw ivory from Internet sites, some of which are foreign based. • The USA has a minimum of 120 full- and part-time ivory craftsmen. This is down from an estimate of 1,400 craftsmen in 1989. • No large ivory factories remain: craftsmen are scattered throughout the USA working in small workshops, usually at home. • Craftsmen use mostly old, legal, raw ivory to manufacture new knife, gun and walking stick handles, scrimshaw pieces, cue stick parts and jewellery. They often use broken or damaged ivory items for restoration work. • The country consumes an estimated less than one tonne of raw ivory annually, down from seven tonnes a year in the late 1980s. Craftsmen each use an average of 8 kg of ivory a year and say that the USA has an adequate supply. • No official stockpile of raw ivory exists and there has been no government census of private raw ivory stocks in the USA. • Raw ivory has increased little in price since the CITES ivory trade ban. Adjusting the 1990 price of USD 110-154/kg for 1-5 kg tusks for inflation gives USD 152-212/kg in 2006 USD. The 2006/2007 price was USD 154-346/kg. • Raw ivory is bought through craftsmen networks or on the Internet. Internet prices are higher than person-to-person trading. • Tusks of 3-5 kg are more expensive per kilo than tusks of 10 kg, unlike in Asia, Africa or Europe where larger tusks command higher prices. • Prices per kilo for cut tusk sections, blocks or slabs are much higher than for whole tusks, with 0.2-1.0 kg pieces selling for USD 500-1,760/kg. • The USA legally imported some 3,530 tusks and about 2,400 raw ivory pieces between 1990 and 2005 according to the UNEP-WCMC CITES Trade Database. The present study found evidence suggesting that some of this material was illegally sold into the commercial market. • Over 40,000 worked ivory items, excluding personal effects, entered the USA legally from 1995-2007 according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). All these items should have been antiques to be legal. Inspection of pieces (mainly Chinese) in shops suggested that many figurines, netsukes and jewellery items were recently made. Some African items also looked recently made. • Previous studies found that ivory workshops in Asia and Africa produce fake antiques. Thus, even the imported worked ivory into the USA that seems old could be recently made. • The USA has a good record of enforcing CITES regulations in respect of international wildlife trade and has reported the largest number of seizures of illegal ivory in the world, according to the Elephant Trade Information System. • CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14) recommended that Parties that import and trade elephant ivory implement several trade regulation and control measures. The USA has not yet implemented any of the recommendations. • US federal and state agencies rarely inspect shops or Internet sites for illegal raw or worked ivory. • Ivory vendors and craftsmen in general do not believe that the 1999 CITES ivory auction that allowed Japan to buy from southern Africa affected ivory demand in the USA. • Ivory craftsmen think the ivory industry will continue at its present level and express little concern for the future availability of raw ivory. • Most ivory vendors and craftsmen in the USA think the authorities should establish a regulated, legal international trade in ivory. • This study determined that the US ivory market has a small detrimental effect on elephant populations, more from importing illegal worked ivory for retail sale than from local ivory manufacturing. Some contraband gets past Customs and there are no effective internal ivory transport and retail market controls. • Vancouver, Canada, had a total of 234 ivory items for sale in 45 outlets. There was no Chinese ivory market, as seen in the western USA. Details: Kingsford, UK: Care for the Wild International; Nairobi, Kenya: Save the Elephants, 2008. 122p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 29, 2011 at: http://www.savetheelephants.org/files/pdf/publications/2008%20Martin%20&%20Stiles%20Ivory%20Markets%20in%20the%20USA.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://www.savetheelephants.org/files/pdf/publications/2008%20Martin%20&%20Stiles%20Ivory%20Markets%20in%20the%20USA.pdf Shelf Number: 121194 Keywords: Illegal Trade Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: Shepherd, Chris R. Title: Elephant and Ivory Trade in Myanmar Summary: Myanmar has been a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1997. Illegal trade in ivory and other Asian Elephant Elephas maximus products remains widespread, especially in markets along Myanmar’s international borders. In 2006, TRAFFIC surveyed 14 markets in Myanmar and three border markets in Thailand and China, and found some 9000 pieces of ivory and 16 whole tusks for sale, representing the ivory of an estimated 116 bulls. Illegal killing and capture of elephants for trade continues to be a major cause of decline for Myanmar’s wild Asian Elephant populations. Ivory and other elephant parts are routinely smuggled out of Myanmar in contravention of the Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants and Conservation of Natural Areas Law (State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No.583/94.1994), suggesting a serious lack of law enforcement and a blatant disregard for international conventions and national laws. The fact that retail dealers openly display ivory and other elephant parts, and rarely hesitate in disclosing smuggling techniques and other illegal activities with potential buyers, further highlights that effective law enforcement is lacking. The observed and reported levels of cross-border trade indicate that neighbouring countries, especially China and Thailand, also have enforcement problems, and that illegal international trade is frequently carried out with minimal risk of detection. In addition to trade in ivory, TRAFFIC documents reports of some 250 live Asian Elephants being exported from Myanmar to neighbouring countries in the last ten years; this is mostly to supply the demand of tourist locations in neighbouring Thailand. It is important to note that no cross-border exports or imports of live elephants have been reported to CITES by either Myanmar or Thailand. Based on observations and discussions with interviewees, the capture of live elephants may be at such a rate that it is also having a negative impact on wild populations. The most significant apparent loophole in Myanmar’s legislation is the allowance of tips of tusks and tusks from government and privately-owned elephants that have died of natural causes to be sold legally. To the extent that this practice defines the current situation, it provides a ready avenue for illicit ivory to be traded under the guise of legally-acquired stocks. Dealers seem well aware of the ambiguous legislation and the potential loopholes it provides, and exploit the situation accordingly. The Government of Myanmar should increase efforts to stop the illegal trade in elephant products, especially ivory, focusing on major trade centres, including Yangon and Mandalay, and at important border markets such as Tachilek. The Government of Myanmar should likewise increase efforts to stop the illegal trade in live elephants, especially when it pertains to cross-border trade. With respect to continued domestic trade in elephants and elephant products, TRAFFIC proposes that Myanmar instigates an effective control system that complies with the requirements of CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14). The Governments of China and Thailand should take action against the traders of illegal wildlife products along the borders with Myanmar, and work in co-operation with the Myanmar authorities to deal with illegal trade in elephants and elephant products. Based on the findings of this study, TRAFFIC makes the following recommendations: • Recognizing that international co-operation is essential to put an end to this illegal crossborder trade, Myanmar’s CITES, Customs and police authorities should be encouraged to work closely with enforcement officers in neighbouring Thailand and China, the two main consuming countries of Myanmar-sourced ivory. • With respect to both the domestic and international trade in ivory, Myanmar needs to comply with CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14). Myanmar needs to adopt comprehensive internal legislative, regulatory, and enforcement measures. All importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers dealing in raw, semi-worked or worked ivory products need to be registered or licensed. Recording and inspecting procedures to enable appropriate government agencies to monitor the flow of ivory in the country by means of a compulsory trade control over raw ivory and a comprehensive reporting and enforcement system for worked ivory need to be introduced. It should be made compulsory for shops, traders, and retail outlets to inform tourist and other non-nationals that they should not purchase ivory in cases where it is illegal for them to import it into their home countries. • Myanmar needs to submit any data on the seizure of elephant products to the Elephant Trade Information System, and a comprehensive overview of trade in ivory should be prepared prior to the CITES Conference of the Parties 15 (CoP15). • Authorities at airports and other points of international entry and exit must be more vigilant to prevent ivory from being carried across Myanmar’s borders. Myanmar should ensure that staff based at these checkpoints are sufficiently trained in CITES implementation, enforcement and species/parts of species identification. • Regular monitoring by Myanmar’s law enforcement agencies of the markets in Myanmar should be carried out to identify and apprehend illegal trade participants, as well as monitor trends in the trade, as a move towards effective enforcement. • Offenders should be prosecuted, to ensure just punishment and to serve as a deterrent for repeat offenders and other dealers. • Myanmar, as a Party to CITES, must introduce and enforce Category I CITES-enabling legislation and clarify the existing national legislation on domestic ivory trade. • Greater monitoring of domestic elephant populations is needed employing microchip and tattoo-based identification/registration systems to prevent illegal cross-border elephant trade, and to assist with management of Myanmar’s wild and captive elephant populations. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2008. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 9, 2011 at: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/globalmarkets/wildlifetrade/WWFBinaryitem10999.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Burma URL: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/globalmarkets/wildlifetrade/WWFBinaryitem10999.pdf Shelf Number: 121688 Keywords: Illegal Trade (Myanmar) Ivory Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Martin, Esmond Title: Ivory Markets of Europe: A Survey in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK Summary: The European Union (EU) in 1989 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1990 prohibited commercial imports of raw and worked ivory. The EU allows the import of ivory antiques, defined as items manufactured prior to 1 June 1947, and raw and worked ivory can be exported from EU countries subject to the destination country issuing CITES certificates authorizing the import. The domestic trade in raw and worked ivory is legal, subject to strict EU and national regulations based primarily on European Council Regulation 338/97. This monograph reports on a survey of the ivory trade in five European countries chosen for their assumed large ivory markets: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy. The purpose of the survey was to establish a set of baseline indicators in the selected countries, such as the prices of raw tusks, numbers of ivory craftsmen and workshops, numbers of shops selling ivory items, and the retail prices of ivory items. The age of ivory items and the nationalities of the customers were also looked into to add qualitative information. Using these data, conservationists will be able to monitor and evaluate future changes in the ivory trade. The target users of this report are national government officers, non-government organizations (NGOs) involved in wildlife conservation, CITES officials, the media, and researchers. The information in this monograph assesses the effectiveness of policies, laws, and enforcement activities related to ivory trading, both nationally and internationally. The investigators, Martin and Stiles, carried out fieldwork in Europe in April, May, September and November 2004. This survey was sponsored by Save the Elephants and Care for the Wild International. The principal findings were: • Over 27,000 ivory items were seen for retail sale in 1,143 shops in 14 cities and towns. Germany and the UK had the largest numbers of ivory items, with 16,444 and 8,325 respectively, followed by France with 1,303, Spain with 621 and Italy with 461. • The retail ivory markets of Germany and the UK were larger in scale than expected, and exceeded those found in countries such as China, Japan, Cameroon and Nigeria, all of which are viewed as active ivory market countries. In addition, the UK alone had more outlets selling ivory than any of the entire regions previously surveyed by the investigators (Africa, South and South East Asia, East Asia), and the number of outlets in Germany was second only to Thailand. • The average number of worked ivory items per town/city in Europe was approximately one-third the number of those seen in Africa and Asia. • The great majority of worked ivory seen for sale in Europe was either manufactured prior to 1989 or was made more recently from raw ivory imported prior to 1989, making it in principle legal, though much of the worked ivory lacks proper documentation. • Small amounts of raw and worked ivory are smuggled from Africa into Europe, and it is probable that some of the fairly abundant East Asian worked ivory seen is also imported illegally. • Official seizures of ivory have decreased sharply from the early 1990s for France and the UK, but they have remained stable in Germany and Spain. Data for Italy are lacking. • There are few controls on the sale of worked ivory. Ivory items are commonly sold as antiques or as legal, recently-made pieces with only occasional verification by the authorities. • Germany and France were the only countries with raw ivory stockpiles. These are held mainly by craftsmen and museums, and the ivory is registered with the governments. Additional unregistered ivory is held by individuals as a legacy of the colonial period. The total raw ivory stockpile is not known for either country. • Raw tusks sold wholesale in Germany and France for USD 92/kg and USD 108/kg respectively for 5-10 kg tusks, and for USD 244/kg and USD 132/kg respectively for 15-20 kg tusks. These prices are lower than for comparable tusks in most of Asia. • In France, the only country with past and present wholesale price data, the price of tusks decreased significantly from 1989 to 2004, strongly suggesting that demand for tusks declined over this time. In the UK, the 1988 wholesale price for 5-10 kg tusks was in inflation-adjusted terms the same as the retail price in 2004, also suggesting a decline in value of wholesale raw ivory, thus a drop in demand. • France and Germany were the only countries with active ivory craftsmen. France had 46 to 51 artisans (not counting antique restorers) using ivory, and Germany had 8 to 10 ivory carvers. • In France the number of ivory craftsmen more than halved from 1974 to 2004, while the number in Germany decreased by over three-quarters from 1981 to 2004. Italy had a small number of ivory craftsmen prior to 1989, but there are none nowadays. The UK and Spain have no legal ivory craftsmen working today. • Germany consumes more than 300 kg and France 350-400 kg of raw ivory a year. The UK, Spain and Italy use virtually no raw ivory. This signals a vast decline from the several tonnes a year used in the 1970s and 1980s. • In France most ivory is used to make figurines, knife handles and jewellery; in Germany, figurines and jewellery predominate. • Presently, controls on the domestic ivory carving business, especially on stocks of tusks, satisfy CITES’ requirements in Germany and France. • The main buyers of retail ivory items in the countries surveyed were nationals of those countries, except in the UK where Americans were the most numerous and Britons were second. The second most numerous customers in each country, other than the UK, were Americans. East Asians also purchased worked ivory in Europe in small quantities. • The main elephant ivory substitute in shops in Germany and France was mammoth ivory, which was mostly imported from Russia. The carvers in Germany were the only craftsmen to work mammoth ivory, and paid middlemen USD 122-427/kg for it. In France, worked mammoth ivory was imported from China. Mammoth ivory items were rare or absent in the UK, Spain and Italy. In the European Latin countries semi-precious stones, plastic, resins and plaster were common ivory substitutes. • Vendors in Europe did not believe that the 1999 CITES ivory auctions in southern Africa for Japanese buyers had any influence on ivory market activity. Nor did they believe that the CITES approval in 2002 for a future such sale would have any market effect. • The ivory artisans and sellers in Germany believed that the demand for new ivory items will continue to decline and that there is no long-term future for ivory carving. Those in France thought that the craft could continue into the foreseeable future at a low scale, and they were actively promoting it. Vendors in the UK, Spain and Italy thought that the antique ivory market would continue, but that there was no future for new ivory. • European ivory dealers believed that the bans in their countries of imports of raw ivory would not be lifted in the near future. Details: Kingsfold, UK: Care for the Wild International; London: Save the Elephants, 2005. 106p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 9, 2011 at: http://www.savetheelephants.org/files/pdf/publications/2005%20Martin%20&%20Stiles%20Ivory%20Markets%20of%20Europe.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Europe URL: http://www.savetheelephants.org/files/pdf/publications/2005%20Martin%20&%20Stiles%20Ivory%20Markets%20of%20Europe.pdf Shelf Number: 121689 Keywords: Illegal Trade (Europe) Ivory Smuggling Wildlife Crime

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: Cartels Illegal Trade Ivory Poaching Wildlife 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 Trade Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Sakamoto, Masayuki Title: Black and Grey - Illegal Ivory in Japanese Markets - 2nd edition Summary: The second edition of ‘Black and Grey’ -Illegal Ivory in Japanese Markets, brings to the readers the fundamental failures in policies regarding ivory trade in Japan. This is an improvised version of the first edition and carries the same contents as the former. The objective of printing the second edition is to protect the endangered wild elephant species of the world by letting the policy makers and dignitaries of the 50th CITES standing committee know the exact situation in the Japanese ivory market. This report also analysis the domestic trade control of ivory in Japan with some interesting facts including smuggling of illegal ivory. Details: Tokyo: Japanese Wildlife Conservation Society, 2004. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 18, 2011 at: http://www.jwcs.org/data/Black_and_Grey_2nd_edition.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Japan URL: http://www.jwcs.org/data/Black_and_Grey_2nd_edition.pdf Shelf Number: 121746 Keywords: Illegal Trade (Japan) Ivory Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Graham, Euan Title: Transnational Crime in the Fishing Industry: Asia’s Problem? Summary: On 13 April 2011 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched a report on transnational organised crime in the fishing industry. It focuses on three areas: trafficking in persons to work within the fishing industry, people smuggling and drug trafficking. There are other linkages to environmental crime, corruption and piracy. The findings have particular relevance for Asia, which accounts for 85 per cent of the world’s fishers and 75 per cent of motorised fishing vessels. Southeast Asians, including children, also feature prominently among the victims of trafficking for forced labour. Details: Singapore, S. Rajaratnam School of International STudies, 2011. 3p. Source: Internet Resource: RSIS Commentaries, no. 62: Accessed July 12, 2011 at: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/publications/Perspective/RSIS0622011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Asia URL: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/publications/Perspective/RSIS0622011.pdf Shelf Number: 122032 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Industry Maritime Crime Offenses Against the Environment (Asia) Transnational Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Pink, Grant William Title: Environmental Enforcement Networks: A Qualitative Analysis Summary: This study discusses the utility of environmental enforcement networks (networks). It considers the viewpoints of eight senior managers, from environmental enforcement agencies (EEAs), who represent seven countries and collectively are involved in fourteen networks. Using a predominantly qualitative approach the study examined questionnaire and interview data relating to; the utility of sub-national, national, regional and global networks, and the strategies used by EEAs in order to increase the benefits derived from networks. The study established that there is utility in networks across the countries and networks studied. It also identified that there are a range of strategies and activities used by EEAs to maximise the benefits of network engagement. The study concludes with a number of recommendations that network members and their respective governing bodies may consider in an effort to maximise network benefits. Details: Wagga Wagga, AUS: Charles Sturt University, 2010. 88p. Source: Internet Resource: Master's Thesis: Accessed August 5, 2011 at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1803179 Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1803179 Shelf Number: 122311 Keywords: Environmental Law Offenses Against the Environment (Australia) Wildlife Crime

Author: Greenpeace Title: The Cod Fishery in the Baltic Sea: Unsustainable and Illegal Summary: The United Nations (UN) states that the main factors determining biodiversity loss in our oceans are overfishing and climate change. Cod is a case in point. Once so dense that fish could literally be scooped out of the sea, the majority of the cod stocks worldwide are now commercially extinct, or very close to it. This is true in the Baltic Sea, particularly for the eastern stock. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES: the scientific advisory body for the northeastern Atlantic region) is calling for a drastic reduction of quotas, or even for a cessation of cod fishing in waters of the eastern Baltic Sea. However, the dire warnings from ICES have been ignored in the past, and there is no reason to be more optimistic this time. For instance, the Council of Fisheries Ministers of the EU has set the 2006 total allowable catch for Eastern Baltic cod at a level more than three times that advised by ICES. In addition to the official quota of 49,000 tonnes, a huge amount of illegally caught cod is landed in harbours around the Baltic Sea for consumption within the EU market. ICES estimates that in 2005, the amount of illegally caught cod reached close to 15,000 tonnes, which is 38 % above the official landings. The Polish fleet, in particular, is fishing above its allocated quota. This report summarises the disastrous situation, gives an overview of the Baltic cod fleet and markets, and describes the EU’s political approach to managing Baltic cod fisheries, which may be viewed as a failure to this point in time. Details: Amsterdam: Greenpeace, 2006. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 17, 2011 at: http://www.imcsnet.org/imcs/docs/the_cod_fishery_in_the_Baltic_sea_unsustainable_illegal.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Europe URL: http://www.imcsnet.org/imcs/docs/the_cod_fishery_in_the_Baltic_sea_unsustainable_illegal.pdf Shelf Number: 122363 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (Baltic Sea) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Baumuller, Heike Title: Keeping Illegal Fish and Timber off the Market: A Comparison of EU Regulations Summary: . Illegal fishing and logging, and the international trade in illegally sourced fish and wood products cause enormous environmental and economic damage. Consumer countries contribute to the problem by importing fish and timber without ensuring legality – a problem the EU tries to address with two new regulations. In this briefing paper, Duncan Brack, Heike Baumüller and Katharina Umpfenbach compare the recently adopted EU regulations on illegal fish and timber products. The authors contrast the very different approaches and highlight areas that might need further strengthening. •In response to the global problem of illegal logging and fishing, and the failure of the international community effectively to address the problem, the European Union has moved to tighten its own regulations. •The EU regulation to combat illegal fishing introduces comprehensive certification and traceability requirements for anyone wishing to import fish products into the EU, and provides for extensive enforcement measures that can be used by European authorities to ensure compliance with the regulation. •The EU regulation on illegal logging establishes a licensing system with countries that have entered into voluntary partnership agreements (VPA) with the EU. An additional regulation is currently being developed to try to ensure that illegal timber from all countries is excluded from the EU market. •The broad scope of the illegal fishing regulation, in terms of its geographical reach and its emphasis on enforcement is, at least in part, motivated by the ‘common property’ nature of global fisheries resources, which makes it difficult to address the impacts of illegal fishing at the national level. •The bilateral VPA process recognizes the national character of forest governance. While slow in their implementation, the VPAs – with their emphasis on capacity-building and stakeholder engagement – have the potential to trigger long-lasting governance reforms. Details: London: Chatham House, 2009. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Briefing Paper: Accessed September 3, 2011 at: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Energy%2C%20Environment%20and%20Development/bp1009_fishandtimber.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Europe URL: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Energy%2C%20Environment%20and%20Development/bp1009_fishandtimber.pdf Shelf Number: 122342 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (Europe) Illegal Logging Illegal Markets Timber Wildlife Crime

Author: Kazmierow, Bronek Title: Compliance Decision Making: Perceptions, Experiences and Factors Influencing Regulatory Compliance Summary: This report presents research findings a out commercial fishers' compliance decision making. The study addressed three objectives: 1. To examine commercial fishers' experiences and perceptions of fisheries compliance. 2. To identify factors influencing compliance behaviour and measure their relative importance. 3. To identify implications for fisheries compliance management. These objectives were investigated using a mixed-method approach. Methods included a literature review, in-depth interviews with 20 skippers and a postal questionnaire survey of commercial fishers (n = 104). Study participants were commercial fishers operating within the South-East fin fishery, a mixed fishery, which was used as a case study. Near the study conclusion, a workshop was held etween researchers and Ministry of Fisheries' staff to discuss study results and highlight management implications. Study findings pertain to the case study South-East commercial fin fishery. Care must be taken if generalising study findings to other fisheries, given the particular characteristics of the South-East fin fishery. A range of fishing-related characteristics was evident amongst study participants, including those who did and did not own quota, use of a variety of fishing techniques, fishing from a wide spread of locations and involvement in fishing operations of different scales. The term „compliance‟ was defined initially using the simple terms „keeping within the fisheries rules and regulations‟. For the survey phase of the study, it was necessary to develop a more detailed operational definition for compliance. The operational definition derived for „major rule reaches‟ was misreporting, dumping, trucking, using illegal gear or techniques, or fishing within a prohiited area; whereas „minor rule reaches‟ were all other lesser offences (i.e. those not relating to a major rule). STUDY FINDINGS Two main theoretical approaches to understanding compliance behaviour were identified from the literature: (i) deterrence, and (ii) normative and social influences. A third category of „other‟ factors also was linked to commercial fishers' compliance decision making. From these three categories, a list of 16 specific factors was derived. These factors formed the basis for the interview and survey phases of the study. Details: Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Fisheries, 2010. 106p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 3, 2011 at: http://www.fish.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/E028429E-8F77-4692-B58B-5A2BBD66848C/0/Compliance_research_report_2010.pdf Year: 2010 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.fish.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/E028429E-8F77-4692-B58B-5A2BBD66848C/0/Compliance_research_report_2010.pdf Shelf Number: 122644 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (New Zealand) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Skinnider, Eileen Title: Victims of Environmental Crime – Mapping the Issues Summary: In recent years, with greater understanding of the need to protect the environment and a better appreciation of what the environment can and cannot sustain, regulation, and in some cases, criminalization of harm to the environment is becoming more accepted. Environmental crime has been identified as one of the most profitable and fastest growing areas of international criminal activity, with increasing involvement of organized criminal networks. Serious environmental harms committed by otherwise legitimate corporations for financial motives are increasingly attracting media attention. At the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (2010), the international community acknowledged the challenges posed by emerging forms of crime that have significant impact on the environment and called on Member States to study this issue and share best practices. Despite this growing awareness, environmental crimes often fail to prompt the required response by governments, the enforcement community and the public. Often perceived as “victimless”, environmental crimes do not always produce an immediate consequence, the harm may be diffused or go undetected for a lengthy period of time. Added to this is the fact that many environmental disruptions are actually legal and take place with the consent of society. Classifying what is an environmental crime involves a complex balancing of communities’ interest in jobs and income with ecosystem maintenance, biodiversity and sustainability. Environmental crime affects all of society. It can have detrimental consequences on the economies and security of a country. For individuals and communities, it may impact public health, livelihoods, and lower property values, as well as impacting on non-human species, nature itself and future generations. The effects of a single environmental offence may not appear significant but the cumulative environmental consequences of repeated violations over time can be considerable. Victims of environmental harm are not widely recognized as victims of “crime” and thus are excluded from the traditional view of victimology which is largely based on conventional constructions of crime. This has meant little attempt to describe the actual prevalence and consequences of environmental crime victimization. Environmental crime victims challenge the traditional victimology approach as they are often victimized collectively and can involve non-conventional victims (non-human species, the environment and future generations). The far-reaching impacts of environmental crime raise complex and unique issues for both victims and government. The objective of this report is to advance the knowledge of the legal and policy issues for victims of environmental crime. Historically, research on environmental crime has lacked the theoretical and methodological depth that has been undertaken for other traditional crimes. In particular, the field of victimology has paid little attention to this type of victimization or to understand how it differs from other types of victimization. Nor has it considered implications for these victims in seeking access to justice, redress, assistance and support. This research maps out the issues relating to victims of environmental crime and identifies topics requiring further study. Part I provides a brief overview of the international and domestic legal framework, using Canada as the case study, before examining some of the conceptual debates regarding definitions and philosophical perspectives. Part II explores the range and types of victims, mapping out the issues for further study. Part III sets out the legal and quasi-legal bases upon which victims of environmental crime can access justice and apply for various types of remediation. Details: Vancouver: International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, 2011. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 17, 2011 at: http://www.icclr.law.ubc.ca/files/2011/Victims%20of%20Environmental%20Crime.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Canada URL: http://www.icclr.law.ubc.ca/files/2011/Victims%20of%20Environmental%20Crime.pdf Shelf Number: 122770 Keywords: Natural Resources Offenses Against the Environment (Canada) Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Leggett, Ted Title: Organized Crime and Instability in Central Africa: A Threat Assessment Summary: This study was undertaken to inform programme development efforts in the context of UNODC’s regional programme approach. The Great Lakes region of Central Africa is a region of vast natural resources – and great potential – with a tragic history. Remarkable progress has been made in some countries, while others are only now beginning to find their feet. Many of the problems facing the region stretch back to colonial times, but the current situation is best explained by reference to more recent events. By some estimates, over five million people died during the eight-country conflict known as the Second Congo War which started in 1998, making it one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. The human impact has been tremendous: communities have been displaced, weapons disseminated, the population traumatized, and the economy decimated. Although the formal hostilities ended in 2002-2003, violence has continued to afflict the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Smouldering grievances, often highly local ones, were again stirred to a blaze. Ethnic tensions in Ituri, a region in Orientale province, stretch back many decades, but violence surged again after the end of the war. The Kivu provinces experienced continuing bouts of extreme brutality fuelled by competition for land and resources, as well as by ethnic grievances. Today, however, the DRC is in a state of transition. Deaths due to disease and malnutrition, tied in part to the displacement caused by violence, continue, but the World Bank estimates that there were only 610 battlefield deaths in 2008. Though no one is declaring victory yet, it appears that the scale of the conflict has substantially declined. The violence that remains, however, is a potent mix of interpersonal violence and the continuing presence of armed groups across the Eastern DRC, much of which is connected to the exploitation of natural resources. The violence is preventing the region as a whole from benefiting from development opportunities that would come with stability. Details: Vienna: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2011. 112p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 4, 2011 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/Central_Africa_Report_2011_web.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Africa URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/Central_Africa_Report_2011_web.pdf Shelf Number: 123225 Keywords: Exploitation of Natural Resources Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime (Central Africa) Violence Violent Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Keese-Nagy, Katalin Title: Trade in Sturgeon Caviar in Bulgaria and Romania: Overview of Reported Trade in Caviar, 1998-2008 Summary: The aim of this briefing is to provide an overview of legal trade patterns of caviar of Acipenseriformes from Bulgaria and Romania (hereafter referred to as the ‘two target countries’) for the period 1998 to 2008 and to gather information of detected cases of illegal trade in sturgeon caviar where these two countries were implicated. In response to reported declines in sturgeon populations and with the aim of ensuring that trade in sturgeon products, such as caviar, is sustainable and not threatening the species’ survival, all species of sturgeon and paddlefish have been listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since April 1998. Accordingly, in April 1998, the order was also listed in Annex B of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations (EU Regulations) implementing CITES in the European Union (EU). The Annex B/Appendix II listing regulates trade in all parts and derivatives, including caviar, meat, etc. Fishing and export of sturgeon and sturgeon products of wild origin was banned in Romania in 2006 for 10 years. In an overview of global caviar trade for the period 1998 to 2006, TRAFFIC reported that legal international trade amounted to 1313 t; with Romania ranking as the world’s fifth largest caviar exporter, exporting 26 tonnes (t) over the period, after Iran (438 t), the Russian Federation (138 t), Kazakhstan (95 t), Azerbaijan (35 t) and China (29 t) (TRAFFIC, 2009). The EU was reported to be the world’s largest importer of caviar for the period 1998-2006, importing 619 t, followed by the USA (292 t), Switzerland (149 t) and Japan (132 t) (TRAFFIC, 2009). During the same period, the volumes of caviar reported in international trade per year plummeted from a peak at 263 tonnes (t) in 1999 to 44 t in 2006. Regarding illegal trade in caviar, it is difficult to quantify its levels, as this is by nature a hidden activity. However, large seizures of illegal caviar in Europe indicate that there is a thriving black market in the luxury roe. They also demonstrate that caviar smugglers are well-organized and use sophisticated methods and the illegal caviar trade is considered to have strong links with organized crime groups. According to data reported to EU-TWIX, over 7 t of illegal caviar were seized by European authorities from 2000 to 2007 (TRAFFIC, 2009). However, the real size of the illegal trade is likely to be considerably higher, given that much of it is undetected and information is incomplete for some importing countries. Details: Budapest, Hungary: TRAFFIC Europe, 2011. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 26, 2011 at: http://www.wwf.de/fileadmin/fm-wwf/pdf_neu/Trade%20in%20Sturgeon%20Caviar%20in%20Bulgaria%20and%20Romania.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: http://www.wwf.de/fileadmin/fm-wwf/pdf_neu/Trade%20in%20Sturgeon%20Caviar%20in%20Bulgaria%20and%20Romania.pdf Shelf Number: 123401 Keywords: Caviar Illegal Fishing Illegal Trade (Europe) Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Savona, Ernesto U. Title: Understudied Organized Crime Offending: A Discussion of the Canadian Situation in the International Context Summary: This report provides an analysis of selected possible understudied organized crime activities in the Canadian context, contributing to the knowledge on both of the nature and the scope of organized crime. The analysis involved an extensive review of the existing state of organized crime literature in the international context. The analysis was based on available literature, official reports and informed speculations. Details: Ottawa: Public Safety Canada, 2011. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 12, 2012 at: http://transcrime.cs.unitn.it/tc/fso/pubblicazioni/AP/Understudied_Organized_Crime_Offending_A_Discussion_of_the_Canadian_Situation_in_the_International_Context-English.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://transcrime.cs.unitn.it/tc/fso/pubblicazioni/AP/Understudied_Organized_Crime_Offending_A_Discussion_of_the_Canadian_Situation_in_the_International_Context-English.pdf Shelf Number: 123556 Keywords: Counterfeit Goods Counterfeiting Gambling Hazardous Wastes Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Green, T.J. Title: Compliance Program Evaluation and Optimisation in Commercial and Recreational Western Australian Fisheries Summary: This project describes work undertaken in the field of fisheries compliance. The word “compliance” in this work always refers to conformity with regulations, sometimes it expresses a quantitative measure of that conformity, at other times it refers more generally to the subject of delivering services to ensure compliance. Compliance (in either sense) has received relatively little formal study from the sciences, which is, perhaps, surprising, when considering how integral compliance is to the normal functioning of human society. Formal studies of compliance are most likely to be encountered in the fields of taxation, environmental law and governance, but any agency with enforcement responsibilities will tend to use the term compliance in its sense of delivering compliance services. In the field of natural resource management, fisheries management in particular, it is increasingly necessary to establish frameworks that restrict exploitation rates to limits that can be tolerated indefinitely by the entire system being considered, as part of a wider quest for sustainability. The resources required for ‘policing’ these frameworks are expensive, especially in a fisheries context where the areas to be policed are extensive, the platforms required specialised and there is potential for large-scale offences to go entirely undetected. Most measures of compliance are expressions of the number of offences detected out of the number of inspections. Such an approach may be flawed because many compliance inspections target areas where non-compliance is likely to be found, especially if voluntary compliance is the norm and compliance resources are scarce. The number of offences detected from such targeted inspections will likely be higher than those that would be detected from a random inspection program, yielding a disproportionately large number of detected offences per inspection. This project examines the design, implementation and uptake of a simple reporting system that can be established to capture details of fisheries compliance patrol activity, and some selected data from it. From the data captured, the number of detected offences are linked with the number of fishers contacted to provide non-compliance rates for entire individual fisheries. These non-compliance rates can help managers and researchers assess whether the levels of illegal fishing within a fishery are acceptable or not. The enforcement arm of the agency can use these non-compliance rates as clear performance measures that can be scrutinised by themselves and others, and in an operational environment where priorities often have to be adjusted in the light of unforeseen circumstances, such measures provide accountable tools to assist with making changes that have the most positive impact overall. Fisheries management is always a balancing act, but using the data systems described in this project, some of the guesswork should be replaced by informed decision-making based on quantitative data. Details: North Beach, Western Australia: Western Australia Department of Fisheries, 2009. 128p. Source: Internet Resource: Fisheries Research Report No. 195: Accessed February 14, 2012 at: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr195/frr195.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr195/frr195.pdf Shelf Number: 124127 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (Australia) Wildlife Crime

Author: Standing, Andre Title: Making Transparency Work in Africa's Marine Fisheries Summary: Global problems facing the marine fisheries sector, including overfishing and the marginalization of the small-scale sector, are leading to increased international awareness of the need to improve transparency in fisheries governance. This Issue paper considers the situation in Africa, where access to information on commercial fisheries and related investments, including foreign aid for fisheries development and marine conservation, are generally lacking. It suggests improving transparency may lead to important gains, such as reducing corruption, improving the effectiveness of aid, and combating illegal fishing. However, the extent to which transparency can make a difference in these areas depends on a number of conditions, including the strength of mediating organisations, the strength of accountability mechanisms, and whether there are robust means to allow for ‘principal-led’ transparency. The paper reflects on the value of establishing a dedicated transparency initiative for marine fisheries inspired by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Details: Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Issue 2011:11) 35 p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 29, 2012 at: http://www.u4.no/publications/making-transparency-work-in-africa-s-marine-fisheries/ Year: 0 Country: Africa URL: http://www.u4.no/publications/making-transparency-work-in-africa-s-marine-fisheries/ Shelf Number: 124320 Keywords: Corruption Fisheries Illegal Fishing Natural Resources Wildlife Crime

Author: Nellemann, C. Title: The Last Stand of the Orangutan: State of Emergency: Illegal Logging, Fire and Palm Oil in Indonesia's National Parks Summary: Globalization and international trade are generating wealth on an unprecedented scale and lifting millions out of poverty. However, the growth of global markets is also putting pressure on the Earth’s ecosystems or natural assets that in many ways are the foundation of wealth creation in the first place. The planet’s tropical forests are some of these extraordinary and economically important assets – ecosystems playing a vital role in moderating the atmosphere, sequestrating greenhouse gases, delivering watershed management and are home to a rich and biologically important array of plants and animals. This UNEP Rapid Response report, carried out on behalf of the UN-led Great Ape Survival Project, has used the latest satellite imagery and data from the Government of Indonesia to assess changes in the forests in one part of south-east Asia. The results indicate that illegal logging, fires and plantations of crops such as palm oil are now intruding extensively into Indonesia’s national parks which, for example, are the last safe-holds of the orangutan. In the past five years more than 90% of over 40 parks have now been impacted putting at risk national and regional attempts to meet the 2010 biodiversity target. The driving forces are not impoverished farmers, but what appears to be well-organized companies with heavy machinery and strong international links to the global markets. UNEP applauds the Indonesian government’s new initiative focusing on new and specially trained ranger units to win back the national parks. It is starting to show some promising results with illegal logging halted in two parks in 2006. But the authorities need more assistance. National parks represent a common heritage and their protection and enforcement is essential in international conservation. UNEP therefore hopes to work even more closely with Indonesia’s government in the coming years and support them in this vital work that may hold promise for other nations too. Details: Arendal, Norway: United Nations Environment, 2007. 52p. Programme, GRID-Arendal, 2007. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 9, 2012 at: http://www.unep.org/grasp/docs/2007Jan-LastStand-of-Orangutan-report.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.unep.org/grasp/docs/2007Jan-LastStand-of-Orangutan-report.pdf Shelf Number: 124898 Keywords: Illegal Logging (Indonesia) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Lindsey, Peter Title: Illegal Hunting and the Bushmeat Trade in Central Mozambique. A Case-study from Coutada 9, Manica Province Summary: A new TRAFFIC study finds that illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade have resulted in a major decline in wildlife populations in Central Mozambique, significantly undermining potential for viable wildlife-based land uses and resulting in the loss of a traditional source of protein for local communities. The study of Coutada 9 found that wildlife populations in the 4,450 square km protected area in Manica province are currently less than 10% of what the area could support, with several species, including rhinoceroses, Roan Antelopes African Wild Dogs locally extirpated through illegal hunting. Significantly reducing such illegal hunting and allowing wildlife populations to recover would allow the generation of significant economic benefits through trophy hunting and potentially ecotourism. In addition, an additional 86 tonnes of wild meat could be generated from Coutada 9, if hunting was limited to regulated harvesting based on a quota system. “The implications for the food security of local people are obvious, while restoring wildlife populations would have clear conservation benefits too,” said David Newton, Director of TRAFFIC’s East and Southern Africa programme. According to the report, Illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade in Central Mozambique (PDF, 2.1 MB), illegal hunting over time is now costing local communities an estimated USD308,000 per year in lost opportunities, while the current annual cost of anti-poaching measures in Coutada 9 amounts to USD60,000. The estimated annual loss of potential income from safari hunting totals USD1.62 million per year. “Illegal hunting is an extremely inefficient use of wildlife resources because it fails to capture the value of wildlife achievable through alternative forms of use such as trophy hunting and ecotourism,” said Peter Lindsey, author of the new study. “By undermining earnings from wildlife-based land uses, and reducing the supply of legal game meat, illegal hunting is costing local people dearly.” According to the study, illegal hunting is most commonly practiced with the use of dogs and muzzle-loaders, and large gin traps made from car leaf springs, while those carrying out the hunting are typically local poor, food-insecure men in their 30s and 40s. Illegal hunting is indiscriminate and the gin traps used kill females, young animals and non-target species. Predators seem particularly affected, and numerous cases of lions lacking toes or even whole paws have been observed. Sometimes animals suffer for days after being caught in the home-made traps; in 2009, a young elephant was observed in Coutada 9 dragging a gin trap which had closed on its foot. Over a five-year period, an estimated 3,500–4000 gin traps were confiscated and disposed of in Coutada 9. Although some illegally sourced meat is consumed by hunters, most is sold in villages or along roads within 50 km of Coutada 9, with some sold to middlemen, who transport it to more distant urban centres. Typical buyers of bushmeat are those with a cash income, such as businesspeople or teachers. However, according to the report “government officials and police are known to purchase bushmeat despite the clear illegality of the source, creating a conflict of interest which may discourage effective policing of illegal hunting.” The report makes a number of recommendations, particularly aimed at both government and the hunting operators who lease coutadas in Central Mozambique. The Mozambique government is advised to conduct land-use planning and zoning in coutadas to provide for a rational alignment of wildlife areas and that used for settlement and agriculture. In addition, efforts are needed to re-stock the depleted coutada hunting blocks with wildlife to allow for viable wildlife-based land uses. There is also a need for more effective enforcement of laws pertaining to illegal hunting. Hunting operators who lease coutadas should be “encouraged to invest in the development of sustainable and mutually profitable projects involving communities, to provide alternative livelihood options for illegal hunters,” and “required to provide a sustainable legal supply of affordable game meat to communities, as an alternative to illegally sourced supply,” says the report. “Above all, this study amply demonstrates that planned, sustainable use of the wildlife resources available in Central Mozambique makes perfect sense from a human welfare, conservation and economic perspective, but that several changes are needed to achieve these aims,” said Newton. Details: Harare, Zimbabwe: TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa., 2012. 84p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed May 14, 2012 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2012/5/9/illegal-hunting-undermining-food-security-and-wildlife-based.html Year: 2012 Country: Mozambique URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2012/5/9/illegal-hunting-undermining-food-security-and-wildlife-based.html Shelf Number: 125262 Keywords: Bushmeat Trade Illegal Hunting Wildlife Crime

Author: Oliva, Roberto V. Title: Philippine Forest and Wildlife law Enforcement: Situationer and Core Issues Summary: The Philippines is one of the 18 mega diverse countries in the world. The country has more than 52,170 described species, about half of which are found nowhere else in the world. Studies show that on a per unit area basis, the Philippines is the top mega diversity country. However, unsustainable logging operations and illegal timber trade continue to pose serious threats to the country’s species richness. In 1917, the country still had 17 million ha, or more than 50% of her 30 million ha land area. Today, the latest estimate shows that only about 7.168 million ha of Philippine forests remain (Philippine Forestry Statistics, 2003). In the 60’s and 70’s the forestry sector was a major contributor to the country’s economy. The Master Plan for Forestry Development of the Philippines (1991) indicated that for almost two decades, agriculture, logging, mining and fisheries together contributed annual almost P15 billion to the country’s gross value added. Although this was almost doubled in 1988 (P25 billion), the share of forestry and logging dramatically plummeted from 12.5% in 1970 to only about 2.3% in 1988. In the 2003 Annual Report of DENR, it was reported that the Philippines—from being a major tropical timber exporter up to the 70’s has become a net importer of forest products (65%-70% of wood requirements). About 18-20 million Filipinos live in the uplands under abject poverty. Details: Washington, DC: United States Agency for International Development, 2007. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 16, 2012 at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADL681.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Philippines URL: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADL681.pdf Shelf Number: 125311 Keywords: Forest Management Illegal Logging (Philippines) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Attention Wal-Mart Shoppers: How Wal-Mart's Shopping Practices Encourage Illegal Logging and Threaten Endangered Species Summary: Despite Wal-Mart’s newfound corporate emphasis on sustainability, undercover investigations in China by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) have found that Wal-Mart is turning a blind eye to illegal timber sources in its supply chain which threaten some of the world’s last great natural forests. Wal-Mart’s ‘no questions asked’ sourcing policy is having particularly dangerous consequences for the high conservation value forests of the Russian Far East and the endangered species dependent on them, including the world’s largest cat, the Siberian tiger. EIA’s investigators see Wal-Mart’s footprints around the globe, but nowhere more so than in China, which produces 84% of Wal-Mart’s wood products. The Chinese manufacturing sector relies on large quantities of high-risk timber imported from the world’s illegal logging hotspots. In the north, thousands of train cars of wood cross the Russian- Chinese border daily from Russia’s vast Far Eastern forests. Experts estimate that 35-50% of the logging in this region is illegal under Russian law. EIA investigations into Wal-Mart’s links to this highly criminalized trade have revealed the company’s inattention to the legality of its raw materials. During 2007, undercover investigators met with eight Chinese manufacturers that supply Wal-Mart with wood products ranging from baby cribs to toilet seats. All suppliers independently attested to Wal-Mart’s strong influence and their emphasis on price as the dominant consideration for raw material procurement. All of them used wood from the Russian Far East, most exclusively so. Details: Washington, DC: EIA, 2007. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 18, 2012 at: http://www.illegal-logging.info/uploads/walmartreport.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Asia URL: http://www.illegal-logging.info/uploads/walmartreport.pdf Shelf Number: 125317 Keywords: Endangered Species Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Thoms, Kristen Title: Development of DNA Analysis for Forensic Animal Investigations Summary: DNA Analysis has been an important tool for forensic investigations, used to scientifically link an individual to a crime, and provide statistical relevance to the possibility that any other person could have contributed that biological evidence. This analysis has predominantly focused on human biological evidence, but animal-sourced evidence can provide equally compelling information to an investigation. Such analysis could be useful in cases that involve trace transfer of animal hairs (such as from a pet of the perpetrator onto a victim), cases that involve an animal directly (such as a animal cruelty cases), or cases that involve wildlife (such as the trade of endangered animal parts). Studies show that ~50% of US households contain a dog or cat, and that wildlife trade is estimated at $20 billion a year. However, animal DNA evidence has been used in only a small number of courtroom cases. This research seeks to outline the potential, limitations, and necessary development in research and technology to apply DNA analysis to animal evidence. Details: Fairfax, VA: George Mason University, 2012. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed July 3, 2012 at: http://digilib.gmu.edu:8080/dspace/handle/1920/7883 Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://digilib.gmu.edu:8080/dspace/handle/1920/7883 Shelf Number: 125466 Keywords: Animal Investigations DNA Analysis DNA Typing Wildlife Crime Wildlife Forensics

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: Economics Endangered Species Illegal Trade Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Pastor, Meghan A. Title: Legal, Moral and Biological Implications of Poaching and Illegal Animal Trafficking on an International Scale Summary: Poaching is a lucrative and international illegal business. According to some statistics, poaching is nearly a 20 million dollar trade, coming in third in profits after the illegal drug and arms trades. One of the most popular areas for poaching is the rainforest found in Brazil and Latin America, where some of the most varied and colorful fauna are found. (Giovanni, 2006) Other popular areas for poaching include China, India and Africa. Many of the animals that are captured to be sold later are either sold in open air markets such as Chatuchak in Thailand and others in China or are exported to other countries. (CNN) The majority of animals sold through illegal trafficking are bought by buyers in the United States, followed by Japan, Europe and the Middle East. (Dermota, 1995) They are often bought by rich collectors who enjoy “exotic pets”. According to Dermota’s research, a certain type of macaw can be sold in the United States for up to $10,000, while a certain monkey sells in Japan for over $50,000. With profits such as these, it is no surprise that many people have turned to the illegal animal market to make money. Certainly animal trafficking is a cruel prospect, even if one does not account for the animals that are killed just for their parts. Animals react poorly when being transported even under the best of circumstances. In a study by Hart et al in 2008 comparing the behavior and physical condition of a group of recently translocated African elephants to a group native to the area, it was found that the translocated elephants had an overall lower condition. As seen in Figure 1., the translocated elephants had a lower body condition than their native counterparts throughout all seasons that the study was performed. The body condition of the native elephants ranged from approximately 1.4 to 1.8 on a body scale ranging from 0 (poor) to 2 (good). The condition of the translocated elephants ranged from approximately 1.25 to 1.5. All seasons showed a lower value for the translocated elephants as compared to their native counterparts. They also had a higher mortality rate. (Hart et al, 2008) If these animals fared poorly under conditions that were optimized for their travel, it is no surprise that animals did not fare well under the poor conditions that are provided for them by poachers. Charles Bergman, a researcher who personally traveled to research the poaching issue, describes the conditions that these creatures travel under in their article, saying “They are smuggled in thermoses and nylon stockings, stuffed into toilet paper tubes, hair curlers and hubcaps.” (Bergman, 2009) With such disregard for the basic needs and comforts of the animal, it can be said that poaching is a cruel and unusual punishment for any animal that has to endure it. Not only that, but most animals either die or become sickly in transit. And the worst is yet to come. The rise of poaching as a global industry is not only a threat to individual animals, but to entire species. Details: Newport, RI: Salve Regina, 2010. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Pell Scholars and Senior Theses, Paper 47: Accessed July 20, 2012 at: http://escholar.salve.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=pell_theses&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dlegal%2520moral%2520and%2520biological%2520implications%2520of%2520poaching%2520and%2520illegal%2520animal%2520trafficking%2520on%2520an%2520international%2520scale%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CFIQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fescholar.salve.edu%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D1047%2526context%253Dpell_theses%26ei%3DFzwJUPXXHcrX0QHgv9GGBA%26usg%3DAFQjCNGDh2iej63oOuT1jTs0M-iF8S1HGw#search=%22legal%20moral%20biological%20implications%20poaching%20illegal%20animal%20trafficking%20an%20international%20scale%22 Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://escholar.salve.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=pell_theses&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dlegal%2520moral%2520and%2520biological%2520implications%2520of%2520 Shelf Number: 125698 Keywords: Animal Poaching Trafficking in Animals Wildlife Crime

Author: Sethi, Suresh A. Title: Poaching and the Performance of Marine Reserves as Ocean Management Tools Summary: Noncompliance in fisheries management is unavoidable and is likely to occur in marine reserves. This Master’s thesis presents two models exploring the effects of poaching on a reserve-fishery system: an age-structured reserve model that explores the effects of poaching on the biological and fishery performance of the system under different policy choices for the open area, and a reserve model with logistic population growth and simple poaching fleet dynamics to explore considerations about harvester noncompliance behavior. Both models make similar predictions about the biological and fishery outcomes of poaching. Departures from the traditional assumptions of full compliance to reserve boundaries alter the conclusions of prior modeling work that demonstrate yield equivalence to no-reserve effort control management and augmented reproductive benefits when small reserves are implemented. By degrading the recruitment subsidization effect to nonreserve areas from protected reserve populations, poaching results in negative externalities on yield for compliant fishermen in open areas and degrades the reproductive output and age-structure of the system. Due to the biological link between reserve and nonreserve areas, poaching in closed areas requires effort reduction in open areas to maintain management reference points. Results from the model with simple poaching fleet dynamics suggest that there are two main approaches to manage noncompliance in the marine reserve context. First is to reduce the expected benefits of poaching through enforcement and fines, and the second is to change the characteristics of the poaching fleet itself. “Community based” policies that incorporate resource users into management and enforcement may be helpful in altering the characteristics of the poaching fleet towards reducing noncompliance. The results of these simulations emphasize the importance of garnering compliance to reserve boundaries from resource users for spatial closures to be successful ocean management tools. Details: Seattle, WA: University of Washington, 2007. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Master's Essay: Accessed July 30, 2012 at: http://fish.washington.edu/research/publications/ms_phd/Sethi_S_MS_Su07.pdf Year: 2007 Country: United States URL: http://fish.washington.edu/research/publications/ms_phd/Sethi_S_MS_Su07.pdf Shelf Number: 125808 Keywords: Animal Poaching Fisheries Maritime Crime Ocean Management Wildlife Crime

Author: Kooten, G. Cornelis van Title: Elephant Economics in the Rough: Modelling Ivory Trade Summary: Trade in ivory is banned under CITES in an effort to protect the African elephant. The trade ban is supported by some range states, most notably Kenya, because they see the ban as an effective means for protecting a ‘flagship’ species, one that attracts tourists and foreign aid. It is opposed by some states, mainly in southern Africa, because their elephant populations are exceeding the capacity of local ecosystems with culling and other sources have resulted in the accumulation of large stocks of ivory. They argue that ivory trade will benefit elephant populations. The question of whether an ivory trade ban will protect elephant populations is addressed in this paper using a dynamic partial-equilibrium model that consists of four ivory exporting regions and a single demand region. Results indicate that a trade ban can be successful in maintaining elephant populations if the ban leads to a stigma effect that reduces demand and increases the marginal costs of marketing ivory. Surprisingly, elephant populations are projected to crash if range states can operate an effective quota scheme that even excludes poaching. However, free trade in ivory can be made to protect the elephant if western countries make effective side payments to range states based on in situ numbers of elephants. Details: Department of Economics Victoria, BC, Canada: University of Victoria, Canada, 2005. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Draft: Accessed August 7, 2012 at: http://web.uvic.ca/econ/research/seminars/Kooten.pdf Year: 2005 Country: United States URL: http://web.uvic.ca/econ/research/seminars/Kooten.pdf Shelf Number: 125900 Keywords: Animal Poaching Economics of Crime Elephants Illegal Ivory Illegal Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Nowell, Kristin Title: Wildlife Crime Scorecard: Assessing Compliance with and Enforcement of CITES Commitments for Tigers, Rhinos and Elephants Summary: International commercial trade of elephants, rhinos and tigers – and their parts and products — is almost universally prohibited by CITES, the international endangered species trade convention, however the enforcement of this restriction remains weak. Illegal trade in ivory, rhino horn and tiger parts is of major conservation concern. While CITES mainly prohibits or regulates international trade, it has continued to expand its role to prevent illegal trade at the national level through the adoption of various “Decisions” and “Resolutions”. This is critical to ensure illegal trade at national levels does not lead to international trade dynamics that undermine the conservation of elephants, rhinos and tigers, in addition to the effectiveness of the Convention itself. The approach to each species group differs, but all include national measures to control not only international, but also internal trade in the species’ parts, derivatives and products: • For tigers, it is recommended that internal trade be “prohibited” (Res Conf. 12.5 Rev. CoP15 ); • For rhinos, it is recommended that such trade be “restricted” (Res Conf. 9.14 Rev. CoP15); • For elephants, “unregulated domestic sale of ivory [is to] to be prohibited” under the Action Plan for the Control of Trade in Elephant Ivory Decision 13.26 Rev. CoP15 Annex 2). Other common themes include strengthening law enforcement; coordination with other countries; improved data collection; enacting deterrent legal penalties for illegal trade; and raising public awareness, especially among user groups. Tigers, rhinos and elephants were the subject of renewed and substantial concern at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP15) in 2010 and the 61st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (SC61) in 2011, specifically in regard to the scale of illegal trade. This report, produced to coincide with the 62nd meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (in July 2012), selects 23 range, transit and consumer countries from Asia and Africa facing the highest levels of illegal trade in elephant ivory, rhino horn and tiger parts (Annex 1), and evaluates their progress since CoP15 towards compliance with and enforcement of CITES commitments for these three species groups. Countries are scored green, yellow and red to signal recent implementation effort, and indicate whether governments are moving in the right direction to curb illegal trade in these species groups, or to indicate whether they have made little progress. Recent actions underpinning the country scores are discussed, and recommendations are made for all countries to improve compliance and enforcement, but with focus on key countries identified in this assessment as urgently needing to show progress. It is important to note that illegal internal trade in these three species groups persists in virtually all of the selected countries, however this report seeks to differentiate countries where it is actively being countered from those where current efforts are entirely inadequate. It should also be noted that a green score of all three species groups does not mean that the country in question is free of wildlife crime. In many cases there are widespread problems concerning illegal trade in other species, such as reptiles and primates. Moreover, some of these countries are performing poorly in terms of other conservation governance indicators and threats to the three species groups, such as the integrity of protected areas. Details: Gland, SWIT: World Wildlife Fund, 2012. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 7, 2012 at: http://www.wwf.se/source.php/1486859/WWF%20Wildlife%20Crime%20Scorecard%20Report[1].pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.wwf.se/source.php/1486859/WWF%20Wildlife%20Crime%20Scorecard%20Report[1].pdf Shelf Number: 125903 Keywords: Animal Poaching CITES Endangered Species Illegal Trade Ivory Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Trade

Author: Gabriel, Grace G. Title: Making a Killing: A 2011 Survey of Ivory Markets in China Summary: An unprecedented surge in ivory seizures occurred in 2011. Media reported that 5,259 elephant tusks were seized worldwide in that year alone, representing the lives of at least 2,629 elephants. In spite of the government’s efforts to regulate the ivory trade, China continues to be the world’s main recipient of smuggled ivory. In 2004 China introduced an ivory product registration and certification system to control the domestic ivory market and to meet the conditions required by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) for the purchase of stockpiled ivory from some African countries. In July 2008, the CITES Standing Committee approved of China as a trading partner for the second so-called “one-off ” sale of ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. IFAW has been investigating ivory markets in Asia for the past ten years. Recently we initiated our fifth survey of ivory markets in China. This survey was conducted two and half years after the 62 tonnes of ivory China bought at the CITES approved sale were officially imported in March 2009. The survey was conducted by local experts who both visited physical markets and monitored online marketplaces. The physical market visits were conducted in September and October 2011 in five cities along the eastern seaboard of China. Online marketplaces were monitored for one week in January 2012. In general, the survey found widespread abuse of the ivory trade control system. It became clear that illegal ivory, once smuggled to the country can be laundered freely through the legal market. The legal trade is sustaining and perpetuating a rising demand for elephant ivory. Details: Yarmouth Park, MA: International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2012. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 13, 2012 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Making%20a%20Killing.pdf Year: 2012 Country: China URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/Making%20a%20Killing.pdf Shelf Number: 125995 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Ivory Trade Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: World Wide Fund (WWF). Tigers Alive Initiative Title: How vulnerable are wild tigers to poaching in the sites critical for their survival? Summary: As part of the global effort to double the number of the world’s remaining wild tigers, WWF has committed to support their recovery in 12 focal landscapes. In order to ensure the most effective use of its limited resources, WWF undertakes careful evaluations and monitoring of the landscapes and the individual sites that make up that landscape, particularly Protected Areas (PA). WWF carried out a preliminary assessment in April 2012 to gain insight into the relative security of sites crucial for increasing tiger population numbers in the places where WWF focuses support. Poaching is the most immediate threat to wild tiger populations worldwide (Champron et al., 2008; Check, 2006; Kenny et al., 1995) and therefore the main barrier to achieving the collective conservation goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 (Tx2). Stopping poaching is the single most direct action that can be taken to halt the decline in wild tigers and allow the recovery to begin. Substantial investments are being made by governments, donors and NGO partners to achieve the Tx2 goal. However, widespread poaching consistently undermines these efforts. In the fight against poaching, PAs are the first line of defence. Ideally PAs should be secure refuges for tigers that encourage healthy gene flow and steady population growth. If these sites are not effectively functioning as safe havens A recent preliminary assessment by WWF of 63 legally protected areas in seven tiger range countries shows that the minimum standards for protection according are only maintained in 22 of these areas, or 35%. This indicates that the areas set up to protect tigers and other threatened species are not necessarily the refuge they are designed to be. WWF’s internal preliminary assessment covered 84 locations, 63 of which are legally protected areas, in seven of the 12 countries where WWF currently works on tiger conservation. Scientists, researchers and managers working in the field, have determined these sites to be critical for wild tiger population growth. Each site was evaluated on three critical factors for protecting tigers: the number of protected area staff, the use of law enforcement monitoring tools, and whether the park was officially protected by law. Data for the assessment was collected from published sources and through a survey of WWF field staff and managers of the sites wherever available. Results from the assessment showed that staff and WWF field personnel from 41 of the 63 protected areas, or 65%, feel there are not enough staff to protect those areas and achieve Zero Poaching. One example is Malaysia’s Royal Belum State Park, critical for the survival of the Malayan tiger and where considerable poaching activity has been documented. Although occupying an area of over 1,000 km2, the park only has 17 enforcement staff. In contrast, protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park in India, with approximately 800 enforcement staff for about 860 km2, have been able to stem poaching activity. In Nepal, 2011 was recently celebrated as a Zero Poaching year for rhinos, which was largely attributed to the increase of range posts across several protected areas from 7 to 51. WWF has identified three actions tiger range governments can take immediately to launch an elevated operation towards Zero Poaching. These include identifying and delineating the most important sites requiring good protection from poaching, and ensuring these sites have sufficient numbers of enforcement staff who are well trained to monitor and improve their effectiveness by using monitoring systems. WWF also suggests that the police and judiciary need to help to ensure strict punishment on poaching and to actively engage local communities living adjacent to important tiger conservation areas. Details: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WWF-World Wide Fund for Nature, 2012. 14p. Source: WWF TAI Report: Internet Resource: August 21, 2012 at http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_tai_tiger_vulnerability_to_poaching_report_2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_tai_tiger_vulnerability_to_poaching_report_2012.pdf Shelf Number: 126080 Keywords: Animal Poaching Tigers Wildlife Crime

Author: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Title: Elephant Conservation, Illegal Killing and Ivory Trade Summary: Illegal killing of elephants for the illegal international trade in ivory is currently a very serious threat to elephant populations in many range States and may be leading to dramatic declines in some populations, particularly in central Africa. Data from the CITES MIKE programme indicate a continuing increase in levels of illegal killing of African elephants since 2006, with 2011 displaying the highest levels since MIKE records began. Similarly, data from the ETIS show a steady increase in levels of illicit ivory trade from 2004 onwards, with a major upsurge in 2009, and 2011 emerging as the worst year ever for large ivory seizures. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 2012. 29p. Source: Conference Document SC62 Doc. 46.1: Internet Resource: Accessed August 22, 2012 at http://www.cites.org/eng/com/SC/62/E62-46-01.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.cites.org/eng/com/SC/62/E62-46-01.pdf Shelf Number: 126094 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Ivory Trade Smuggling Wildlife Crime

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 Analysis Crime Hotspots Crime Statistics Illegal Wildlife Trade Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Tigers Wildlife Crime

Author: Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Title: Illegal Trade in Environmentally Sensitive Goods Summary: Illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods, such as threatened wildlife, timber, hazardous waste, and ozone-depleting substances, has been a long-standing issue in the international trade and environment agenda. The nature of such illegal trade makes it difficult to fully understand its extent and impact on the environment. Developing effective policies to reduce illegal trade requires a clear understanding of what drives this trade and the circumstances under which it thrives. In this report, evidence-based on customs data and information from licensing schemes is used to document the scale of illegal trade, as well as the economic and environmental impacts of such trade. National and international policies have an important role to play in regulating and reducing illegal trade and the report highlights a range of measures that can be taken at both levels. Details: Paris: OECD Publishing, 2012. 147p. Source: Internet Resource: OECD Trade Policy Studies, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012 at: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/fulltext/9712051e.pdf?expires=1349355092&id=id&accname=oid006203&checksum=68038CFB2A32D76B27CB3A01C5E7955F Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/fulltext/9712051e.pdf?expires=1349355092&id=id&accname=oid006203&checksum=68038CFB2A32D76B27CB3A01C5E7955F Shelf Number: 126554 Keywords: Hazardous Waste Illegal Logging Illegal Trade (Europe) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Orchids (Thailand) Smuggling Wildlife 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 Trade Orchids (Laos) Smuggling Wildlife Crime

Author: Richardson, Mark Title: Protecting America’s Pacific Marine Monuments: A Review of Threats and Law Enforcement Issues Summary: In January 2009, President George W. Bush exercised his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish the Marianas Trench, Pacific Remote Islands, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments. Collectively, the three monuments encompass nearly 200,000 square miles of low coral islands and their surrounding pelagic zones, which extend roughly 50 nautical miles (nm) seaward of island shorelines. These areas harbor some of the last relatively pristine marine ecosystems in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, and are home to countless species of marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds, fish, invertebrates, and corals. The presidential proclamations creating these areas prohibit all commercial resource extraction activities, explicitly ban commercial fishing, and allow limited subsistence or recreational fishing. The creation of the monuments reflects a growing trend in ocean protection as nations shift their focus away from smaller, coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in favor of larger areas that capture an array of marine ecosystems and biodiversity (e.g., the South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area created in 2012 spans 386,372 square miles). Unfortunately, large ocean areas remote from human populations are difficult and costly to manage and enforce. Without the provision of sufficient resources, even government agencies of wealthy nations cannot monitor these places on a consistent basis, let alone manage and protect them at a level commensurate with their status as internationally recognized conservation areas. To ensure that the US Pacific marine national monuments (MNMs) in the Western and Central Pacific do not simply linger as “paper parks,” Marine Conservation Institute assessed the major human threats to these areas and reviewed the current performance of US law enforcement agencies in deterring and prosecuting activities that could prove catastrophic to monument ecosystems. Based on an analysis of vessel traffic in the region, damage to the Pacific MNMs is likely to occur in one of the following ways: 1) illegal fishing activity by US or foreign fishing vessels; 2) accidental groundings and oil spills by large commercial vessels (e.g. container ships or tankers) or fishing vessels; or 3) introduction of invasive marine or terrestrial species by small recreational vessels (e.g. sailboats) that trespass in nearshore island waters or on the islands themselves. A synthesis of government documents, personal interviews with federal enforcement staff, and information from international fishery management organizations shows that vessel-based threats continue to manifest themselves inside Pacific marine national monuments. For example: Since the monuments were created in January 2009, there have been low but consistent levels of illegal fishing by US-registered vessels inside the boundaries of Rose Atoll and Pacific Remote Islands MNMs. Foreign fishing vessel incursions are a regular occurrence in the vast and discontinuous US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean; there have been at least two documented cases of foreign vessels fishing illegally inside Marianas Trench MNM, and many more suspected violations. There have been several documented cases of attempted or actual illegal trespass by recreational sailing vessels at various islands within the Pacific Remote Islands MNM; in one case the presence of an invasive terrestrial species (a rat) was linked to a trespassing vessel at Johnston Atoll, which previously had been cleared of rats. Historically, commercial fishing vessels have posed the greatest threat of accidental groundings and spills; in the last 25 years there have been groundings on Rose Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, and Kingman Reef, all of which caused significant and lingering damage. Large container and tanker vessels pose a potential threat of catastrophic contamination and physical damage to the monuments through accidental groundings and spills, but the frequency and location of commercial vessel traffic are not routinely tracked or made public by federal agencies or international agencies. In addition to documenting these threats, we analyzed routine law enforcement operations in the Pacific Islands region to assess government agency capabilities to track, respond to, and deter illegal activity. To effectively deal with threats, federal law enforcement agencies need to have a minimum set of things in place, including: 1) clear and enforceable regulations; 2) adequate financial, human, and technological resources; 3) a surveillance and monitoring system that detects vessels in real-time; 4) an effective public outreach and education program that contributes to voluntary compliance; and 5) a mechanism for interagency cooperation that allows agencies to leverage scarce resources and find collaborative solutions to problems. Details: Marine Conservation Institute, 2012. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 9, 2012 at: http://www.marine-conservation.org/media/filer_public/2012/10/04/pacific_islands_enforcement_final_case_studyfull_version.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.marine-conservation.org/media/filer_public/2012/10/04/pacific_islands_enforcement_final_case_studyfull_version.pdf Shelf Number: 126665 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Maritime Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Brooke, Sandra Title: Review of Surveillance and Enforcement of Federal Fisheries in the Southeastern U.S. Summary: Over the past several decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of marine protected areas including those that are remote from shore and cover large areas of the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The large size of the areas and the complex assortment of regulations within them pose many challenges to policy-makers and resource managers. One of the greatest challenges is monitoring activity in these areas and enforcing regulations so that the designated areas are truly protecting the resources and are not merely ‘paper parks’. The overarching objective of this project entitled ‘Review of surveillance and enforcement of federal fisheries in the southeastern US’ was to increase the effectiveness of resource protection within the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) boundaries through identification of potential improvement of monitoring and enforcement. The Marine Conservation Institute, in collaboration with the law enforcement and management agencies within the SAFMC region, has identified surveillance and enforcement challenges and suggests a series of recommendations for addressing some of these problems. Selected recommendations are listed briefly below and are described in more detail in the full report. Details: Seattle, WA: Marine Conservation Biology Institute, 2011. 47p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2012 at http://www.marine-conservation.org/media/filer_public/2012/03/23/safmc_serma_final_report.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.marine-conservation.org/media/filer_public/2012/03/23/safmc_serma_final_report.pdf Shelf Number: 126693 Keywords: Fisheries Maritime Crime Maritime Security Ocean Management Surveillance Wildlife Crime

Author: Ayling, Julie Title: What Sustains Wildlife Crime? Rhino Horn Trading and the Resilience of Criminal Networks Summary: The problem of illegal trading in wildlife is a long-standing one. Humans have always regarded other sentient and non-sentient species as resources and tradeable commodities, frequently resulting in negative effects for biodiversity. However, the illegal trade in wildlife is increasingly meeting with resistance from states and the international community in the form of law enforcement and regulatory initiatives. So why does it persist? What makes the criminal networks involved in it resilient? In this paper I consider the networks involved in the illegal trade in rhinoceros horn that is currently posing an existential threat to most rhino species. The paper considers possible sources of these networks' resilience, both internal and external, and the implications for how the trade could be tackled. Details: Canberra, Australia: Australian National University, 2012. 22P. Source: Transnational Environmental Crime Project, Working Paper 2/2012: Internet Resource: Accessed November 3, 2012 at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2152776 Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2152776 Shelf Number: 126857 Keywords: Animal Poaching Corruption Criminal Networks Illegal Trade Ivory Organized Crime Rhinos Transnational Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Sekgwama, Jackson John Title: Recommendations for Making Anti-Poaching Programs more Effective in the Southern African Region Through the Analysis of Key Variables Impacting upon the Poaching of Elephants in Botswana Summary: The escalation of poaching in Botswana forced the leadership to deploy its military in addressing this problem. The use of the military in the fight of poaching experienced multiple challenges both at operational and tactical level. The military was deployed in this campaign as a quasi-political decision, thought to be a quick remedy to the poaching dilemma in Botswana. The quasi-political aspect has omitted creation of a national strategy that could comprehensively address the poaching dillema in Botswana and the southern African region, especially that most of the poachers originated from outside the country. Although on one hand it could be argued that the BDF is positively addressing the poaching problem, on the other, it could also be argued that the lack of a clear policy on anti-poaching has hampered the mission. The inefficiency of these campaigns is demonstrated by continued poaching activities in Botswana. This experience has resulted in the realization that Botswana needs to rethink and redefine its national strategy on anti-poaching in order to increase the effectiveness of the intervention means and ways. The national instruments of power need to be comprehensively integrated, synchronized, and harmonized with a view to provide unity of effort in the operational environment to achieve the end state. Once developed, Botswana then needs to work with its neighbors (Zambia and Zimbabwe) in order to ensure that its strategy is effective. Details: Fort Leavenworth, KS: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 2012. 108p. Source: Internet Resource: Master's Essay: Accessed November 27, 2012 at: http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA562969 Year: 2012 Country: Africa URL: http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA562969 Shelf Number: 127011 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Botswana, Africa) Corruption Elephants Socio-Economic Conditions Wildlife Crime

Author: Patel, Tricia Title: War Against Poaching in Africa: Learning from our mistakes Summary: The African elephant and rhino have long struggled to maintain their populations, which saw a devastating decline during the 1980s. With commercial poaching running rampant, the eye of the international community fell upon the lack of conservation policies implemented in African nations. Elephants and rhinos became icons of the conservation movement and more significantly, the keystones of Africa’s wildlife safari industry. As a result of declining populations, trade in both animals was regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Despite the value they have to conservationists in the West, the reality is very different for those living next door to these animal populations. Southern African countries have fought hard against a total ban on trade in ivory, for it has the potential to generate much-needed revenue and fund conservation programs. Opponents fear resurgence in commercial poaching for ivory and vehemently resist any relaxation of the ivory ban and their concerns are well founded. Where elephant populations have stabilized, the black rhino has not been so lucky. As a result, non-governmental organizations have tried to implement conservation programs to combat tourism. However, a distinction is rarely made between subsistence poachers who hunt for food and commercial poachers who hunt for economic gain. Additionally, local communities are often misunderstood and portrayed as the enemies of wildlife, but commercial poachers pose a greater threat to wildlife. With the elephant and rhino populations continually being devastated by poaching, some governments have taken extreme anti-poaching measures, even if they come at the cost of fundamental human rights. This paper serves to analyze the differences between subsistence and commercial poaching in the context of African elephant and rhino populations, as well as evaluate previous conservation methods taken with respect to both forms of poaching. First, a history of CITES is provided, along with the relevant regulations that have governed and continue to govern both, the elephant and rhino. Then a comparison of subsistence poaching (including trade in bushmeat), and commercial poaching is discussed, as well as the motivating factors behind both. Additionally, previous conservation methods and anti-poaching strategies are evaluated against recent proposals and subsequent legal repercussions are suggested. It is important to understand the lack of international consensus regarding the elephant and rhino and CITES regulations so that the diverging interests may be better understood. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand the extreme measures that have previously been taken by governments and conservation organizations, so that the same mistakes are not made again. Details: Unpublished Paper, 2010. 39p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 28, 2012 at: http://www.elizabethburleson.com/Poaching%20in%20Africa%20by%20Tricia%20Patel.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Africa URL: http://www.elizabethburleson.com/Poaching%20in%20Africa%20by%20Tricia%20Patel.pdf Shelf Number: 127017 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Africa) Bushmeat Elephants Illegal Ivory Rhinos Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Lindsey, Peter A. Title: A Study on the Dehorning of African Rhinoceroses as a Tool to Reduce the Risk of Poaching Summary: South Africa has experienced a massive surge in rhino poaching during the last three years. In response, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs convened a National Rhino Summit, in October 2010 to provide an opportunity for government and the industry to discuss the key interventions relating to rhino poaching, to identify additional initiatives and actions required to address the challenges, to harness further political and broader stakeholder commitment and to launch a strategy to address poaching. Based on the outcomes of the summit, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) commissioned a dehorning impact assessment, to determine whether dehorning is an option in terms of securing rhino populations; a feasibility study to determine the viability of legalising trade in rhino horn in South Africa; and a global market research assessment to enable the Department and stakeholders to make informed decisions relating to key tools that could be used to reduce the threat to rhino populations from poaching. Rhino dehorning has been used historically as a tool to reduce the threat of poaching in parts of southern Africa, and continues to be employed on a large-scale in Zimbabwe. Dehorning is contentious due to uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the method at reducing poaching, and due to potential veterinary impacts and adverse effects on the behavioural ecology of rhinos. This report is the product of the study on rhino dehorning and was conducted on behalf of DEA by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The aim of the report is to provide clarity on the impacts and efficacy of dehorning and to identify the circumstances under which the intervention is most likely to be effective at reducing poaching. Key findings of the study are summarized below. Details: Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs, Republic of South Africa, 2011. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed Dec. 1, 2012 at: http://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/studyon_dehorning_african_rhinoceros.pdf Year: 2011 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/studyon_dehorning_african_rhinoceros.pdf Shelf Number: 127041 Keywords: Animal Poaching (South Africa) Dehorning Ivory Rhinos Wildlife Crime

Author: Chardonnet, P. Title: Managing the Conflicts Between People and Lion: Review and Insights from the Literature and Field Experience Summary: Not long ago, when large mammals harmed people we talked of accidents; when they damaged people’s assets we referred to incidents. Nowadays, human/wildlife conflicts are regarded as common occurrences. It seems that what were once considered exceptional or abnormal events have become normal or usual. Whether this is a result of higher frequency and amplitude is not clear, because we do not have reliable statistics to make accurate comparisons. Similarly, human-eating and livestock-raiding lions might be seen as normal lions expressing their carnivorous nature in particular circumstances. Contemporary lions are not wilder or crueller or more dangerous than before: it is just that these particular circumstances seem to be recorded more frequently. Also, communication is now instant and universal: news of a casualty in a remote wilderness can be reported at once on the internet, spreading the information worldwide. Furthermore, a problem lion seems to have a greater psychological impact than a problem crocodile: a crocodile victim disappears, but a lion victim is more likely to be noticed; also, according to B. Soto, a lion incident might be perceived as an intrusion into the human environment, whereas a crocodile incident might be viewed as a human intrusion into the crocodile environment. The result is that the lion might be regarded as more at fault than the crocodile, even though the consequences are the same. In any case, the interface between humans and wildlife is increasing: growing human population and encroachment into lion habitat have simply augmented the incidence of contact between people and lions. Similarly, the harvesting of wildlife has increased, leaving less natural prey for lions. Obviously, the probability of clashes between people and lions now tends to be higher. Longestablished traditional ways of deterring fierce, fully-grown lions might become partly ineffective, and lethal methods are not always acceptable by modern standards. Triggers for human eaters and cattle raiders are being investigated, and knowledge of behavioural factors is improving. New methods to protect people and livestock from lions are being tested in a number of risk situations; these methods are also designed to conserve the lion itself from eradication over its natural range. Conservation of the lion is now a topical concern because our ancestors, the hunted humans (Ehrenreich, 1999) of the past who were chased by predators have become hunting humans and predators themselves. Interestingly, this study was undertaken during a period of rising general interest in conservation of the lion. Two regional strategies for the conservation of the African lion have been developed under the auspices of the Cat Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission, one for West and Central Africa, the other for Eastern and Southern Africa.1 And more and more lion-range states are developing national action plans. This provides evidence of the effort invested in tackling the diverse issues related to lion conservation. By focusing on the human/lion interactions, the present study is complementary to the work of the World Conservation Union. This study also echoes the dynamic forum facilitated by the African Lion Working Group.2 We hope that this review will contribute to the challenge of long-term conservation of the African lion. Success will be attained when the lion changes from being perceived as vermin or a pest to being regarded as a wealth or an asset. Details: Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Naitons, 2010. 69p. Source: Internet Resource: Wildlife Management Working Paper 13: Accessed December 1, 2012 at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/k7292e/k7292e00.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/k7292e/k7292e00.pdf Shelf Number: 127084 Keywords: Human-Animal Conflict Illegal Hunting Lions Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Lockwood, Caroline Title: Analysis of Rhino Poaching in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Summary: South Africa has a proud history of rhino conservation with significant proportions of Africa’s rhino populations protected and managed within staterun and privately owned properties. South Africa is experiencing unprecedented rhino poaching, in terms of both total rhino deaths and the level of sophistication employed by the poachers. While the total rhino harvest rates (trophy hunting and poaching) are not yet considered unsustainable to the overall South African rhino populations, the rate at which the poaching is increasing and the involvement of organised criminals (national and international) is a major concern. The aim of this study is to investigate which spatial and temporal variables or combination of, best explain the distribution of rhino poaching patterns in KZN South Africa, along with an exploration of local rhino property managers and owners attitudes regarding poaching and rhino protection costs. The results of the Generalised Linear Model revealed the State Management, Housing Density, Presence of a Road Through a Property as the best‐fit model, although the highly correlated relationships between Management, Area, Roads and Rhino Population Density could be masking the true effect, and further research at a finer scale would be required. The qualitative analysis of landowner and reserve manager attitudes and opinions yielded a wide variety of issues that are all worthy of further discussion and investigation. Details: London: Imperial College of London, 2010. 78p. Source: Thesis: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2012 at http://www.iccs.org.uk/wp-content/thesis/consci/2011/Lockwood.pdf Year: 2010 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.iccs.org.uk/wp-content/thesis/consci/2011/Lockwood.pdf Shelf Number: 127218 Keywords: Animal Poaching (South Africa) Rhinos Wildlife Crime

Author: Kasterine, A. Title: The Trade in South-East Asian Python Skins Summary: South-East Asian pythons are heavily exploited for skins, food and traditional Chinese medicines, with nearly half a million python skins alone exported annually. The trade provides cash income for a large, but unknown, number of rural people across the region that collect, breed and process pythons. The high number of skins traded has raised concerns about the conservation impact of harvests upon wild python populations and the potential animal welfare issues associated with this trade. This report describes the trade flows for the five most heavily traded python species from South-East Asia (Python reticulatus, Python molurus bivittatus, P. curtus, P. brongersmai and P. breitensteini). It identifies the main points of value addition in the supply chain and considers aspects of illegality. In addition, it reviews the current understanding related to the sustainability and welfare issues regarding python harvesting for the skin trade and offers a series of recommendations to help guide relevant stakeholders, including CITES, governments, the private sector and NGOs, on improving the mechanisms by which trade operates. Details: Geneva: International Trade Centre, 2012. 74p. Source: Technical Paper: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2012 at http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Publications/The%20Trade%20in%20Southeast%20Asian%20Python%20Skins%20for%20web.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Asia URL: http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Publications/The%20Trade%20in%20Southeast%20Asian%20Python%20Skins%20for%20web.pdf Shelf Number: 127222 Keywords: Animal Poaching CITES Endangered Species Illegal Trade Pythons Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Trade

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: Bears Crime Prevention Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Milliken, T. Title: The Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) and the Illicit Trade in Ivory: A report to the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES Summary: Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP15) mandates “a comprehensive report to each meeting of the Conference of the Parties” on the data held in the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS), one of the two monitoring systems for elephants under CITES. The objectives of ETIS, which has been managed and operated by TRAFFIC since 1997, are: i) measuring and recording levels and trends, and changes in levels and trends, of illegal hunting and trade in ivory in elephant range States, and in trade entrepôts; ii) assessing whether and to what extent observed trends are related to changes in the listing of elephant populations in the CITES appendices and/or the resumption of legal international trade in ivory; iii) establishing an information base to support the making of decisions on appropriate management, protection and enforcement needs; and iv) building capacity in range States. Covering the period 1996 through 2011, this report is the fifth major assessment of the ETIS data for presentation to the CITES Parties, and constitutes TRAFFIC’s reporting obligations for CoP16. This analysis was done in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s University of Reading, where Mr. Robert Burn and Dr. Fiona Underwood refined the analytical methods under a Darwin Initiative project and carried out the data analysis for this report. The interpretation of results, conclusions and recommendations draws particularly on research by and experience of TRAFFIC. Prior to submission to the CITES Secretariat, it was reviewed by members of the ETIS Technical Advisory Group. Further, technical papers on the methods and results of this analysis are being submitted to peer-review journals for publication in the scientific literature. TRAFFIC would like to acknowledge with gratitude the funding support from the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Darwin Initiative programme, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s African Elephant Conservation Fund, the European Union’s MIKE phase two grant to the CITES Secretariat, and WWF for providing support for the operation and management of ETIS since CoP15, including the production of this report. Details: London: TRAFFIC International, 2012. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: CoP 16 Doc.xx.x: Accessed January 24, 2013 at: http://cites.org/eng/cop/16/doc/E-CoP16-53-02-02.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://cites.org/eng/cop/16/doc/E-CoP16-53-02-02.pdf Shelf Number: 127385 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Hunting Illegal Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: Lindsey, P. Title: Illegal Hunting and the Bushmeat Trade in Savanna Africa: Drivers, Impacts and Solutions to Address the Problem Summary: In this report, the term ‘bushmeat’ is used to denote meat from wild animals that have been hunted illegally, which aside from being used for personal consumption, is often sold commercially. The bushmeat trade has long been recognized as a severe threat to wildlife populations in the forests of West and Central Africa and is considered a conservation crisis in that biome. Far less attention has been focused on the issue in African savannas, perhaps due to a misconception that illegal hunting for bushmeat in the biome is primarily for subsistence and is largely sustainable. However, there is a growing body of research conducted in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania, and from sporadic studies elsewhere that contradict that perception. This report summarizes a workshop on illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade in the savanna biome organised and sponsored by Panthera, the Zoological Society of London and Wildlife Conservation Society. Growing concern over the impacts of illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade, particularly on large carnivores populations in Southern and East Africa, motivated the workshop. Large carnivores are particularly sensitive to the impacts of illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade and can act as a barometer of the severity of the problem, and also act as a basis from which to catalyze conservation action. Key experts gathered at the workshop to identify the drivers of illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade and the interventions necessary to address the issue. Hunting of wildlife is regulated in most African countries through wildlife legislation and permitting systems which specify restrictions on the times and places that hunting is permitted, the species that may be hunted and the hunting methods that may be used. The large majority of hunting for bushmeat contravenes one or more such restrictions. Snaring is the most common illegal hunting method and is particularly undesirable from a conservation perspective as it is highly effective, difficult to control, unselective in terms of the genders or species of animals captured, wasteful, and has severe animal welfare implications due to the manner of capture and confinement, and frequent incidents of severe, non-lethal wounding of wildlife. Other common bushmeat hunting methods include the use of rifles, muzzle-loaders, shotguns, dogs, fire, and in some cases, gin traps, pitfall traps and poison. Details: London and New York: Panthera, Zoological Society of London/Wildlife Conservation Society, 2012. 74p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed January 25, 2013 at: http://www.panthera.org/sites/default/files/bushmeat%20report%20v2%20lo_0.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Africa URL: http://www.panthera.org/sites/default/files/bushmeat%20report%20v2%20lo_0.pdf Shelf Number: 127405 Keywords: Bushmeat Trade Illegal Hunting Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Environmental Justice Foundation Title: Dirty Fish: EU Hygiene Standards facilitates illegal fishing in West Africa. Summary: • Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) or ‘pirate’ fishing is devastating marine environments and stealing from some of the poorest people of the world. IUU is the term given to any fishing activity that contravenes national or international laws, such as: banned fishing gears; targeting protected species; operating in protected or reserved areas or at times when fishing is prohibited; or operating without any form of permit or license to fish. IUU fishing vessels cut costs to maximise profits and use a variety of means, including ‘flags of convenience’ to avoid detec- tion and penalty for wrongdoing. • Globally, pirate fishing accounts for US$10 – 23.5 billion a year, representing between 11 and 26 million tons of fish. It is driven by the enormous global demand for seafood, and threatens the future of world fisheries. The impacts are social, economic, and environmental, and in many cases IUU operators specifically target poor developing countries. • Investigations by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) have demonstrated the direct links between pirate fishing in the West African nation of Sierra Leone, the illegal operators, and the Asian and European seafood markets, the largest in the world. • South Korean and Chinese vessels dominate the pirate fishery in West Africa, in clear contravention of those countries’ international responsibilities to ensure that the vessels flagged to them operate legally. • Investigations show that many South Korean and Chinese pirate fishing vessels carry import numbers designated by the European Commission, specifically the Food and Veterinary Office of the Directorate-General of Health and Consumers (DG Sanco). The DG Sanco number infers that the vessel has met supposedly strict EU hygiene standards, and is therefore allowed to export fish to the European Union. EJF investigations reveal that fish is handled and packed in extremely unhygienic conditions; • There appears to be no coordination between the EU’s DG Sanco and the Directorate-General of Fisheries and Mari- time Affairs (DG Mare) to ensure that known IUU vessels are identified, and then barred and/or eliminated from DG Sanco lists. Vessels that fish illegally do so to minimize costs associated with legal fishing methods. Lack of official licenses and proper safety equipment, unsanitary conditions and appalling crew conditions have all been documented by EJF aboard IUU vessels. • Sierra Leone is desperately vulnerable to pirate fishing - as a result of recent civil war, struggling economy and dependency on fish. 70% of the population live on less than one dollar a day and the country is ranked by the United Nations as bottom of 179 countries on its Human Development Index, one of the poorest in the world. Foreign illegal fishing vessels are stealing around US$29million of fish from Sierra Leone each year; in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, the total value of illegal fish is approximately US$1billion. Fishing is a vital source of income for the Sierra Leonean men and women – around 230,000 people are engaged in traditional fish capture, and fisheries represents around 10% of GDP. Fish is also a crucial component of food security, contributing 80% of the total animal protein to the country. • IUU fishing is devastating marine environments – bottom trawl nets catch everything in their path, and only those species considered commercially valuable are kept; the remainder, around 75% of the total, is discarded dead. IUU is a growing threat to marine species including turtles and sharks, as well as commercial fish species and juvenile fish needed to replenish stocks. Details: London: Environmental Justice Foundation, 2009. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 21, 2013 at:http://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/report-dirty%20fish.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Africa URL: http://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/report-dirty%20fish.pdf Shelf Number: 127685 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (West Africa) Maritime Crime Wildlife Crime

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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Tigers Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

Author: Nellemann, Christian Title: Elephants in the Dust - The African Elephant Crisis. A Rapid Response Assessment Summary: The African elephant, the largest remaining land mammal on the planet, is facing the greatest crisis in decades. Reports of mass elephant killings in the media vividly illustrate the situation across many African elephant range states. Results from monitoring and systematic surveys conducted under the UNEP-hosted CITES treaty reveal that poaching levels have tripled in recent years, with several elephants killed every single hour of the day. In Central and West Africa, the elephant may soon disappear from whole areas unless urgent action is taken. Organized syndicates ship several tons of ivory at a time to markets in Asia, and hundreds of elephants are killed for every container sent. Indeed, this report documents nearly a tripling in the number of large-scale ivory seizures by customs authorities, revealing the scale and heavy involvement of international criminal networks that must be addressed. The report, however, also provides optimism if action is taken by governments within Africa and in ivory market countries. Improved law enforcement methods, international collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, the World Customs Organization and INTERPOL and measures to reduce demand can be implemented with success if countries and donors join forces. Indeed, large and previously secure elephant populations in Southern Africa are evidence of the fact that both elephants and their habitats cannot only be well-managed, but, coupled with tourism, can also become a source of income. Improved public awareness is also key. Many people including businessmen and women are often unaware that the ivory they may be exchanging as gifts could have been sourced illegally. Among other awareness activities, UNEP is currently working with its Goodwill Ambassador, actress Li Bingbing, and the City of Shanghai to bring the issue of ivory poaching to the attention of the public. Details: Norway: GRID-Arendal, UNEP, CITES, IUCN, TRAFFIC, 2013. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 11, 2013 at: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/elephants/ Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/elephants/ Shelf Number: 127909 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Stiles, Daniel Title: Stolen Apes - The Illicit Trade in Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Bonobos and Orangutans. A Rapid Response Assessment Summary: The illegal trade in wildlife makes up one part of the multi-billion dollar business that is environmental crime and is increasingly being perpetrated at the cost of the poor and vulnerable. These criminal networks, operating through sophisticated chains of intermediaries, steal the heritage and the natural resources of countries and communities working towards sustainable development, jeopardizing existing successes in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and undermining the transition towards resource-efficient Green Economies. UNEP, working with partners such as INTERPOL and operating under agreements like the UNEP-hosted Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP), is attempting to bring attention to the issue, build awareness at the political and public levels and catalyze a response. This report focuses on the trade of great apes – bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. The trafficking of these animals adds additional and unwelcome pressures on the already endangered species, which in many of their range States, attract tourism and thus contribute to the local economy. The trafficking of great apes is not new – it has gone on for well over a century. But the current scale of trafficking outlined in this report underlines how important it is that the international community and the organizations responsible for conserving endangered species remain vigilant, keeping a step ahead of those seeking to profit from illegal activities. The illegal trade in great apes mirrors the recent spike in elephant and rhino poaching, as well as the rise in illegal logging. UNEP and INTERPOL recently launched a report showing that between 50 and 90 per cent of the logging taking place in key tropical countries of the Amazon Basin, Central Africa and Southeast Asia is being carried out by organized crime, threatening not only local species – including many great apes where they occur – but also jeopardizing efforts to combat climate change through initiatives such as the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) In a world where natural resources are increasingly scarce, addressing illegal activities on the ground and across supply chains is increasingly challenging. However, such action should be also an opportunity to improve cooperation between nations and ensure a more sustainable planet. Details: Arendal, Norway: United Nations Environment Programme, GRID-Arendal, 2013. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 12, 2013 at: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/apes/ Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/apes/ Shelf Number: 127927 Keywords: Animal Poaching Champanzees, Gorillas, Bonobos, Orangutans Illicit Trade Wild Animal Trace Wildlife Crime

Author: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN) Title: Parks and Reserves of Ghana: Management Effectiveness Assessment of Protected Areas Summary: Ghana is endowed with diverse ecosystems, which results in a relatively high degree of diversity of plant and animal species. The network of protected areas is a fair representation of all these ecosystems namely: Guinean savannah woodland, transition between dry forest and guinea savannah, dry semi-deciduous forest, moist evergreen forest, transitional zone between moistevergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest types, and dry evergreen forest. The diversity of Ghana Wildlife Protected Areas (WPAs) protects a very wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, vascular plants and butterflies. Some WPAs are part of the upper Guinean rain forest which is very rich in biodiversity. The transboundary nature of other parks like Kyabobo makes it possible for buffalos and elephants to move between Ghana and Togo (Fazao-Malfakassa National Park). In Ghana, the Wildlife Division (WD) of the Forestry Commission is responsible for the protection and management of wildlife protected areas (WPAs). Until 1999 the Wildlife Division was known as the Wildlife Department, a single, centralized government institution directly under the Ministry of Lands and Forestry, now Lands and Natural Resources. Since its creation in 1967, WD has been severely under-resourced and unable to perform its mandate effectively. This has led to a serious reduction in management capability and, as a result, the conservation of a lot of PAs has suffered. There are twenty one (21) WPAs in Ghana totalling 1,347,600 ha or 5.6% of the country. The protected area network includes 7 National Parks, 6 Resource Reserves, 2 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 1 Strict Nature Reserve and 5 coastal wetlands. These PAs are of economic importance as they contribute to improving standards of living of communities surrounding them. Livelihood support programmes exist in some communities surrounding the park, as well as community based tourism programmes. Some plant species are used for wood production and some of the PAs contain medicinal plants. Some PAs also have cultural, religious or spiritual significance with shrines and sacred grooves, for example, and some have aesthetic attractions such as the Bamboo Cathedral and Rapids in Ankasa; Waterfalls, Magnificent Caves in Bomfobiri, and Kakum. WPAs in Ghana are subject to pressures and threats, the main pressures being poaching, bush fires and land conversion due to farming or grazing around or within the PAs. Illegal gathering of wild plants and animals (poaching) is present in all PAs at different degrees of severity. There is a high demand for bush meat, rattan and chewing stick. Rattan is poached for craft; elephants are hunted for their tusks, and leopard for skin. But killing of animals is also a result of human/wildlife conflict. Poaching is less severe in some PAs because of better law enforcement or the setting up of community initiatives that regulate harvesting of non-timber forest products, which contributes to reduction in poaching. Land conversion is mainly due to cocoa farming outside the parks in southwestern Ghana. In Shai Hills, illegal grazing by livestock affects the overall productivity of the reserve. These pressures increase the PAs' vulnerability, which is an issue in most of the PAs. Indeed, there is high demand for resources for cultural and economic purpose; in some parks like Mole, group hunting is a cultural practice, and bush fires are sometimes caused by fire festival, and for the installation of a chief, part of some key species like elephant or lion are sometimes needed. Details: Ouagadougou, BF: UICN/PACO, 2010. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2013 at: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2010-073.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Ghana URL: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2010-073.pdf Shelf Number: 128007 Keywords: Animal Poaching Environmental Crimes Natural Resources (Ghana) Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Management

Author: JALA – the Advocacy Network for North Sumatra Fisherfolk Title: When Fishing Turns Deadly: The Environmental and Social Impacts of Illegal Trawling in North Sumatra Summary: North Sumatra is particularly significant to the antitrawler movement in Indonesia because it is here that the numbers of trawlers are greatest, and therefore also here that the conflict between traditional fishing communities and trawlers has been the most widespread and severe. The large increase in the number of trawlers in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in large decreases in catch and income levels for local fishermen10, particularly in the 3 mile zone reserved for traditional fishing activities. Trawlers have often illegally entered these areas, a practice that frequently continues to this day. There was and is little enforcement of the law by any level of government. The result has been anger and frustration on the part of local fishing communities over their decrease in income and the lack of government action. The incursions by trawlers into the traditional fishing zone and resulting contact with local fishermen have had tragic consequences. Trawlers have crushed small fishing boats, resulting in injuries and loss of equipment, and in some cases deaths11. In response traditional fishermen have attacked and burnt trawlers. These clashes between traditional fishermen and trawlers result in injury and loss of life on both sides; many fishermen have been injured, disappeared or died. JALA estimates that the conflict has resulted in over 200 casualties in North Sumatra over the last 15 years. These events continue to be of serious concern; the most recent deadly confrontation occurred at the end of February 2007 near Pantai Cermin, Deli Serdang district. JALA strongly condemns the violent actions taken by both sides, and promotes non-violent solutions amongst the local fishing communities to the problem of trawlers. Together with other NGOs and fishermen organizations, JALA is active in resolving the conflict by providing non-litigation support for traditional fishermen. JALA also works with the NGO Legal Aid Foundation (LBH), which provides professional legal representation for local fishermen impacted by the conflict, who otherwise would not be provided with any information or assistance Details: London: Environmental Justice Foundation, 2008. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Briefing: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.imcsnet.org/imcs/docs/when_fishing_turns_deadly_north_sumatra.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.imcsnet.org/imcs/docs/when_fishing_turns_deadly_north_sumatra.pdf Shelf Number: 128055 Keywords: Illegal Fishing (North Sumatra, Indonesia) Maritime Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Management

Author: Lack, M. Title: Catching On? Trade-related Measures as a Fisheries Management Tool Summary: This report examines the experience of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) with the use of trade-related measures. There has been a marked increase in the use of trade-related measures by RFMOs over the last decade. This has been driven by: the deteriorating status of many fish stocks; uncertainty as to the actual levels of fishing mortality on these stocks; and the undermining of conservation and management measures by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Details: Cambride, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2007. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.traffic.org/fisheries-reports/traffic_pub_fisheries1.pdf Year: 2007 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/fisheries-reports/traffic_pub_fisheries1.pdf Shelf Number: 128061 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Environmental Justice Foundation Title: Lowering the Flag: Ending the Use of Flags of Convenience by Pirate Fishing Vessels Summary: Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) or ‘pirate’ fishing is plundering fish stocks, devastating marine environments and stealing from some of the poorest people of the world. IUU is the term given to any fishing activity that contravenes national or international laws, such as using banned fishing gears; targeting protected species; operating in protected or reserved areas or at times when fishing is prohibited; or operating without any form of permit or license to fish. IUU fishing vessels cut costs to maximise profits and use a variety of means, including Flags of Convenience to avoid detection and penalty for wrongdoing. • Globally, pirate fishing accounts for US$10 – 23.5 billion a year, representing between 11 and 26 million tons of fish. It is a highly profitable activity being driven by the enormous global demand for seafood, threatening the future of world fisheries. The impacts are social, economic, and environmental. Many IUU operators deliberately target poor developing countries. • While international law specifies that the country whose flag a vessel flies is responsible for controlling its activities, certain states operate ‘open registries’ that allow foreign-vessels to fly their flag for a relatively tiny fee. Known as Flags of Convenience (FoC), many of these countries lack the resources or the will to monitor and control vessels flying their flag, allowing pirate fishing operations to avoid fisheries regulations and controls. • FoC are notoriously easy, quick and cheap to acquire, obtainable over the internet for just a few hundred dollars. Vessels can re-flag and change names several times in a season, a practice known as “flag hopping”. Backed by shell companies, joint-ventures and hidden owners, FoC reduce the operating costs associated with legal fishing, and make it extremely difficult to identify and penalise the real owners of vessels that fish illegally. • Available data indicates that there are currently 1061 fishing vessels equal to or longer than 24 metres registered with FoC. Globally a further 8.5% of fishing vessels are listed as ‘flag unknown’, although it is likely that some of these are flying FoC. Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) blacklists are dominated by vessels registered to FoC or flag unknown. While some RFMO whitelists of authorized vessels do contain a number flagged to FoC, total RFMO lists added together do not approach the total number of FoC fishing vessels - leaving open the question of how and where these vessels are operating. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • As well as fishing vessels, refrigerated transport vessels (know as ‘reefers’) flying FoC have been widely implicated in IUU fishing opera􀆟ons; in West African field investigations undertaken by EJF virtually all IUU reefers were documented flying FoC. Reefers allow IUU fishing vessels to tranship their catches, restock on food and bait, refuel and re-crew without having to make the lengthy (and costly) journey to port. 700 reefers are currently registered with FoC; Panama, Bahamas and Liberia account for 70%. Even those reefers whitelisted by RFMOs favour FoC; 86% of Fish Carriers on ICCAT lists are taking advantage of FoC registration • European Union(EU) and East Asian companies dominate the ownership of FoC vessels. Taiwanese, South Korean, Chinese and Japanese companies are significant, while overall EU ownership of fishing vessels flying FoC has increased by 9% since 2005. There has been a recent large shift in ownership of vessels flying FoC to Panamanian companies, however it is likely that many of these are shell companies registered in Panama by foreign, and hidden, beneficial owners. • Economically the benefits to FoC States of registering fishing vessels are minimal. Annual revenues are estimated to accrue US$3-4 million to the major FoC registries from flagging fishing vessels, a tiny amount when compared to the millions of dollars lost by individual countries and the billions lost globally to IUU fishing. • Among FoC States further economic losses are now likely as a result of trade sanctions by RFMOs, as well as the incoming EU-IUU regulation, due to be implemented in January 2010. This will target non-cooperative States, leaving FoC countries that depend on fisheries exports extremely vulnerable to losing access to the largest seafood market in the world. • In light of the current crisis facing global fisheries, failure to end the exploitation of FoC by IUU fishing operations will undermine efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries management, marine ecological security and the development of many, primarily developing, coastal States. Closing open registries to fishing vessels offers an efficient and cost-effective measure to combat IUU fishing. This report therefore calls for action to end the granting of Flags of Convenience to fishing vessels, and those vessels that support fishing activities, by individual States, RFMOs, and bodies such as the European Union, Commonwealth and United Nations. Details: London: Environmental Justice Foundation, 2009. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.illegal-fishing.info/uploads/Loweringtheflagfinal.pdf Year: 2009 Country: International URL: http://www.illegal-fishing.info/uploads/Loweringtheflagfinal.pdf Shelf Number: 128063 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Vietnam’s Illegal Rhino Horn Trade: Undermining the Effectiveness of CITES Summary: The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), along with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), filed a petition on December 21, 2012 with the U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior under the Pelly Amendment, which enables the U.S. President to impose trade sanctions against countries engaged in trade that diminishes the effectiveness of any international program in force with respect to the United States for the conservation of endangered or threatened species. This briefing summarizes the key points from the Petition to certify Vietnam as diminishing the effectiveness of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for trade in rhino products. Rhinoceros populations have been decimated in both Africa and Asia, with three subspecies already extinct and most species and subspecies now critically endangered. To curb the international trade in rhino horn and other parts and derivatives that has led to diminished rhino populations, the CITES Parties have placed all but two populations of rhinos in Appendix I to prohibit international trade for commercial purposes. Populations of the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) in South Africa and Swaziland are included in Appendix II with an annotation limiting trade to hunting trophies and live rhinos to appropriate and acceptable destinations. These efforts helped stabilize and in some cases, increase, rhino populations. However, despite these efforts, rhino populations are again under threat, largely due to rising demand in Vietnam and the failure of Vietnam to implement its CITES obligations. Vietnam is currently the largest market for rhino horn from both legally hunted rhinos in South Africa, whose horns are then illegally traded, and poached rhinos in South Africa and elsewhere. In some cases, Vietnam has refused to implement the recommendations of the CITES Parties or even respond to requests for information from the Parties. In fact, Vietnamese CITES officials continue to deny the role of Vietnam and its nationals in the illegal rhino horn trade, statements that defy all evidence to the contrary. With Vietnamese nationals at the center of the illegal trade, Vietnam is believed to be driving the “rapacious illegal trade in rhino horn.” Details: Washington, DC: EIA, 2013. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Acccessed March 21, 2013 at: http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/SpeciesRhinoCITES.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Vietnam URL: http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/SpeciesRhinoCITES.pdf Shelf Number: 128066 Keywords: Animal Poaching Endangered Species Illiegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Daly, B.G. Title: Perspectives on Dehorning and Legalised Trade in Rhino Horn as Tools to Combat Rhino Poaching Summary: This report presents the proceedings of a workshop held to assess the use of legal trade in rhino horn as a tool in combating poaching as well as a detailed assessment of the efficacy of dehorning as a deterrent to poaching. Details: Johannesburg: Endangered Wildlife Trust, 2011. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 22, 2013 at: http://www.ewt.org.za/programmes/LPP/20110301%20RhinoWorkshopReport[1].pdf Year: 2011 Country: Africa URL: http://www.ewt.org.za/programmes/LPP/20110301%20RhinoWorkshopReport[1].pdf Shelf Number: 128088 Keywords: Animal Poaching (Africa) Rhino Dehorning Rhinoceros Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management Wildlife Trade

Author: Gurung, Bhim Title: Tiger Human Conflicts: Investigating Ecological and Sociological Issues of Tiger Conservation in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Final Report Summary: Historically, there was contiguous forest all across the terai region of Nepal and tigers were distributed in high densities. The situation changed during early 1960s because the tiger habitat in the terai was drastically reduced as a result of human resettlement program. The destruction of habitat and fragmentation lead to the sharp decline in tiger population. Sport hunting and poaching also contributed to its decline. Like other tiger range countries Government of Nepal worked to overcome this crisis since early 70s. Protected areas were established, strict protection was adopted, and stiffer wildlife laws against wildlife criminals were endorsed. To further increase the land base for tigers buffer zone community forests around the parks and reserves were promulgated and moreover, Nepal initiated an ambitious Tarai Arc Landscape project not only to increase land base for tigers but also to restore connectivity between reserves. Tiger conservation effort in Nepal has been successful. After establishment of protected areas in the early 1970s tiger numbers increased and since late 1970s numbers have been stable in protected areas. Density, based on mean female home range size, is the highest anywhere. The improvement of habitat quality in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park and elsewhere across the terai has increased the overall land base where tigers reside. Breeding has been recorded at five sites outside of protected areas. Such increase in habitat use by tigers in the multiple use buffer zone community forests resulted in conflict between tiger and human. Over the last quarter of a century 88 people have been killed by tigers in and around the park. The trend of human loss has been increased significantly from an average of 1.5 persons per year (1979 – 1998) to 8.25 per year since 1999. The increasing trend of people killed was significant in the buffer zone but not inside the park. A total of 37 tigers were involved in killing 88 people. Of these, 17 were removed because of their man-eating behavior. The number of problem tigers removed per year increased dramatically in 2004-05. Four relevant factors were associated with man-eating tigers: (1) injured or aged tigers find it difficult to kill natural prey, (2) imbalance between tiger and prey base, (3) aggressive tiger behavior and, (4) defensive or accidental killing. Management actions were not taken against if it appeared that tigers killed humans accidentally; however, if possible the tigers that turned into deliberate “man-eaters” were removed. A high percentage (38%) of humans killed by tigers occurred in the south sector of the park, i.e. Madi Valley. This study focused on the status of tigers and its prey in Chitwan National Park and in the Madi Valley buffer zone. Tiger and prey were relatively more abundant in the park than buffer zone. However, the disturbance factors, measured as encounter rate of livestock and human were significantly higher in the park than the buffer zone. Reduced human activity in the buffer zone as compared to the park is because there is a stronger incentive to local people to control local use of buffer zone forest. Support of local people is critical in tiger conservation in the human dominated landscape. To understand the perceptions of Madi population towards tigers and its conservation, a household questionnaire survey was conducted. Majority of the people in Madi valley did not like tigers in the neighboring forests because of threat to people and livestock. However, just less than half of the people liked tigers because of ecological, utilitarian, and moral values. To mitigate the conflict the study recommends establishing a system to regularly monitor tigers in cooperation with the local “Bagh Heralus” attached to each community forestry user committee. Each committee in cooperation with Park staff would supervise the “Bagh Heralu” and the overall goal of the tiger and prey monitoring program would be to understand the activity pattern of tigers living in the buffer zone, implement a tiger conservation awareness program designed to educate local people on tiger biology and research, and to create a problem tiger response team to act immediately and efficiently to assist in conflict situations. Local participation between local user groups in Madi valley and park staffs is also needed to reduce grazing along the southern border of the park. Details: Kathmandu, Nepal: WWF-Nepal Program, 2006. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2013 at: http://www.panthera.org/sites/default/files/STF/2005-0013-014.2.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Nepal URL: http://www.panthera.org/sites/default/files/STF/2005-0013-014.2.pdf Shelf Number: 128099 Keywords: Forest Management Human-Animal Conflict Tigers Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Management

Author: India. Tiger Task Force Title: Joining the Dots: The Report of the Tiger Task Force Summary: The Tiger Task Force report begins by placing itself in context (see: The assessment, p 1-20). There is an immediate context to this report: the widely reported and discussed event of the disappearance of tigers in Sariska. There is also a larger context: the discourse and practice of tiger conservation in India. In terms of the immediate context, the Sariska debacle, the Task Force investigated the affair. The report presents the conclusions (see: The Sariska shock, p 14-20). The protection system there has completely collapsed. While officials were busy misreporting the record of tiger numbers, poachers roamed about and cleaned the reserve out. A powerful mining lobby, keen to carry out mining operations in the reserve fringe, is thrilled. Local politicians now want the protected area denotified: “What is there to protect?” they ask. Villagers here regard the tiger, and the park administration, as their common enemy no 1: they live sandwiched between the two, and are bitter about their desperately wretched existence and continued harassment. The park management talks about relocation, but has done little. In the meantime, even the one village that had been moved out has come back into the reserve. There is unease all around. In this situation, protection cannot and does not work. In terms of the larger context (see: Conserving the tiger, p 2-13), the report finds important, but forgotten, moments in the recent history of official conservation planning. The report of the 1972 task force headed by Karan Singh, Project Tiger: a planning proposal for preservation of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in India, inaugurated the tiger conservation programme in India (and official conservation as well). It is a remarkable blueprint. It gave the programme a promising start. If “people versus parks” — and its inevitable corollary, “people versus tigers” — is one contentious point of the debate around conservation in India today, the report finds extremely sensitive deliberations upon this issue in the past. It is obvious that some, among those that have given direction to official conservation policy, were horribly aware that in India, forests are not unpopulated tracts of wilderness. The 1983 Eliciting public support for wildlife conservation — report of the task force, by a committee headed by Madhavrao Scindia, focuses on the dependence of rural people on forests: “In their precarious existence, enforcement of restriction in wildlife reserves triggers antagonism”. This report wanted development programmes and funds for villages located in the periphery of conservation zones. It calls these zones “islands of conservation”. “If the land surrounding such effort continues to deteriorate in productivity affecting the availability of resources for communities, these islands are bound to succumb one day to the community’s demands”. In the 1990s, a furious storm breaks, reminiscent of today. The tiger is in deep trouble. Project Tiger, India’s flagship conservation programme, is in deep trouble. Conservation itself is in deep trouble. This was an opportunity to change directions. But what emerges is: One, the conservation regime rededicates itself to a command-and-control mode of wildlife preservation. Two, it becomes no longer necessary to refer to or think of “people” while speaking of or planning for conservation. The Sariska debacle is irrevocably because of this direction we chose. It is incumbent upon the Tiger Task Force to look to the future. The Task Force realises that, so far as conservation policy and practice are concerned, any such blueprint must be predicated upon three unavoidable variables (see: A paradigm change, p 21-26). As the report puts it, “The protection of the tiger is inseparable from the protection of the forests it roams in. But the protection of these forests is itself inseparable from the fortunes of people who, in India, inhabit forest areas”. There is the tiger. There is the forest. There are the people, living inside these forests and on the fringes of these forests. Details: New Delhi: Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (Project Tiger), 2006. 217p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 23, 2013 at: http://projecttiger.nic.in/TTF2005/pdf/full_report.pdf Year: 2006 Country: India URL: http://projecttiger.nic.in/TTF2005/pdf/full_report.pdf Shelf Number: 128109 Keywords: Animal Poaching Tigers Wildlife Conservation (India) Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: Transnational Organized Crime in East Asia and the Pacific A Threat Assessment Summary: East Asia and the Pacific have experienced rapid economic and social changes during the past few decades and faced the considerable regulation challenges these changes create for public authorities. This report takes a look at the manner in which criminal enterprises have developed alongside legitimate commerce in recent years. Drawing on official statistics, academic studies, and interviews with law enforcement officials, it attempts to outline something about the mechanics of illicit trade: the how, where, when, who, and why of selected contraband markets affecting the region. It also endeavours to give the best reading of the available data on the size of these markets. Though the list of contraband markets discussed is not comprehensive and it is impossible to quantify the value of these markets with any precision, these estimates are offered to prompt public debate on areas of great public policy significance. The mechanics of trafficking are discussed for a nonexhaustive list of 12 illicit flows, which themselves are organized under four headings: 1. Human trafficking and smuggling of migrants 2. Illicit drugs (heroin and methamphetamine) 3. Resources (wildlife, wood products) and pollution crime (e-waste, ozone-depleting substances) 4. Products (counterfeit goods, fraudulent medicines). Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2013. 192p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 1, 2013 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/TOCTA_EAP_web.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Asia URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/TOCTA_EAP_web.pdf Shelf Number: 128580 Keywords: Counterfeit Goods Drug Trafficking Fraudulent Medicines Human Smuggling Human Trafficking Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime (East Asia, Pacific) Wildlife Crime

Author: FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) Title: International Trade in Wild Birds, and Related Bird Movements, in Latin America and the Caribbean. Summary: This report summarizes the results of a consultancy on market trade in live wild birds and related bird movements, in line with four FAO projects on Emergency Assistance for Early Detection and Prevention of Avian Influenza in 33 countries of the Caribbean, Central America, Andean and South Cone subregions. The survey aimed to assess the magnitude and dynamics of trade in wild birds, and the conditions under which local regulations are enforced. Each country participating in the projects received a survey form and instructions in its official language; statistics on international trade in wild birds were also analysed. Of the 33 countries consulted, 27 replied. The information gathered was compiled in a trade database, allowing the role of each country and region to be evaluated. Only four countries provided statistics, but it was possible to evaluate the trade volumes and dynamics of other countries using statistics from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade database. Of the 33 countries, Mexico is the main importer of wild birds originating in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Argentina, Guyana and Suriname are the main exporters, followed by Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. In the recent past, most native bird exports from these countries were exported to Europe. However, formal operations have been drastically reduced since the European Union (EU) imposed a ban on wild bird imports, resulting in closure of this important market. At present, legal trade is directed mainly to Mexico, followed by Asia and Africa. Mexico absorbs most wild bird imports from both within the region and elsewhere, and is not an active wild bird re-exporter, implying no further movements of exotic birds within the subregions covered by the survey. The majority of countries declared taking precautionary measures by preventing the import of birds originating from countries in which avian influenza (AI) has been reported. Although most countries have animal health regulations and procedures in place, not all of them have specific guidelines for the early detection and control of AI, and not all require animal health documentation as a condition for trade. Owing to low trade volumes, many countries do not apply quarantine of imported birds, but quarantine is required in countries where sanitary measures are strict. Most countries consider that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entry is low or medium. In spite of this, countries expressed particular concern about the consequences of illegal trade and migratory birds on the dispersal of AI. Details: Rome: FAO, 2011. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Animal Production and Health Paper No. 166: Accessed May 20, 2013 at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i0708e/i0708e00.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Central America URL: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i0708e/i0708e00.pdf Shelf Number: 128756 Keywords: Birds Illegal Wildlife Trade (Caribbean, Latin America) Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Organized Crime Tigers Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

Author: Zain, Sabri Title: Behaviour Change We Can Believe In: Towards A Global Demand Reduction Strategy for Tigers Summary: With populations of Tigers continuing to plummet in the wild over the past decades, it would appear that campaigns and other public awareness initiatives to reduce consumer demand for parts and derivatives from this and other endangered species have failed to stem the tide of illegal killing. This paper discusses why conservationists need to explore new approaches to understanding and influencing the behaviours that are driving consumer demand for these products, and examines tools and models that can address the underlying drivers of these behaviours. Various principles employed in the disciplines of social psychology, economics and behavioural economics (where the first two disciplines overlap) are outlined, as well as some key factors that are important to consider for anyone developing strategies that seek to influence the behaviour of consumers of wildlife products. Some strategic guidelines and a framework for applying these factors to the development of a global demand reduction strategy for Tigers are also outlined. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2012. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2013 at: www.traffic.org Year: 2012 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 128961 Keywords: Animal Poaching Tigers Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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: Caviar Fishing Industry Illegal Wildlife Trade Overfishing (Bulgaria, Romania) Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Poaching

Author: Vaughan, Jenny Title: Cattle Raiding in Karamoja: A Conflict and Market Assessment Summary: The Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda is among the poorest and most insecure areas in the world. Cattle raids, theft, poor agricultural productivity, illiteracy, abysmal maternal and child health, aid dependency, and the breakdown of traditional semi-nomadic livelihoods combine to prevent the estimated 1.2 million Karamojong from living secure and productive lives. Since 2009, Mercy Corps has implemented both peacebuilding and economic development programs in the region. The agency has sought to integrate these approaches, motivated in part by the growing body of research linking poverty, slow economic growth, and conflict. Mercy Corps aims to develop holistic programming that will address both economic needs and conflict – interventions that will build peace by eliminating the underlying economic causes of conflict and, at the same time, open the doors to development by reducing violence. To better understand the relationship between economic development and conflict, as well as the underlying drivers of cattle raiding, Mercy Corps conducted a combined conflict and market assessment in October 2010. The assessment included a literature review, 23 key informant interviews, and 12 focus group discussions. Details: Portland, OR: Mercy Corps, 2011. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 25, 2013 at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Mercy%20Corps%20KaramojaConflict%26MarketAssessment%20June%202011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Uganda URL: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Mercy%20Corps%20KaramojaConflict%26MarketAssessment%20June%202011.pdf Shelf Number: 129160 Keywords: Cattle Raiding (Uganda) Wildlife Crime

Author: Mundy-Taylor Title: Into the Deep: Implementing CITES Measures for Commercially-Valuable Sharks and Manta Rays Summary: Over the past twenty years, the conservation and management of sharks has been the subject of much attention and discussion among Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). During this period, a significant amount of research and information has been generated on this issue within CITES processes, with Parties also having adopted a number of recommendations for action in the form of CITES Resolutions and Decisions, and proposals for listing of various shark species (Basking Shark Cetorhinus maximus, the Whale Shark Rhincodon typus, the Great White Shark Carcharodon carcharias and Sawfish Pristidae spp.) in the CITES Appendices. A summary of CITES processes related to shark conservation and management, from 1994 to present, is provided in Appendix A. At the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP16) held in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2013, four new proposals to list a number of commercially important marine species in Appendix II of CITES were adopted as follows:  Oceanic Whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus  Porbeagle Lamna nasus  Scalloped Hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini, Great Hammerhead shark Sphyrna mokarran, and Smooth Hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena (hereafter referred to collectively as “Hammerheads”)1  Manta rays Manta spp. The entry into effect of the above listings has been delayed by 18 months to 14 September 2014, to enable Parties to resolve related technical and administrative issues. At CoP16, the European Union (EU) announced that it was providing funding through the CITES Secretariat to support capacity building for the implementation of the CITES listings of commercially-valuable marine species, with a focus on developing Parties. In order to ensure the effective allocation of these funds, the European Commission requested that TRAFFIC carry out a rapid assessment of capacity building priorities and needs. Consequently, the aim of this Report was to compile and collate readily available information on: (i) the main Parties likely to be affected by the listings; (ii) international, regional and domestic regulations and measures that may be mutually supportive of, and complementary to, the listings; (iii) the main challenges expected in relation to implementation of the listings; and (iv) any existing or planned capacity building initiatives and tools available to support the listings, in addition to potential gaps and needs. The Report is composed of the following four main Parts: I. Key exporters, re-exporters and consumers of the shark and ray species listed in the CITES Appendices at CoP16 II. International, regional and domestic policies, regulations and measures relevant to CITES implementation III. Implementation of the CITES CoP16 shark and ray listings: challenges, available resources and capacity building initiatives IV. Overview of key gaps in capacity and priorities for future work Additional/supporting information is provided in Appendices A to P. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2013. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 2, 2013 at: www.traffic.org Year: 2013 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 129506 Keywords: CITES Illegal Fishing Manta Rays Sharks Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: World Customs Organization Title: Illicit Trade Report: 2012 Summary: Illicit trade involves money, goods or value gained from illegal and otherwise unethical activity. It encompasses a variety of illegal trading activities, including human trafficking, environmental crime, illegal trade in natural resources, intellectual property infringements, trade in certain substances that cause health or safety risks, smuggling of excisable goods, trade in illegal drugs, and a variety of illicit financial flows. These activities cause a wide range of economic, social, environmental or political damage. Estimates of the global retail value of illicit trade vary, but recent estimates by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) place the total at US$ 650 billion for goods, and at US$ 2 trillion if illicit financial flows are included1. Customs administrations address risk wherever it is found and, increasingly, as early in the supply chain as possible. The WCO, through its Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), has been recording Customs seizures worldwide to allow tracking and analysis of the latest trends and patterns in relation to illicit trade. These recorded seizures do not only contribute to better knowledge about current smuggling and cross-border criminal activities but also reveal important information about evolving or emerging risks in the international Customs context. The WCO Illicit Trade Report comprises six chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to a single thematic area : Drugs, Revenue, IPR/Health and Safety, Environment, Security and the Customs Enforcement Network. The commentary on each of these outlines our programmes, activities undertaken within the programmes and key observations associated with those activities. Details: World Customs Organization, 2013. 135p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 19, 2013 at: http://www.cites.org/fb/2013/wco_illicit_trade_report_2012.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.cites.org/fb/2013/wco_illicit_trade_report_2012.pdf Shelf Number: 129664 Keywords: Alcohol Smuggling Commercial Fraud Drug Smuggling Illicit Trade (International) Tobacco Smuggling Trafficking in Cultural Goods Wildlife Crime

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 Poaching Endangered Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Title: Status of African elephant populations and levels of illegal killing and the illegal trade in ivory: A report to the African Elephant Summit Summary: The IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) works with the two CITES-mandated elephant monitoring systems: the programme for Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE), managed by the CITES Secretariat, and the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS), managed by TRAFFIC, to bring together updated and critical information and data on elephants, poaching and the illegal ivory trade in an integrated manner. Consolidated reports, including inputs on Asian elephants from the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, on legal ivory trade by UNEP-WCMC, and implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan, have been provided to the 61st and 62nd meeting of the Standing Committee to CITES. These updates, along with the 2013 report, "Elephants in the Dust" have provided comprehensive and up to date information to elephant conservationists, managers, and policy makers. This update includes data from 2012 on elephant populations, levels of illegal killing, and levels of illegal trade in ivory. The results of this analysis show that levels of poaching and the illegal ivory trade started to increase again in the mid-2000s, following an easing in the 1990s, the rate of increase jumping dramatically from 2009. The overall trend appears to be leveling off in 2012 compared to 2011, but at an unsustainably high level. The MIKE analysis suggests that 15,000 elephants were illegally killed at the 42 monitored MIKE sites in 2012. The estimated poaching rate of 7.4% in 2012 remains at an unsustainably high level, as it exceeds natural population growth rates (usually no more than 5%). Likewise, the ETIS analysis shows a slight leveling off in the bias-adjusted trend for illegal ivory in 2012. However, a number of countries have not yet reported their 2012 seizures. The overall weight and number of large-scale ivory seizures (more than 500kg) in 2013 exceeds any previous year in the ETIS data. These data have not been bias-adjusted, and the increase may reflect enhancement of law enforcement effort, or could signify an increase in overall levels of illegal trade. With the high levels of poaching being observed through the MIKE programme, the amount of illegal ivory in trade should be expected to remain high. Poverty and weak governance in elephant range States, together with demand for illegal ivory in consuming nations, are the three key factors identified by repeated MIKE analyses, including this one, as being most strongly associated with observed poaching trends. Monitoring of elephant populations, apart from at a few well-monitored sites, is sporadic and inconsistent. The low precision of most estimates makes it difficult to detect any immediate repercussion on elephant numbers in the short-term but this does not mean there are no changes. While it remains to be seen whether the situation is stabilizing, it is clear that international cooperation on law enforcement and public awareness is vital. Improved monitoring is also essential to allow informed decision-making. There is a need for continued and improved reporting to the MIKE and ETIS programmes, as well as improved and more frequent monitoring of elephant populations, including carcass counts wherever possible. The new annual reporting requirement for CITES Parties to provide information on national ivory stockpiles will also provide much-needed information. Details: Geneva: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 2013. 21p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 16, 2014 at Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/african_elephant_summit_background_document_2013_en.pdf Shelf Number: 131773 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Vira, Varun Title: Ivory's Curse: The Militarization and Professionalization of Poaching in Africa Summary: It has been a quarter century since Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) placed all African elephants on Appendix I, thus eliminating commercial trade in elephant ivory. This uniform global prohibition on ivory commercialization demonstrably reduced elephant poaching, helped elephant populations to stabilize, dried up some ivory markets, and essentially made it taboo to acquire elephant ivory. All elephant ivory is bloody ivory. Since then, some southern African countries, namely Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, have relentlessly pursued the reopening of the ivory trade. After exerting significant political pressure, they have succeeded in securing sales of stockpiled ivory to China and Japan. This inexplicable backpedal on the international ivory trade ban has stimulated markets, demand, and ultimately elephant poaching, to supply the trade. Download Ivory's Curse Report Download Acrobat PDF The bloody ivory trade was renewed. In recent years, however, it has been revealed that significant criminal syndicates and organized terrorist gangs have engaged in elephant poaching to acquire ivory, which they sell for arms to ply their deadly activities. Born Free USA, seeking an accurate and complete picture of the depths of this nefarious activity, commissioned C4ADS and its expert defense analysts to examine the military, national security, and localized conflict aspects of elephant poaching and the ivory trade to reveal, in detail, the threats to elephants across Africa. Ivory's Curse: The Militarization and Professionalization of Poaching in Africa was released April 21, and its findings are truly alarming. - From Sudan, government-allied militias complicit in the Darfur genocide fund their operations by poaching elephants hundreds of miles outside North Sudan's borders. - In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, state security forces patronize the very rebels they are supposed to fight, providing them with weapons and support in exchange for ivory. - Zimbabwean political elites, including those under international sanction, are seizing wildlife spaces that either are, or are likely to soon be, used as covers for poaching operations. - In East Africa, al-Shabaab and Somali criminal networks are profiting off of Kenyan elephants killed by poachers using weapons leaked from local security forces. - Mozambican organized crime has militarized and consolidated to the extent that it is willing to battle the South African army and well-trained ranger forces for rhino horn. - In Gabon and the Republic of Congo, ill-regulated forest exploitation is bringing East Asian migrant laborers, and East Asian organized crime, into contact with Central Africa's last elephants. - In Tanzania, political elites have aided the industrial-scale depletion of East Africa's largest elephant population. Born Free USA will use this significant, timely, and shocking report to encourage legislators, conservation authorities, and defense agencies to focus their attention, resources, and efforts on the elephant poaching hotspots we've identified, and exert appropriate pressure at all levels to stop the bloody ivory trade. The scourge of elephant poaching has reached crisis - historically shocking - levels, with an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 elephants poached per year. As a result, certain populations of African elephants are now vulnerable to extinction and may not withstand these poaching thresholds much longer. And, when these elephants disappear, if ivory markets are not eliminated, demand will lead poaching operations further south, attacking the southern African elephant populations, as well. Immediate, robust, and unequivocal action is required if we are to beat back the elephant murderers and ivory profiteers. The brutality of elephant poaching - entire families gunned down, individual animals' faces sawed in two to extract the coveted ivory tusks - should be enough to persuade a global crackdown on the ivory trade. But, the Born Free USA-commissioned Ivory's Curse adds substantial firepower to the argument, and should end the debate. This report should convince anyone who cares about elephants - or the people who are similarly subjected to violence and bloodshed - that the bloody ivory trade must end, once and for all. Details: Washington, DC: Born Free, 2014. 104p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 28, 2014 at: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/downloads/pdf/Ivorys-Curse-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/downloads/pdf/Ivorys-Curse-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 132183 Keywords: Animal Poaching Criminal Networks Elephants Illegal Ivory Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Conservation Wildlife 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 Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law and Legislation

Author: Anderson, Bradley Title: Wildlife Poaching: Africa's Surging Trafficking Threat Summary: Surging demand for ivory and rhino horn, mainly in Asia, has put wild African elephants and rhinoceroses on the path to extinction. More than an environmental tragedy, however, wildlife poaching and trafficking has exacerbated other security threats and led to the co-option of certain African security units. African states need to develop a broad range of law enforcement capabilities to tackle what is effectively a transnational organized crime challenge. Asian and other international partners, meanwhile, must take action to reduce runaway demand for wildlife products. Details: Washington, DC: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2014. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Africa Security Brief, No. 28: Accessed May 7, 2014 at: http://africacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/AfricaBriefFinal_28.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: http://africacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/AfricaBriefFinal_28.pdf Shelf Number: 132269 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Rhinoceros Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Agger, Kasper Title: Behind the Headlines: Drivers of Violence in the Central African Republic Summary: The situation in the Central African Republic, or CAR, remains chaotic and violent with public lynchings and daily attacks terrorizing civilians across the country. The United Nations estimates that more than 1 million people - roughly one-quarter of the total population - have been displaced or fled the country. Thousands of people have been killed - at least 2,000 since December alone, although no one knows the exact figure, which is likely much higher. Despite having the largest number of peacekeepers ever deployed to the country, the violence in CAR continues unabated. At least 60 people were killed in the capital city of Bangui over a period of just 10 days in March. Armed groups in CAR are financing their activities in part with significant revenues from natural resources and looting. When the Seleka rebel alliance captured the capital in March 2013, heavily armed and well-trained wildlife poachers and mercenary fighters from Chad and Sudan - some of whom were members of the Sudanese government-supported Janjaweed militia-backed the group. Seleka rebels and foreign fighters have been plundering, looting, and smuggling diamonds and ivory to pay for arms, fuel, food, and soldiers. Meanwhile, Anti-Balaka militias have been looting and killing in Muslim communities and have taken control of diamond-rich areas in the western part of CAR. Seleka forces used violence and threats against local populations in CAR to extract diamond revenues through forced mining, theft, and cheap purchases from local traders. The diamonds were then sold to local traders or taken out of the country and sold to intermediaries, mainly in South Darfur, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC. CAR was suspended in May 2013 from the Kimberley Process, an international certification mechanism designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the international market. However, the diamond trade has continued in CAR and conflict diamonds are likely entering markets abroad. Other countries have pursued political and economic interests that have exacerbated violence in CAR and destabilized the country. Neighboring Chad and Sudan provided support to the Seleka with the goal of installing a cooperative government that could help protect Chadian oil interests and prevent CAR from becoming a safe haven for rebels that could potentially destabilize the two countries. South Africa deployed up to 400 soldiers to protect South African investments in the oil and diamond sectors when former President Francois Bozize was in office. South African soldiers fought to protect the Bozize government when Seleka fighters attacked Bangui, leading to the death of 13 South African soldiers. The Chadian and French governments, which also sent soldiers to CAR, did not intervene to save President Bozize, as they had done previously in his decade-long rule. They helped him to capture power in 2003 but gradually withdrew support when he favored South Africa and China for trade and military cooperation arrangements. Bozize's shift, and that of France and Chad, helped enable Seleka forces to capture power. Details: Washington, DC: Enough Project, 2014. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed May 17, 2014 at: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/CAR%20Report%20-%20Behind%20the%20Headlines%205.1.14.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Central African Republic URL: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/CAR%20Report%20-%20Behind%20the%20Headlines%205.1.14.pdf Shelf Number: 132386 Keywords: Animal Poaching Conflict Diamonds Homicides Looting Violence Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Transnational Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Click to Delete: Australian Websites Selling Endangered Wildlife Summary: Wildlife crime ranks among the most lucrative of serious and organised international crimes along with human trafficking, drug running and illegal arms and in many ways can be just as dangerous and damaging. Various organisations and reports estimate that the trade is worth at least NZ$22 billion per year worldwide1 and the threat it poses to many of the world's most iconic species including elephants, rhinos and big cats is now widely recognised. Details: Sydney: IFAW Oceania, 2014. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 17, 2014 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW_Internet%20Trade%20Report_NZ%20web.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW_Internet%20Trade%20Report_NZ%20web.pdf Shelf Number: 132493 Keywords: Endangered Wildlife Illegal Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Nellemann, Christian, ed. Title: The Environmental Crime Crisis: Threats to Sustainable Development from Illegal Exploitation and Trade in Wildlife and Forest Resources Summary: Given the alarming pace, level of sophistication, and globalized nature that illegal trade in wildlife has now notoriously achieved, UNEP initiated a Rapid Response Assessment to provide some of the latest data, analysis, and broadest insights into the phenomenon. Tackling illegal wildlife trade demands this examination of the relationship between the environmental resources at stake, their legal and illegal exploitation, the loopholes that exacerbate the situation, the scale and types of crimes committed, and the dynamics of the demand driving the trade. In the international community, there is now growing recognition that the issue of the illegal wildlife trade has reached significant global proportions. Illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime involve a wide range of flora and fauna across all continents, estimated to be worth USD 70-213 billion annually. This compares to a global official development assistance envelope of about 135 billion USD per annum. The illegal trade in natural resources is depriving developing economies of billions of dollars in lost revenues and lost development opportunities, while benefiting a relatively small criminal fraternity. This report focuses on the far-reaching consequences of the environmental crime phenomenon we face today. The situation has worsened to the extent that illegal trade in wildlife's impacts are now acknowledged to go well beyond strictly environmental impacts - by seriously undermining economies and livelihoods, good governance, and the rule of law Even the security and safety of countries and communities is affected: the report highlights how wildlife and forest crime, including charcoal, provides potentially significant threat finance to militias and terrorist groups. Already recognized as a grave issue in DRC and Somalia by the UN Security Council, the assessment reveals that the scale and role of wildlife and forest crime in threat finance calls for much wider policy attention, well beyond those regions. Details: Arendal, NO; Nairobi: GRID-Arendal, 2014. 106p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 30, 2014 at: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/crime/ Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/crime/ Shelf Number: 132569 Keywords: Environmental Crime Forests Illegal Logging Illegal Trade Natural Resources Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Agger, Kasper Title: Kony's Ivory: How Elephant Poaching in Congo Helps Support the Lord's Resistance Army Summary: Kasper Agger and Jonathan Hutson traveled to Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2013. In Garamba they were hosted by African Parks, which has the jurisdiction to manage the park and its surroundings under a management agreement with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, or ICCN. Recommendations about how to more effectively combat the Lord's Resistance Army are made in this report. All actions within Garamba and its surroundings, however, need to be approved by and in coordination with African Parks and the ICCN. Details: Washington, DC: Enough Project, 2013. 18p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 3, 2014 at: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/KonysIvory.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Congo, Democratic Republic URL: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/KonysIvory.pdf Shelf Number: 132616 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Lawson, Katherine Title: Global Impacts of the Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Costs of Crime, Insecurity and Institutional Erosion Summary: Poaching of endangered species to feed the illicit global trade of wildlife - estimated to be worth between $8 and $10 billion per year excluding fisheries and timber - is rising at an alarming rate. Activity in the illegal ivory trade has more than doubled since 2007 and is over three times larger than it was during the last peak in 1998, with the street value of ivory capable of reaching up to $2,205 per kilogram in Beijing. Rhino horn can sell for $66,139 per kilogram - more than the price of gold or platinum - on the Chinese black market. This report analyses the global impacts of the illegal wildlife trade, investigating links between the illicit trade in wildlife products and the erosion of national institutions in affected countries, national and transnational security threats and the role of armed non-state actors in civil conflict. Elephants and rhinoceros are most prominent among the animals being killed to feed rising demand for their tusks and horns across the world. On the basis of the evidence provided by a detailed literature review, this report focuses on the illegal trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn originating in sub-Saharan Africa. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the illegal wildlife trade in 2012 as 'a global challenge that spans continents and crosses oceans'. This trade can no longer be viewed exclusively as an environmental concern. Although the trafficking of live animals and animal products remains a serious conservation issue, this crime threatens the stability and security of societies involved at every point along the chain. It was the rise in illegal wildlife trade that prompted Mrs Clinton to describe this phenomenon as 'a national security issue, a public health issue, and an economic security issue'. Across Africa, elephants and rhinos are being targeted by poachers and armed non-state actors - including rebel movements such as the Lord's Resistance Army - to satisfy increasing demand from growing middle classes across the world, particularly in Southeast Asia where ivory products and rhino horn are considered status symbols and used as ingredients in traditional medicine. Meanwhile, transnational organized crime groups and armed non-state actors are able to exploit institutional weakness, civil conflict and legislative loopholes in both source and consumer countries to feed this rising demand for rare commodities, acquiring vast profits. A discordance between national legislation and institutional capacities for implementation on the one hand, and multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) on the other, means that national legislation often remains inadequate to support these initiatives, protect endangered species and regulate cross-border trade. Attempts have been made to enhance support for the implementation of national wildlife regulations, such as the creation of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). However, regulations stipulating which animal products can be legally traded vary greatly by country, resulting in a parallel legal and illegal trade. The legal trade in wildlife products is estimated at over $300 billion per year; a figure that can obscure the lesser but still significant value of the illegal trade. Just as important as the devastating effects on biodiversity is the evidence in this report that the illegal wildlife trade erodes state authority and fuels civil conflict, threatening national stability and provoking substantial economic losses internationally. But the true scale of the trade is unknown, as are its indirect costs in security and political implications. Restricting an analysis of the global implications of environmental crime to biodiversity considerations limits the focus to wildlife supply countries. The illegal wildlife trade involves poachers, armed non-state actors from source nations, international crime groups and institutional corruption across global network chains and a range of players involved in demand countries - from organized crime syndicates and non-state actors to legitimate authorities. To combat the threat, leaders in the international community - especially from supply and demand countries - need to collectively expand and deepen their levels of cooperation. Better and shared information will position governments to counter this transnational crime more effectively, as will enhancing the design and implementation of national and regional legislation and invoking stricter penalties against illegal traffickers and traders. Details: London: Chatham House, 2014. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 7, 2014 at: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/public/Research/Africa/0214Wildlife.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/public/Research/Africa/0214Wildlife.pdf Shelf Number: 132624 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Organized Crime Transnational Crime Wild Animal Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Protection

Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Title: Click to Delete: Endangered Wildlife for Sale in New Zealand Summary: Wildlife crime ranks among the most lucrative of serious and organised international crimes along with human trafficking, drug running and illegal arms and in many ways can be just as dangerous and damaging. Various organisations and reports estimate that the trade is worth at least NZ$22 billion per year worldwide1 and the threat it poses to many of the world's most iconic species including elephants, rhinos and big cats is now widely recognised. Details: Sydney: IFAW Oceania, 2014. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 12, 2014 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW_Internet%20Trade%20Report_NZ%20web.pdf Year: 2014 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW_Internet%20Trade%20Report_NZ%20web.pdf Shelf Number: 133015 Keywords: Endangered Wildlife (New Zealand) Illegal Trade Organized Crime Wildlife 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 Crime Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife 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 Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Nijman, Vincent Title: Keeping an ear to the ground: Monitoring the trade in earless monitor lizards Summary: An unusual and little-known monitor lizard from Borneo that has captured the interest of reptile collectors is emerging as the latest victim of the global illicit wildlife trade, an investigative report by TRAFFIC warns. Lanthanotus borneensis or the Earless Monitor Lizard had long remained virtually unknown to the outside world due to its subterranean habits and limited distribution in north-western Borneo. Unknown, that is, until recently gaining attention from unscrupulous reptile collectors. Earless Monitor Lizards have no external ear opening, a cylindrical lengthened body covered in scaly tubercles (due to an increased number of vertebrae), small limbs, a prehensile tail, a forked tongue, and small eyes with the lower eyelid covered by translucent "windows". As such it is placed in its own monospecific family Lanthanotidae. The small, orange-brown lizard with beaded skin was once primarily of interest to scientists because of its unique adaptations for living below ground, and there were few instances of private ownership reported during the last 30 years. However, there has been a sudden emergence in the trade of this species over the past two years. Through its research, TRAFFIC detected international trade in Earless Monitor Lizards that has largely been carried out online from 2013 onwards. Specific instances mentioning the species were documented on forums and social networking sites in Japan, the Ukraine, France, Germany and the Czech Republic. The study found specimens being offered for sale online across Europe and received intelligence about a significant off-take of the animals from the wild. This was corroborated by discussions in online forums on the availability of the animals for sale, where there were frequent references to the lizard as being the "Holy Grail" of the reptile collecting world. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, 2014. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: A Traffic Report: Accessed September 15, 2014 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/9/8/international-smuggling-threatens-the-holy-grail-of-the-rept.html Year: 2014 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/9/8/international-smuggling-threatens-the-holy-grail-of-the-rept.html Shelf Number: 133309 Keywords: Endangered Animals Lizards Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Rose, Gregory Title: Universalizing Jurisdiction Over Marine Living Resources Crimes Summary: A growing world population, and especially coastal and island communities in the developing world, depend upon healthy oceans as a source of livelihoods and food. But the oceans are in crisis. As much as 85 percent of global fisheries are exploited to their limits or beyond. Ninety percent of large predatory fish are gone. Coastal habitats are under stress from a multitude of activities. Efforts to manage fisheries and to protect important marine habitats are stymied by illegal activity. Marine living resource crime, including the illegal catching of fish and the destruction of habitats or ecosystems, often crosses national borders and involves several nationalities, including that of crew, flag of vessel and ownership, as well as in the supply chain from boat to plate. Marine living resource crime obstructs efforts to sustainably manage marine resources. Serious violations of international rules for the conservation and management of marine living resources need an urgent response. Transnational crime cases warrant international legal cooperation. Marine living resource crime must be addressed if we are to achieve the goals agreed at Rio+20 to ensure sustainable development. WWF is working to help governments, communities and industry ensure the world's oceans are healthy and can provide food security and sustainable livelihoods into the future. This report, commissioned by WWF, and prepared by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) sets out a range of options to combat marine living resource crime. It argues for particular international legal actions to enforce laws against marine living resources crimes. Coordinating enforcement requires harmonizing enactments against marine living resources crime, which are small, but revolutionary, steps towards universalizing jurisdiction to deliver effective governance at sea. States will then better be able to ensure the oceans can provide food security and livelihoods for generations to come. Details: New York: World Wildlife Fund, 2013. 120p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2014 at: http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2261&context=lhapapers Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2261&context=lhapapers Shelf Number: 133410 Keywords: Crimes Against Nature Fisheries Marine Habitats Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Milliken, Tom Title: Illegal Trade in Ivory and Rhino Horn: As Assessment to Improve Law Enforcement Under the Wildlife TRAPS Project Summary: Illegal rhino horn trade has reached the highest levels since the early 1990s, and illegal trade in ivory increased by nearly 300 percent from 1998 to 2011, according to a new report by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partner TRAFFIC. The report, Illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn: an assessment to improve law enforcement, is a key step to achieving USAID's vision to adapt and deploy a range of development tools and interventions to significantly reduce illegal wildlife trafficking. The report was prepared by the wildlife monitoring network TRAFFIC in partnership with USAID. The assessment uses robust analysis to identify capacity gaps and key intervention points in countries combating wildlife trafficking. Seizure data indicate that "the fundamental trade dynamic now lies between Africa and Asia," according to the report. In China and Thailand, elephant ivory is fashioned into jewelry and carved into other decorative items, while wealthy consumers in Vietnam use rhino horn as a drug which they mistakenly believe cure hangovers and detoxify the body. Rhinos and elephants are under serious poaching pressure throughout Africa, with even previously safe populations collapsing: Central Africa's forest elephants have been reduced by an estimated 76 percent over the past 12 years while in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, elephant numbers have fallen from 70,000 in 2007 to only 13,000 by late 2013. A record 1004 rhinos were poached in 2013 in South Africa alone - a stark contrast to the 13 animals poached there in 2007 before the latest crisis began. Record quantities of ivory were seized worldwide between 2011 and 2013, with an alarming increase in the frequency of large-scale ivory seizures (500 kg or more) since 2000. Preliminary data already show more large-scale ivory seizures in 2013 than in the previous 25 years. Although incomplete, 2013 raw data already represent the greatest quantity of ivory in these seizures in more than 25 years. Both rhino horn and ivory trafficking are believed to function as Asian-run, African-based operations, with the syndicates increasingly relying on sophisticated technology to run their operations. In order to disrupt and apprehend the individuals behind them, the global response needs to be equally sophisticated. "There's no single solution to addressing the poaching crisis in Africa, and while the criminals master-minding and profiting from the trafficking have gotten smarter, so too must enforcement agencies, who need to improve collaborative efforts in order to disrupt the criminal syndicates involved in this illicit trade," says Nick Ahlers, the leader of the Wildlife TRAPS Project. Rhino horn is often smuggled by air, using international airports as transit points between source countries in Africa and demand countries in Asia. Since 2009, the majority of ivory shipments have involved African seaports, increasingly coming out of East Africa. As fewer than 5 percent of export containers are examined in seaports, wildlife law enforcement relies greatly on gathering and acting on intelligence to detect illegal ivory shipments. The report recommends further developing coordinated, specialized intelligence units to disrupt organized criminal networks by identifying key individuals and financial flows and making more high level arrests. Also critically important are improved training, law enforcement technology, and monitoring judiciary processes at key locations in Africa and Asia. Details: Cambridge, UK; TRAFFIC International; Washington, DC: USAID, 2014. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: A Traffic Report: Accessed September 27, 2014 at: http://www.traffic.org/storage/W-TRAPS-Elephant-Rhino-report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/storage/W-TRAPS-Elephant-Rhino-report.pdf Shelf Number: 133456 Keywords: Animal Poaching Criminal Networks Illegal Trade Ivory Rhinos Smuggling Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Lutchman, Indrani Title: An Independent Review of the EU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Regulations Summary: Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing refers to fishing activities that do not comply with national, regional, or international fisheries conservation or management legislation or measures (Agnew & Barnes, 2004). IUU fishing is complex and affects many stakeholders from the individual artisanal fisher in national waters, to fishing fleets in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and the High Seas, to fish processor and fisheries managers in developed and developing countries. Illegal fishing occurs in every ocean in the world, resulting in the loss of individual jobs and income, depletion of existing fish stocks, damage to the marine environment, and loss of state revenue (Doulman, 2000). It affects activities both at sea and onshore, such as shipment, transportation, landing, importation and exportation, sale, and distribution of fish products (Gallic, 2008). IUU fishing also has the potential to reduce the amount of fish available to subsistence fishers and communities who rely on fish as their staple diet. For example in Sierra Leone, fish provides approximately 65% of the protein source consumed by the under-nourished population. Thus people's livelihoods and food security may be seriously threatened by the possibility of losing access to this food source as result of IUU fishing (Environmental Justice Foundation, n.d.). Details: London: Institute for European Environmental Policy, 2012. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2014 at: http://www.oakfnd.org/sites/default/files/IEEP_Independent%20Review%20of%20the%20EU%20IUU%20Regulations.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Europe URL: http://www.oakfnd.org/sites/default/files/IEEP_Independent%20Review%20of%20the%20EU%20IUU%20Regulations.pdf Shelf Number: 133520 Keywords: Crime Against the Environment Fishing Industry (Europe) Illegal Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: Gastrow, Peter Title: Transnational organised crime: The stepchild of crime-combating priorities Summary: Experts continue to argue about an appropriate definition for organised crime, and ordinary citizens and lawmakers do not really know what it means. We tend to feel intense about the crime categories that make up organised crime, such as the trafficking of women and children, the poaching and smuggling of rhino horn and ivory, the selling of fake medicines, abalone poaching, the smuggling of endangered species, trafficking in narcotics, bank fraud or cybercrime. But organised crime as a concept tends to leave most people untouched. Pressure from voters on politicians and the latter's hope of re-election contribute to crime- combating strategies being short term, uncoordinated and confined within national borders. Little attention is paid to transnational organised crime even though it is developing into a major international security threat. It has gone global, but effective global responses have not been developed. Undoubtedly, some of the battles against transnational organised crime are being won, but we are losing the war. The vulnerabilities of developing countries should make the warning lights for Africa go on even stronger than elsewhere. Through its regional organisations and the AU, Africa should start working on a coordinated regional approach towards countering transnational organised crime on the continent, because individual states will no longer be able to do so on their own. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2013. 4p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Brief: Accessed October 1, 2014 at: http://www.issafrica.org/publications/policy-brief/transnational-organised-crime-the-stepchild-of-crime-combating-priorities Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.issafrica.org/publications/policy-brief/transnational-organised-crime-the-stepchild-of-crime-combating-priorities Shelf Number: 133525 Keywords: Drug Trafficking Human Trafficking Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Ivory Rhinoceros Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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: Canines Dogs Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Montesh, Moses Title: Rhino Poaching: A New Form of Organised Crime Summary: African rhinos are suffering a new poaching onslaught for their priced horns. Despite intensified anti- poaching activities, the number of rhinos poached per day has continued to increase since 2008. During 2012, about 668 rhinos were poached while a higher number is projected for 2013. This trend of increased poaching will reverse overall positive rhino population growth in the long-term in South Africa. In response to this problem, a rhino emergency summit comprising of rhino range States' representatives, the private sector, government officials and non-governmental organizations was convened in Nairobi during April 2012. Following this summit, members proposed an integrated framework directed at reducing the demand and supply ratio associated with the use of rhino horn. The framework is envisaged to guide short- as well as medium- to long-term responses by range States directed at reducing the incentives for poaching and ensuring the persistence of rhinos. In this paper, the author will begin by outlining the extent of rhino poaching, the background to rhino poaching, the role of organised crime syndicates in rhino poaching, the demand and supply of rhino horns as well as proposing measures to combat rhino poaching. Details: Pretoria: University of South Africa, College of Law, 2012. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 11, 2015 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=1&act=pdfviewer&id=1368077595&folder=136 Year: 2012 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=1&act=pdfviewer&id=1368077595&folder=136 Shelf Number: 134887 Keywords: Animal Poaching (South Africa) Ivory Organized Crime Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime

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 Approaches Conservation Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife 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 Poaching Endangered Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Crimes Illegal Wildlife Trade Internet Crimes Social Media Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Cabrejo le Roux, Amanda Title: Tightening the Net: Toward a Global Legal Framework on Transnational Organized Environmental Crime Summary: This report has been commissioned in the context of a collaboration between WWF and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. The two organizations joined forces as they are both convinced of the need to open a broad debate concerning legal strategies to address environmental crime as a form of transnational organized crime. This report draws upon two previous research papers which highlighted the necessity to conduct a global legal review, exploring existing international legal frameworks and cutting-edge legal answers. The first paper was the Global Initiative's Baseline Assessment report ("The Global Response to Transnational Organized Environmental Crime", June 2014). The second paper was an internal paper prepared for WWF by the Environmental Law Centre of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) written by Lydia Slobodian ("Addressing Transnational Wildlife Crime through a Protocol to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. A Scoping Paper", November 2014). Large extracts of this internal paper are incorporated into the present report. In this context, a draft report was written by the lead author, Amanda Cabrejo le Roux, who is a legal consultant with the Global Initiative and a researcher in International and Comparative Criminal Law1. An expert consultation meeting was then held in Geneva on 11 March 2015 to discuss preliminary findings presented in the draft report. This report benefits from this fruitful discussion and incorporates experts' comments. To sum up, this report is the result of a cross-sectoral fertilization of ideas and it is envisioned as a thought-provoking starting point for examining legal frameworks currently available to combat transnational organized environmental crime, at the global, regional and national levels. The study seeks not to be prescriptive but to stimulate an open discussion and to explore potential avenues regarding means of moving this important dialogue forward. Details: Geneva: Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, 2015. 51p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April2 4, 2015 at: http://www.globalinitiative.net/download/global-initiative/WWF-Global%20Initaitive%20-%20Towards%20a%20Global%20Legal%20Framework%20on%20Env%20Crime%20-%20April%202015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 135389 Keywords: Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crimes Wildlife Crime

Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Transnational Organized Crime in Eastern Africa: A Threat Assessment Summary: Key Findings: - Transnational organized crime in Eastern Africa is a product of both illicit markets that span continents and an underlying weakness in the rule of law. - Due to conflict and poverty, Eastern Africa produces a large and vulnerable stream of smuggled migrants, who are abused and exploited at multiple stages of their journey. - More than 100,000 people paid smugglers to transport them across the Gulf of Aden or Red Sea to Yemen in 2012, generating an income for the boatmen of over US$15 million. - Around 80,000 of these migrants attempted to cross Yemen to Saudi Arabia, but many of these were waylaid by smugglers and subjected to a range of abuses, including confinement, beatings, extortion and rape. - Despite the large numbers, the flow of migrants is concentrated, with most embarking from two port areas (Obock, Djibouti and Boosaaso, Somalia) where interventions could be addressed. - Heroin has been trafficked to and through Eastern Africa since at least the 1980s, but a series of recent large seizures suggests that this flow has increased. - Some air couriering has been noted, but it appears the great bulk of the heroin is being transported by dhow from the Makran Coast, an area that spans Iran and Pakistan. - The local market is estimated to consume at least 2.5 tons of pure heroin per year, worth some US$160 million in local markets. The volumes trafficked to the region appear to be much larger, as much as 22 tons, suggesting substantial tran-shipment. Eastern Africa is a known transit area for heroin destined for South Africa and West Africa. - Given the prevalence of blood borne disease and known injection drug use, the spread of heroin throughout the region must be carefully monitored and addressed. - Recent research indicates that the rate of poaching in Eastern Africa has increased, rising to levels that could threaten the local elephant population. - The bulk of the large ivory shipments from Africa to Asia appears to pass through the container ports of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania, where interventions could be addressed. - It is estimated that between 5,600 and 15,400 elephants are poached in Eastern Africa annually, producing between 56 and 154 metric tons of illicit ivory, of which two-thirds (37 tons) is destined for Asia, worth around US$30 million in 2011. - Somali pirates brought in an estimated US$150 million in 2011, which is equivalent to almost 15% of Somalia's GDP. - Effective intervention has forced pirates to range ever further from the coast to attain their targets: in 2005, the average successful pirate attack was 109 km from the Somali coast; in 2012, it was 746 km. Ships have also become more effective at defending themselves. - The increase in risk associated with protracted expeditions and international countermeasures have contributed to a decline in piracy: in April of 2009 alone, pirates hijacked 16 ships, but after April 2011, they averaged less than one per month. There were no successful hijackings for ransom in the Somali area of operations in the first half of 2013. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2013. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 28, 2015 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/TOC_East_Africa_2013.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/TOC_East_Africa_2013.pdf Shelf Number: 129829 Keywords: Animal Poaching Drug Trafficking Elephants Heroin Human Smuggling Ivory Migrants Organized Crime Pirates/Piracy Wildlife Crime

Author: Duffy, Rosaleen Title: Mapping Donors: Key Areas for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade (Africa and Asia) Summary: The wildlife trade is rapidly becoming a major international priority for governments, NGOs and private philanthropists (for example see White House, 2014). This is evidenced in the recent increase in funding made available for wildlife trade related projects. Recent examples include: USAID has committed US$40 million, Howard G. Buffett Foundation has committed US$25 million to South Africa for rhino protection, The Clinton Global Initiative has pledged to raise US$80 million (US$10 million from US Government already) and the UK Government has identified it as a major policy, with the announcement of a L10 million fund for tackling the trade. The authors mapped the donors and projects following a review of secondary and grey literature as well as relevant websites. However, such a search can only ever be considered as indicative rather than comprehensive: the range of organisations involved in conservation initiatives is complex and extensive. Further it is difficult to disaggregate projects that deal with specific species conservation (e.g. elephant or rhino) more generally, from those that specifically tackle the illegal wildlife trade - there is some inevitable overlap. The precise figures involved are also difficult to determine because of double counting, or confidentiality regarding donations. Finally, there are a number of ongoing projects which cannot be listed; they are necessarily confidential because they are aimed at uncovering various aspects of an illegal trade. From our initial assessment it appears there are four main areas: 1. Two types of funding for demand reduction initiatives: projects and campaigns 2. Funding related to rural development/CBNRM approaches is not well recognised as an effective policy response 3. Funding related to intelligence gathering, surveillance, capacity building in crime scene management is increasing as a priority 4. Funding related to counter-insurgency/security is an increasing priority Following on from this summary of current initiatives the authors were able to identify areas of weakness or gaps. 1. Need for greater understanding of the implications for community relations of a 'crime/enforcement' approach 2. Need for greater levels of intelligence sharing across states and within states 3. Rangers often coping with poor equipment and working conditions 4. The main approach to understanding the illegal wildlife trade is as a criminal activity rather than an issue of wider forms of (under)development 5. Little or no support for communities on how to resist intimidation 6. Need for capacity building in investigation skills/crime scene management 7. Need for governance related initiatives that address corruption, especially in state agencies. 8. Little understanding of the precise dynamics of demand markets/consumer motivation 9. Lack of attention to pre-emptive efforts in demand reduction and anti-poaching 10. Patterns of funding differ substantially between and within states 11. Little attention paid to transit states/networks Details: London: UK Department for International Development, 2014. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 30, 2015 at: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/18868/1/EoD_HD151_June2014_Mapping_Donors%20Final%20Report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/18868/1/EoD_HD151_June2014_Mapping_Donors%20Final%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 135813 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Trade

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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Rhinoceros Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Ling, Lee Siow Title: Hard to Bear: An assessment of trade in bear bile and gall bladder in Malaysia Summary: A new TRAFFIC study has found that the illegal trade in bear bile and gall bladder for traditional medicine is open and widespread across Malaysia and is potentially a serious threat to wild bears. In a survey of 365 traditional medicine shops across Malaysia, 175 (48 percent ) claimed to be selling bear gall bladders and medicinal products containing bear bile, according to the study Hard to Bear: An assessment of trade in bear bile and gall bladder in Malaysia (PDF, 2MB) Every State in Malaysia had bear products for sale, especially Peninsular Malaysia, where bear bile pills were the most common item sold, with the States of Kelantan and Johor topping the list. Nearly 60 percent of 298 bear gall bladders observed for sale were claimed to be from wild Sun Bears killed locally through either opportunistic or deliberate poaching. Whole bear gall bladders were more frequently observed in Sabah and Sarawak - almost all vendors here claimed that gall bladders observed for sale were sourced locally, as have some Peninsular Malaysia traders. Staff in more than half of the shops surveyed admitted to knowing that trade in bear parts and products was illegal under the country's Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, and carries stiff penalties. The vast majority of shops selling bear products claimed to have ongoing supplies of at least some of the items; there are no known captive bear breeding facilities in Malaysia Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2015. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 2, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/5/29/survey-finds-medicines-from-bear-parts-widely-available-in-m.html Year: 2015 Country: Malaysia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/5/29/survey-finds-medicines-from-bear-parts-widely-available-in-m.html Shelf Number: 135850 Keywords: Bears 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 Trade Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Shiraishi, Hiromi Title: Eel market dynamics: an analysis of Anguilla production, trade and consumption in East Asia Summary: Historically, farming and trade in East Asia involved the Japanese Eel Anguilla japonica, native to the region. From the 1990s, with growing scarcity of A. japonica, large quantities of European Eel A. anguilla glass eels were also imported. Concerns over the impact international trade was having on A. anguilla led to trade in it being regulated through a listing in Appendix II of CITES in 2007, and in December 2010, the European Union banned all trade in A. anguilla from the EU. As a consequence the Americas and South-East Asia have become increasingly important sources of juvenile eels of other Anguilla species for farms in East Asia. Eel production has steadily increased worldwide over the last 30 years, mainly because of the expansion of eel-farming, which accounted for 95% of total production in 2013, according to FAO data. Eel farming is reliant on growing out juvenile eels ("glass eels") from wild stocks since breeding in captivity is not yet commercially viable. Most of this expansion took place in East Asian countries/territories, with mainland China alone responsible for nearly 85% of global eel production in 2013. However, global eel production and consumption appears to have peaked and may now be going into reverse because of declining availability of wild stocks, controls on trade in glass eels, steep price increases, and changes in consumer behaviour affected by various issues including prices and food safety. Global demand for eels of the genus Anguilla has traditionally been driven by consumption in East Asia, especially in Japan. There are wide differences between data from the FAO, which indicate that Japan's consumption has fallen over the last decade from 60% to 15% of global eel production, and from East Asian sources, which suggest that the Japanese still consumed 30-45% in 2012-2013. While Japan's role as an eel consumer appears to have declined, there has been a rising popularity in Japanese cuisine and a consequent increase in the number of Japanese restaurants offering eel dishes overseas. Meanwhile, combined trade and FAO production data from China indicate a significant increase in domestic eel consumption over the past decade, reaching an estimated 150,000 tonnes in both 2012 and 2013, although once again large data discrepancies are evident. Historically, farming and trade in East Asia involved the Japanese Eel Anguilla japonica, native to the region. From the 1990s, with growing scarcity of A. japonica, large quantities of European Eel A. anguilla glass eels were also imported. Concerns over the impact international trade was having on A. anguilla led to trade in it being regulated through a listing in Appendix II of CITES in 2007, and in December 2010, the European Union banned all trade in A. anguilla from the EU. As a consequence the Americas and South-East Asia have become increasingly important sources of juvenile eels of other Anguilla species for farms in East Asia. Although less significant than Japan or mainland China, TRAFFIC's analysis also suggests that the domestic market for eels in South Korea has increased in the past decade, reportedly in response to a decline in meat consumption for health and food safety reasons. Customs trade data suggest that other important markets for eels produced in mainland China may be emerging, such as Russia, although data discrepancies make it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the importance of any new/emerging markets. Possible reasons for discrepancies in data analysed for this report include the number of intermediaries through which they are passed prior to official reporting, a lack of comparability between Customs codes, incorrect application of Customs codes and under(over)-reporting of farming production. Many records of live eel fry imports into East Asia over the past decade have no corresponding records in exporter data. Customs and seizures data and other sources show that large quantities of eel fry have been exported illegally from Europe, the Philippines, Indonesia and also within East Asia over recent years, indicating that illegally-sourced glass eels are being used in East Asian farms. There are doubts over the legality not only of European Eels A. anguilla grown out in mainland China farms, which are continuing to be re-exported many years after glass eels could be legally sourced from the European Union, but also Japanese Eels A. japonica, which continue to be fished and traded illegally in the region. Changing farming, trade and demand dynamics are a conservation concern particularly for temperate eel species. European Eel is currently listed as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and Japanese Eel and American Eel A. rostrata are listed as Endangered. There are fewer data for tropical Anguilla species, but conservation concerns also exist for several of these, including A. bicolor (Near Threatened), which because of its similar taste and texture is a popular second choice when Japanese Eel and European eel are unavailable. TRAFFIC concludes its report with regionally collaborative recommendations for enhancing the traceability of sourcing, farming and trade of eels, and the development of appropriate management and conservation decisions. Details: Tokyo: TRAFFIC Japan Office, 2015. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 17, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/7/13/traffic-report-tries-to-pin-down-slippery-eel-trade.html Year: 2015 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/7/13/traffic-report-tries-to-pin-down-slippery-eel-trade.html Shelf Number: 136096 Keywords: Eels Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Williams, Vivienne Title: Bones of Contention: An Assessment of the South African Trade in African Lion Panthera leo Bones and other Body Parts Summary: Lions are listed in Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which means international trade in live animals or body parts can only take place under a strictly controlled permit system. Prior to 2008, the only record of South Africa issuing CITES permits to export Lion skeletons was for three units to Denmark in 2001. However, Lion bone exports from South Africa have increased dramatically in recent years. From 2008 to 2011, the official number of skeletons legally exported with CITES permits totalled 1160 skeletons (about 10.8 tonnes on bones), 573 of them in 2011 alone, with 91% of them destined for Lao PDR. The North West, Free State and Eastern Cape, all home almost exclusively to captive-bred Lions, were the only provinces to issue export permits. Not all Lion bone trade in South Africa has been legal, however. In 2009, a Vietnamese national was arrested and later deported for being in possession of Lion parts without permits, while in June 2011 two Thai men were arrested after being found with 59 Lions bones. "The trophy hunting industry..is the main source of carcasses once the trophy hunter has taken the skin and skull," say the report's authors. Numbers of Lions at breeding facilities in South Africa almost doubled from 2005 to 2013 when around 6188 animals, some 68% of the national total, were in captivity, many destined for the lucrative trophy hunting industry, which generates around USD10.9 million per year. However, the report finds: "there is no economic incentive to farm Lions solely for their bones, especially given the costs involved in raising Lions and the current prices paid for skeletons." Nevertheless, the value of bones generated as a secondary by-product of the trophy hunting industry has allegedly motivated farmers to dig up previously discarded carcasses originating from trophy hunts and captive mortalities and whereas female Lions formerly had little or no trophy hunting value to breeders, the emergence of a market for bones has generated a previously overlooked value. The authors recommend Lion breeding facilities are closely monitored to restrict opportunities for abuse of the system for financial gain. The authors speculate that bone exports to Asia may be connected to Lion bone being used as a substitute for Tiger bone in tonics. In 2005, TRAFFIC found evidence that African Lion bones were an ingredient in "tiger bone strengthening" wine produced in Guilin, China, and distributed in Tiger-shaped bottles, but with Lion bones as an approved ingredient. The authors also note the difficulty of distinguishing Lion from Tiger bones. With more than 280 Tigers captive in South Africa, they recommend DNA spot checks of shipments to verify their origin and also in the report provide some guidance, based on skeletal characteristics, on how to distinguish the two species. The reports also notes the large discrepancies in information on Lions in South Africa: between 2004 and 2010, 2950 Lions were registered as having been hunted there - yet CITES export permits indicate 4088 trophies for the same period, a difference of more than 1100 trophies. Several reasons are proposed to explain the discrepancies, including specimens incorrectly described as trophies and animals not being hunted in the same year as the permits are issued. The authors recommend a number of improvements to recording systems, including development of an integrated national system for issuing permits that can be crosschecked by all enforcement and Customs officials. They also make a pragmatic blanket recommendation that measures currently in place to impede opportunities for illegal activities are strengthened across the entire supply chain from Lion breeding to skeleton exports. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2015. 128p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 17, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/7/16/new-study-throws-light-on-south-africas-lion-bone-trade.html Year: 2015 Country: South Africa URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2015/7/16/new-study-throws-light-on-south-africas-lion-bone-trade.html Shelf Number: 136097 Keywords: Animal Poaching Lion Bone Trade Lions Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Criminal Justice Response to Wildlife and Forest Crime in Cambodia: A Rapid Assessment Summary: The Kingdom of Cambodia is a land rich in biological diversity, home to unique and rare species of flora and fauna. It is the most ethnically homogenous country in South East-Asia with 94% of its 15.5 million population made up of Ethnic Khmer. It is bordered by Vietnam, Thailand and Lao PDR and it is a royal monarchy governed by the Cambodian People's Party. The Cambodian government and people have made tremendous advances rebuilding the social infrastructure that was so devastated by decades of war. This growth has been fuelled by international aid and the exploitation of their natural resources, both flora and fauna. In particular the Cambodian forests have undergone extensive commercial logging over the last 30 years with forest cover dropping from 72% in 1973 to 46% in 2013. The percentage of timber products in 2011 was an estimated production volume of 50,000m3 of sawn-timber minus 25,000m3 of reported export timber, which clearly indicates that the domestic market consumes about 50% of the total production. Companies exporting wood products must obtain an export license usually valid for one year based on the sales contract. The export systems adopted in Cambodia, also, include the inspection of products that can be ultimately traced to the exporter and production mill, through export documentation such as PC-IMEX, export permits and export licenses. This exploitation has resulted in the extinction of some species and the reduction in others to such a degree as to make any trade in them illegal. Several flora and fauna species indigenous to Cambodia are now afforded protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These species include high value timber species such as Dalbergia cochinchinensis commonly known as Siamese Rosewood (Appendix II) and fauna species such as the Tiger (Appendix I), Leopard (Appendix I), Clouded Leopard (Appendix I) Elephant (Appendix I), Sun Bear (Appendix I), Banteng (Appendix I), Pangolin (Appendix II) and the iconic Irrawaddy Dolphin (Appendix I). Despite protection under CITES, national laws, Royal Decrees and Prime Ministerial Sub Decrees there is growing evidence that transnational organised crime groups are continuing to target high value timber species in Cambodia and adjoining countries, particularly Thailand. Illegal logging and timber smuggling are a high reward but risky criminal activity which have resulted in armed confrontations, casualties and several deaths among rangers and smugglers. It is not only Cambodia's forests that have been exploited. Many of Cambodia's fauna species have also been targeted and continue to be subjected to illegal trafficking to feed markets in China and Vietnam. Recent seizures point to transnational organised crime groups targeting Cambodia as a transit point for ivory and rhino horn from Africa. The objective of this study therefore is to determine what role the criminal justice system in Cambodia plays in combating the illegal trade in timber and wildlife. In order to coherently achieve this goal, this report relayed primarily on qualitative research methods applying an inductive interpretivist approach, by adopting a series of methods of data generation. This information, empirical and statistical, has been obtained through a variety of sources which include both primary - in the form of structured interviewing techniques - and secondary sources, i.e. publications, articles, government documents. Although a variety of sources, and consequently conclusions and recommendations, will be presented at the end of this study, this report aspires to analyse the role of the criminal justice system in combating the illegal trade in timber and wildlife with a view to engage the Government of Cambodia to improve its performance. There has been careful consideration in the selection of the studied documents with regards to the origins in order to obtain a diverse range of material and at the same maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government. Ultimately, one must also acknowledge that establishing a methodology with the aim of assessing the criminal justice system in Cambodia is problematic within itself and a process susceptible of bias as influenced by numerous assumptions. The political commitment to use criminal justice resources to target the illegal exploitation and trade in timber and wildlife crime is one of the starting points for this country analysis. Criminal justice systems deal with multiple crimes and face considerable public and political pressure on a range of issues. Prioritising interventions is in practice the mechanism that criminal justice actors use to meet large demands with limited resources. The issue of political will is of great relevance too given on-going accusations of wide spread corruption and the protection of wildlife and timber smuggling by those, including political leaders and senior officials, who profit from it. For the purposes of this report "Wildlife and Forest Crime" refers to the taking, trading (supplying, selling or trafficking), importing, exporting, processing, possessing, obtaining and consumption of wild fauna and flora, including timber and other forest products in contravention of national or international law. This study has analysed the framework of responses to crime as defined by national laws. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2015. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 3, 2015 at: https://www.unodc.org/southeastasiaandpacific/en/regional-programme/toc/environmental-crime.html Year: 2015 Country: Cambodia URL: https://www.unodc.org/southeastasiaandpacific/en/regional-programme/toc/environmental-crime.html Shelf Number: 136295 Keywords: Forests Illegal Logging Natural Resources Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Chin, Shirleen Title: Actors and Institutions Relevant to Fighting Environmental Crime. Summary: There are numerous actors and institutions, internationally and regionally, that are relevant for the efforts of the European Union to combat environmental crime both on its territory and beyond. This report examines the roles of some prominent actors and institutions, including amongst others, INTERPOL, the the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Customs Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, EUROPOL, Eurojust and the Directorate General Environment of the EU Commission. Some of these organisations have their own units to address environmental crime whilst some do not, by virtue of their mandates. Together, most of these organisations are linked to one another in the form of some formal and informal agreements. To date, one of the most significant cooperation is that between INTERPOL, UNODC, WCO, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and World Bank called the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime. This report will try to demonstrate how environmental crime is inherently linked to other forms of especially serious and organised crime. Several organisations described in this report have made that connection between environmental crime and these other forms of crime and do not treat environmental issues in isolation. The analysis contained in this report will cover, to the extent possible, the actual behaviour of cooperation amongst these organisations. For this, relevant literature and documents as well as interviews with experts and practitioners have been used. Details: The Hague: Institute for Environmental Security, 2015. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Study in the framework of the EFFACE research project: Accessed August 20, 2015 at: http://www.ecologic.eu/sites/files/publication/2015/efface_actors_and_institutions_relevant_to_fighting_environmental_crime_0.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://www.ecologic.eu/sites/files/publication/2015/efface_actors_and_institutions_relevant_to_fighting_environmental_crime_0.pdf Shelf Number: 136499 Keywords: Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Farmer, Andrew Title: Qualitative and monetary analysis of the impacts of environmental crime: Overview Summary: The survey of data sources within earlier work within EFFACE showed that the data on environmental crime are usually highly dispersed with limited detailed data collations. The most likely sources of consolidated data are international institutions (such as Conventions and the EU). However, even here data are often limited. As a result it is not possible to provide a robust estimate of the overall impacts of environmental crime as a total figure. There are simply too many gaps for this to be done with any confidence. Therefore, it is important to focus on quantifying the impacts of environmental crime in areas where there are sufficient data for this to be done robustly and with confidence. As a result, the quantitative and monetary analysis has been undertaken for the following five subjects: - The impacts of arson events - The impacts of illegal wildlife trade in rhino and elephant - The impacts of marine pollution - The impacts of illegal WEEE shipments from the EU to China - The impacts of illegal wildlife trade in Horsfieldii Tortoise A common framework to guide data collection, analysis and presentation was agreed. This framework involved three analytical steps on the quantitative assessment of levels of illegal activity, the quantitative assessment of the impacts of that illegal activity and the economic valuation of the impacts of the illegal activity. The results identified good examples of information that can be used to understand impacts of environmental crime. The most useful are good, coherent databases with information about the scale of illegal events (a fires database being a clear case). Another is the linking together of good data from different sources, such as that on illegal elephant and rhino poaching and that on population changes - thus enabling conclusions to be drawn on whether the criminal activity is affecting populations in the wild. Data from different types of sources can help paint a picture of different types of impacts (as seen with the waste shipment case). The work had variable success in determining the quantitative impacts of environmental crime. Problems encountered in doing this have included: - Barriers to determining what level of crime is occurring, where, trends, etc. In some cases there is poor recording of criminal events. However, in other cases it may be difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal activity. - Information about impacts may prove difficult to move from anecdotal to quantitative. - Where crime levels are known, the impacts from such crimes may be mixed with those from legal activities, so that distinguishing impacts is difficult. - There is poor monitoring and recording of changes to environmental quality, health, etc., so that quantitative impacts of criminal activities are not known. As a result, for much of the work here, assessments of quantitative impacts are limited to specific areas where there is sufficient data (or data of sufficient confidence) to provide those estimates. The analyses in this study present different approaches to economic analysis. In some cases the quantitative information is insufficient to develop further economic assessments to any degree of confidence. Some used valuations of the natural environment (e.g. on natural capital loss due to poaching) or to health (e.g. for waste shipment). The fires case has sought to estimate the value of assets lost. Several cases have included information on the financial losses and benefits from those engaged in or affected by the illegal activity. In all cases, the economic analysis does not provide a total value for the impact of the type of environmental crime covered, but economic values for specific impacts. Details: London: Institute for European Environmental Policy, 2015. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: A study in the framework of the EFFACE research project. Accessed August 21, 2015 at: http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE%20D3.2a%20-%20Quantitative%20and%20monetary%20analysis%20-%20overview.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE%20D3.2a%20-%20Quantitative%20and%20monetary%20analysis%20-%20overview.pdf Shelf Number: 136516 Keywords: Costs of Crime Economics of Crime Environmental Crime Illegal Trade Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Sollund, Ragnhild Title: Illegal wildlife trade: A case study report on the illegal wildlife trade in the United Kingdom, Norway, Colombia and Brazil Summary: Illegal Wildlife Trade [IWT], commonly positioned alongside the illegal drugs and arms trade and human trafficking, is one of the fastest growing illegal markets worldwide. The clandestine character of the IWT trade, and weak controls and enforcement, make it difficult to measure the scale of the trade, though current estimates suggest it is worth between 6 and 20 billion dollars annually. Growing awareness of the widespread impacts of the IWT has led to increased international attention in recent years, evidenced by the role the United Nations, Interpol, Europol, EU and UK have played in bringing together global leaders and stakeholders to help eradicate the trade. Research suggests the IWT contributes to civil conflict, economic loss, poverty, climate change and negatively impacts on national security and stability, state authority and biodiversity and public health. In particular, the links between the IWT and organised crime and the demise of iconic species has stimulated current international debate. This report provides an overview of a multi-method qualitative research project on the IWT in the UK, Norway, Colombia and Brazil. It identifies common and different features of the IWT in these four locations, exploring the various motivations for why people engage in the trade, the nature of the trade and types of victimisation. An overview of the response to the trade is discussed and evaluated through SWOT analysis - identifying strengths and weaknesses, and proposing suggestions for improvements. The literature review collates the salient issues addressed in relevant academic and official literature, providing a broader context for discussing the findings. The report focuses predominantly on terrestrial fauna. Findings suggest the nature of the IWT in the UK and Norway is similar. Specifically, the type of animal victims, the cost of the trade and offender motivations are consistent. However, when the response to the trade is evaluated, variations appear. Each of the case study countries address the IWT through international convention treaties and domestic legislation and enforcement, though responses are complex and diverse and their effectiveness varies considerably. Central to these variations are levels of awareness of the serious negative consequences of the IWT, political and criminal justice system support and resources, and punishment. Additionally, the integrated role of NGOs in the enforcement process and in developing other responses in the UK contrasts starkly with the insufficient enforcement response evident in Norway, Colombia and Brazil. NGOs play an important role in the UK, Colombia and Brazil in creating awareness and preventing the trade, but are almost nonexistent as stakeholders in Norway. A common theme from interviews in the case study countries is the importance of key personnel working to prevent and respond to the trade. Experts and practitioners alike show us that an effective response is one that is intelligence led, systematic, integrated and synergistic; they cite the importance of cooperation between enforcement agencies and NGOs and the necessity for increased prioritisation of these crimes by criminal justice systems Details: Oslo: University of Oslo and Treforst, Wales, UK: University of South Wales, 2015. 61p. Source: Internet Resource: A study compiled as part of the EFFACE project. http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE_Illegal%20Wildlife%20Trade_revised.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://efface.eu/sites/default/files/EFFACE_Illegal%20Wildlife%20Trade_revised.pdf Shelf Number: 136519 Keywords: Illegal Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Birdlife International Title: The Killing Summary: The BirdLife Partnership presents "The Killing", a review based on the first ever comprehensive scientific study to quantify the scale and scope of illegal killing across the Mediterranean region. The results are gruesome. Despite legal protection, illegal bird killing is taking place at quite extraordinary and unsustainable levels. While many turn a blind eye, an estimated 25 million birds are being illegally massacred annually. In some countries such as Cyprus, Syria and Egypt, more than two million birds are illegally shot, glued or trapped each year. The report identifies three individual locations - the Famagusta area in Cyprus, the Menbej-Tishreen Dam area in Syria and the El Manzala area in Egypt - where, staggeringly, more than half a million birds are being illegally slaughtered each year. Populations of 40 different migratory songbird species that were once abundant in Europe are declining and some are now in free-fall. Many have already disappeared from much of their former range. European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) has declined by 30% throughout Europe since the start of the millennium and in some countries by as much as 90% in the same period. Yet more than one million are still illegally killed each year. Details: Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International, 2015. 15p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2015 at: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/01-28_low.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/01-28_low.pdf Shelf Number: 136882 Keywords: Birds Wildlife Crime

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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Organized Crime Terrorism Terrorist Financing Wildlife 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: Birds Endangered Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Nan, Jiang Title: A Crime Pattern Analysis of the Illegal Ivory Trade in China Summary: The illegal ivory trade fuels illegal elephant poaching in both Africa and Asia. The illegal ivory trade in China is considered a key threat to the survival of the elephant species: since 2009, China has become the largest illegal ivory market in the world. Although China has uncovered a great number of cases of illegal ivory trade with the seizure of illegal ivory in the past decade, this trade is still growing. A deeper understanding of the nature and patterns of illegal ivory trade through an analysis of ivory seizure data should improve the efficiency of efforts to prevent the illegal ivory trade in China. This paper analyses data on 106 seizures of illegal ivory that was collected from Chinese news reports between 1999 and 2014, with a particular focus on its frequency and illegal trade 'hotspot' locations in China. The analysis found three illegal ivory trade cycles (2001-2005, 2006-2010, and 2011-2014) and four hotspots. Preventing the illegal ivory trade will require more international cooperation and coordination between China and other countries. Details: Acton, ACT, AUS: Transnational Environmental Crime Project, Australian National University, 2015. 17p. Source: Internet Research: TEC Project Working Paper 1/2015: Accessed October 19, 2015 at: http://ips.cap.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/IPS/IR/TEC/TEC%20Working%20Paper%201-2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: China URL: http://ips.cap.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/IPS/IR/TEC/TEC%20Working%20Paper%201-2015.pdf Shelf Number: 136999 Keywords: Animal Poaching Crime Analysis Crime Hotspots Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Phelps, Jacob Title: A Blooming Trade: Illegal trade of ornamental orchids in mainland Southeast Asia Summary: A thriving and illegal trade in Southeast Asia's threatened and rare orchids is going largely unnoticed in Thailand and across its borders, says a joint study by TRAFFIC and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). Conservative trade figures documented during the study suggest that tens of thousands of orchids are illegally traded across Thailand's borders every year without either domestic harvest permits or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits, violating range State and international restrictions on wild orchid harvest. Surveys during 2011-2012 in four of the largest wild plant markets in Thailand and at the country's borders with Myanmar and Lao PDR recorded 348 species of orchid for sale, representing 13 to 22 percent of the target countries' known orchid flora. The survey even found species from the genus Paphiopedilum, all of which are listed in Appendix I of CITES, which bans the international trade of wild-collected specimens. At least 16 percent of the orchid species observed could be classified under some category of threat or were species found only in small or specific areas. Several of the orchids first found in the markets were new to science. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2015. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 28, 2015 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/26694012/1448362157923/A+blooming+trade+Report+_+17th+Nov_FINAL.pdf?token=X1gfjLR63Rn7hCMHSQu4UiRKPhM%3D Year: 2015 Country: Asia URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/26694012/1448362157923/A+blooming+trade+Report+_+17th+Nov_FINAL.pdf?token=X1gfjLR63Rn7hCMHSQu4UiRKPhM%3D Shelf Number: 137364 Keywords: Endangered Species Illegal Trade Orchids Wild Fauna and Flora Wildlife Crime

Author: INTERPOL Environmental Crime Programme Title: Environmental Crime and its Convergence with other Serious Crimes Summary: The capacity for INTERPOL Member Countries to effectively respond to environmental crime when it intersects with other serious1 crimes is a common theme that arises when INTERPOL engages with its members. The nature of "crime convergence" (also referred to as "threat convergence") raises a number of complexities and challenges in all phases of enforcement, from detection and disruption to the dismantling of criminal syndicates. In fact, it is one of the greatest challenges cited by officers from environment and policing agencies at regional and international investigative meetings and one that they all seek to understand and address. Key INTERPOL partners are also aware of the challenges associated with convergence, and are calling for greater understanding of crime convergence and law enforcement countermeasures. To stimulate discussion on this topic, this report provides insight into the nature of crime convergence within the context of environmental crime, where it is becoming increasingly apparent and complex. An example is seen when poly-crime syndicates traffic in a range of illicit goods in addition to environmental products. The report also examines the types of significant crimes that Member Countries have brought to INTERPOL's attention through their environmental crime investigations. The nature of crime convergence is subsequently discussed in terms of its challenges as well as the opportunities it presents to law enforcement. The report makes a number of suggestions on how agencies can better respond to convergence in transnational and national operations. In doing so, it promotes an integrated multi-disciplined and multi-agency law enforcement approach that is both strategic and operational in nature. The report concludes with a number of practical strategies for consideration by enforcement agencies. Details: The Hague: INTERPOL, 2015. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 28, 2015 at: http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Environmental-crime/Resources Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Environmental-crime/Resources Shelf Number: 137366 Keywords: Criminal Investigations Environmental Crime Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Mundy, Victoria Title: Traceability Systems in the CITES Context: A review of experiences, best practices and lessons learned for the traceability of commodities of CITES-listed shark species Summary: At its 27th meeting (AC27, Veracruz, 2014), the CITES4 Animals Committee agreed on a number of recommendations relevant to addressing the implementation challenges posed by the inclusion of five species of sharks and both species of manta ray Manta spp. in CITES Appendix II at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP16, Bangkok, 2013). These recommendations, which support implementation of CITES Resolution Conf. 12.6 (Rev. CoP16) on the Conservation and management of sharks, were considered at the 65th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (SC65, Geneva) in July 20145 and an intersessional working group was established with a mandate to consider these recommendations. The current project contributes to the fulfillment of the following recommendations agreed at AC27 (paragraph numbers refer to SC65 Doc. 46 on sharks and rays) and will support the deliberations of the Standing Committee intersessional working group on sharks: - Paragraph o) The Animals Committee requests the Standing Committee, at its 65th meeting, to consider relevant matters relating to the implementation of shark listings, including the following: o ii. Issues pertaining to chain of custody, including where in the trade chain it is considered essential to be able to identify the products in trade; - Paragraph p) Both the Standing Committee and the Animals Committee should review the requirements that have been developed for the trade in processed product types of Appendix II species such as crocodile skins, caviar etc. and consider their applicability to shark products containing Appendix II species. Specifically, this report presents the findings of a review of traceability systems that have been developed in the CITES context for the trade in processed product types of Appendix II-listed species. The report considers the experiences, lessons learned and best practices from these case studies for ensuring the traceability of products of shark species listed in CITES Appendix II, and analyses the potential for establishing an effective traceability system - along the lines of those already developed in the CITES context - for shark commodities. For a review of the market chain and other traceability systems developed for commercially exploited aquatic species, see Andre (2013) and the following report produced for the CITES Secretariat: Traceability study in shark products (Lehr et al., 2015). The case studies of focus in this report are traceability systems developed for sturgeon caviar, crocodile skins, Queen Conch Strombus gigas, and timber, and/or related developments, as appropriate. These examples were selected as case studies, in light of experience and recent progress on issues relating to traceability and the potential to provide relevant guidance for the traceability of CITES-listed shark products. The remainder of this report is structured as follows: - Section 2 provides an overview of the methods used to gather information for this report. - Section 3 provides a brief explanation of traceability and how this operates in the CITES context. - Section 4 presents the results of the review of traceability systems developed for sturgeon caviar, crocodile skins, Queen Conch and timber in the CITES context. - Section 5 assesses the use of traceability measures for commodities of CITES Appendix II-listed shark species, based on the experiences, lessons learned and best practices identified in the review of CITES systems. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2015. 90p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 13, 2016 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/1/7/new-traffic-study-throws-light-on-supply-chain-traceability.html Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/1/7/new-traffic-study-throws-light-on-supply-chain-traceability.html Shelf Number: 137573 Keywords: Sharks Supply Chains Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Species Illegal Fishing Illegal Wildlife Trade Porpoise Wildlife 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 Poaching Elephants Endangered Species Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Wildlife Crime Wildlife Smuggling

Author: WildAid Title: Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve: Control and Vigilance System Design Summary: This assessment represents the work of a multi-national team and was carried out in Belize over a 2-week period in March 2013. Research methods were developed and applied by WildAid in cooperation with the Belize Fisheries Department. Interviews were carried out with the following actors: Fishery officials, Belize Coastguard, Port Honduras MPA Administrators, TIDE, WCS, Belize Audubon Society, oak Foundation, members from both Northern and National Fishing Cooperatives, two Turneffe tourism operators, and Turneffe Atoll fishermen. The 2012-2017 Turneffe Atoll Management Plan proved invaluable as well. Despite both resource and time constraints, we are confident that sufficient information was collected to create a practical, yet versatile C&V system. The main objective of this assessment is to design a cost effective control and vigilance system for the newly created Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR). The specific objectives are: 1. Develop a practical control and vigilance system for the TAMR based on interviews of local enforcement actors, analysis of existing co-management strategies, and a comprehensive site visit of the Turneffe Atoll. 2. Prioritize a series of recommendations to optimize patrol costs as well as increase detection efficacy using Electronic Monitoring Systems (EMS). The final recommendations will include the surveillance system design including potential electronic systems, patrol vessels, human resource requirements, energy supply needs, and overall cost estimate: Capital Expenses (CAPEX) and Operating Expenses (OPEX) for a five-year investment plan Details: San Francisco: WildAid, 2010. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 2, 2016 at: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/TurneffeAtoll_Assessment.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Belize URL: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/TurneffeAtoll_Assessment.pdf Shelf Number: 137740 Keywords: Crime Prevention Fisheries Offenses Against the Environment Surveillance Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management Wildlife Protection

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 Poaching Elephants Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Duffy, Rosaleen Title: Poverty, Poaching and Trafficking: What are the links? Summary: Our rapid review of the academic and grey literature revealed that the links between poverty, poaching and trafficking are under-researched and poorly understood. Yet, the assumption that poaching occurs because of poverty is omnipresent, with little 'hard evidence' to support the claim. Despite this, we are confident that the links are there, based on the evidence that we gathered. However, our understandings are hampered by a series of factors: trafficking and poaching are overwhelmingly framed as an issue of conservation/biodiversity loss rather than of poverty and development; it is difficult to collect clear and detailed data on poaching precisely because of its illicit nature; and many of the cases we examined are also linked in with conflict zones, making research even more challenging. Nevertheless, our key findings are as follows: 1. Poaching in Sub Saharan African was produced via the historical legacy of colonialism 2. Poverty is directly and indirectly linked to poaching and trafficking of ivory and rhino horn from Sub-Saharan Africa 3. There are different types of poachers, and they require different policy responses 4. Poaching and trafficking of ivory and rhino horn are ultimately driven by wealth and not by poverty per se. 5. We need a much better understanding of the relationships between poverty and individual poacher motivation 6. The evidence base for claims around poverty as a driver of ivory and rhino poaching is thin, but that does not mean that poverty is not an important factor 7. There are direct links between conflict zones, illegal killing of wildlife, trafficking and poverty. 8. Trafficking can increase poverty We then summarise the main policy responses, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. These include: 1. Changing people's behaviour via negative incentives (e.g. monitoring compliance with rules and penalising detected rule breakers), positive incentives and distractions. 2. The development of tourism as a route to poverty reduction. 3. Legalisation of the ivory and rhino horn trade at the international level, including arguments around its potential impact on community based natural resource management schemes. Finally, we offer a series of short case studies that indicate these complex linkages via an analysis of particular examples. Details: London(?): Evidence on Demand, 2013. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 2, 2016 at: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/17836/1/EoD_HD059_Jun2013_Poverty_Poaching.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/17836/1/EoD_HD059_Jun2013_Poverty_Poaching.pdf Shelf Number: 138029 Keywords: Animal Poaching Poverty Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Title: Illicit Trade: Converging Criminal Networks Summary: Illicit trade is a worldwide phenomenon. Globalisation has provided opportunities for criminal networks to expand the scope and scale of their operations, with serious negative consequences for the economy, the environment and society. Illicit trade also undermines good governance, the rule of law and citizens' trust in government, and can ultimately threaten political stability. This report provides analysis of some of the main areas of illicit trade, including trafficking in persons, wildlife, counterfeit medicines, narcotics, tobacco, alcohol and sports betting. It looks at what drives and facilitates such activity, estimates the volume of trade and amount of revenue it generates, maps the pathways of illicit goods from production to consumer, describes the shortcomings of current policies for reducing or deterring illicit trade, and suggests avenues for improvement. Understanding illicit trade It is important to clearly define and measure illicit trade, and understand the context that allows it to flourish. However, countries - and sometimes regions within countries - do not always agree on what goods can be legally traded, and there is even greater variance in the application of quality standards and the protection of intellectual property rights. These differences can make cross-country measurement of illicit trade as a whole very difficult, which is why this report takes a sectoral approach. Our increasingly interconnected economies and societies have allowed organized crime to expand alongside the exponential growth in legitimate international trade. Criminal networks exploit differences in regulatory and tax regimes to move goods and services across borders. While exact measurements can be difficult given the clandestine nature of illicit transactions, one estimate puts the profits of international organised crime as high as USD 870 billion, or 1.5% of global GDP. Calculating and tracking the money made from these activities is important as it can provide crucial information to law enforcement. More data and information sharing is needed to develop a clearer understanding of illicit trade and how to combat it. A more holistic view of the cost of illicit trade also takes into account its harmful impacts on consumers, the environment, tax revenues and jobs. Traffic in humans and narcotics, for example, also exact a very heavy social toll. Illicit trade can also be closely linked to criminal violence and terrorism. Costs in terms of law enforcement, incarceration and rehabilitation should also be taken into account. Finally, illicit trade can cause longer-term damage to the rule of law, public trust, human capital and public health, as well as deter foreign investment. Trafficking in persons According to estimates by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 20.9 million people are forced into slavery worldwide causing immense, long-term damage to individuals, communities, and nations. Trafficked persons tend to flow from poorer regions to richer regions and from conflict regions to more stable regions. Governments need to give priority to implementing laws for preventing trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting both traffickers and the corrupt public officials who assist them. Illicit trade in wildlife Demand for elephant ivory and rhino horn has driven dramatic growth in illegal wildlife markets in recent years due primarily to a growing consumer base in East Asia. Taken together, all forms of wildlife trafficking constitutes one of the most lucrative forms of illicit trade, and the sector has more than doubled since 2007. Monitoring and enforcement in source countries can be effective means to reduce poaching, but training and information systems are needed to build adequate capacity. Counterfeit medicines The trade in counterfeit medicine is a huge industry, generating as much as USD 200 billion a year in tangible goods alone according to OECD's study of 2005 data, which is soon to be updated. It has a direct negative impact on health, depriving users of appropriate treatment and contributing to global microbial resistance. Pharmaceutical companies also suffer a loss in revenue and reputation, and increased costs for security. Successfully combatting counterfeiting will require more extensive information sharing across agencies and nations. Finally, the development and adoption of an international public health treaty would be a significant step toward protecting patients and public health globally. Tobacco products The illicit trade in tobacco is perhaps the most widespread and most documented sector in the shadow economy. It has been estimated that 570 billion illicit cigarettes were consumed worldwide in 2011. Illicit tobacco is an important source of revenue for criminal networks, and deprives government services of excise tax revenues at the same time. To counter the illicit trade in tobacco products, governments developing a multifaceted approach, including: building partnerships, increasing data validity and reliability, launching educational and public awareness campaigns, increasing capacity-building efforts, and prioritising countering illicit tobacco products and its associated crimes. Narcotics The global narcotics trade is thought to be the single largest black market in the world, and is a source of revenue for international criminal organization. In addition to the negative impact on human health and well-being caused by the narcotics themselves, the criminal violence that accompanies all aspects of drug trafficking erodes state institutions and is often difficult to reverse. Tackling the narcotics trade effectively will require not only punitive approaches and sanctions but also state building, economic development and good governance practices. Alcohol It is estimated that billions of dollars from trafficking and illegal trade in alcoholic beverages flow through the global economy each year, distorting local economies, diminishing government and legitimate business revenues, and in some cases posing a serious health risk to consumers. It is estimated that illicit sources account for 25% of total worldwide adult alcoholic consumption. Contributing factors include the higher cost of legal products from taxes, weak laws, lack of enforcement and social acceptance of contraband in some countries. Sports manipulation The globalisation of sports has led to an increase in unregulated sports betting, which is increasingly used for money laundering and has been connected to corruption in sports (match-rigging). An internationally co-ordinated, pro-active response is needed, including initiatives targeting bettors and offenders, police action and co-operation with financial institutions. It is also important to communicate on the subject of sports integrity to all stakeholders, including the public and the media. Details: Paris: OECD, 2015. 259p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 5, 2016 at: http://www.oecd.org/gov/risk/illicit-trade-converging-criminal-networks.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.oecd.org/gov/risk/illicit-trade-converging-criminal-networks.pdf Shelf Number: 138115 Keywords: Counterfeit Medicines Criminal Networks Drug Trafficking Human Trafficking Illegal Trade Illicit Tobacco Illicit Trade Organized Crime Sports Betting Wildlife 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 Trade Money Laundering Offenses Against the Environment Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Smuggling Wildlife Trafficking

Author: U.S. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations Title: Ivory and Insecurity: The Global Implications of Poaching in Africa Summary: Ivory poaching, like all forms of illegal wildlife trade, is a profitable business. Indeed, the U.S. State Department estimates the market price of poached ivory at $400 per pound. Global Financial Integrity recently estimated the global value of the illicit trade in all forms of wildlife, excluding fishing, at between $7.8 and $10 billion. In recent years, organized crime syndicates, militias, and even terrorist elements have taken notice of the profits that can be made in the illegal trafficking of wildlife, generating an alarming up-tick in the scale of the industry and posing serious national security concerns for the United States and our partners. Details: Washington, DC: GPO, 2012. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: S Hrg. 112-602: Accessed march 30, 2016 at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112shrg76689/pdf/CHRG-112shrg76689.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Africa URL: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112shrg76689/pdf/CHRG-112shrg76689.pdf Shelf Number: 138494 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illicit Trade Ivory Organized Crime Terrorist Financing Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Protection Wildlife Trade

Author: McKinnel, Tim Title: Made in Taiwan: Government Failure and Illegal, Abusive and Criminal Fisheries Summary: Illegality and criminal wrongdoing in Taiwanese fisheries are increasingly well documented. Yet too often these very serious problems are reported and dealt with by Taiwanese authorities as if they were isolated incidents - the responsibility of individual unscrupulous operators, reckless captains or poorly disciplined foreign crews. This approach serves the Taiwanese Fisheries Agency and the Taiwanese government well. Responsibility remains in the hands of individual wrongdoers. It is also entirely wrong. Pulling together a series of case studies into a single report yields a very different picture. The reality is a global Taiwanese fishing fleet operating almost entirely out of control, in which some of the most serious crimes, including murder, appalling labour abuses, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and serious environmental impacts, are endemic and routine. This is not a failure of individual operators, but a failure of Taiwan's authorities at the highest level. Taiwan's fishing fleets supply tuna and other seafood that reaches markets around the world. The issues we highlight in this report are relevant and will be of great interest to consumers in Europe, the US, Japan and many other countries. These consumers demand higher standards than Taiwan can currently provide. Without urgent action to systematically address these problems, Taiwan risks jeopardising its fishing industry and, as importantly, its wider international trading reputation by becoming associated with tuna and seafood caught at terrible human and environmental expense. No one wants to see the demise of Taiwan's fishing fleets but it is clear that a wake-up call is needed for the Taiwanese Fisheries Agency. The threat of European sanctions for IUU looms large - there is a need for far-reaching and sustained action to avoid this. That process of change can only start with an admission: we have a problem that we need to fix. Details: Amsterdam: Greenpeace, 2016. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 16, 2016 at: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/oceans/2016/Taiwan-Tuna-Rpt-2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Taiwan URL: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/oceans/2016/Taiwan-Tuna-Rpt-2016.pdf Shelf Number: 138698 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Wildlife Crime

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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Smuggling Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Rosero, Oswaldo R. Title: An Analysis of the Law Enforcement Chain in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape Summary: The Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape is located at the far eastern edge of the tropical Pacific Ocean, to the south of Costa Rica and Panama, and to the west of Colombia and mainland Ecuador. The Seascape is naturally demarcated by the convergence of three tectonic plates. The region extends to the west as far as the Cocos Ridge, a long submarine mountain chain running from Costa Rica in the north, to the Galapagos Islands over 1,500 km to the southwest. Another chain, the Carnegie Ridge, which runs for 1,000 km, from the Galapagos Islands to the coast of Ecuador, denotes its southern limits. Within these limits lies the Panama Bight, with depths greater than 4,000 meters. Marine currents in this region are complex, moving water from the Central American coast towards the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where it flows slowly to the west to join the North Equatorial Current. Another current affecting the region is the North Equatorial Countercurrent, which brings surface water to the east. The regional waters are warm (maximum temperatures of 28 degrees Fahrenheit), but in some areas the temperature can drop to 25 degrees Celsius during periods of upwelling. This Seascape boasts diverse endemic marine and terrestrial species, and displays a high degree of ecological connectivity. It possesses complex ecological relationships due to the dynamic convergence of marine currents that affect the migration and distribution of many species. The islands in the region are home to the most extensive coral reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and some of these coral species are endemic to the region. The Seascape is a migratory destination for several threatened and endangered species including the blue whale, humpback whale, and the leatherback turtle. Due to its biological productivity, the Eastern Tropical Pacific is of key importance for tuna fisheries (yellowfin, skipjack and bigeye). The region is vulnerable to degradation as a result of the following human activities: - Illegal fishing. - Overexploitation of coastal marine resources. - Inadequately regulated tourism growth. - Risk of pollution from commercial vessels (marine transport). - Habitat loss and degradation. - Introduction of exotic species. The region is periodically subjected to extreme climatic events (El Nino - Southern Oscillation), which have negative impacts on resident and migratory species (but sometimes provide new opportunities). In recognition of its high level of biodiversity, biological productivity and the ecological value of many sites in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape, each one of its four constituent nations has established marine protected areas (MPAs) within their respective waters. - In 1978, Costa Rice declared Cocos Island a National Park with 24 km2 of terrestrial area and 1,974 km2 of marine area. - In Panama, Coiba National Park, with a terrestrial area of 537 km2 and a marine area of 2,165 km2, has existed in its current form since 2004. - Colombia has two marine protected areas in the Pacific: the Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary and the Gorgona Natural National Park, designated in 1995 and 1993 respectively. Malpelo includes 3.5 km2 of terrestrial habitat and 8,572 km2 of marine area, whereas Gorgona includes 16 km2 of terrestrial habitat and 598 km2 of marine area. - The Galapagos Marine Reserve, which covers an area approximately 133,000 km2, is the largest marine protected area in the region. The origin of the Galapagos Marine Reserve is the Special Law for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Province of Galapagos of 1998. It extends 40 nautical miles from a baseline around the farthest points of the Galapagos Archipelago In recognition of their great ecological value, their value as endangered species habitats, and for their natural beauty, four of the five MPAs (with the exception of Gorgona) have been designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. UNESCO first recognized Cocos Island National Park in 1997, then the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 2001, Coiba National Park in 2005, and Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in 2006. All these islands and their surrounding ocean share certain features - their isolation from the mainland, their endemic species, and their relatively pristine state of protection and conservation. In 2004, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Colombia signed an agreement to create the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR). The main objective of this agreement is the conservation and sustainable development of the 211 million hectare region which contains the aforementioned MPAs. The CMAR initiative is supported by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), UNESCO, Conservation International (CI), the IUCN among others. With over 80 NGOs, research organizations, local community groups, and representatives from the private sector particpating, CI's Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape (ETPS) initiative has promoted regional cooperation for the training, education and conservation of marine resources. Study Objectives The main objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the critical factors required for effective law enforcement in each MPA of the Seascape. The specific objectives are: 1. To determine the main strengths and weaknesses of the law enforcement chain in each MPA. 2. To prioritize a series of recommendations to improve the enforcement chain in each MPA. 3. To identify regional initiatives to strengthen cooperation between member states; in particular regarding the conservation of migratory species. Details: San Francisco, CA: WildAid, 2010. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2016 at: http://wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/Law%20Enforcement%20Chain%20ETPS_0.pdf Year: 2010 Country: South America URL: http://wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/Law%20Enforcement%20Chain%20ETPS_0.pdf Shelf Number: 138709 Keywords: Fishing Illegal Fishing Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

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 Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Smuggling Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Ferguson, Alan Title: Final Evaluation of the Cardamon Mountains Protected Forest and Wildlife Sanctuaries Project Summary: The Cardamom Mountains Protected Forest and Wildlife Sanctuaries Project in southwest Cambodia comprises two sub-projects: - Central Cardamom Protected Forest (CCPF) project, funded by United Nations Foundation (UNF) and Conservation International (CI) and implemented by CI and the Forestry Administration from July 2001 to September 2004; and - Cardamom Mountain Wildlife Sanctuaries (CMWS) project in Phnom Aural and Phnom Samkos sanctuaries, funded by UNF, GEF and Flora and Fauna International (FFI) and implemented by FFI and Ministry of Environment from April 2003 to April 2007. The CMWS Project had five major planned Outcomes for the wildlife sanctuaries: - Improved planning, management and regulatory frameworks - Improved governmental operational capacity - Communities engaged in the protection, management and sustainable use of natural resources - Secured international recognition and increased national and local awareness - Established a long-term financing mechanism The Final Evaluation was undertaken from February 19 - March 16, 2007. It focused on the CMWS, with only general review of the CCPF. The evaluation involved individual and group interviews, an initial workshop to discuss project design issues, and a larger wrap-up meeting to discuss preliminary findings. In total, 95 people were consulted. The study method was guided by the evaluation Terms of Reference and included identifying Indicators, preparing Evaluation Questions to guide interviews and meetings, and undertaking participatory discussions. The challenging startup conditions for this project should be duly noted: the project area is a former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, settlements of indigenous people and ex-Khmer Rouge families, the wildlife sanctuary designation was unknown, traditional use of forest resources was commonplace, the area is large and difficult to monitor, and both corruption and lack of respect for the law were widespread in government and the military due to the poor salaries and lack of institutional modernization. These baseline conditions presented major impediments to introducing conservation. The two-project concept of the CCPF and CMWS has involved separate sub-projects that have different clients, approaches, methods and databases The project was structured in accordance with the mandate and boundaries of the wildlife sanctuaries under DNCP-MoE jurisdiction, and those of the Central Cardamom Protected Forest under FA jurisdiction. The original idea of synchronizing the DNCP/MoE - FFI and FA-CI projects was constrained due to differences in start-up dates, and the limited overall coordination of the projects. The different time frames adversely affected results and potential synergies. A brief review of follow-up to the CMWS Mid Term Review concluded that the project has undertaken reasonable action to address most of the MTR recommendations. The lack of action on a project Steering Committee and institutional coordination are the major outstanding issues. Details: Phnom Penh, Cambodia: UNDP Cambodia, 2007. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 28, 2016 at: https://erc.undp.org Year: 2007 Country: Cambodia URL: https://erc.undp.org Shelf Number: 138841 Keywords: Forests Illegal Logging Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

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 Poaching Elephants Illegal Ivory Trade Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Markets Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Organized Crime Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Columbia, Richard H. Title: H.R. 69 The Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2013. A Comprehensive first-year implementation strategy for H.R.69 Summary: Earlier this year the U.S. government was forced to subsidize the commercial fishing industry in New England by $33 million, after the region's cod stocks fell to their lowest numbers in forty years. In November of 2014, the government proceeded to halt cod fishing in New England entirely for six months. At first glance, it may be difficult to perceive how the situation could get so out of hand; cod fishing is an important industry in the region and New England annually enacts new fisheries legislation to protect the valuable fish stocks. However, these regulations have proven inadequate in addressing one of New England's (and the world's) most serious issues: illegal fishing. It is estimated that roughly 24 percent of New England cod is harvested illegally, which amounts to revenue to illegal fishers of roughly $13 million. Such a high profit potential, coupled with a distinct lack of regulations enforcement by agencies like the Coast Guard has made the lure of fishing illegally more desirable than following the rules for many fishers all over the world, and the prevalence of illegal fishing has had many consequences. Not only are fish stocks dwindling and effecting global food security and the food chain, but without being able to accurately count the amount of fish caught, policymakers cannot regulate the fishing industry sustainably. Without stepping up enforcement and coordinating policies, illegal fishing will continue to ravage the fishing industry. Illegal fishing often occurs in conjunction with unreported and unregulated fishing, and together these three exploitations continue to drive unsustainable fishing practices, costing the world between $10 and $23 billion annually.1 In the U.S., the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2013, known formally as H.R.69, has been proposed as a solution to fight illegal fishing in U.S. waters. This Act intends to streamline enforcement mechanisms to more effectively prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as increase enforcement and compliance with U.S. and international fishery regulations. The following report presents a program design and first year implementation plan for H.R.69 that will successfully deter IUU fishing in the U.S. The key forces that drive IUU fishing are financial gain and the relative ease of fishing undetected. This program targets these drivers directly by removing the financial incentive to fish illegally as well as increasing tracking and monitoring of fishing vessels. By increasing fines and penalties for IUU violations and equipping all commercial fishing vessels with satellite tracking systems, the program ensures that other U.S. fisheries do not suffer the same fate as New England's cod. In its first year, the program focuses on adding new staff resources to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) using the "20/20" plan. This plan is designed to achieve a long-term goal of decreasing illegal fishing by 20 percent through increasing investigations and enforcement personnel by 20 percent. These additions in staff significantly shape the program budget, which totals a net of about $39 million. To put this in perspective, illegal fishing cost the U.S. $46 million in lost revenue and subsidies in New England alone in 2014, making illegal fishing enforcement a financially sound choice to maintaining the status quo. Together with the program design, an ongoing program evaluation system has been developed to measure success and incorporate necessary changes, creating feedback loop. This feedback loop provides performance measurement information throughout the year, allowing NOAA and the USCG to know quickly if they're on track toward their year-end 20 percent goal, and thus to make changes if necessary. A crucial aspect of the program is the collaborative relationship between NOAA and the USCG, which will ensure that implementation of H.R. 69 uses tracking and monitoring data in combination with increased investigations to establish targeted enforcement mechanisms that deter IUU fishing. In doing so, the program will not only dissuade IUU fishing, but also guarantee continuous improvements for U.S. fisheries-ultimately creating a sustainable fishing industry. But before delving into the specifics of the program design and first year implementation process, it's important to have a full, contextual understanding of illegal fishing and its global impacts. Details: New York: Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, 2014. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 19, 2016 at: http://mpaenvironment.ei.columbia.edu/files/2015/01/Final-Report-H.R.-69.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://mpaenvironment.ei.columbia.edu/files/2015/01/Final-Report-H.R.-69.pdf Shelf Number: 139105 Keywords: Fisheries Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

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 Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Raxter, Patricia Anne Title: Wildlife Crime and Other Challenges to Resource System Resilience Summary: Although wildlife crime has exploded in Africa over the past decade - "commercial poaching" now kills an estimated eight percent of the continent's elephant population each year - some governments have proven more successful than others at protecting wildlife and preserving habitats. To explain this variation, this study examines how the policies of three states (Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana) have enhanced or undermined the resilience of the continent's elephant ecosystem. Using the social-ecological system framework, the study illustrates how each state's changing practices have either exacerbated the stresses wrought by wildlife crime or successfully protected local populations from poaching. The study finds that monocausal explanations cannot explain social-ecological systems outcomes. Cross-level and cross-scale dynamics, including temporal, geospatial, epistemological, and institutional linkages, explain variation in system functionality. These dynamics include colonial policies, governance practices, the international conservation community, and resource use decisions. Details: Norfolk, VA: Old Dominion University, 2015. 387p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 23, 2016 at: http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=gpis_etds Year: 2015 Country: Africa URL: http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=gpis_etds Shelf Number: 139135 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Fenio, Kenly Greer Title: Poaching Rhino Horn in South Africa and Mozambique: Community and Expert Views From the Trenches Summary: This report illustrates attitudes garnered from nine focus groups in several poaching communities in and around South African and Mozambican game parks, and approximately 15 in-depth interviews with experts working in the parks. Although the communities exhibited differences, there also exist a common set of conditions in them: economically marginalized populations, anger toward the status quo, huge financial incentives from poaching, widespread corruption, and porous borders, all of which highlight the complex interaction of economic and political factors in perpetuating illicit wildlife trafficking. Until conservation and anti-poaching and trafficking efforts are ramped up, demand is reduced in Asian countries such as Viet Nam, and communities nearest the parks see it in their interest to protect endangered animals such as the rhino, gaining greater traction through efforts to bring an end to poaching will be difficult. Executive Summary This report examines the key drivers of rhino poaching - which illustrate the complex interaction of economic and political factors - as highlighted in focus group discussions in poaching communities and interviews with park rangers and other experts around parks in South Africa and Mozambique. Several drivers for poaching came out of this research, each of which is discussed in the report and summarized briefly here. The Limpopo National Park and Kruger National Park belong to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park that straddles South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Transfrontier parks were created to allow ecosystems to flow undisturbed across international borders, but with this also comes the uncontrolled movement of humans through Porous Borders. While Kruger has funding to monitor those entering for tourism at official access points, rangers in Limpopo claim they can't distinguish between Mozambicans who live in Limpopo park and others who are simply passing through. This makes it easy for poachers to cross national borders undetected. This section also delves into the nuances of How Poaching Occurs. Anger and Marginalization within the communities toward the parks is a salient issue. Community members identify very little in the way of employment, profit or opportunity trickling down to them from official park services. A lack of perceived opportunities has translated into anger toward park officials and, for some, a desire to protect illegal hunters: "we know the poachers, but because the park doesn't want to help us, we don't want to help [the park]." Many participants claim park animals kill their cattle, and the parks offer little to no compensation. They also have little faith in negotiations with conservation authorities because of weak follow-through on park promises to scale up community development. Yet some still see killing the animals as morally wrong. Park managers claim that locals are less likely to enforce the law if given employment because they are more easily corruptible and more vulnerable to pressure from poachers. While community development and education occurs in the way of boreholes, wildlife education in schools, and job creation for neighboring communities, programs seem to fluctuate greatly from community to community, making it difficult to instill the belief that the parks are beneficial for all. Economic Incentives lure many youth into poaching. Locally available jobs like farming, animal husbandry, selling charcoal, or irregular work in neighboring cities simply cannot compare with "the gold in the horn." Some participants see the poachers "as role models," and argue they "do good things for the community" and facilitate job creation when they spend their wealth locally. The income can be used for "sending children to school, nice houses, and expensive cars and clothes." Survival in economically depressed communities thus takes precedence over wildlife conservation, and the debate ensues between poaching for daily subsistence versus for greed. For young people particularly, there is substantial peer pressure to compete with friends for the status that comes from having a disposable income to buy new things. Embarking on an adventure to kill a rhino becomes more attractive than remaining idle in a community with few economic alternatives. Efforts to introduce counter-incentives have found limited success. While tipoff hotlines exist, some say they are unlikely to take advantage of these programs. To some extent, this is because there is limited awareness of them, but more compellingly, community members Fear retribution, as well as exhibit other types of fear. In some communities, poaching remains secretive even among acquaintances: a hunter with a horn is in danger of being robbed and killed before he can get his prize to the traffickers. Finally, Political Will and Corruption play their part. While both countries now have official policies in place against poaching and trafficking, experts say implementation is fraught with complications because of corruption on multiple levels. Both rangers and community members claim crooked police officials peddle (and recycle) arms. Community members also acknowledge dishonest rangers disclose rhino locations to poachers, and some say the problem will only end when "corrupt officials at the top" are brought to justice. Few prosecutions have occurred in comparison to the ideal and those who are convicted often pay minimal fines and do little, if any, jail time. Several participants note that after only a few months "you see that person back on the street." This section examines attitudes, and also provides a current overview of recent agreements, partnerships, and evolution in laws in the two countries. The report then examines Solutions from community and expert perspectives. In discussing steps to improve the situation, community members and park rangers tend to focus on three ideas. (1) The need for more local community programming to draw community buy-in to the mission of the parks and goals of conservation. One step in the right direction seems to be the appointment of Rhino Ambassadors, or community members who serve as liaisons between the parks and communities. But in an environment of tight budgets, governments have tended to prioritize security measures over community development and education programs. (2) Enforcing laws already on the books to deter the police and high-level politicians that rangers and community members repeatedly stated they believe are involved in trafficking. (3) There needs to be increased technical capacity for enforcement that includes basic logistics - vehicles for Limpopo's rangers who are often on foot, and more advanced surveillance equipment to keep up with increasingly sophisticated poaching techniques. Rangers and some community members note that certain areas are well known for detecting and catching poachers, which deters criminals from entering these locales. Conservation experts agree it is possible to decrease poaching, but it requires resources "now, not tomorrow." In the words of one ranger who has worked in conservation for over 25 years: "once the human eye detects a change in nature, it's too late." Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of State, 2014. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2016 at: http://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Poaching-Rhino-Horn-in-South-Africa-and-Mozambique-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: http://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Poaching-Rhino-Horn-in-South-Africa-and-Mozambique-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 139136 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Park Rangers Rhinoceros Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Poaching Animal Smuggling Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Miller, Jackson Title: Species of Crime: Typologies and Risk Metrics for Wildlife Trafficking Summary: The recognition of wildlife crime as a global transnational crime threat has taken on new urgency since President Obama's 2013 Executive Order on Combating Wildlife Trafficking. Meanwhile, private transportation logistics and financial services companies have independently expressed concern due to their potential exposure to wildlife and environmental transnational organized crime (TOC) activity, and also a desire to take action. A key impediment to addressing their concerns has been a lack of information on both the types of supply chain abuse that may occur and the types of wildlife criminal networks that may be operating. Such information may help refine and strengthen compliance controls to ensure that funds and services reach their intended beneficiaries. This paper begins to address this need by: 1. Outlining context; 2. Identifying red flag indicators, high-risk jurisdictions and container profiles; 3. Providing typologies with examples of wildlife TOC network activity. We intend for our research to launch a more robust examination of wildlife TOC activity. We hope our efforts may begin to bridge a critical knowledge gap by disseminating information to help African and East Asian - linked private - sector transport and payments businesses better monitor their risk. We also recommend that organizations review the US Federal Government's "Implementation Plan" for the National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking, along with the Yearly Typologies Reports released by Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. Details: Washington, DC: C4ADS, 2015. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 1, 2016 at: http://ejfphilanthropies.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/species-of-crim.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://ejfphilanthropies.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/species-of-crim.pdf Shelf Number: 139269 Keywords: Criminal Networks Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

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 Trade Ivory Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

Author: Cakaj, Ledio Title: Tusk Wars: Inside the LRA and the Bloody Business of Ivory Summary: New field research from the Enough Project shows that the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is weakened to an unprecedented point, counting only 120 armed fighters in its ranks, scattered across three countries in central Africa. Despite its weakened state, the LRA continues to pose a threat to local populations in Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and in South Sudan, with 150 recorded attacks and 500 abductions of civilians for the first eight months of 2015 and 200,000 people displaced. Based on new interviews with recent LRA defectors, LRA founder and leader Joseph Kony was based in the Sudan-controlled enclave of Kafia Kingi as of May 2015, an area he has rarely moved from since 2011. His initial base in 2011 was reportedly 10 miles from the Sudan Armed Forces garrison in Dafak, South Darfur, and his last known location in May 2015 was at the foot of Mount Toussoro at the Kafia Kingi-CAR border. According to recent LRA defectors, Kony is unlikely to move deeper into South Darfur, as that area is more populated and insecure, and he would be much more likely to be spotted. There is a slight possibility that Sudanese army troops are unaware of the exact whereabouts of Kony himself, but LRA defectors have consistently claimed that the local Sudanese military personnel has knowledge of the presence of LRA groups in Kafia Kingi, a stark contrast to the Government of Sudan's persistent denials of LRA presence in its territory. Kony has gradually lost some control over his troops, who are increasingly likely to leave the ranks or disobey his orders. Nine of Kony's personal bodyguards made an attempt on his life in mid-2015 - the first time that has ever occurred. African Union forces and U.S. advisors have also made communications within the LRA very difficult, with Kony out of touch with some of his commanders for months or even years at a time. U.S.-led defection campaigns are having some success, as recently escaped LRA fighters express they trust U.S. advisors more than they do the A.U. forces, and seven recent defectors walked for a month attempting to access a U.S. base in CAR. On October 23, 2015, President Obama reauthorized the U.S. support mission for an additional year. Despite the successes of the A.U.-U.S. counter-LRA mission, Kony has continued to traffic ivory, secured by fighters in DRC's Garamba National Park. New field research by the Enough Project provides new details about the traffic of ivory from DRC into Kafia Kingi, and the transaction between the LRA and Sudanese merchants. In Enough Project staff interviews conducted earlier in 2015, ex-LRA combatants described trading ivory directly with Sudan Armed Forces officers. Under direct orders from Kony, LRA commanders, in particular his two oldest sons, Salim and Ali, barter the ivory with merchants from the South Darfur town of Songo, in exchange for food, uniforms, and ammunition. One LRA group is based in DRC's Garamba National Park (GNP), where it poaches elephants and secures the ivory. Another group, led by a young man called Owila, then transports the ivory from northeastern DRC to Kafia Kingi through CAR. The tusks are likely trafficked to Nyala, South Darfur, and on to Khartoum for export abroad, primarily to Asia. Details: Washington, DC: Enough Project, 2015. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 7, 2016 at: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/Tusk_Wars_10262015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Congo, Democratic Republic URL: http://www.enoughproject.org/files/Tusk_Wars_10262015.pdf Shelf Number: 139293 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Mwedde, Geoffrey Title: Cutting the Roots of Wildlife Crime: Local People's Preferences for Wildlife Crime Reduction Policies Summary: Several studies have cited people living in the neighbourhood of protected areas as the perpetrators of illegal use of wildlife resources. As a result, several interventions led by State and non-State actors to address these negative practices have targeted this category of people. However, the success of these interventions is not straightforwardly determinable, if not limited, because interventions fail to take into consideration the factors that cause people to engage in illegal practices. In the presence of multiple policy options, it is critical that the often scarce resources are invested in policies and interventions that give the greatest satisfaction to those likely to engage in wildlife crime in order to attain the desired behavioural change. This research, conducted in villages around Murchison Fall and Queen Elizabeth protected areas in Uganda, evaluated people's preferences for policies aimed at reducing wildlife crime using the Stated Choice Experiment method. Results show that people strongly preferred and generated more perceived benefits from (i) allocating 50% of revenue sharing funds (which hitherto have largely been used for development activities) to human wildlife conflict mitigation, (ii) establishment of eco-friendly enterprises and (iii) employing of eco-guards. Preference for the first two options was most probably driven by the devastation that park adjacent communities suffer as a result of negative wildlife related effects such as crop raiding as well as need to improve livelihoods. Increasing probability of detecting offenders was surprisingly strongly preferred compared to the status quo, implying people's support for wildlife conservation. Unexpectedly, respondents had no significant preference for allowing of hunting in national parks compared to the current situation where no hunting is allowed. Whilst this research identified the most preferred options for the reduction of wildlife crime, complementarity between the different options and interventions needs to be considered during implementation. A more thorough assessment the implementation contexts is recommended before a chosen option is carried out and, more crucially, long-term engagement and commitment of resources by implementers is necessary for sustained impacts to be realized. Details: London: Imperial College London, 2015. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed June 8, 2016 at: http://www.iccs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Mwedde_Geoffrey_Consci_2015_.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Uganda URL: http://www.iccs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Mwedde_Geoffrey_Consci_2015_.pdf Shelf Number: 139310 Keywords: Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: ADM Capital Foundation Title: Wildlilfe crime: Is Hong Kong Doing Enough? Summary: The global demand for wildlife products is highest in Asia, where growing affluence has fueled an unprecedented rise in the trafficking of threatened species. The harvesting, transportation and delivery of threatened fauna and flora into legal through laundering and clandestine markets is now recognized to involve considerable levels of criminality. Transnational organized crime networks are increasingly engaged in such activities, not only because of the high profits which can be made, but also because they have the set up the trade routes and personnel required to conduct and control such operations. 'Black market' prices for several forms of wildlife exceed, sometimes vastly, the monies paid for cocaine, diamonds, gold or heroin. These same organized crime groups have brought to what, historically, might have been viewed as illicit trade, degrees of violence, intimidation, corruption and fraud that are more commonly associated with the trafficking of narcotics, firearms and human trafficking. Trafficking in wildlife involves money-laundering, counterfeiting of permits and licenses, avoidance of currency controls, taxes and import/exit duties or the acquisition of necessary documents through extortion, coercion and bribery. The monetary value of all transnational organized environmental crime is estimated at between USD70-213 billion annually. Several components of this trade represent signficant sums: the illegal trade in flora and fauna is valued at USD7-23 billion, illegal fisheries at USD11-30 billion and illegal logging and forest timber crime at USD30-100 billion. Hotspots where wildlife trafficking is rife include the Chinese borders, particularly China's border with Hong Kong, which is also the busiest cargo airport, third-largest passenger airport and the fourth-largest deep-water port in the world. It further aims to be a hub and super-connector as part of mainland China's ambitious "One Belt One Road" initiative looking forward. Utilizing Hong Kong's free port status, the multi-billion dollar wildlife trade industry uses air and sea entry points to access the mainland. Annually, more CITES seizures are made at the international border between Hong Kong and China than at any other border in China. Details: Hong Kong: ADM Capital Foundation, 2015. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 8, 2016 at: http://www.admcf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Wildlife-CrimeReport15_12_1910.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://www.admcf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Wildlife-CrimeReport15_12_1910.pdf Shelf Number: 139311 Keywords: Endangered Species Illicit Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Nijman, Vincent Title: In Full Swing: Assessment of Trade in Orangutans and Gibbons on Java and Bali, Indonesia Summary: This report presents an assessment of the trade in seven species of gibbon and two species of orang-utan on the islands of Java and Bali. Java and Bali are the economic, industrial and political centres of the Republic of Indonesia. Both islands are densely populated, with an average population density of around 900 people / km2, and although small in area compared to many other islands in the republic, half of the nation's human population resides on Java and Bali. Several species of gibbon in Indonesia, for instance Kloss' Gibbon Hylobates klossi of the Mentawai Islands or the Javan Gibbon H. moloch, are threatened by habitat loss, hunting and capturing, as are both the Sumatran Orang-utan Pongo abelii and Bornean Orang-utan P. pygmaeus. Since Indonesia's transition from the autocracy of Soeharto to a democracy, illegal logging has accelerated and in large parts of the country, forest is being lost at an alarming rate. This puts the survival of those species that fully depend on forest at risk, including all species of gibbon and both species of orang-utan. Trade in these species, and the associated loss of individuals in the process of capturing and trade, may exacerbate these risks. On Java, and to a lesser extent Bali, protected species are widely kept as pets, and, despite being legally protected since 1931, gibbons and orang-utans are no exceptions. Given the precarious situation of gibbons and orang-utans in Indonesia, and the economic importance of Java and Bali, it was considered imperative to gain a greater insight into the severity of the trade in these primates, as well as how the Indonesian conservation authorities and local Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), try to curb this trade. To this end, data was collected from a variety of sources: bird markets (where despite the name, a large range of wildlife species other than birds are traded, including gibbons and orang-utans); from the regional offices for the conservation of natural resources (data on confiscations, prosecutions, and pets that are registered); wildlife rescue centres, rehabilitation centres and zoological gardens (as the facilitator for confiscated and donated gibbons and orang-utans); and local NGOs (as monitors of the trade). In all, data was collected on 559 individuals from at least nine species (249 Hylobates gibbons, 142 Siamangs Symphalangus syndactylus and 168 orang-utans). Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2005. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 8, 2016 at: http://wildlifetraderesearch.org/files/r9_nijman_infullswing_traffic_2005.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Indonesia URL: http://wildlifetraderesearch.org/files/r9_nijman_infullswing_traffic_2005.pdf Shelf Number: 139319 Keywords: Illegal Logging Orangutans Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Bergenas, Johan Title: Secure Oceans: Collaborative Policy and Technology Recommendations for the World's Largest Crime Scene Summary: Later this year, the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, will welcome leaders from all around the world to a conference focused on the security of our oceans. High on the agenda is safeguarding marine protected areas (MPA) and addressing the growing threat posed by illegal fishing. The Stimson Center has a long track record of identifying policy and capacity building solutions for issues that have serious implications for our environment, global economic development and U.S. and global security. In the last few years, Stimson has researched and analyzed oceans as the world's largest crime scene and identified a wide range of policy opportunities to increase ocean security, particularly focused on combating illegal fishing. We have also examined the role of technology as a tool to keep our oceans safe. Today is World Oceans Day and in anticipation of the Our Ocean Conference taking place in September, we are releasing a first set of public policy and technology recommendations. This brief report is a snapshot of a broader and evolving body of work aimed at safeguarding our oceans and combating a wide range of natural resource crimes and challenges. Details: Washington, DC: The Stimson Center, 2016. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2016 at: https://www.stimson.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Secure-Oceans.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: https://www.stimson.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Secure-Oceans.pdf Shelf Number: 139439 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Maritime Crime Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Daniels, Alfonso Title: Western Africa's missing fish: The impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and under-reporting catches by foreign fleets Summary: Overfishing in the world's oceans is at the centre of a crisis of sustainability. Nowhere is that crisis more visible than in western Africa. Current rates of extraction are driving several species towards extinction while jeopardising the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities across a broad group of countries, including Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mauritania. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is at the heart of the problem. Drawing on a unique satellite tracking database, this report presents new evidence of the scale and pattern of IUU fishing. It focuses on 'reefers' - large-scale commercial vessels receiving and freezing fish at sea and at port - and the use of containers. We provide evidence of practices that compromise the effectiveness of multilateral governance rules aimed at curtailing IUU fishing and promoting sustainable, legal practices. Proposals set out in the report identify pathways for countries in sub-Saharan Africa to greater transparency and sustainable management of fisheries which avoids the irreversible depletion and possible extinction of species, as well as the preservation of the marine ecosystem where the fishing activities take place for countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Details: London: Overseas Development Institute, 2016. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 11, 2016 at: https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/resource-documents/10665.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/resource-documents/10665.pdf Shelf Number: 139591 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Maritime Crime Offenses Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Rademeyer, Julian Title: Tipping Point: Transnational organised crime and the 'war' on poaching Summary: More than six thousand rhinos have fallen to poachers' bullets in Africa over the past decade. Dozens more have been shot in so-called "pseudo-hunts" in South Africa. Across Europe, castles and museums have been raided by criminal gangs in search of rhino horn trophies. And in the United States, businessmen, antique dealers - even a former rodeo star and a university professor - have been implicated in the illicit trade. Driven by seemingly insatiable demand in Southeast Asia and China, rhino horn has become a black market commodity that rivals the value of gold and platinum. The impact of rampant poaching and deeply entrenched transnational criminal networks over the past decade has been severe. Today there are estimated to be about 25,000 rhino left in Africa, a fraction of the tens of thousands that existed just half-a-century ago. Numbers of white rhinos ( Ceratotherium simum ) have begun to stagnate and decline, with 2015 population figures estimated at between 19,666 and 21,085. While the numbers of more critically endangered black rhino ( Diceros bicornis ) - estimated to number between 5,040 and 5,458 - have increased, population growth rates have fallen. Since 2008, incidents of rhino poaching have increased at a staggering rate. In 2015, 1,342 rhinos were killed for their horns across seven African range states, compared to just 262 in the early stages of the current crisis in 2008. The vast majority of poaching incidents occurred in South Africa, home to about 79% of the continent's last remaining rhinos. The country's Kruger National Park - which contains the world's largest rhino population - has suffered the brunt of the slaughter. While South Africa experienced a marginal dip in poaching figures in 2015 - the first time that the numbers had fallen since 2008 - this was offset by dramatic spikes in poaching in Namibia and Zimbabwe, two key black rhino range states. Namibia, which had experienced little to no poaching from 2006 to 2012 saw Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime Tipping Point: Transnational organised crime and the 'war' on poaching incidents increase from four in 2013 to 30 in 2014 and 90 in 2015. In Zimbabwe, 51 rhinos were killed, up from twenty in 2014. It was the country's worst year on record since 2008, when 164 rhinos were lost to poachers. While Vietnam remains a key destination and transit country, growing numbers of Chinese nationals have been arrested and prosecuted in recent years in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States for smuggling rhino horn. Research conducted by TRAFFIC has pointed to a thriving online market for rhino horn on Vietnamese and Chinese social media platforms. There is some evidence of divergent markets in Vietnam and China with demand for "raw", unworked rhino horn in the former and carvings, libation cups and fake antiques - commonly referred to as zuo jiu - in the latter. In Vietnam, for instance, a number of artisanal villages are known to produce rhino horn bangles, bracelets, beads and libation cups for Chinese buyers. China has also emerged a significant destination for antique rhino horn carvings that have been auctioned in Europe, the United States and Australia. The killing shows little sign of slowing. Despite the valiant efforts of many law enforcement and government officials, prosecutors and game rangers, the transnational criminal networks trafficking rhino horn are as resilient as ever and - with rare exceptions - impervious to attempts to disrupt their activities. Fragmented law enforcement strategies - often led by environmental agencies with little political power and no mandate to investigate or gather intelligence on organised crime networks - have had little impact on syndicates that operate globally, with tentacles reaching from Africa to Europe, the United States and Asia. Borders, bureaucracy and a tangle of vastly different laws and legal jurisdictions are a boon to transnational criminal networks and a bane to the law enforcement agencies rallied against them. Entities like Interpol, Europol, CITES and the World Customs Organisation are only as good as the government officials in member states who are delegated to work with them. Again and again, their efforts to target syndicates in multiple jurisdictions are hamstrung by corruption, incompetence, governments that are unwilling or incapable of acting, a lack of information-sharing, petty jealousies and approaches to tackling crime that wrongly emphasise arrests and seizures over targeted investigations and convictions as a barometer of success. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2016. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 15, 2016 at: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Global-Initiative-Tipping-Point-Part1-July-2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: South Africa URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Global-Initiative-Tipping-Point-Part1-July-2016.pdf Shelf Number: 139645 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Organized Crime Rhinoceros Rhinos Trafficking Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Rademeyer, Julian Title: Beyond Borders: Crime, conservation and criminal networks in the illicit rhino horn trade Summary: The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, the WWF and the Geneva Environment Platform organised the Geneva launch of "Beyond borders: Crime, conservation and criminal networks in the illicit rhino horn trade", the second of two reports investigating the illegal trade in rhino horn and law enforcement responses, on 13 July 2016 in the International Environment House. Six thousand rhinos have fallen to poachers' bullets in Africa over the past decade and only about 25,000 remain - a fraction of the tens of thousands that roamed the parts of the continent fifty years ago. Driven by the seemingly insatiable demand in Southeast Asia and China, rhino horn has become a black market commodity rivalling gold and platinum in value. This report, the second of two, is a major investigation into Southern African rhino horn trafficking networks. It focuses on rhino poaching, smuggling and organised crime in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, two source countries for rhino products where legal and law enforcement frameworks to curb rhino poaching are in place, yet poorly implemented. It also investigates the involvement of the diplomatic world in the rhino horn trade including recent revelations of North Korean embassy involvement. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2016. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 15, 2016 at: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Global-Initiative-Beyond-Borders-Part2-July-2016-1.pdf Year: 2016 Country: South Africa URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Global-Initiative-Beyond-Borders-Part2-July-2016-1.pdf Shelf Number: 139646 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Organized Crime Rhinoceros Rhinos Trafficking Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Ivory Rhino Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Otters Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Bodega Zugasti, D. de la (ed.) Title: Illegal Use of Poisoned-Baits. Legal Analysis and Investigation Summary: Poisoned-baits have traditionally been used in Spain's countryside as predator control method. Initially used by livestock farmers to protect their animals from attack during their seasonal movements of short- or long-range transhumance, it has over the years been taken up mainly by the hunting community. Poisoning nowadays is commonest on improperly run hunting grounds, although there has also been another upsurge in the use of poisoned-baits in livestock farming. Recent convictions in criminal proceedings show that it has also spread into other activities like beekeeping and pigeon racing. The environmental effects of poison have been devastating and it has now become one of the main threats to biodiversity. Figures recorded from 2005 to 2010 show that poisoning is still a habitual practice, with grave consequences for both wildlife and domesticated animals. Its indiscriminate use against certain species considered until the eighties of last century to be "vermin" has led many of these species, even after the banning of the use of poisoned-baits, to be classified as in danger of extinction or vulnerable. Witness the Iberian lynx, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red Kite or Cinereous Vulture. After centuries of indiscriminate use, Spanish Criminal Code categorised the use of poison for fishing or hunting purposes as a wildlife crime in 1995 on the grounds precisely of its environmental impact and non-selective nature. Practically all Spanish Regional Governments (hence- forth CCAA), moreover, have passed legislation to forbid and punish the illegal use of poison. This legal framework has been fleshed out by plans and strategies drawn up at regional and national level with varying degrees of participation, measures and actions for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of this crime. Pulling together all these strands, this text plans to work from the legal acquis and accumulated practice built up by various organisations and groups during years of concerted efforts to wipe out the illegal use of poison in Spain's countryside. Some of the chapters of this manual have been written by legal professionals and experts in the investigation of a crime that is often extremely difficult to clear up. It has also been favoured by effective impunity due to the sheer complexity of this investigation and the lack of forthright legal response. Details: Madrid: SEO BirdLife, 2016. 150p, Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 5, 2016 at: http://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/uploads/meetings/MIKT1/mikt-page-docs/ILLEGAL-USE-OF-POISONED-BAITS_SEO_BirdLife_March2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Spain URL: http://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/uploads/meetings/MIKT1/mikt-page-docs/ILLEGAL-USE-OF-POISONED-BAITS_SEO_BirdLife_March2016.pdf Shelf Number: 139973 Keywords: Illegal Hunting Offenses Against the Environment Poisoning Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law and Legislation

Author: Henson, David W. Title: Wildlife Law Enforcement in Sub-Saharan African Protected Areas A Review of Best Practices Summary: Unprecedented levels of poaching of elephants, rhinos and other high value charismatic species across Africa is severely threatening the future of these species and the ecosystems they inhabit. As poaching groups increase in size, number and sophistication, it is more important than ever that law enforcement responses in protected areas are robust, reliable, and effective. A strategy to combat this crisis must address root causes, such as international demand for ivory and rhino horn, as well as drivers and enabling conditions, such as poverty and the lack of livelihood options for rural communities, corruption and weak governance. Further, in addition to direct poaching threats, the loss of habitat to agriculture and natural resource extraction and a growing human population, particularly around protected areas, will increasingly threaten the survival of elephant and rhino populations. Therefore, conservation of these species must take a holistic, long-term approach. While improved law enforcement in protected areas is just one element of this approach, it is an essential component and can achieve significant results in the short to medium-term. This report aims to contribute to the international effort to combat wildlife crime in Sub-Saharan African protected areas by providing a systematic and evidence-based review of law enforcement practices that have proved to be effective in different situations, and by identifying emerging best practice. Details: Cambridge, UK and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, 2016. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 6, 2016 at: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/SSC-OP-058.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/SSC-OP-058.pdf Shelf Number: 147853 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

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 Hunting Illegal Wildlife Trade Poverty Wildlife 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 Trade Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

Author: Friends of the Earth Netherlands Title: Commodity Crimes: Illicit Land Grabs, Illegal Palm Oil, and Endangered Orangutans Summary: Two of the world's leading distributors of palm oil, a staple ingredient in many consumer food and personal care products and an important feedstock for biofuels in Europe, are obtaining the commodity from illegal sources - growers who are clearing vast areas of rain forests, including sensitive orangutan habitat and protected forest reserves, in violation of the law, the criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and their financiers' investment policies. Our investigation used satellite imagery, trade data and on-the-ground reporting to uncover how, at the other end of a long chain of culpability, unwitting consumers are being sold products that are killing orangutans and destroying some of the world's last forested lands. Friends of the Earth has alerted the companies involved about the problems detailed in this report. We have also alerted financiers to their role in land grabbing previously. Their comments are summarized in this report. The chain extends thousands of miles, through many actors: - The producer, Bumitama Agri Ltd, one of the largest owners of palm oil plantations in Indonesia. - The palm oil industry's "sustainability" association, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, which does little to prevent illegal activity and has proven ineffective at providing comprehensive protections for the environment and human rights. - The traders, such as Wilmar International who distribute palm oil to a global market which is expected to more than double by 2030 - a serious and growing threat to human rights and tropical forests. - The financiers and investors - including HSBC, Rabobank, Deutsche Bank as well as the largest pension funds in the Netherlands and Sweden - who provide the needed capital for Bumitama's key shareholders like IOI and clients like Wilmar. All three companies are violating not only voluntary standards like RSPO and the financiers' own Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) policies, but also national legislation. Bumitama Agri Ltd, (BUMI.SI) is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia and operates through a number of subsidiaries. Bumitama controls over 200,000 hectares of plantation land bank in Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan and Riau, Indonesia. Since 1990, development of palm plantations by Bumitama and others has cleared about 16,000 square kilometers of forested land in Kalimantan. The company has been a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil since 2007, and sells to global palm oil traders including IOI Corp. of Malaysia and Wilmar International of Singapore. This investigation specifically documents that: - Bumitama has knowingly destroyed forest that is the home for endangered orangutans. In April 2013, in response to a complaint filed at the RSPO, Bumitama promised it would not clear land near forest reserves in West Kalimantan until studies were completed to appraise the land's ecological importance. These reserves host one of the largest, and last, populations of the Central Bornean orangutan in the region. However, satellite imagery shows that hundreds of hectares of peatland and forests in the area were cleared between May and September 2013. So while Bumitama was negotiating with the RSPO to address the complaint, the company continued to clear land, despite its pledge to stop the cutting. - Bumitama's actions are unpermitted. The plantation in West Kalimantan that is managed by Bumitama was cleared in violation of national laws, without permits or proper approval of the Ministry of Forestry and the Environmental Monitoring Agency. This land bank consists of at least 7,000 hectares of "ghost estates" - plantations that lack valid permits. Selling palm oil from unpermitted plantations is illegal. - Bumitama's investors knowingly or unknowingly purchased shares of an illegal operation. Prospective investors were informed through Bumitama's prospectus in April 2012 that Bumitama's expansion plans included preferential rights to manage and harvest from a plantation that was operating illegally, without the required licenses for its operation and management, and that the Hariyanto family - the majority owner of Bumitama Agri - would bear the liability risk while the permits were sorted out. Despite this admission of illegality, all the shares were sold. - After gaining control over thousands of hectares of unpermitted plantation landbank Bumitama continued the illegal production of palm oil without the necessary permits and engaged in further illegal land grabbing and clearing. Wilmar International and IOI Corp. bought shares of Bumitama despite their likely knowledge of the illegal landgrab. Before Bumitama's public offering in April 2012, IOI Corp. became one of Bumitama's controlling shareholders, with a current stake of 31 percent of the company. At the same time, Wilmar bought between 0.9 percent and 4.3 percent of shares of Bumitama's stock. This makes IOI and Wilmar not just purchasers of the palm oil illegally produced by Bumitama, but significant investors in its illegal operations. - The RSPO provides greenwash for the industry's illegal, unethical and environmentally harmful practices. The Bumitama Group, IOI Corp. and Wilmar International are all members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. They have been involved in several illegal landgrabs in Kalimantan over the past five years, but the RSPO has been unable to prevent this, nor has it taken any effective enforcement action. The revelations about Bumitama Agri in this report illustrate how palm plantation companies and commodity traders use the lack of legal enforcement, complicated transfers of land and assets, and inter-company agreements to take illegal control over land, regardless of its legal status, traditional use or ecological importance. The report also highlights the role of financiers, including banks and equity investors, in Bumitama Agri, IOI and Wilmar, and on the kind and amount of money invested in these companies, their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policies and the responses investors gave to inquiries by Friends of the Earth on this case. The bottom line is that the current system of producing palm oil as a global commodity is unjust and unsustainable and all actors involved should take immediate action to address this. Details: Amsterdam: The Friends, 2013. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 17, 2016 at: https://milieudefensie.nl/publicaties/rapporten/comodity-crimes.-illicit-land-grabs-illegal-palm-oil-and-endangered-orangutans Year: 2013 Country: International URL: https://milieudefensie.nl/publicaties/rapporten/comodity-crimes.-illicit-land-grabs-illegal-palm-oil-and-endangered-orangutans Shelf Number: 147930 Keywords: Environmental Crimes Illegal Land Grabs Illegal Palm Oil Illegal Products Offences Against the Environment Wildlife Crime

Author: Krishnasamy, Kanitha Title: Malaysia's Invisible Ivory Channel: An assessment of ivory seizures involving Malaysia from January 2003 - May 2014 Summary: Malaysia does not have an open domestic ivory market, unlike at least seven other Southeast Asian countries. However, its position in the global illicit ivory trade has become more prominent since 2009 when its role as a principal transit gateway for ivory en route to consumer markets in other Southeast and East Asian countries emerged. This occurrence has made Malaysia the world's paramount illicit ivory transit country, according to data in the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS), which tracks ivory seizures globally since 1989. The ETIS report to the 62nd CITES Standing Committee meeting in July 2012 identified Malaysia as one of eight countries most heavily implicated in the illegal ivory trade chain. Malaysia was the only country that served as purely a transit country among this group of African source and Asian end-use nations. To better understand this trade dynamic, TRAFFIC assessed information from ivory seizures from a period of over 11 years (nearly 11 and a half years), from January 2003 to May 2014 - all seizures were either made by Malaysian authorities, or made outside the country, but with Malaysia identified as part of the trade chain. Findings highlight that a total of 66 ivory seizures have been connected to Malaysia, cumulatively recording 63 419 kg of ivory over this period. Although only 26 of all seizures were large-scale seizures (>500 kg), these alone logged in a total weight of 60 404 kg, accounting for 95% of the total volume seized. This report discusses some insights from the seizures over this period, as well as highlighting needs and opportunities in order for Malaysia to remove itself from its current position as a country of international concern for illicit trade in ivory under CITES. For its part, Malaysia has made a total of 19 seizures from January 2003-February 2013 totalling close to 15 tonnes of ivory. Five of these, representing 94% of total volume seized in the country, were large-scale seizures, one of which represents the third largest seizure in ETIS. The large-scale seizures in Malaysia occurred in all three of the nation's leading seaports: Ports of Klang, Pasir Gudang and Penang. However, based on seizures made outside Malaysia during the assessed period, Malaysia has been implicated in at least 47 other seizures, involving more than 48 tonnes of ivory that had already passed through a Malaysian port undetected or was destined for the country. A vast majority of these were raw ivory, with only a small proportion being worked ivory that had already passed through a Malaysian port undetected or was destined for the country. This occurrence is the primary reason Malaysia has been identified as a key transit country in the global ivory trade. These seizures involve the import, export and re-export of ivory (and other prohibited wildlife parts) from at least 23 known countries and territories around the world, at various points of the trade route. Almost 75% (n=35) of these 47 seizures were made by other countries after the shipment passed a Malaysian port unstopped, amounting to 33 889 kg of ivory. Seventeen of the 47 seizures originated from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda - the three major exit points for the world's illegal elephant ivory trade. These three countries alone exported 66% (31 868 kg) of the total volume of ivory seized during this period involving Malaysia, with Kenya and Tanzania each moving more than 13 tonnes of ivory. Tanzania's role in moving large quantities of ivory through Malaysia has been documented since at least 2003, while the other two became more prominent since 2010. From all the seizures involving Malaysia as a transit or destination country, 16 437 kg of ivory from 13 seizures occurred in 2013 alone-the highest annual record over the 12-year period. Seven of these 13 seizures took place in the month of October, amounting to more than 8000 kg of ivory. At least 23 rhino horns were also trafficked along with the ivory between August 2010 and December 2013, with 15 horns seized in a single shipment from Uganda. In two of these shipments involving 20 rhino horns from Kenya and Uganda, Malaysia was listed as the country of destination. Outside this study period, between April 2015 and August 2015, four other seizures by Australia, Kenya, Thailand and Viet Nam have been reported. These involved more than 5 tonnes of ivory that had either passed through Malaysia or listed Malaysia as the country of destination. Such occurrences serve to reinforce that Malaysian ports continue to be used to move large quantities of ivory, and more concerning, appears to becoming more frequent at a time when the poaching of African Elephants is at its most critical level. Not a single arrest or prosecution occurred with respect to any Malaysian ivory seizure during the assessed period. However two prosecutions occurred in 2015, outside the assessed period. Malaysia's geographical proximity to the world's major ivory consumers-China and Thailand - and its efficient and well-developed port infrastructure, which ranks amongst the world's most elite ports, are important factors behind the country being used to smuggle ivory repeatedly. Although the sheer quantity, volume and speed of cargo moving through Malaysia's major seaports involving tens of millions of containers each year makes the detection of illicit ivory shipments extremely challenging, it is not an insurmountable task. Collaborative action, including risk profiling and targeting, as well as timely communication between source and consumer countries have already resulted in a number of successful seizures globally, and indeed forms part of Malaysia's National Ivory Action Plan that was submitted to CITES pursuant to the recommendations of the CITES Standing Committee. Such measures must continue, conducted in tandem with other essential actions, without which Malaysia will continue to be a prominent player in the illegal ivory trade. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2016. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 20, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27231847/1473276463457/Malaysia-ivory-analysis.pdf?token=qaFgzHXTokA8FTKZWmPcJE3QWpI%3D Year: 2016 Country: Malaysia URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27231847/1473276463457/Malaysia-ivory-analysis.pdf?token=qaFgzHXTokA8FTKZWmPcJE3QWpI%3D Shelf Number: 145620 Keywords: Elephants Illegal Ivory Illegal Trade Illicit Ivory Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: Vigne, Lucy Title: Vietnam's Illegal Ivory Trade Threatens Africa's Elephants Summary: - The Vietnamese illegal ivory trade is now one of the largest in the world. - Of all the ivory industries in Asia, Vietnamese carvers have multiplied in number and increased their production of illegal ivory items the most rapidly since 2008. - Tusks are smuggled into Vietnam, nearly all from Africa, with only a few nowadays from domesticated and wild elephants in Laos and Vietnam. - In early 2015 the largest proportion of tusks was seized officially in Haiphong; this changed to Danang in the latter half of 2015. - Wholesale prices for raw tusks in Vietnam were about the same in 2015 as in mainland China, around USD 1,100/kg for a 1-3-kg tusk. - Historically ivory carving was an insignificant art form in Vietnam. - While Vietnamese ivory carvers have increased greatly in number, we did not hear of any foreigners working ivory in Vietnam. - Ivory artisans earn on average USD 260 a month, considerably less than in mainland China. - We talked to ivory carvers in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), in Buon Ma Thuot and in three northern villages who were optimistic about their business. - Legislation prohibiting the ivory trade in Vietnam remains unclear. A loophole in the law allows worked ivory crafted before 1992 to be legally sold in Vietnam, although with the current weak law enforcement, nobody mentioned this to us, nor did hardly any vendor mention to us that exports were illegal. - We saw no posters or other public notices in Vietnam publicizing that the trade in ivory is illegal. - In HCMC, Hanoi, one town and village in the Central Highlands, and two villages in the north we counted 242 open outlets with 16,099 ivory items on display, for retail sale. - Of these items, 9,893 (or 61%) were in one northern village that had not been counted before in a survey. - Nearly all the ivory items for sale in Vietnam are new or recently carved and illegal. - Vietnam has one of the largest number of newly worked illegal ivory items openly offered for retail sale in the world. - Most objects are pendants and other small items, usually jewellery. - There were few ivory antiques, the majority being in HCMC, popular with Chinese customers. - Hardly any expensive ivory items for retail sale were seen. The most expensive new item was a 17-cm human figure for USD 2,500 in HCMC. The most expensive old items were a carved tusk and a large urn for USD 20,000 each in an antique shop in HCMC. - The cheapest ivory item was USD 2 for a thin ring in one northern Vietnam village. - Retail ivory prices for common comparable items were three times more in Beijing and Shanghai than in HCMC and Hanoi and seven times more than in a village selling the most worked ivory seen in Vietnam. This is due to cheaper labour in Vietnam, fewer overheads, and nearly all illegal items for sale that require no expensive paperwork. - There appears to be little law enforcement within Vietnam against the illegal ivory workshops and retail shops, especially in the smaller locations that few Western foreigners visit. - Nearly all the customers we saw shopping for ivory were from mainland China; they particularly like to visit Vietnam's northern villages to buy ivory items, both wholesale and retail, as the prices are considerably lower than elsewhere in the country. - The chances of Chinese being arrested for carrying illegal ivory items crossing the border from Vietnam into China are extremely small due to ineffective law enforcement. - A growing online illegal ivory trade is expanding among Vietnamese and mainland Chinese. - Other elephant products are sold wholesale and retail in Vietnam, especially in the western region nearer to Cambodia and Laos. Products include bones, feet, hairs, meat, molars, skin and tails. - We saw no raw mammoth ivory and only one item for sale: a pendant. - In 2008 a detailed survey of Vietnam counted 2,444 ivory items on view for sale. In 2015 our survey found this number had risen by 6.6 times. A main reason was the expansion of ivory carving and sales in one particular village in the north to meet demand from mainland Chinese, and an increase in ivory items for sale in the Central Highlands area of Buon Ma Thuot to meet demand for the growing number of Asian tourists going there. - While the illegal rhino horn trade in Vietnam has been heavily criticized, its recently booming ivory trade has been largely overlooked due to a lack of information about it. - Corruption and mismanagement in Vietnam have abetted this expanding and flourishing illegal ivory trade, allowing retail displays to remain wide open and enabling smuggling of the many Vietnamese-carved illegal new ivory items into mainland China. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Save the Elephants, 2016. 88p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 22, 2016 at: http://savetheelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016_VietnamReportFINAL_0.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Vietnam URL: http://savetheelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016_VietnamReportFINAL_0.pdf Shelf Number: 145603 Keywords: Elephants Illegal Ivory Illegal Trade Ivory Rhinos Wildlife Crime

Author: LaFontaine, Peter Title: Elephant vs. Mouse: An investigation of the ivory trade on Craigslist Summary: As perhaps the major online platform for classified advertisements, Craigslist.org has made a name for itself as a site where buyers can find just about anything - whether that's a used bicycle, rare book, or, as this report will show, an expensive ivory carving or elephant hide boots. We wanted to better understand the scope and scale of the ivory trade on Craigslist; if the site was currently a venue for trade in ivory and elephant parts, it could also be a potential partner in the fight to reverse the tide of poaching. Details: Yarmouth Port, MA: International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2015 Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 22, 2016 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-craigslist-ivory-report-2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-craigslist-ivory-report-2015.pdf Shelf Number: 144862 Keywords: Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: U.S. Government Accountability Office Title: Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Are Taking a Range of Actions, but the Task Force Lacks Performance Targets for Assessing Progress Summary: Illegal trade in wildlife-wildlife trafficking - continues to push some protected and endangered animal species to the brink of extinction, according to the Department of State. Wildlife trafficking undermines conservation efforts, can fuel corruption, and destabilizes local communities that depend on wildlife for biodiversity and ecotourism revenues. This trade is estimated to be worth $7 billion to $23 billion annually. In 2013, President Obama issued an executive order that established the interagency Task Force charged with developing a strategy to guide U.S. efforts on this issue. GAO was asked to review U.S. government efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. This report focuses on wildlife trafficking in Africa, particularly of large animals, and examines, among other things, (1) what is known about the security implications of wildlife trafficking and its consequences, (2) actions Task Force agencies are taking to combat wildlife trafficking, and (3) the extent to which the Task Force assesses its progress. GAO analyzed agency documents and met with U.S. and host country officials in Washington, D.C.; Kenya; South Africa; and Tanzania. What GAO Recommends GAO recommends that the Secretaries of State and the Interior and the Attorney General of the United States, as co-chairs, jointly work with the Task Force to develop performance targets related to the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking Implementation Plan. Agencies agreed with GAO's recommendation. Details: Washington, DC: GAO, 2016. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: GAO-16-717: Accessed September 23, 2016 at: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/679968.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/679968.pdf Shelf Number: 146049 Keywords: Environmental Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Thouless, C.R. Title: African Elephant Status Report 2016: An update from the African Elephant Database Summary: This report is the most authoritative source of knowledge about the numbers and distribution of African elephant populations across their 37 range states in sub-Saharan Africa. The report summarises - for the first time in almost a decade - elephant numbers at the continental, regional and national levels, and examines changes in population estimates at the site level. Details: Gland, SWIT: IUCN, 2016. 317p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 29, 2016 at: https://www.iucn.org/ssc-specialist-groups/african-elephant-sg/about/ssc-specialist-groups-and-red-list-authorities-10 Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://www.iucn.org/ssc-specialist-groups/african-elephant-sg/about/ssc-specialist-groups-and-red-list-authorities-10 Shelf Number: 140506 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Wildlife Wildlife Crime

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 Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Pangolin Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Xu, Y. Title: An Act to Save African Elephants: A Ban on Commercial Ivory Trade in China, A Feasibility Study Briefing Summary: Africa's elephants are in crisis. The population of African elephants today are at a record low, with fewer than 500,000 individuals left in the wild, declining from 1.2 million individuals in 1981. The contemporary poaching crisis consolidated in 2010 and since then elephant poaching has escalated to unsustainable levels, leading to a year- on-year decline in many elephant populations - In some parts of Africa, localised extinctions of elephants are actually occurring. The illegal ivory trade is persistent and increasingly well-organised. Reports based on ivory seizures indicate that the volume of illegal ivory trade has tripled since 2007 - Meanwhile, the African elephant crisis has stirred the attention of the international community, which in turn has recognized that an historic opportunity to take actions to save Africa's most iconic species is at hand. This sense of commitment has resonated also in China. In May 2015, the head of China's State Forestry Administration announced that "we will strictly control ivory processing and trade until the commercial processing and sale of ivory and its products are eventually halted". In September 2015, during a State visit to the U.S., Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Barrack Obama jointly committed to enact nearly complete bans on ivory import and export, including significant and timely restrictions on the import of ivory as hunting trophies, and to take significant and timely steps to halt the domestic commercial trade of ivory. - Following this momentum, the Chinese government issued a temporary ban on all ivory imports for commercial purposes in March 2016. China has one of the largest illegal ivory markets in the world - Since 2002, the reports of the Elephant Trade Information System to CITES have consistently identified China as the leading destination for ivory globally. China's actions, more than those of any other country, have the potential to reverse the rising trends of elephant poaching and illegal ivory trafficking and have a significant impact on the future survival of African elephants. Therefore, the aim of this current briefing is to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Chinese Government on a possible option that China can consider to address the global problem of illegal ivory trade - a ban on commercial ivory trade in the country. The country's existing ivory trade controls and law enforcement system are examined, in light of the current ivory market in China, as well as the likely impact an ivory trade ban could have. In producing this briefing, WWF and TRAFFIC believe that China can be a leading global example, and provide "best practices" for creating sound policy approaches and time-frames for implementation that will maximize impact on illegal trade and enhance the conservation of elephants. This briefing is a rapid evaluation based on existing knowledge derived from TRAFFIC's monitoring work of the Chinese ivory market. While this is not a comprehensive study, this briefing does outline issues to take into account when examining the need, feasibility and possible implementation challenges involved when considering a ban on commercial ivory trade in China, as well as some next steps needed towards that end. An effective ivory trade ban in the Chinese context will require careful consideration of the particular regulatory mechanisms and implementation structures and processes that will define and support the new domestic policy. WWF and TRAFFIC fully intend to augment this initial briefing document with further in depth studies. Details: Beijing, China: WWF and TRAFFIC, 2016. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: WWF Briefing: Accessed September 29, 2016 at: www.wwfchina.org Year: 2016 Country: China URL: www.wwfchina.org Shelf Number: 140510 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Ivory Trade Illicit Trade Ivory Trade Wildlife Crime

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: Elephants Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Transnational Organized Crime in the Pacific: A Threat Assessment Summary: This report presents major threats posed by transnational organized crime in the Pacific region, mainly focusing on the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Based on consultations with the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and information obtained from desk reviews conducted by UNODC, this report focuses on four major types of transnational organized crime affecting the Pacific region: - Drug and precursor trafficking; - Trafficking in persons & smuggling of migrants; - Environmental crimes (fishery crime and other wildlife trafficking & illegal logging and timber trafficking); and - Small arms trafficking. In addition to the major four types of transnational crime, the report also includes some information on the trafficking of counterfeit goods, including fraudulent medicines, and cybercrime to shed light on emerging threats in the region. The four major illicit flows discussed in the report are different sorts of illicit activities, yet they all pose immense challenges to the region. There are strong indications that the PICTs are increasingly targeted by transnational organized crime groups due to their susceptibility to illicit flows driven by several factors. These include (a) the geographical location of the PICTs situated between major sources and destinations of illicit commodities; (b) extensive and porous jurisdictional boundaries; and (c) differences in governance and heterogeneity in general law enforcement capacity across numerous PICTs and the region in general. These complexities also underscore the inherent difficulties in detecting, monitoring, preventing and responding to transnational organized crimes in the region. In this context, transnational criminal activities continue to increase throughout the Pacific and have detrimental impacts on communities, sustainable economic development and regional security. At a regional level and across all transnational organized crime types discussed in this report, a fundamental problem is the significant gaps in data and information related to transnational crime among the PICTs. This is a major hindrance in developing effective and evidence-based responses to transnational organized crime. Details: Bangkok: UNODC, 2016. 130p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2016 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/Publications/2016/2016.09.16_TOCTA_Pacific_web.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/Publications/2016/2016.09.16_TOCTA_Pacific_web.pdf Shelf Number: 140518 Keywords: Counterfeit Goods Drug Trafficking Environmental Crimes Human Smuggling Human Trafficking Illegal Fishing Illegal Logging Organized Crime Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Tigers Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Species Illegal 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 Trade Natural Resources Threatened Species Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Poaching Elephants Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Rhinos Wildlife Crime

Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: An Investigation of Hawaii's Online Ivory Trade Summary: Over the last decade, surging consumer demand for ivory has triggered a nearly unprecedented poaching wave, one that threatens to drive African elephants toward extinction unless the killing - and demand for tusks and carvings - is halted soon. Many countries including the United States have moved this issue to the top of their conservation policy agendas, most importantly by restricting their domestic ivory markets. The U.S. federal government is expected to finalize a strong ivory trade ban soon that will address imports, exports, and interstate trade, and several states have passed laws to complement the federal rule by restricting intrastate ivory commerce. Hawai'i, which has perhaps the country's biggest remaining market for ivory products, is poised to follow suit. These local efforts are crucial to stopping sales of illegally-imported items - Law enforcement officials estimate that some 90% of smuggled shipments leak past border inspections and find their way into the marketplace, where they are largely indistinguishable from older, legal ivory. For this report, investigators compiled advertising and sales data from 47 Hawai'i-based retailers and individual sellers engaged in the online trade of elephant ivory and related wildlife products, including walrus tusks, whale teeth and bone, mammoth ivory, and hippopotamus teeth. They found a total of 4,661 products in stock or for sale, with an overall value of more than $1.22 million, over a six-day period. The vast majority of this inventory (85.5%) was elephant ivory. Few of these retailers provided any evidence that their wares had been legally imported into the state. Some 28% of the sellers (14 of 47) referred to their advertised items as being "pre-ban," "antique," or "vintage," but only one of the 47 provided supplemental documentation of legal import. Taken together, this large overall inventory and scant proof of legality are cause for concern. Add to this the fact that Hawaii is a known destination for illegal ivory shipments, and the case grows for strong restrictions on intrastate ivory sales. Details: IFAW, 2016. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 19, 2016 at: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-2016-Hawaii-Market-Report.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/IFAW-2016-Hawaii-Market-Report.pdf Shelf Number: 145898 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Smuggling Wildlife 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 Poaching Helmeted Hornbills Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Gupta, Saloni Title: Contesting conservation: shahtoosh trade and forest management in Jammu and Kashmir, India Summary: This thesis examines the recent politics of wildlife and forest conservation with reference to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state in India. It analyses two processes initiated in 2002, and their effects on conservation and livelihoods: a) the international ban on the trade of shahtoosh (wool derived from the Tibetan antelope), resulting in the loss of the traditional occupation of a large number of shawl workers in the Kashmir valley; and b) the implementation of joint forest management projects under the 'National Afforestation Programme' in Jammu region, resulting in new spaces for cooperation and conflict between forest bureaucracy and local communities. The thesis explains how global environmental policies permeate different layers of politics from macro- to microlevels in the process of implementation. The following four questions are addressed in the thesis: first, how does power determine access to and control over natural resources? Second, how are global conservation interventions understood, accepted and reshaped by various actors? Third, what has been the impact of these recent interventions on different categories of resource users? Fourth, in what ways do these conservation processes converge with the attempts of historically powerful actors (state and local elites) to dominate the poor and marginalised populations, specifically shawl workers and forest dependent communities? On the basis of a detailed examination of the two processes, I argue that nature conservation policies do not go unchallenged but are contested and coloured by the power, agendas and interests of different stakeholders. I demonstrate that in the pursuit of conservation measures, powerful actors are able to secure their respective interests while directing the cost of nature conservation to the poor who are traditionally dependent on wildlife and forest resources for sustenance. This is not to deny the seriousness of environmental concerns, but to point out the repercussions of a blanket ban on the livelihoods of the shahtoosh workers, and of limiting the access to forest resources for local communities, who are trying to survive in an already fragile economy amidst militant separatist movement in J&K. Details: London: University of London, Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, 2011. 324p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed November 1, 2016 at: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/12759/1/Gupta_3264.pdf Year: 2011 Country: India URL: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/12759/1/Gupta_3264.pdf Shelf Number: 145782 Keywords: Antelope Forests Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

Author: Wu, Joyce Title: Shark Fin and Mobulid Ray Gill Plate Trade -- In mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Summary: Despite shark fin being a "traditional" Chinese product, the trade and marketing of it (and to a lesser extent manta gill plates) changes rapidly depending on where and how profits can be made. Almost every aspect that the research has looked at is dynamic in a way that would have been difficult to predict from the first study (Clarke 2004) ten years or so ago. Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have had a long and varied history in the trade of shark fins. Together they account for more than 90% and 70% of the global import and (re)export, respectively, between 2005 and 2011, based on FAO import data1. Recent declines in the global trade have also been reflected in the import and (re)export2 of shark fin from these three countries and territories. However, possible illegal shark fin trade could indicate that the trade decline of mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan may not be as substantial as the official data have recorded. Given the lack of knowledge about the scale of under-reporting in mainland China, it is possible that the extent of the decline may be much lower than available data suggest. This report takes a comprehensive look at how the shark fin trade is changing in the three study areas, and provides recommendations to stakeholders to improve compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and increase traceability of the trade in shark fins and mobulid ray gill plates. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2016. 94p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 16, 2016 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/11/8/fins-follow-the-money-new-study-highlights-need-for-better-t.html Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/11/8/fins-follow-the-money-new-study-highlights-need-for-better-t.html Shelf Number: 141176 Keywords: Endangered Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Shark Fin Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Willcox, Daniel Title: An Assessment of Trade In Bear Bile and Gall Bladder in Viet Nam Summary: TRAFFIC's research finds the illegal market for bears, bear parts and derivatives in Viet Nam is still strong, with only a moderate decline in open availability following the introduction of legislation to ban their sale in 2006. Released in the margins of the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, An assessment of trade in bear bile and gall bladder in Viet Nam (PDF, 6 MB), analysed data from surveys of shops in six cities across Viet Nam in 2012 and 2016. It followed a 2010–2011 TRAFFIC investigation into the bear bile trade across 13 countries and territories in Asia. In the 1990s, bear bile farms were established throughout Viet Nam to address increasing consumer demands. In 2005, the Vietnamese government made it illegal to extract bile from bears but not to keep them, and without a government-backed plan to deal with the thousands of bears then held in captivity, many bear farms kept their animals under the guise of wildlife refuges although owners were required to microchip and register their animals. Under legislation introduced in Viet Nam in 2006, it is illegal to hunt, transport, keep, advertise, sell, purchase and consume bear species or their parts and derivatives. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, 2016. 46p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 21, 2016 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27336117/1479316776523/VN-Bears-Report.pdf?token=mJZIA3Ls2YKqsDGj5YavWfX2%2Fo8%3D Year: 2016 Country: Vietnam URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27336117/1479316776523/VN-Bears-Report.pdf?token=mJZIA3Ls2YKqsDGj5YavWfX2%2Fo8%3D Shelf Number: 147850 Keywords: Bears Illegal Markets Illegal Trafficking Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) Title: Slavery at Sea: The Continued Plight of Trafficked Migrants in Thailand's Fishing Industry Summary: In the last two years, nothing has changed on the issue of human trafficking in fisheries... It just stays the same. Nothing new, no improvements – because the problems are still there. Kyaw Lin Oo, interpreter for victims of human trafficking Thailand is the third largest seafood exporter in the world, • with seafood exports valued at $7.3 billion in 2011. The European Union imported more than $1.15 billion (€835.5 million) worth of seafood from Thailand in 2012, while the value of imports by the United States exceeded $1.6 billion in 2013. The Thai fishing industry remains heavily reliant on -- trafficked and forced labour. It is clear that rising overheads, exacerbated by the need to spend more time at sea for smaller catches due to over-fishing and chronic mismanagement of the fishery will continue to encourage these abuses. As boat operators have looked to cut costs, working -- conditions and wages have suffered, causing many workers to turn away from the industry and forcing some employers to rely on criminal trafficking networks to meet the labour shortfall. NGOs, international organisations, governments and -- industry have identified the Thai seafood sector as an area of high concern for forced and trafficked labour. Thailand has spent four consecutive years on the Tier 2 "Watchlist" of the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons report and now faces a mandatory downgrade to Tier 3 in 2014 if the major issues are not adequately addressed. To address a series of criticisms made by observers, -- Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) released the 2013 National Action Plan to Prevent and Suppress Human Trafficking (NAP). The document itself is broad in scope and undermined by vague objectives. EJF investigations have revealed evidence that the Thai Government is falling far short of critical commitments made in the action plan. Investigations in 2014 document the continued prevalence -- of trafficking in the Thai fishing industry, with operators now taking greater precaution to avoid detection, including transhipping trafficked workers at sea. Corruption remains a major obstacle to efforts to -- combat human trafficking in Thailand. EJF investigations uncovered evidence of continued police collusion in the trafficking and exploitation of migrant workers aboard Thai fishing boats. Further, EJF's investigations reveal that local officials often provide protection and even assistance to unscrupulous brokers and business owners engaged in the trafficking and abuse of migrant workers. The case of the 14 men rescued from a port in Kantang -- first reported in EJF's 2013 "Sold to the Sea report" reveals serious structural failings in how Thai authorities deal with human trafficking victims and cases more generally. After nearly a year in a Government shelter and little progress on their case, the victims told EJF in 2014 that they are frustrated and now more focused on returning home than pursuing their case. Without determined action at the highest levels of -- Government to identify and successfully prosecute criminals, corrupt officials and unscrupulous business operators, alongside the introduction and enforcement of comprehensive measures to regulate Thailand's fishing fleets and recruitment practices, violence, exploitation and slavery will remain an ongoing feature of Thailand's seafood industry. Details: London: EJF, 2014. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 9, 2016 at: https://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/EJF_Slavery-at-Sea_report_2014_web-ok.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Thailand URL: https://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/EJF_Slavery-at-Sea_report_2014_web-ok.pdf Shelf Number: 145617 Keywords: Fishing Industry Forced Labor Human Trafficking Illegal Fishing Migrant Labor Wildlife Crime

Author: Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) Title: Thailand's Seafood Slaves: Human Trafficking, Slavery and Murder in Kantang's Fishing Industry Summary: -- Human trafficking and slavery are global problems. It is estimated that as many as 35.8 million men, women and children are currently victims of human trafficking around the world. -- Thailand is the 30th largest economy in the world with a GDP of US$404 billion. -- The Thai seafood industry employs more than 800,000 people, while seafood exports are valued at $6 billion. -- A growing number of independent reports over the past decade have documented abuses of workers trafficked on to Thai fishing vessels, including bonded, forced and slave labour and the use of extreme violence. One report by the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP) found that 59% of trafficked migrants interviewed aboard Thai fishing vessels reported witnessing the murder of a fellow worker. -- Thailand's fish stocks and marine biodiversity are in crisis. The Thai fishing industry has undergone decades of over- fishing and astonishingly poor fisheries management. Rapid industrialisation during the 20 th Century has resulted in too many vessels using destructive and unsustainable fishing methods to catch too many fish. The overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has plummeted by more than 86% since 1966, making Thai waters among the most over-fished regions on the planet. -- The pressure on Thailand's over-exploited fish stocks has been and continues to be due in large part to the demand for animal feeds and farmed shrimp. The fishmeal industry has masked the true economic and ecological costs of over- fishing by over-valuing the trash fish which constitutes one of its key raw materials. -- The lack of an adequate fisheries management regime and effective enforcement along with extensive corruption have facilitated overfishing in Thailand, which has generated economic pressures that fuel the ongoing, widespread use of slave labour. -- Exhausted fish stocks mean that vessels are staying at sea longer and going further afield, often fishing illegally in other nations’ territorial waters, to bring in diminishing catches. In turn operators are using human trafficking networks and bonded, forced and slave labour to crew their vessels and depress costs. This largely export-focused industry is able to carry on providing cheap products to western markets as a direct result of these human rights abuses. Consumers in the west are eating product contaminated with slavery, 'pirate' fishing, corruption and criminality. Details: London: EJF, 2015. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 9, 2016 at: http://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/EJF-Thailand-Seafood-Slaves-low-res.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Thailand URL: http://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/EJF-Thailand-Seafood-Slaves-low-res.pdf Shelf Number: 145618 Keywords: Fishing Industry Forced labor Homicides Human Trafficking Illegal Fishing Overfishing Wildlife Crime

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 Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Ngetich, Felicitus C. Title: An Assessment Of The Role Of Prosecution Authorities In Combating Poaching And Wildlife Trafficking In Kenya Summary: This study assesses of the role of robust prosecution as a tool for addressing poaching and wildlife trafficking in Kenya. This study argues that prosecution in Kenya inadequately contributes to addressing the problem of poaching and wildlife trafficking in the country. Based on deterrence theory, it is viewed that effective prosecution, as an indicative factor of effective implementation of criminal law, should have a deterrent effect on would-be offenders. However, this study suggests that prosecution of crimes related to poaching and wildlife trafficking fails to deter offenders. This is on the premise that for the prosecution of crimes relating to poaching and wildlife trafficking in Kenya to be considered successful; it must deter prospective offenders or repeat offenders from participating in such activities. When the successful prosecutions deter offenders, the number of occurrences of poaching and wildlife trafficking should reduce. However, if the prosecution does not deter offenders, then it follows that the problem of poaching and wildlife trafficking would persist. The first chapter introduces the study and gives a background to the issues. The second chapter is a literature review on the legal and institutional framework for prosecution of poaching and wildlife trafficking. The third chapter discusses the international and national legal framework governing wildlife crime in Kenya. The fourth chapter presents and analyses the results of the fieldwork. Lastly, the fifth chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi Kenya, 2016. 137p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed January 27, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/99977/Ngetich_An%20Assessment%20Of%20The%20Role%20Of%20Prosecution%20Authorities%20In%20Combating%20Poaching%20And%20Wildlife%20Trafficking%20In%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2016 Country: Kenya URL: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/99977/Ngetich_An%20Assessment%20Of%20The%20Role%20Of%20Prosecution%20Authorities%20In%20Combating%20Poaching%20And%20Wildlife%20Trafficking%20In%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isA Shelf Number: 144930 Keywords: Animal Poaching Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: White, Natasha Title: The White Gold of Jihad: violence, legitimisation and contestation in anti-poaching strategies Summary: Since 2011, elephant poaching and the illegal ivory trade have been labelled a "serious threat to peace and security". Rigorous military training and weapons have been provided to rangers, national armies have been deployed in protected areas, and shoot-to-kill policies have been (re-)adopted. Within the framework of political ecology, the article critically approaches this "war" for Africa's elephants. Adopting the tools of discourse analysis, it explores how such violence has been legitimized by the "transnational conservation community" and, in turn, how this has been contested by other actors. It argues that the "war" has been legitimized by drawing on two broader threat discourses – the ivory-crime-terror linkage and the 'ChinaAfrica' threat. Through the discursive creation of a boundary object, poaching has 'become' a human concern that appeals to actors typically outside the conservation community. In the final Section, the case of the Lord's Resistance Army's poaching activities in Garamba National Park is explored, to show how the knowledge upon which judgements are made and decisions are taken is ahistorical, depoliticized and based on a series of untenable assumptions Details: Unpublished paper, 2013. 21p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 6, 2017 at: http://jpe.library.arizona.edu/volume_21/White.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Congo, Democratic Republic URL: http://jpe.library.arizona.edu/volume_21/White.pdf Shelf Number: 145586 Keywords: Animal Poaching Conservation Elephants Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: Pant, Hitesh Title: Zero poaching and social sustainability in protected areas : a study of Chitwan National Park, Nepal Summary: Protected areas (PAs) embody a historical legacy of value contestation and human exclusion. While the rise of community-based conservation in the 1980s sought to reconfigure this mechanism by running a counter narrative arguing that biodiversity conservation and development were mutually reinforcing objectives, exclusionary PAs continue to maintain a strong position in the conservation discourse. The militarization of PAs as a response to the rise in global poaching has allowed state and non-state conservation agencies to wield extensive power as a moral imperative to preserve iconic species. This undertaking is notable in the recent "zero-poaching" campaign, which aims to shut all incidences of illicit mega-fauna poaching within national parks. Supported by prominent conservation groups, the campaign has been able garner momentum after Nepal, one of its member countries, declared four non-consecutive years of zero poaching in its PAs. While conservation groups in Nepal repeatedly stress that they work in tandem with local groups in park buffer zones to deter wildlife crime and support community development, the mechanisms of these social transformations are less evident in the campaigns' media reports, and their modes of operation less scrutinized. Drawing on concepts developed from Antonio Gramsci's studies on cultural hegemony, I review the historical development of anti-poaching from its roots in England in the 18th century to its internationalization in the mid twentieth century. The modern turn towards heightened militarization as a win-win solution for conservation and development is specifically studied within the context of Nepal's Chitwan National Park (CNP), which has been globally recognized as a model for species protection after achieving successive years of zero poaching. I apply a document analysis to test the extent to which CNP adheres to zero poaching’s objective of local participation and inclusive development. Both state and non-state organizations have utilized the mass media to promote the idea of community-led conservation, but the park’s five year management plan reveals that it fails to fully incorporate guidelines from the zero poaching toolkit. Zero poaching marks a turn within international conservation to mainstream an anti-poaching strategy that follows on sustainability’s criteria of transdisciplinary research, mainly by promoting a management technique that aims to account for different value systems, views and interests of stakeholders across the supply chain of wildlife crime. However, to turn into a counter-hegemonic force in conservation, it needs to become a reactionary agent against the old framing of human-wildlife conflict and poaching that still inhibits holistic social sustainability in its target regions Details: Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies, 2016. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed March 6, 2017 at: http://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8893925&fileOId=8893927 Year: 2016 Country: Nepal URL: http://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8893925&fileOId=8893927 Shelf Number: 141355 Keywords: Animal Poaching Conservation Elephants Ivory Publicity Campaigns Wildlife Crime

Author: Stiles, Daniel Title: Ivory Trade, Terrorism and U.S. National Security: How Connected Are They? Summary: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. This report examines the contention advanced by the United States government that poached ivory is being used to finance insurgency and terrorist groups in Africa. 2. The report also analyzes whether any organized groups that engage in elephant poaching and ivory trafficking in Africa pose a national security threat to the United States, which also has been posited by the government. 3. The U.S. government has used these contentions as a justification for imposing severe new restrictions on the import, export and sale of elephant ivory in the U.S. as declared in USFWS Director's Order No. 210. 4. The three groups that have specifically been named in U.S. documents as financing their activities with poached ivory, and which pose a national security threat, are AlShabaab, the Lord's Resistance Army and the Janjaweed. Each of these groups is examined in this report. 5. This report concludes that the only group under review that poses a national security threat to the U.S. is Al-Shabaab. The evidence that they engage in elephant poaching and finance their terrorist activities with ivory has been found lacking in credibility. 6. The Lord's Resistance Army has poached ivory and exchanged tusks for food and other goods, including possibly arms, at a low level. The LRA do not, however, pose a security threat to the U.S. 7. The Janjaweed have engaged in extensive elephant poaching and ivory trafficking, but they pose no current security threat to the U.S. The Janjaweed do not advocate an extremist Islamic philosophy such as that articulated by Al-Qaeda. Their hostile, scorched earth style military activities have been confined to non-Arab African populations of the Sudan and Central African Republic. 8. The severe new restrictions on trade in legal ivory already in the U.S., therefore, are based on a false premise. Restricting trade in legal ivory in the U.S. will have absolutely no effect on the financing of groups that pose a security threat to the U.S. 9. There is illegal ivory in the U.S. that has been smuggled in. The smuggling would no doubt continue even with further trade restrictions, as it is already illegal so new law will change nothing. The U.S. authorities have been ineffective in administering law already in existence, which is sufficient to control the illegal importation of new ivory from poached elephants if enforced properly. 10. The current elephant poaching crisis is caused by East Asian ivory dealers and carving factories buying poached ivory. Effective policy to reduce elephant poaching should therefore be directed at them, not at law-abiding American citizens. Details: Unpublished report, 2014. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Confidential Draft: Accessed March 6, 2017 at: http://danstiles.org/publications/ivory/42.Ivory&National%20Security.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: http://danstiles.org/publications/ivory/42.Ivory&National%20Security.pdf Shelf Number: 146424 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory National Security Terrorist Financing Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Crosta, Andrea Title: The White Gold of Jihad: Al-Shabaab and the Illegal Ivory Trade Summary: Coordinated bomb attacks in Kampala, Uganda, on 11th July 2010, claimed the lives of 76 people as they watched the World Cup final and catapulted the terrorist group responsible, Somalia's al-Shabaab, onto the world stage. The threat presented by this militant Islamist group with close links to al-Qaeda dominated recent African Union talks in Uganda and has prompted moves to strengthen the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia. But while attention is focused on sending more troops into the war-torn country, little attention is being paid to the ways in which al-Shabaab - a hard line, well-organized and compartmentalized organization - is financing its activities. Over the last 18 months, we've been investigating the involvement of al-Shabaab in trafficking ivory through Kenya, a trade that could be supplying up to 40% of the funds needed to pay salaries to its fighters. Kenya is no stranger to the threat posed by Somalia to its herds of elephants and rhinos, whose numbers are still recovering from the poaching onslaught suffered in the 1970s and ‘80s. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is constantly on the alert for incursions of Somali gangs – or bandits as locals call them – into the country's north eastern territory to poach elephants and rhinos. In 2007, 3 rangers died at the hands of Somali bandits as they crossed the Tana River on their way to Tsavo National Park. The incursion was halted but the cost in human life was high. All too often, however, the bandits slip across the border undetected, in their quest for the white trophy that is ivory. One can try to recount the poacher’s steps as they make their way to Meru National Park, east of Mount Kenya. In the early hours of the morning, a small group of elephants led by their matriarch approach a waterhole, unaware that three bandits are hiding just a few meters away, their AK-47 automatic rifles ready for action. With tusks worth nearly 3500 KSh or nearly US$50 per kilo, the elephants offer a lucrative prize to these trained ex-soldiers of Somali origin, desperate to make a living. The elephants begin to bathe in the mud of the waterhole. They have an acute sense of smell so the bandits know they have to act swiftly before the elephants can react to the threat of danger. The leader signals to the others as they fix their sights on the matriarch and a large male standing hunched together – the three calves won’t fetch enough money for them to bother with. A burst of automatic fire drops the two elephants instantly to the ground. The matriarch is fatally wounded but still alive as the bandits hack out her tusks, watched helplessly by the young calves. Shocked and traumatised, they will have little chance of surviving alone. The bandits load their prize and head out to safety. The leader takes out his cell phone and writes a quick message, ‘brother we have some goods to deliver, around 40 kilos, contact our cousins and lets make the deal’. In a Nairobi restaurant, a cell phone jerks into life and a young well-dressed Somali checks the screen. He reads the message carefully and takes out a notepad. The notepad reveals a page full of numbers and quantities in kilos. He marks down the amounts and adds them all together in his head. Using a small Iridium Sat phone he dials a number with a Somali prefix. On the other end, a man sitting in an office in Kismayo, Somalia picks up the call – is office is heavily guarded by Shabaab militiamen – their signature black flag waving on a pole above their heads . He notes down the quantities and sets a date for the pick-up. Unfortunately, poaching incidents likes Meru and illegal trafficking in ivory are still rampant in Africa. With demand soaring and a market price in Asia of over US$1500 per kilo, for most poaching gangs it is a simple matter of money. Moreover, the desperate political and economic situation in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), Somalia or Sudan perpetuates the poaching, which continues to be among the most lucrative criminal activities available. However, in common with other criminal activities involving exploitation of resources and environmental destruction, the poaching is backed and driven by foreign interests, in this case by the flourishing markets in Asia. Today, law enforcement agencies around the continent work together with INTERPOL and other international agencies, such as the Lusaka Agreement Task Force, to fight the illegal trade in wildlife and to implement rules agreed under CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. It is well known that criminal syndicates are involved in the trade, using sophisticated smuggling methods, bribing port personnel and customs officials, and using their own entrepreneurial activities as a cover for their smuggling operations. For the last twenty years, Kenya has led the war against trade in ivory and rhino horn. Established in 1989, the KWS has been in the forefront not only of actively protecting Kenya’s wildlife and national parks, but also in investigating and arresting felons, and in international negotiations under CITES to try to maintain a ban on international trade in the face of strong opposition. Surrounded by porous borders, Kenya has long been a transit point for illegal ivory. In an attempt to crack down on this trade, KWS recently stepped up pressure at the country's ports and airports where ivory is smuggled out. As a result, dealers looking for fast money and an easier market have turned to a new player in the game – Al Shabaab. Details: Los Angeles: Elephant Action League, 2016. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 6, 2017 at: https://elephantleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Report-Ivory-al-Shabaab-Oct2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://elephantleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Report-Ivory-al-Shabaab-Oct2016.pdf Shelf Number: 146409 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Ivory Illegal Trade Ivory Trade Terrorist Financing Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Cooke, Jennifer G. Title: Africa's Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking Crisis: The Need for Urgent Action Summary: The illicit trade in wildlife products has undergone a dramatic escalation in the last decade, developing into a multibillion dollar global criminal enterprise that is increasingly militarized, sophisticated, and deadly. In Africa, poaching and trafficking in ivory and rhino horn have had a devastating impact on conservation efforts. Equally alarming is the growing danger trafficking networks pose for human security and development and the growing nexus of wildlife trafficking, armed militant groups, deepening insecurity, and government corruption. A CSIS Africa Program conference on the issue examined the drivers of the current crisis and highlighted ways that African governments and their partners are working to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. Details: Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 2015. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 8, 2017 at: https://csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/legacy_files/files/publication/151113_Cooke_AfricaWildlifePoaching_Web.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Africa URL: https://csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/legacy_files/files/publication/151113_Cooke_AfricaWildlifePoaching_Web.pdf Shelf Number: 141377 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Trade Illicit Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Stop Illegal Fishing Title: FISH-i Africa: Issues, Investigations and Impacts Summary: It has been three and a half years since we launched FISH-i Africa and today we are proud to say: it is working. In the partnership, coordinated by Stop Illegal Fishing and supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, national fisheries enforcement agencies work together with international experts and regional organisations to effectively gather, analyse, share and strategically use information with the aim of taking action illegal fishing operators. We have not only generated enforcement actions but over time improved compliance in the Western Indian Ocean. Today, in 2016, operators know that they are being watched and that there is a risk of facing sanction for any wrongdoing. All of our FISH-i Africa countries feel the economic, social and environmental harm caused by illegal fishing, we share a common problem and are addressing it together; we know that fighting IUU fishing alone will never work. The key to FISH-i Africa's success has been access to timely and relevant information, effective information-sharing and perhaps more than anything else, cooperation. To create true cooperation mechanisms and tools, a clear common purpose, the will of engaged people to work together and confidence to make decisions are all needed. In FISH-i Africa we have got all that. This booklet describes the way FISH-i Africa works, some of the cases that have been concluded, our impacts and next steps. We have made a difference: we have identified illegal fishing, operators fishing without license or with forged licenses, vessels using false or multiple identities, and we have worked on serious cases of corruption. We have stood together, jointly denied licenses or port services to vessels engaged in IUU fishing activities and large fines have been paid. As we progressed, more and more of our cases and enforcement actions end with fines and penalties. There are some remarkable quantifiable results: for instance, formerly illegal operators now follow the rules, leading to increases in license revenues of some 40 per cent in some of the FISH-i Africa countries. Details: Gabarone, Botswana: Stop Illegel Fishing, 2016. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 23, 2017 at: https://stopillegalfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FISH-i-Africa-Issues-Investigations-and-Impacts_report_WEB.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://stopillegalfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FISH-i-Africa-Issues-Investigations-and-Impacts_report_WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 144549 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Unregulated Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: European Union Action to Fight Environmental Crime (EFFACE) Title: Environmental Crime and the EU. Synthesis of the Research Project "European Union Action to Fight Environmental Crime" (EFFACE) Summary: he final synthesis of the 40 month long EFFACE research project is now available. The report is addressed at decision-makers and presents core findings from the EFFACE project in an accessible language. The final synthesis is available for download. Drawing on the EFFACE work on data and impacts, the report highlights the often incomplete nature of data on environmental crime. It shows the difficulties in estimating the impacts of environmental crime in a quantitative manner. This is illustrated using the examples of poaching, illegal waste exports from the EU to China and forest fires. Summarising EFFACE research on actors, instruments and institutions, the report describes the most important instruments at the EU level dealing with environmental crime. With regard to the Member States it sheds light at national legal frameworks on environmental crime as well as the functioning of enforcement institutions. A further section is dedicated to weaknesses in the EU's efforts to address environmental crime in nine areas, including e.g. the system of sanctions or the role of NGOs. This section is based on the EFFACE report on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (link is external)related to the EU's approach in combatting environmental crime. In the final section, the report presents the most important policy recommendations developed by EFFACE; a more extended version of these recommendations is published in a self-standing report. Throughout the report, boxes highlight important insights from the EFFACE case studies. Details: Berlin: EFFACE, 2016. 47p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 28, 2017 at: http://ecologic.eu/sites/files/publication/2016/efface_synthesis-report_final_online.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: http://ecologic.eu/sites/files/publication/2016/efface_synthesis-report_final_online.pdf Shelf Number: 144606 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Waste Offenses Against the Environment Poaching Pollution Wildlife Crime

Author: Travers, Henry Title: Taking action against wildlife crime in Uganda Summary: In recent years, wildlife crime has come under increasing international scrutiny. A multitude of policy responses has emphasised strengthening law enforcement in order to protect wildlife. In contrast, developing community-based responses to wildlife crime has been given very little attention. The immediate threat escalating wildlife crime poses has been used as a justification, but this one-sided approach risks missing opportunities: both to find long-term solutions by addressing the underlying drivers of crime, and also to alleviate the disproportionate impact living close to conservation areas has on local livelihoods. This report presents the key findings and outputs of the 'Building capacity for pro-poor responses to wildlife crime in Uganda' project, a collaborative initiative aiming to: 1. Understand the current state of wildlife crime in Uganda, and investigate the underlying drivers of this crime 2. Investigate the preferences of local people and conservation staff for different types of interventions aimed at addressing wildlife crime, and assess the likely impact of these interventions on local people's attitudes and behaviour, and 3. Develop new or improved approaches to increase the capacity of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to tackle wildlife crime more efficiently and effectively. To understand the current state and drivers of wildlife crime, we started by conducting a review of existing evidence (from journal articles, press coverage and so on), to get a picture of the overall situation within Uganda. We then conducted a large scale socioeconomic household survey in villages bordering Uganda's two largest protected areas, Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA) and Murchison Falls Protected Area (MFPA). The survey showed that involvement in wildlife crime was widespread. Indirect questioning estimated that 42 per cent of interviewed households had been involved in illegal hunting, and 29 per cent in illegal fishing or grazing of livestock inside one of the two parks. Households most likely to be involved in wildlife crime included those that were better off, those that reported crop raiding or livestock predation by wildlife, and those that reported no benefit from the parks' revenue-sharing schemes. At both parks, activities put in place to combat wildlife crime focus heavily on law enforcement, with ranger patrols receiving a significant proportion of annual budgets. However, interviews with known hunters cast doubt on patrols' effectiveness, suggesting only one or two in a thousand illegal incursions resulted in an arrest. Households told us that patrols did not deter hunters from entering the parks. UWA does run activities to address some of the drivers of wildlife crime - such as human-wildlife conflict mitigation and livelihood support. However, these types of interventions receive far less support than would be required to influence prevalent wildlife crime. Our study investigated a number of alternative approaches to combating wildlife crime using two empirical predictive methods: choice experiments and scenario-based interviews. Both methods allow participants to pick the types of interventions that would be most likely to deter them from wildlife crime. The interventions explored were: - Improved mitigation of human-wildlife conflict - Appointment of local wildlife scouts - Establishment of, and support for, 'wildlife-friendly' enterprises - Increased ranger patrols - Removal of resource access arrangements (around each park, UWA allows for a limited number of certified individuals to access certain resources at certain times of the year) - Regulated hunting. Local people preferred different interventions at the two parks. At QEPA, people preferred increased funding for activities that reduce human-wildlife conflict, whereas people living around MFPA preferred support for creating 'wildlife-friendly' enterprises (ie small enterprises that do not damage wildlife conservation). At both parks there was support for appointing 'wildlife scouts from the community to respond to human-wildlife conflict. When UWA staff were consulted separately and asked which interventions they thought would be most effective, their priorities aligned strongly with the local communities - although they also emphasised continued and improved law enforcement. As well as potentially being more effective, local people thought the three community-focused interventions (wildlife-friendly enterprises, wildlife scouts and human-wildlife conflict mitigation) were fairer than the enforcement-focused approach to tackling wildlife crime. These interventions were also predicted to increase the time local people spend on legal livelihood activities and make them more likely to inform UWA about illegal activities. The findings suggest that greater support for community engagement is likely to significantly improve UWA's ability to combat wildlife crime. The project team then worked with UWA staff at each of the two parks to develop park-specific strategic action plans to combat wildlife crime. The aims were to prioritise addressing offences with the greatest impact on wildlife, identify where these wildlife crimes are most prevalent (and the communities involved), and specify the actions required to combat these offences. Details: London: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2017. 77p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 2, 2017 at: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17604IIED.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Uganda URL: http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/17604IIED.pdf Shelf Number: 145236 Keywords: Illegal Fishing Illegal Hunting Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Protection

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 Engagement Crime Prevention Illegal Wildlife Trade Natural Resource Management Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Management

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: Abalone Bribery Organized Crime Poaching Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Hubschle, Annette Michaela Title: The Groenewald Criminal Network: Background, legislative loopholes and recommendations Summary: This paper provides a brief perspective of the Groenewald gang in the broader wildlife crime context before assessing whether the case presents an exception or a common trend. In a second step, the legislative and institutional loopholes are discussed. The paper also assesses whether regulators are aware of the scheme and what measures have been taken to address this. Finally, an assessment is made whether "gray" nodes (legal players who participate in illegal activities) are dealt within the most expedient manner and what lessons could be learned from the model Details: Bogota: VORTEX Foundations, 2017. 21p. Source: Internet Resource: The Global Observatory of Transnational Criminal Networks - Research Paper No. 11. VORTEX Working Papers No. 25: Accessed July 5, 2017 at: Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/522e46_eb15f7ef5f0544018473f4a8f003206e.pdf Shelf Number: 146504 Keywords: Animal Poaching Criminal Networks Ivory Trade Organized Crime Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime

Author: Goga, Khalil Title: The Rhino Horn Trafficking Network of the Groenewald Gang Summary: This document presents the model of a criminal network engaged in poaching and trafficking of rhino horn. After the exposition of the methodology and the most relevant concepts related to Social Network Analysis, the third part of the document includes information about the present case and the sources consulted for elaborating the model. In the fourth part the results informing about the characteristics of the criminal network are presented: (i) The types of agents, (ii) the types of interactions established, (iii) the agents with the highest capacity to arbitrate information in the network and (iv) the agents with the highest concentration of direct interactions. In the fifth part, conclusions are discussed. Details: Bogota: VORTEX Foundation, 2017. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: The Global Observatory of Transnational Criminal Networks - Research Paper No. 10. VORTEX Working Papers No. 24: Accessed July 6, 2017 at: http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/522e46_cd24e4a30ac542d1a68338f22779dfb5.pdf Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/522e46_cd24e4a30ac542d1a68338f22779dfb5.pdf Shelf Number: 256505 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Trade Rhinoceros Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Goga, Khalil Title: Rhino poaching and Rhino Horn Traffic in South Africa Summary: While rhino poaching has often been portrayed as a conflict between 'dark' and 'bright' agents, the reality of the trade is far more complex and compromises a host of actors in a variety of fields in legitimate and illegitimate spheres. As it is explained in this document, it is critical to understand the participation of agents operating within lawful public and private positions, who participate in various activities from the poaching to the final consumption and use of the rhino horn. Details: Bogota: VORTEX Foundation, 2017. 19p. Source: Internet Resource: The Global Observatory of Transnational Criminal Networks - Research Paper No. 9. VORTEX Working Papers No. 23: Accessed July 5, 2017 at: http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/522e46_838df24339064fcf9a0a510bb1ebed18.pdf Year: 2017 Country: South Africa URL: Shelf Number: 146506 Keywords: Animal Poaching Criminal Networks Ivory Organized Crime Rhinoceros Wildlife Crime

Author: Haas, Timothy C. Title: Combating Rhino Horn Trafficking: The Need to Disrupt Criminal Networks Summary: The onslaught on the World's wildlife continues despite numerous initiatives aimed at curbing it. We build a model that integrates rhino horn trade with rhino population dynamics in order to evaluate the impact of various management policies on rhino sustainability. In our model, an agent-based sub-model of horn trade from the poaching event up through a purchase of rhino horn in Asia impacts rhino abundance. A data-validated, individual-based sub-model of the rhino population of South Africa provides these abundance values. We evaluate policies that consist of different combinations of legal trade initiatives, demand reduction marketing campaigns, increased anti-poaching measures within protected areas, and transnational policing initiatives aimed at disrupting those criminal syndicates engaged in horn trafficking. Simulation runs of our model over the next 35 years produces a sustainable rhino population under only one management policy. This policy includes both a transnational policing effort aimed at dismantling those criminal networks engaged in rhino horn trafficking-coupled with increases in legal economic opportunities for people living next to protected areas where rhinos live. This multi-faceted approach should be the focus of the international debate on strategies to combat the current slaughter of rhino rather than the binary debate about whether rhino horn trade should be legalized. This approach to the evaluation of wildlife management policies may be useful to apply to other species threatened by wildlife trafficking. Details: s. PLoS ONE 11(11): e0167040. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0167040 Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 1, 2017 at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0167040 Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0167040 Shelf Number: 146989 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Rhino Horn Rhinoceros Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: WildAid Title: Rhino Horn Demand: 2012-2014 Summary: In 2012, WildAid interviewed residents in three major Chinese cities - Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou - to better understand awareness and attitudes toward rhino conservation, and to identify the behaviors and beliefs of rhino horn consumers. In 2013, WildAid and African Wildlife Foundation launched a campaign to reduce the demand for rhino horn in China. Using the 2012 findings to inform the campaign strategy, WildAid began working to raise awareness of the rhino poaching crisis, support lawmakers and increase enforcement efforts in China, and ultimately reduce demand for rhino horn. One year into the campaign, WildAid replicated its survey to assess changes in awareness, attitudes and behavior regarding rhino horn consumption and the poaching crisis, and to ascertain the reach of campaign messages in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Rhinos continue to be poached at an alarming scale. More than 1,215 rhinos were poached for their horns in South Africa alone in 2014 compared to just 13 rhinos killed in 2007. However, there has been progress in changing attitudes and beliefs toward rhinos and rhino horn in one of the world�s top consuming nations. WildAid/AWF's 2014 survey shows significant improvement in overall knowledge and recognition of the severity of the poaching crisis, as well as awareness of how rhino horn is obtained. - There was a 23.5% reduction in the belief that rhino horn has a medicinal effect. - Ninety-five percent of residents who do not consume rhino horn agree that the Chinese government should take stricter action to prevent the use of rhino horns, while even 87% of rhino horn consumers agree with stricter regulations. - Of the residents who had seen WildAid's rhino PSAs featuring ambassadors Yao Ming or Jackie Chan, 90% said they would not buy rhino horn after watching them. The results of the 2014 survey are promising and demonstrate that demand reduction campaigns are having an impact on China's residents' attitudes and behaviors toward rhinos and the rhino horn trade. Details: San Francisco: WildAid, 2014? 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 1, 2017 at: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/Rhino%20Horn%20Report_Final_v2.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Asia URL: http://www.wildaid.org/sites/default/files/resources/Rhino%20Horn%20Report_Final_v2.pdf Shelf Number: 146991 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Rhino Horn Rhinoceros Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Poaching Elephants Illegal Markets Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Organized Crime Political Corruption Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Aucoin, Ciara Title: Guns, poison and horns: Organised wildlife crime in Southern Africa Summary: The incident monitoring component of the new ENACT project is an effort to systematically record instances of transnational organised crime in Africa to strengthen the evidence base of the scale and impact of the phenomenon. The pilot phase of the study focused on the topic of wildlife crime, and covered 10 countries in Southern Africa between 2000 and 2016. Information was collected on 27 different variables including crime type, location, date, species involved and state responses. Key points - The ENACT incident monitoring pilot used media monitoring to track reported incidents of organised wildlife crime in the southern region of Africa between 2000 and 2016. - Since 2010, the number of wildlife crimes in the region has nearly tripled. - Incidents are dominated by poaching, trafficking and transnational trade in rhino horn, ivory, abalone, big cat parts and pelts (in descending order). - Based on review of the pilot, modifications were made to the methodology for the next phases. - Media monitoring and in-depth qualitative research must be used in tandem (with supplemental techniques where possible) to gather a more robust sense of the scale, scope, structure and operation of organised crime in Africa. Details: Pretoria: ENACT Project, 2017. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Paper, Issue 01: Accessed September 26, 2017 at: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/enact-paper1.pdf Year: 147463 Country: Africa URL: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/enact-paper1.pdf Shelf Number: 147463 Keywords: Animal Poaching Ivory Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Stop Illegal Fishing Title: FISH-i Africa: Our future Summary: A new report from Stop Illegal Fishing takes a look at the work of the FISH-i Africa Task Force, FISH-i Africa: Our future focuses attention on the actions and cooperation that are still needed to tackle illegal fishing in the Western Indian Ocean. Sandy Davies, Stop Illegal Fishing commented "The scale and extent of illegal activity in the Western Indian Ocean has come as a real surprise to all of those involved in FISH-i Africa. We started out with the traditional expectation that most operators set out to comply with rules, or opportunistically took advantage of gaps and loopholes. But what the FISH-i investigations and analysis have shown is that in fact there are a significant number of operators who set out, deliberately and systematically to act illegally. They do this through falsifying information, forging documents, hiding company information behind secretive shelf companies and flags of non-compliance. Even when caught red handed it is difficult for coastal States to exercise effective sanctions and penalties as vessels routinely abscond from authorities, change name and change flag." FISH-i Africa plans to counter these systematic illegalities with a systematic programme of 'VIGILANCE' which will verify and cross-check the documentation and characteristics of all the vessels licensed to or flagged by the FISH-i members. "This is a significant undertaking involving around 500 vessels and a lot of work, but we believe this is the most effective means we have to end illegal fishing in this region." Davies added, "We've had a strong response already to VIGILANCE and will be looking to work with a range of organisations and funding partners." 'FISH-i Africa: Our future' sets out a real agenda for change; looking at the roles and responsibilities that port, flag, coastal and market States can play. Nicholas Ntheketha, Chair of FISH-i states, "FISH-i has been a big success and has achieved real cooperation with tangible results, but as we look forward we see the need to develop this cooperation further, we need to incorporate greater contact and communication with key port and flag States and we need to make sure that we have strong cooperation with all the relevant authorities at the national level." Stop Illegal Fishing Chairperson Elsa da Gloria Patria welcomed the publication, "FISH-i Africa and the VIGILANCE programme offer a great opportunity to clean up the illegal activity that is taking place in the fisheries sector. Our countries and our people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods and their development we need to make sure that our resources are protected and our blue economies get a chance to thrive." Details: Gaborone, Botswana: Stop Illegal Fishing, 2017. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 28, 2017 at: https://www.fish-i-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FISH-i_Africa_Our_future_WEB.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://www.fish-i-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FISH-i_Africa_Our_future_WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 147489 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Offenses Against the Environment Unregulated Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: Vigne, Lucy Title: The Ivory Trade of Laos: Now the Fastest Growing In the World Summary: Executive summary - From 2013 to 2016, Laos's retail ivory market has expanded more rapidly than in any other country surveyed recently. - Laos has not been conforming with CITES regulations that prohibit the import and export of ivory. Since joining CITES in 2004, only one ivory seizure into Laos has been reported to the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS). - Almost no arrests, let alone prosecutions and punishments, have been made of smugglers with ivory coming in or out of the country. - Most worked ivory for sale in Laos originates from elephants poached in Africa. - Ivory has also been entering Laos illegally from Thailand, as Thai traders have been offloading their ivory following the imposition of much stricter regulations there. - In late 2013 the average wholesale price of raw ivory sold by Lao traders peaked at about USD 2,000/kg. - By late 2016, the average wholesale price of raw ivory in Laos had declined to USD 714/kg, in line with prices elsewhere in the region. This price was much higher than in African countries, such as Sudan (Omdurman/Khartoum), where the average wholesale price of ivory was USD 279/kg in early 2017. This price differential is due to the extra expenses incurred in transport and bribes to government officials on the long journey to Asia. - In Laos, the decline in the wholesale price of raw ivory between 2013 and 2016, as elsewhere in the region, was mainly due to the slowdown in China's economy, that resulted in an oversupply of illegal ivory, relative to demand. - Ivory items seen for sale in Laos are carved or machine-processed in Vietnam by Vietnamese and smuggled into Laos for sale, or are processed by Chinese traders in Laos on new computerdriven machines. Ivory carving by Lao people is insignificant. - In Laos, the survey found 81 retail outlets with ivory on view for retail sale, 40 of which were in the capital, Vientiane, 21 in Luang Prabang, 8 in Kings Romans, 5 in Oudom Xay, 3 in Pakse, 2 in Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort and 2 in Luang Nam Tha. - The survey counted 13,248 ivory items on display for sale, nearly all recently made to suit Chinese tastes. Vientiane had 7,014 items for sale, Luang Prabang 4,807, Kings Romans 1,014, Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort 291, Oudom Xay 93, Luang Nam Tha 16, and Pakse 13. - Most outlets, displaying the majority of worked ivory, also sold souvenirs, Chinese herbal teas or jewellery, or were hotel gift shops. - Outlets were usually owned by traders from mainland China. The number of Chinese-owned shops had risen in Laos from none recorded in the early 2000s to several in 2013, including one main shop in Vientiane's Chinese market and two on the main tourist street of Luang Prabang. By 2016, there were 22 and 15 outlets, respectively, in these two areas, both of which are popular with Chinese visitors. By 2016, Chinese outlets with ivory had also sprung up in other locations, mainly those visited by the increasing number of Chinese. - In 2016, the most common ivory items for sale were pendants, followed by necklaces, bangles, beaded bracelets and other jewellery, similar to items for sale in 2013, but in far larger quantities. - The least expensive item was a thin ring for USD 3 and the most expensive was a pair of polished tusks for USD 25,000. - Retail prices for ivory items of similar type were higher than elsewhere in Kings Romans, which is visited primarily by wealthier Chinese visitors with money to spend. - Mainland Chinese buy over 80% of the ivory items in Laos today. There are sometimes buyers from South Korea and other Asian countries, according to vendors. - Laotians today generally buy amulets that are made of bone or synthetic material, rather than ivory items. - Virtually no mammoth ivory items were seen for sale. - Retail prices in Laos for worked ivory on display were considerably lower than in China, as most items in China at that time were in expensive licensed outlets incurring higher official paperwork costs. Lao prices for worked ivory were a little lower than in the cities of Vietnam as Lao shop owners have smaller overheads. - In the absence of effective law enforcement, vendors believe that sales of ivory items in their shops to Chinese consumers will continue to do well, in line with the anticipated increase in the number of Chinese in Laos and the projected expansion in Chinese investment. - Nearly all the items seen for sale today originate from illegally imported (post-1990) ivory. There is virtually no law enforcement so shops are able to display these items openly. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Save the Elephants, 2017. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 29, 2017 at: http://www.savetheelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-Vigne-Lao-Ivory-Report-web.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Laos URL: http://www.savetheelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-Vigne-Lao-Ivory-Report-web.pdf Shelf Number: 147501 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Smuggling Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Money Laundering Organized Crime Terrorist Financing Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife 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 Trade Ivory Sentencing Guidelines Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Stiles, Daniel Title: An Assessment of the Illegal Ivory Trade in Viet Nam Summary: Viet Nam acceded to CITES on 20 April 1994. A series of government laws and decrees prohibit the hunting of elephants and other listed wild species (Prime Minister's directive 134/TTg, 1960; Council of Minister's decree 39/CP, 1963) and the use, trade and transport of products derived from them (Ministry of Forestry decision number 276/QD, 1989; Council of Minister's decree 18/ HDBT, 1992; Prime Minister's directive 359/TTg, 1996; Government Decree No. 48/2002/ND-CP, 2002; Government Decree 82/2006/ND-CP, 2006). The elephant is classed in category IB, patterned after CITES Appendix I, which means there is a complete ban on all trade of the species' products. In July 2000 the Revised Criminal Code set out regulations for the prosecution of cases of illegal exploitation of rare and precious wild species, including elephants. Since 1999, TRAFFIC has been carrying out country surveys of trade in ivory, along with trade in live elephants in some cases. TRAFFIC carried out an investigation of Viet Nam's role in elephant and elephant product trade in 2000 (Anon., 2002). In 2008, TRAFFIC set out to compile existing and new information on the trade specifically in elephant ivory in Viet Nam in consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders. The following locations were surveyed between 4 April and 4 May, 2008: Ho Chi Minh City Vung Tau Phu Quoc island Ha Tien Nha Trang Hue Ha Noi Ha Long City The main findings of this survey were: - A total of 669 retail outlets were surveyed in the eight localities. Of these, 73 (11%) were selling ivory, totalling 2 444 items. - Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) had the most outlets (49) and ivory items (1 776) with Ha Noi second with 10 outlets and 407 pieces. Hue was a distant third with eight outlets selling a total of 141 items. - At least 17 craftsmen work ivory in Viet Nam in the places surveyed, with the highest number in and around Ha Noi, followed by HCMC and Hue. - Most of the raw ivory used in 2008 was said to originate in Laos, with small amounts coming from Viet Nam and Cambodia. Mammoth ivory from Russia is also used in small quantities. No African raw ivory was found. - Raw ivory prices were extremely high, possibly the highest in the world in 2008. Tusks weighing 1-3 kg sold for USD500-1 242/kg, with verbal reports of up to USD1 500/kg. Small, solid cut pieces and tusk tips weighing less than 1 kg were even more expensive, ranging from USD769/kg to USD1 863/kg. - The cause of the great ivory price rise seen in 2008 is continued demand for ivory from local and foreign consumers coupled with a restriction of supply. Seizures made in Viet Nam and elsewhere in recent years of African and Asian ivory suggest that most raw ivory supply is directed towards China. - Worked ivory prices were commensurately high. - The main buyers of ivory were visiting Chinese (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) and Thais, local Vietnamese, American-Vietnamese and Europeans, in that order. - The scale of the ivory market is smaller than in 1990, based on the number of craftsmen working ivory and the number of outlets selling ivory, but there are signs that demand is increasing. - African ivory was being illegally imported and used from the late 1990s to at least 2004. No evidence of African ivory being smuggled into Viet Nam was identified during the 2008 survey. The absence of African ivory imports is placing increased pressure on Asian elephants in Viet Nam and neighbouring countries to satisfy demand. - Fewer ivory items were seen in HCMC and Ha Noi shops in 2008 than in 2001, 2 182 compared to 3 039, but worked ivory is increasingly being sold directly to buyers through middlemen or on the Internet, bypassing retail outlets. - The average size and weight of worked ivory items is decreasing over time, with a higher proportion of <5 cm pieces seen in 2008 than in 2001. - Viet Nam has complied with recommendations in CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14) to control the ivory industry by enacting legislation that prohibits all possession and dealing in raw and worked ivory. A major loophole in enforcing this legislation is that retail outlets are allowed to sell ivory in stock at the time of the prohibition (1992). This allows some shopowners to restock illegally with recently made worked ivory. - Viet Nam has also fulfilled its obligations to the CITES Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme by setting up a monitoring site (Cat Tien National Park) and establishing the baseline data. - Viet Nam has unfortunately not implemented certain of the recommendations contained in CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14). Its reporting record to ETIS has been extremely erratic and incomplete and it has not established a nationwide procedure, particularly in retail outlets, informing tourists and other non-nationals that ivory is illegal to purchase and it is illegal for them to export ivory and import it into their home countries. - Overall assessment - The scale of the Viet Nam ivory market remains modest on a global scale. Although there were 28% fewer worked pieces seen for sale in HCMC and Ha Noi in 2008 than in 2001, the great increase in prices of raw and worked ivory, the larger number of outlets selling ivory, and the observed upsurge in activity of craftsmen working ivory between 2001 and 2008 all strongly suggest that demand for ivory is rising, though a restriction of supply between 2001 and 2008 also contributed to the price rise. Less ivory on the shelves of outlets may in fact be the result of increased sales coupled with decreased availability of raw material to enable replacement. A contributing factor to fewer pieces seen in shops could be the fact that more buyers order items directly from craftsmen through middlemen, or commission items on the Internet, so the ivory never enters a retail outlet. Viet Nam has not complied with some important recommendations of CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14) and there are weaknesses in national legislation that allow the continued trading in illegal ivory. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, 2008. 37p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 20, 2018 at: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/08_Assessment_illegal_ivory_trade_VietNam.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Vietnam URL: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/08_Assessment_illegal_ivory_trade_VietNam.pdf Shelf Number: 114838 Keywords: Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Kitade, Tomomi Title: Setting Suns: The Historical Decline of Ivory and Rhino Horn Markets in Japan Summary: Japan was formerly recognized as one of the world's largest end-use markets for wildlife products, particularly during the height of the national economic boom which lasted throughout the mid-1970s and 1980s. Wildlife products traded to Japan at the time were extensive and wide-ranging, and included everything from animal fur and leather for fashion, exotic animals for pets and zoos, to taxidermy specimens, raw materials for traditional medicine and other traditional manufacturing industries. Rhino horn and elephant ivory, arguably the two symbols of the current illegal wildlife trade crisis, were also traded to Japan in massive quantities until 1980 and 1989, respectively, when international trade bans were introduced pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). For a time Japan ranked as the world's largest consumer of both rhino horn and elephant ivory, but the market for these products declined significantly over the years, to a point where only a small fraction of the former domestic market remains significant today. This research sheds light on Japan's wildlife trade history as a case study on the contributing factors that helped reduce the market for rhino horn and elephant ivory. By conducting comprehensive research into these phenomena, this report aims to elucidate the circumstances and drivers for change, in the hope that it may provide useful understanding for the contemporary context in other Asian markets facing problems with wildlife trade. Additionally, this study critically reviewed the status of the current domestic market and regulations to amplify where Japan stands today in terms of the historical and global context and provides recommendations for addressing current issues in Japan, especially in light of severe contemporary global levels of illegal wildlife trade. Because of the holistic approach taken and the historical knowledge required for this study, information was collected and analysed from a wide range of sources. In terms of literature, sources in the Japanese language were especially utilized, including the database of National Diet records and national newspaper archives. Various data relating to trade, production, and socio-economic status, as well as records associated with regulatory schemes, were obtained from many sources including the Japanese government, domestic industry associations, and CITES-related databases (i.e. the CITES Trade Database and the Elephant Trade Information System). Furthermore, critical insights were gathered through a series of stakeholder/expert interviews, especially with industry members who were directly part of the process. Finally, an original consumer survey was conducted in 2014 to gain further understanding of consumer perspectives. Details: Tokyo: TRAFFIC, 2016. 98p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 22, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27206498/1471958568780/Setting-Suns.pdf?token=iK9lvHqwDHu3w2iwtGE8GQiz5pg%3D Year: 2016 Country: Japan URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27206498/1471958568780/Setting-Suns.pdf?token=iK9lvHqwDHu3w2iwtGE8GQiz5pg%3D Shelf Number: 148904 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Ivory Trade Rhino Wildlife Crime

Author: Heinrich, Sarah Title: The Global Trafficking of Pangolins: A comprehensive summary of seizures and trafficking routes from 2010-2015 Summary: Pangolins are currently the most heavily trafficked wild mammals in the world. Their meat is considered a delicacy, and has been attributed to have a medicinal/tonic value, their scales are used in traditional medicines, and pangolin skins are processed into leather products. All eight species are listed as threatened on The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. An estimated one million pangolins have been trafficked in the period 2000-2013, however, there is little understanding of the trafficking routes used to transport pangolins globally. In this report, the illegal pangolin trade from 2010-2015 was investigated, focusing on the global trade routes used to traffic pangolins and their derivatives. A total of 1270 seizure incidents were collated, which included at least 20 749 kg and an additional 7154 individual pangolin body parts, 55 251 kg and an additional 5613 individual pangolin scales, and 44 475 kg and an additional 46 760 individual whole pangolins. This excluded a total of 7.6% of all incidents where no quantitative information was available. A subset of these data (excluding domestic trade) was used to study international trafficking routes. An average of 33 countries and territories were involved in international pangolin trafficking per year. Notably, an average of 27 new trade routes were identified each year, highlighting that wildlife trafficking occurs through a highly mobile trade network with constantly shifting trade routes. The seizure incidents involved 67 countries and territories across six continents; demonstrating the global nature of pangolin trafficking, which is not limited to Asian and African range countries. China and the United States of America (US) were identified as the most common destinations for international pangolin trafficking during the six-year period. China was the main destination for large-quantity shipments of scales (here defined as shipments involving ≥1000 kg of scales) and whole animals (here defined as shipments involving ≥500 pangolins), while the US was the main destination for large-quantity shipments of body parts (here defined as shipments involving ≥100 body parts). Europe was identified as an important transit hub, mostly for African pangolins (and their parts and derivatives) being transported to Asia. Germany, France and Belgium were particularly prominent. An exception was the Netherlands, which was reported as a destination for large-quantity shipments of body parts and scales from China and Uganda respectively, as well as a common destination for shipments from China. However, most international trafficking of pangolins (and their parts and derivatives) occurred within Asia, both in terms of number of incidents and quantity. Of the top ten countries and territories involved in the most trafficking incidents, seven were in Asia, namely China, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Lao PDR, and Indonesia. The remaining three were the US, Nigeria, and Germany. Body parts (including a variety of raw derivatives or processed commodities, such as skins, trophies, leather products, and medicinals) were significantly more likely to be from an Asian pangolin species relative to other commodities in trade and species origins, but the transport mode for body part shipments was largely unreported. The analysis of large-quantity shipments indicated that 80% of the trade in body parts was from China and Viet Nam and destined almost exclusively for the US, with the exception of one case, where the Netherlands was the reported destination. Trafficking of scales was significantly more likely to be of African origin and to be transported by air, relative to other transport modes and origins. Analysis of large-quantity shipments involving scales indicated that 55% of these shipments were of African origin, namely from Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. The number of large-quantity shipments of scales, as well as the weight of such shipments, increased significantly through time, as did the number of incidents involving African pangolin species. China was the main destination for the large-quantity shipments of scales, but other destinations for these shipments were Hong Kong SAR, the Netherlands, and Viet Nam. Whole animals were significantly more likely to be transported by land, relative to the other transport modes and commodities, and large-quantity shipments involving whole animals were exclusively traded within Asia. Of these large-quantity shipments, Indonesia and Malaysia were the most common origin countries, although Malaysia was also identified as an important destination and transit country. Other destinations for large-quantity shipments of whole pangolins included China, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC. Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2017. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 25, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27779360/1513337200303/global-pangolin-assessment.pdf?token=QYTxsEfmbE42wuwYhxwmnr53YkY%3D Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27779360/1513337200303/global-pangolin-assessment.pdf?token=QYTxsEfmbE42wuwYhxwmnr53YkY%3D Shelf Number: 148924 Keywords: Illegal Trade Pangolins Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Ayari, Ines Title: The Human Cost of Conservation in Republic of Congo Summary: This report is based on investigations in Republic of Congo by our local civil society partners, mainly within six forest communities living in or on the periphery of Conkouati-Douli National Park (CDNP) and Nouabale-Ndoki National Park (NNNP). Both of these protected areas have largely been shaped by the intervention of the US-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The aim of our investigations was to understand the impact of the protected areas on those communities and the evolution of the relationships between them. If not conceived in a participatory manner, protected areas can dramatically affect communities' livelihoods and infringe upon their most basic rights; and may not even enhance biodiversity protection1. Although the Congolese legal framework offers some consideration of forest communities' land and resources rights, this report highlights outstanding issues which need be addressed in order to avoid further infringements of forest peoples' rights and foster an inclusive approach to conservation in the country. The main findings of the report are as follows: - Both protected areas have outdated management plans and inappropriate zoning, failing to include communities or to understand their land use dynamics. Local inhabitants generally aren't aware of the laws related to protected areas. When they are aware, there is confusion about which laws apply to them (such as in relation to the prohibition of species to be hunted) and about the geographical areas within which any laws may apply. Physical demarcation of park boundaries is neglected, which adds to the confusion. - Conservation-related restrictions prevent communities from accessing their traditional lands and resources, hampering villagers' subsistence activities - such as hunting and gathering - and affecting their social identities. Difficulties encountered by communities to readjust their livelihoods to the imposed restrictions are often overlooked or ignored by conservation programmes. Livelihoods are further compromised by wildlife-human conflict, which is amplified by conservation programmes and often disregarded by the authorities. No defensive measures can be taken by farmers - often women - who suffer material damage and sometimes face physical danger due to the presence of elephants in proximity to their fields. They have to carry the costs of protecting their cultivated lands and crops; and they often have no other choice than relocating or giving up on gathering and farming activities. - Economic displacement is a significant and detrimental issue, especially as it is almost never accompanied by adequate reparation of the damage and losses endured by local people. Despite some local employment related to anti-poaching monitoring and/or ecotourism and some housing improvements for certain villages (mostly in NNNP), the lack of economic benefits accruing to communities from conservation areas is stark. Existing benefit-sharing plans are often inefficient, leaky and non-transparent. Overall, flows of funding into the two national parks fail to compensate communities for the loss of livelihoods and rights. Such compensation could be done, for example, through the enhancement of basic infrastructure (schools, hospitals and decent transportation networks). The few attempts at 'economic alternative' measures have failed, particularly bushmeat substitution programmes, which neglect the cultural importance of wild game to forest communities and have not proven to decently and adequately provide dwellers with culturally-appropriate and affordable meat substitutes. - 'Consultation' processes - however poor - did take place in the initial phases of the two national parks' establishment, but were undertaken with only a limited number of concerned communities and often involved only a certain segment of each of them. Although inaugural steps in CDNP's creation seemed promisingly inclusive, the measures did not last. The intervention of WCS in the process undermined rather than enhanced a challenging but ongoing participatory process. - Indigenous hunter-gatherers appear to have suffered the biggest impacts related to conservation programmes taking place on their customary lands. They find themselves not only discriminated against by their Bantu neighbours and authorities, but they also carry the biggest burden of conservation-related restrictions and limitations. - Conservation actors tend to favour agreements with the private sector - including logging and mining interests - over constructive and strong partnerships with communities. This strategic approach to generate technical and financial support for protected areas' management and anti-poaching monitoring activities tends to increase communities' land tenure insecurity, as well as their sense of grievance towards park managers. - One of the most significant and detrimental consequences of imposed conservation models in the areas investigated are the tensions between communities and park management authorities - ultimately embodied by eco-guards - leading sometimes to serious conflicts. In some reported cases, these tensions have resulted in fatalities among villagers. Such conflicts are often the direct consequence of recurring abuses of power, intimidating and harassing behaviour (including physical violence), application of arbitrary sanctions, and unfair treatment of forest dwellers by eco-guards. This seriously problematic situation is exacerbated by a lack of access to justice for communities, as well as the impunity from which eco-guards often seem to benefit. The present report also stresses the current state of the Congolese legal framework, which is often incomplete and/or unenforced. Urgent measures need to be taken to ensure participatory management is developed and that it includes communities in projects affecting them. Legal loopholes need to be addressed, and the laws and rights of communities must be made clear and available to them. Based on the numerous observations and findings of this report, we propose a number of recommendations. These include the integration of indigenous peoples' and local communities' rights to lands, livelihoods, participation and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) into protected areas planning and management. In order for this to become a reality, a number of practical steps need to be taken: - The principles of participation and the obligation to satisfy local populations' needs within the frame of protected areas management does exist in Congolese law (Law No. 37-2008 on Wildlife and Protected Areas). It is crucial to build the conditions and define terms under which local communities and indigenous peoples are to be fully involved in the elaboration and implementation of protected area's management plans. It is of utmost importance that this is done through a participatory approach and by including obligations in terms of stakeholders' involvement in mapping and planning. In that sense, conservation organisations also need to make proactive efforts to ensure effective representation of local people in decision-making processes and strengthen partnerships with them. This entails that communities have access to adequate information about all current or future conservation measures, as well as information about park zoning and eco-guards' scope of intervention. - Ensuring the effectiveness and accessibility of mechanisms aimed at making individual and collective customary land recognition easier, as foreseen by law (Decrees No. 2006-255 and No. 2006-256 and Law No. 10 2004). - Ensuring the recognition of land rights prior to the creation of protected areas and the enactment of legislation to guarantee redress and compensation in cases of restricted rights to customary land and usage rights, such as for damage caused by wildlife to community assets, including in buffer zones. - The national land use plan - the elaboration of which is currently ongoing - needs to help prevent land allocations for different uses from overlapping; something that is all the more important with regards to customary lands. - Negotiations and agreements between conservation organisations and industrial interests need to include local communities from the outset; land use planning processes should be undertaken only with their full consent and in total transparency. - Communities' livelihoods are at stake and often threatened when protected areas are established without consideration for local populations' rights, traditions and socio-economic dynamics. While this issue is common to most protected areas across the country (including the two under investigation in this report), it could be addressed by taking several steps, such as: making benefitsharing schemes mandatory and effective, as per law; extending such schemes to peripheral zones and conservation areas under public-private partnerships; and designing culturally-appropriate development alternatives that promote and respect traditional knowledge and dynamics. 10 The Rainforest Foundation UK: The Human Cost of Conservation in Republic of Congo - December 2017 - The Congolese legal framework lacks a clear and adequate definition of usage rights in protected areas and their buffer zones, and this needs be addressed with full participation and consent of local and indigenous communities. These usage rights then need to be respected by external stakeholders. - The specific needs of indigenous communities have to be taken into consideration in conservation initiatives and measures. Indigenous communities' rights lag far behind despite the existence of Law No. 5-2011 on the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Indigenous Populations, which is considered as pioneering in the region but is not yet enforced. Measures need to be taken to ensure that indigenous peoples are consulted (via application of FPIC) prior to any project on their lands, including for conservation purposes, and that they are involved in land and resource management, according to the law. Conservation organisations and donors need to ensure indigenous people benefit equally from employment opportunities or alternative subsistence schemes and to consider them as equal stakeholders in discussions. - There is an urgent need for the country to respect its obligations with regards to international human rights standards, including in the context of nature conservation policies and programmes. This goes along with improving access to justice for communities and providing remedy for previous violations. Eco-guards should be held accountable for their repressive behaviour, and should be subject to effective sanctions. The government of Republic of Congo would gain from collaborating with national and local human rights organisations - including indigenous peoples' organisations - in the interest of both forest communities and conservation objectives. Conservation NGOs should proactively ensure that their projects do not undermine local rights, by integrating human rights in their plans, fostering participatory approaches, and giving more credit to (and promoting) local peoples' traditional knowledge and governance schemes. Special attention must be placed on indigenous peoples' special needs and situations, to avoid further discrimination and violations affecting them in particular. Institutional and private donors also have a role to play in a more proactive approach to this situation, such as through monitoring conservation projects' compliance with relevant laws and human rights standards. Donors can provide more specific support to both governments and conservation bodies for better application of human rights standards in conservation. They could also provide more support for community-based conservation programmes and make sure local communities benefit adequately from conservation initiatives. Above all, this requires a better understanding of customary land tenure, livelihoods and social dynamics Details: London: Rainforest Foundation UK, 2017. 108p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed January 31, 2018 at: http://www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/media.ashx/the-human-impact-of-conservation-republic-of-congo-2017-english.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Congo, Republic of the URL: http://www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/media.ashx/the-human-impact-of-conservation-republic-of-congo-2017-english.pdf Shelf Number: 148939 Keywords: Economics Forests Wildlife Conservation Wildlife 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 Poaching Illegal Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Reptiles Social Media Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Ondoua, Gervais Ondoua Title: An Assessment of Poaching and Wildlife Trafficking in the Garamba-Bili-Chinko Transboundary Landscape Summary: An assessment of poaching and wildlife trafficking in parts of southeast Central African Republic (CAR) and northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was carried out on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID's Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) seeks to understand better and address the poaching and trafficking of wildlife in the Garamba-Bili-Chinko landscape of CAR and DRC. This landscape includes the Garamba complex (Garamba National Park and three hunting reserves), the Bili complex (Bili-Uere and Bomu reserves) and the Chinko reserve, and is henceforth referred to as Garamba-Bili-Chinko or GBC. This remote and underdeveloped region is inhabited by agricultural communities and transhumant pastoralists, and lacks income generating opportunities, infrastructure and government services. It is characterized by weak governance and insecurity, the latter perpetuated by the activities of foreign armed groups, notably the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The objectives of this study were to present analyses of: 1) local communities living around the protected areas of the GBC landscape, 2) wildlife trafficking networks operating in the landscape, 3) the Mbororo pastoralists in the landscape, and 4) to make recommendations to USAID for interventions to reduce poaching and wildlife trafficking in this landscape Hunting and poaching were considered at three levels: a) small-scale legal hunting by local people, b) small-scale illegal hunting by relatively local individuals, and c) large-scale illegal hunting by armed non-State and State actors. The latter is organized poaching, and the subsequent trafficking of wildlife is often facilitated by political and administrative authorities as well as criminal networks. Wildlife is taken primarily from protected areas in the region, which are the Garamba complex (Garamba National Park, and Azande, Gangala-na-Bodio and Mondo-Missa hunting domains), the Bili complex (Bili-Uere Hunting Domain, Bomu Wildlife Reserve and Bomu Hunting Domain) and the Chinko Project Area. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2017. 152p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 1, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27772586/1512724398197/Garamba-Bili-Chinko.pdf?token=qmrlSf%2BtC8AJLMNcuKP6%2FN%2F8kBc%3D Year: 2017 Country: Afghanistan URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27772586/1512724398197/Garamba-Bili-Chinko.pdf?token=qmrlSf%2BtC8AJLMNcuKP6%2FN%2F8kBc%3D Shelf Number: 148959 Keywords: Animal Poaching Hunting Trafficking of Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

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 Poaching Elephants Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife 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 Crimes Illegal Wildlife Trade Illicit Financial Flows Tax Evasion Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Lau, Wilson Title: An assessment of South African dried abalone Haliotis midae consumption and trade in Hong Kong Summary: The report, "An assessment of South African dried abalone Haliotis midae consumption and trade in Hong Kong," produced by TRAFFIC as part of the USAID-funded Wildlife TRAPS Project, shows that South African abalone imports to Hong Kong have increased in recent years, despite severe restrictions on wild harvest. It estimates that of South African abalone imports to Hong Kong in 2015, 65% was illegally sourced and trafficked compared to the 35% that was legally wild-caught or produced through aquaculture operations. In the past decade, efforts to protect the legal abalone fishery have been undermined by international underground criminal networks. After South Africa took a number of regulatory measures in 2007 and 2008 to protect crashing abalone populations, the new report reveals that illicit trade routes shifted. Instead of mainly exporting poached abalone directly to Hong Kong, traffickers increasingly smuggled abalone to nearby African countries, such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe, before re-exporting the product. Between 2008-2015, 61% of South African abalone exports to Hong Kong came from African countries outside South Africa, a significant increase from the 36% that was exported from outside South Africa between 2000-2007. Aside from one small farm in Namibia, no other African country legally exports the marine mollusk. This highly profitable trade is managed by organised criminal syndicates that reach sellers and buyers in Hong Kong who may or may not realise their involvement is bankrolling illegal activities. Once poached abalone arrives in Hong Kong, under the current legislation, it can be openly traded and sold in markets alongside legally sourced abalone. The report shows that the majority of abalone traders, about 80%, are aware of some form of illegal activity surrounding South African abalone, but less than half of consumers had any knowledge of abalone poaching in South Africa. Current levels of abalone poaching have serious implications for the sustainability of the South African fishery, which in turn, could have rippling impacts on the market. One-third of all abalone imported by Hong Kong is of South African origin, and the report's findings indicate that the availability of this abalone, along with its quality and reasonable price (compared to other more expensive abalone varieties), helps boost South African abalone's popularity among consumers. Any reduction in South African abalone's availability could affect Hong Kong buyers' strong preference for the product-creating a strong incentive for legal producers to support measures that ensure the sustainability of supplies. To reduce the threat of poaching and trafficking, the report offers nine recommendations for governments, legal producers, conservation groups and the donor community to take action. They include listing and enforcing regulations for dried Haliotis midae trade under CITES, working with industry to support the trade in legally sourced South African abalone, and implementing methods for strengthening law enforcement, improving traceability, and raising public awareness about the species and illegal trade. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2018. 114p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 13, 2018 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2018/2/8/poached-abalone-from-south-africa-is-flowing-into-hong-kong.html Year: 2018 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2018/2/8/poached-abalone-from-south-africa-is-flowing-into-hong-kong.html Shelf Number: 149119 Keywords: Abalone Animal Poaching Environmental Crime Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Illegal Trade Organized Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Chng, Serene C.L. Title: Escalating Black Spotted Turtle Geoclemys Hamiltonii Trade in Asia: A Study of Seizures Summary: Illegal international trade of the Black Spotted Turtle in Asia has escalated over recent years and immediate action is required to stem the flow, a new TRAFFIC report has found. The attractive spotted visage of the Black Spotted Turtle Geoclemys hamiltonii may well be its downfall. The species is known to be traded for meat, medicine and pets, although TRAFFIC's research attributes the sudden rise in demand to the exotic pet trade. Over 1,960 animals were seized between January 2008 and March 2014. Of these, 95 per cent were confiscated in the final 15 months of that period. A seizure of another 230 turtles on May 14th underscored the seriousness of the threat. Royal Thai Customs officers in Suvarnabhumi International Airport found the turtles packed in unclaimed bags which had come in on a flight from Kolkata, India. Seizure information indicates that shipments of the turtles from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan transit through South-east Asian hubs such as Bangkok and are destined for East Asia, in particular Hong Kong. Most of the seizures are from passengers using commercial airlines concealing animals in their baggage. The majority of couriers caught were arrested but only two of the 22 cases recorded resulted in successful prosecutions. "Enforcement authorities' efforts to detect and apprehend smugglers are commendable, but a lack of follow-on investigations and prosecution is undoing their good work," said Dr Chris R Shepherd, Regional Director for TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia. The Black Spotted Turtle is protected under national laws in its range countries and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). All commercial international trade in this species is illegal. The report (PDF, 1.1 MB) recommends improving enforcement and prosecution through multilateral and multi-agency coordination. Timely and detailed reporting of seizures to the CITES Secretariat and in the media, together with the outcomes of successful prosecutions, are also urged. "Wildlife enforcement networks already exist in South and South-east Asia, but given the transnational operations of the criminal networks they are up against, the challenge is to ensure a fully co-ordinated global enforcement response to their activities is delivered," said Dr Yannick Kuehl, Regional Director for TRAFFIC in East and South Asia Next week, Viet Nam hosts the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network in Hanoi, at which Strategic Action Plan Development will be discussed, alongside the Special Investigations Group approach on key wildlife trafficking issues linking South-east Asia and other trading partners. "TRAFFIC hopes our targeted analysis of trafficking routes will assist the region's Wildlife Enforcement Networks in planning enforcement actions aimed at breaking the lines of supply and demand," said Shepherd. TRAFFIC's findings were released today, World Turtle Day, to highlight the plight of the Black Spotted Turtle and many other species of turtles worldwide, particularly those in Asia which are under threat mainly from habitat loss and over-exploitation for food, medicine and the exotic pet trade. "Turtle species are seriously threatened - nowhere more so than in Asia with 17 of the 25 most critically endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles on the IUCN Red List found in the region," said James Tallant, Senior Programme Officer - Species, IUCN Natural Resources Group, Asia. Details: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, 2014. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 20, 2018 at: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/5/23/alarming-rise-in-black-spotted-turtle-trade-across-asia.html Year: 2014 Country: Asia URL: http://www.traffic.org/home/2014/5/23/alarming-rise-in-black-spotted-turtle-trade-across-asia.html Shelf Number: 149537 Keywords: Endangered Species Illegal Trade Smuggling Turtles Wildlife Crime Wildlife Enforcement

Author: Lau, W. Title: Closing Strategy: Ending Ivory Trade in Hong Kong Summary: Elephant poaching and illegal ivory trade have increased considerably in the past decade. This has occurred despite international control measures through the listing of the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus and African Elephant Loxodonta africana in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricted the international commercial trade of ivory from 1990. It has resulted in calls for urgent deterrent actions that go beyond CITES requirements, including domestic measures to address the illegal trade. CITES is given effect in Hong Kong through the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) which controls the import, (re-)export and local trade of ivory. Hong Kong was once a prominent trading centre for ivory in the 1970s and 1980s, but the industry contracted considerably following the implementation of CITES trade restrictions in 1990, and waning demand from traditional overseas consumers. However, resurgence in international ivory trade activity in the past decade, both legal and illegal, have also reinvigorated Hong Kong's local ivory market. This has led many conservation advocates to campaign for a ban on ivory trade in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government's proposal to phase out local ivory trade, which was first announced in January 2016 and developed in June 2016, as well as additional enforcement and licensing measures, would be a significant commitment if passed through Hong Kong's Legislative Council, in line with ambitions in China, the USA and elsewhere to take drastic actions against illegal ivory. This report presents an assessment of commercial ivory trade in Hong Kong. Market surveys of ivory outlets were conducted during two periods-August and December 2015-with a rapid survey in November 2016 revisiting most of the same shops. These surveys occurred during a period when denouncements of the local ivory trade were at their most vocal, with new government measures and the possible cessation of local ivory trade bringing about significant uncertainties for local ivory traders. In this respect, this report captures the market conditions and sentiments at a critical moment in Hong Kong's ivory trading history. In addition, CITES trade data on import and re-export of preConvention ivory from Hong Kong between 2000 and 2015, as well as government seizure reports, were analysed to examine the extent to which Hong Kong plays the role of a trading hub for the international ivory trade, and discrepancies with local sentiments about the state of Hong Kong's ivory industry. Physical market surveys in the two main survey periods in 2015 found that while ivory is still readily available in Hong Kong, the vast majority of ivory retail outlets have to supplement their operations by selling a range of other goods, whether it is mammoth ivory, stone and timber carvings, other precious jewellery or antiques. Dealers generally spoke of a sluggish ivory market at the time of the surveys. When these ivory outlets were revisited in 2016, seven outlets appeared to have closed down for business, and two dealers spoke of plans to downsize by closing branch stores and to focus on the wholesale side of their ivory business. Overall, a consolidation of the market appears to be occurring. Larger specialist outlets were still making sales, but smaller outlets with a few ivory items displayed had fewer active transactions. Local ivory trade is controlled through a licensing system whereby premises have to be licensed before they can commercially trade in pre-ban ivory (pre-1990), and the licence must be displayed on their premises. Market surveys found that only 38% of outlets had licences displayed or had claimed to possess one. When questioned about whether ivory items can be taken out of Hong Kong, 36% of local ivory dealers were willing to sell ivory to buyers intending to depart from Hong Kong, encouraging the smuggling of small ivory items as personal effects without going through the due process of acquiring a CITES permit. 42% of traders accurately mentioned the need to have adequate CITES documentation with their purchase. Outlets that had licences displayed were only slightly less likely to suggest that smaller pieces of ivory might go unnoticed by enforcement authorities if taken across Hong Kong's borders. These findings present the shortcomings in the existing regulatory system, both in terms of compliance with existing regulations, as well as current perceptions of any law enforcement deterrent. According to CITES trade data, a considerable quantity of pre-Convention ivory has been imported into Hong Kong between 2010 and 2014, totalling 6,056 ivory pieces plus 4,554 kg. The majority of these imports were sourced from European countries. More than half of the ivory imported was raw ivory. Meanwhile, declared re-exports of pre-Convention ivory amounted to 323 ivory pieces plus 3,264 kg during the same period. Data from the CITES trade database show that raw ivory re-exports during this time were all destined for mainland China, indicating that the market in China is probably a driver for Hong Kong's raw ivory imports. It is puzzling, however, that part of the inflows of raw ivory into Hong Kong remained in the city, according to CITES data, even though there are no more ivory carving factories in Hong Kong and most carvers only operate on a part-time basis undertaking repair and bespoke work. The current proposal to phase out the local ivory trade, which as of the report's publication has still to be passed by the Hong Kong Legislative Council, will be a monumental step towards ending Hong Kong's once prominent role in the global ivory trade. However, a potential scenario that may develop even before a local trade ban is in place is that it could cause a surge in ivory trade out of Hong Kong. It is pertinent that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant that it does not lead to an increase of illegal trade activities. Several major ivory markets around the world have already imposed restrictions on the import of pre-Convention ivory, which would make Hong Kong's re-exports of ivory to those countries illegal, especially that of mainland China, which has had a blanket import ivory ban in place since 2016. Online ivory trade could be one method by which ivory dealers attempt to liquidate their stock, and much greater effort is required of Hong Kong's enforcement agencies to work with social media and e-commerce platforms to prevent illegal ivory transactions from taking place. Current plans to maintain an antique ivory trade, which would restrict trade to only a small pool of ivory items in Hong Kong, should also be monitored closely in future to prevent the laundering of non-antique ivory, or inadvertently encourage consumer demand for that ivory. The report recommends that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) take the following actions immediately to improve management of local ivory trade in Hong Kong while the trade is being phased out: - Assess the status, use and possible re-export of pre-Convention raw ivory that has been legally imported into Hong Kong in recent years, through follow up with licensed traders that had imported the items; - Ensure that aggregate figures and trends in Hong Kong's ivory stockpiles are published in the public domain not more than two months after year end, with a high degree of data resolution that includes quantities of raw/worked ivory, quantities by weight class, and types of ivory products; - Develop information circulars on recent legislative changes and domestic measures in key trading markets such as China, Europe and the USA, to make certain that licensed ivory dealers in Hong Kong are aware of the rapidly evolving changes to international and domestic trade measures, particularly new restrictions that are either now in place or being planned; - Require ivory traders to display an AFCD notice and poster in all licensed premises, and increase enforcement of this requirement so that potential customers have the means to identify lawful practices prior to the implementation of the proposed phase out plan; - Clarify with licensed ivory dealers the conditions for selling through online platforms. In addition, the Hong Kong SAR Government is encouraged to implement the following measures to tackle illegal ivory trade: - Following the example of China's implementation of its ivory ban, Hong Kong should hasten the local ivory trade phase out process, starting with the cessation of ivory possession licences being issued or renewed, in order to lessen the opportunity for laundering of illegal ivory from other markets into Hong Kong if a long grace period was provided; - Require regular monthly reporting of transactions by licensed ivory dealers to AFCD, which would enable ivory stock movements to be closely tracked; - Expand the current hologram system forlabelling registered ivory to allregistered stockpiles, for all commercial pre-ban ivory over 100 g, to minimise confusion about product legality for consumers; - Regulate the trade in antique ivory with a product marking and record keeping system so that future antique ivory trade can be managed and overseen by government authorities; - Review Hong Kong's stockpile management system for confiscated ivory, ensuring that there is a system in place for electronic record-keeping, safe storage and periodic audit of stockpiles. - Enhance co-operation of law enforcement agencies on wildlife crimes, including working with overseas counterparts and taking advantage of innovative communication and information sharing models that exist in other regions of the world, as well as local co-operation between AFCD, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department through joint operations and skills training; - Review maximum penalties for wildlife crimes to levels that reflect the seriousness of organized criminal involvement; - In line with the CITES Resolution on Demand Reduction (Resolution Conf. 17.4), develop supportive policies to encourage evidence-based strategies and campaigns targeting specific consumer groups to change behaviours about the consumption of ivory. Details: Hong Kong: Traffic, 2017. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 20, 2018 at: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/17_Closing_Strategy_HK.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/17_Closing_Strategy_HK.pdf Shelf Number: 149541 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Illegal Trade Ivory Ivory Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Morgan, John Title: Slow and Steady: The Global Footprint of Jakarta's Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Trade Summary: TRAFFIC has been monitoring the trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles in Jakarta's markets, exotic pet shops and at wild animal exhibitions (expos) for more than a decade. The two resulting TRAFFIC reports in 2007 and 2011 revealed that trade in Jakarta was widespread and that a large proportion consisted of illegal trade. Subsequently, TRAFFIC carried out additional surveys of tortoises and freshwater turtles in Jakarta in 2015. This four-month study, aimed to document the trade in Jakarta's markets and pet shops to re-assess the situation in terms of illegal and unsustainable trade. These data were compared to previous TRAFFIC surveys to assess fluctuations and trends over the past decade. During weekly visits to seven locations (comprising three pet stores, two animal markets and two tropical fish markets), and single visits to three reptile expos, all known to be dealing in reptiles, a total of 4985 individuals of 65 different species of tortoise and freshwater turtles were recorded. As time spent in the shops was limited to avoid arousing suspicion, the identification of individual tortoise and freshwater turtle specimens over the survey period was not possible, and therefore the total number of individuals on sale could potentially be an overestimate. Nevertheless, numbers of individuals provided for any given week and the total number of species identified are accurate. Numbers of tortoises and freshwater turtles observed per week ranged from 92 to 983, with a mean of 383 individuals. Only 15 of the species observed were native to Indonesia, of which three were nationally protected. Non-native species made up 7% of individuals on sale, with species originating from Africa (6 species), Asia (), Europe (4), Madagascar (3), North America (16) and South America (7). Almost half (32 of 65) of the species observed on sale were categorized in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as being threatened with extinction. Nine species recorded (one of which was native) are currently listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, where commercial international trade is prohibited, meaning at least eight of these species were likely to have been illegally imported. A further 27 species were listed in Appendix II and five in Appendix III. With 41 CITES-listed species observed during the surveys, 10 of which were native species and therefore may not appear in the United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) CITES Trade database because records there are restricted to international trade transactions, and ten of which do appear in the database, 21 species (involving 1758 animals) still remain unaccounted for, suggesting they were brought into the country through illegal means. However, as the UNEP-WCMC database requires a minimum of two years to be updated it is possible that the records are still incomplete. A retrospective analysis of discrepancies between CITES trade records and trade observations from the two previous TRAFFIC surveys in 2004 and 2010, reveal that at least 15 of these CITES-listed nonnative species, involving a minimum of 727 animals, are suspected to have been imported illegally. The findings from the 2015 survey show that more species were found on sale than in the previous two TRAFFIC surveys, as well as more non-native, CITES-listed and threatened species. Numbers of native Indonesian species, both protected and non-protected, have stayed fairly constant since the 2010 survey (14 in 2010 and 15 in 2015). While this does not directly indicate larger volumes of species are being traded compared to previous years, the fact that more species were on display reveals either a change in preference among buyers for more novel species or better trade connections between Indonesian traders and a wider variety of suppliers worldwide. Clearly, efforts to curb the unsustainable and at traders and a wider variety of suppliers worldwide. Clearly, efforts to curb the unsustainable and at times illegal trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles are either insufficient or ineffective. The high number of non-native species offered for sale is facilitated by a long-standing legislative problem in Indonesia, namely, Indonesian law does not regulate domestic trade in any non-native species, including those listed by CITES, once they have crossed the Custom's boundary into Indonesian territory. This legal loophole hampers any law enforcement to counter illegal trade in these non-native species. Furthermore, existing laws covering native protected species are seldom enforced effectively, and traders are rarely prosecuted to the full extent possible under the law: thus illegal trade continues largely uninhibited given the lack of regulation and deterrence. The conservation of many tortoise and freshwater turtle species recorded in these surveys depends in part on the effectiveness of Indonesia's approach to tackling trafficking and market availability; this applies equally to native and non-native species. Details: Southeast Asia Regional Office, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, 2018. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 2, 2018 at: https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27865373/1521988425807/Jakartas-Tortoise-and-Freshwater-turtle-trade-web.pdf?token=pcanRKCjUQWp67U%2FakdZK5EB%2BzA%3D Year: 2018 Country: Indonesia URL: https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27865373/1521988425807/Jakartas-Tortoise-and-Freshwater-turtle-trade-web.pdf?token=pcanRKCjUQWp67U%2FakdZK5EB%2BzA%3D Shelf Number: 149654 Keywords: Endangered Species Tortoises Trafficking in Wildlife Turtles Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Perotti, Victoria Title: Imagining the Future of Crime and Politics Summary: Organized crime networks dedicated to illicit trafficking of drugs, people and wildlife-as well as money laundering and cybercrime, among other activities-are engines of instability. From Latin America to West Africa, from West Asia to Eastern Europe, and from Central Africa to Southern Europe, these networks engage in corruption to advance their interests, depriving the state of precious resources needed to build resilient institutions (OECD 2014). Corruption is channeled through multiple avenues, including by pouring illicit money into political institutions and actors (Villaveces-Izquierdo and Uribe Burcher 2013; Briscoe, Perdomo and Uribe Burcher 2014; Perdomo and Uribe Burcher 2016). The world is experiencing several parallel trends-including increased violent conflict, democratic backsliding and technological advancements-that affect these corrupt dynamics. Given that conflict and weak governance typically create a fertile environment for organized crime to engage in public sector corruption (Lupsha 1996; Cockayne and Pfister 2008: 18; Kupferschmidt 2009), and since technology may facilitate or hinder criminal behaviour (Baker 2014), these trends will presumably have a pivotal impact on the fight against organized crime and political corruption. On 4 May 2017, International IDEA hosted the workshop 'Political corruption and organized crime: Drivers, effects and responses' at the 2017 Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development, organized by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI 2017). The workshop aimed to discuss potential future trends regarding corruption linked to organized crime and strategic policy responses. It gathered scholars and practitioners in anticorruption, international crime prevention and peacebuilding in a common dialogue. This Discussion Paper was initially drafted as a scenario-building exercise to inform the workshop and was further developed with the input of its participants. Scenario building is an analytical method that encourages prospective thinking within a thematic field to identify new strategic policy alternatives (Conway 2006). Specifically, the scenarios consist of an illustration of possible futures. As such, they are not intended to predict the future (European Commission 2007). The methodology tends to be qualitative and engages a group of people in a simulation process. By developing a future narrative that takes existing interconnected trends to the extreme, participants can challenge assumptions and expand their perceptions of options available, ultimately engaging in strategic conversations. This Discussion Paper and the adapted scenario-building exercise on which it is based were therefore developed from the perspective of a fictitious criminal network. Its hypothetical activity focus is diverse and, depending on the opportunities, it could hypothetically venture to any existing and new illicit activities. Its structure is flexible as well; as such, it can potentially adapt to new markets. Section 1 illustrates some of the key geopolitical trends and drivers in governance, peace and technology that may affect corruption dynamics in relation to organized crime in the coming 10 years. Written from the perspective of a fictitious criminal network, it depicts a scenario where conflict, democratic decline and new technologies exacerbate the negative impact of organized crime on the state. By describing an imaginary future, it includes the most relevant concerns for practitioners within the field. Section 2 briefly presents current policy options for tackling organized crime and political corruption, and outlines recommendations for future policy adjustments that may contribute to the improvement of crime and corruption prevention and mitigation. The main argument of this Discussion Paper is that the policies that seek to address corruption and organized crime should be brought closer together in the promotion of global peace and stability. Details: Stockholm: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2018. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: International IDEA Discussion Paper 2/2018: Accessed April 3, 2018 at: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/imagining-the-future-of-crime-and-politics.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/imagining-the-future-of-crime-and-politics.pdf Shelf Number: 149660 Keywords: Criminal Networks Drug Trafficking Organized Crime Political Corruption Wildlife Crime

Author: Steinberg, Jonny Title: The illicit abalone trade in South Africa Summary: In the first 20 years following the introduction of a quota on abalone harvesting in 1970, poaching existed but was contained. This changed dramatically in the early 1990s. Within a couple of years, the illicit perlemoen trade had become a highly organised, multimillion-dollar industry, controlled by street gangs on the shoreline and by transnational enterprises on the trade routes to East Asia. As a result of this binge of illegal harvesting, South Africa's stock of wild perlemoen today stands on the brink of extinction. This paper explores why the illicit abalone trade took off so dramatically in the 1990s and chronicles the attempts of various enforcement agencies to contain it. We evaluate which measures may have worked, which may still work, and which were doomed from the start. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 2005. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: ISS Paper 105: Accessed April 4, 2018 at: https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/105.PDF Year: 2005 Country: South Africa URL: https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/105.PDF Shelf Number: 106991 Keywords: Abalone Animal Poaching Environmental Crimes Gangs Illicit Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Bronkhorst, Kevin R. van Title: Waging War for Wildlife: Green Militarization in Sub-Saharan Anti-Poaching Strategies Summary: Poaching as a criminal act has existed since the beginnings of landownership. During the 17th and 18th centuries, poaching was committed as an act of desperation by starving peasantry and even became a venerated facet of the civil disobedience depicted in early English ballads (Gregory, 2010: 53,338). An inability to curb the act of poaching in Britain led to the erection of many statutes, laws and regulations. The Waltham Black Act of 1723 made illegal hunting a capital crime, and spurred several small-scale conflicts resulting in the deaths of gamekeepers and many more poachers (Moore & Banham, 2014). Though bloody clashes occurred, the act of counter-poaching was strictly a matter of policing, and those captured would be prosecuted and imprisoned or hanged (Kirby, 1933:242). At this point in history, hunting was reserved for the upper echelons of society and the motivation for illegal hunting was traditionally borne out of necessity. The later international commodification of rare pelts, horns, tusks and furs generated a new breed of poacher, and those seeking to preserve heritage, maintain sovereignty, and conserve endangered species have found themselves at the forefront of a steadily escalating conflict. Legislation and conservation efforts in the United States in the 19th century saw the policing of poaching escalate into armed conflict reaching an apex in 1891, when Canadian poachers caused the near extinction of seals near the Aleutian Islands (Ellsworth, 1974:14). At the behest of the U.S. Naturalist society, President William Henry Harrison commanded naval and marine intervention in an incident known as The Bering Sea Anti-Poaching Operations (15). This event marked the first instance of the utilization of military forces to ensure the preservation of an endangered species. The incredibly lucrative nature of the exotic animal market had effectively raised the stakes for both poacher and park ranger, leading to an all-out arms race on both sides of the fence. Today in many regions of Africa, this same violence has reached a fever pitch. The Garamba National Park (GNP) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one such example, having become the scene of increasing violence as a result of highly-organized and heavily-armed gangs of poachers. Over 78 elephants were killed in a two-month period in 2014, several of which poachers gunned down by helicopter with marksman precision (Christy, 2014). Tusks, tails, brains and genitals were removed using chainsaws, and the rest of the carcasses were abandoned, dispelling ideas of subsistence poaching (FFI, 2014). Park rangers reported being overwhelmed in organized assaults with fully automatic weaponry and fragmentation grenades. In June 2015, three rangers were killed in an ambush while attempting to track poachers (African Parks, 2015). A few months later, GNP rangers suffered four more fatalities while attempting to intercept a gang of poachers. The rescue helicopter dispatched to evacuate the remaining rangers took heavy fire and was nearly shot down in the process (Walley, 2015). High ivory demand has created an illicit market where opportunity to gain from poaching is higher than ever, and as a result, counter-poaching has become even more deadly (Christy, 2015). Today, GNP rangers report military style engagements with members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), South Sudanese rebel gangs, and even Congolese military deserters (Walley, 2015). Combined, these gangs of commercial poachers have become a lethal and overwhelming threat not only to the park rangers and wildlife of GNP, but to the security of the entire region. Escalating violence and rapidly declining elephant populations have raised alarms throughout the international community. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), European Union (EU), USAID and countless other bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental organizations and institutions contribute to the anti-poaching cause by donating millions of dollars worth of tools and equipment, and providing military training for park rangers (NGOPulse, 2015). Still, despite all funding and efforts, the rate of poaching in many countries has only accelerated. For several organizations, provided aid functions more as a desperate attempt to 'do something' rather than as part of a coherent policy strategy (Duffy, 1999:106). Other organizations look to technology for solutions. Google, in conjunction with the WWF, has invested millions of dollars in search of high tech solutions (Boyle, 2012), which some refer to as the quest for a 'silver bullet' (IAPF, 2015). While some technology has shown limited promise (i.e. Hart, et al. 2015), the most effective counter-poaching efforts are often low-tech, involving tedious patrols, long hours, good field-craft, and exceptional discipline (Henk, 2007). As one experienced ranger put it: "nothing beats a real dog" (Wall, 2014). Rapid militarization and ever dwindling populations of endangered species in many regions have driven conflict to a military scale. To the international community, poachers threaten beloved megafauna (large mammals); an increasingly scarce natural resource (Padgett, 1995). To those living in the DRC however, poachers threaten the sovereignty, economic prosperity and future of the nation (DRC, 2015). The proliferation of cheap military grade hardware and ammunition has allowed ringleaders to furnish and deploy large commercial poaching gangs willing to engage in combat with park rangers. The use of militarized forces for conservation is referred to by Elizabeth Lunstrum (2014) as green militarization. The concept of green militarization forms the foundation of this thesis, exploring the link between militarized responses and counter-poaching effectiveness. By researching the training, tactics, and technology of counter-poaching units across six Sub-Saharan nations, it is possible to determine which aspects of militarization have been successful, and whether increased green militarization is a potential solution to the problem of poaching. Details: Leiden, NETH: Leiden University, 2016. 114p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed April 11, 2018 at: https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/handle/1887/53648 Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/handle/1887/53648 Shelf Number: 149624 Keywords: Animal Poaching Endangered Species Environmental Crime Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Rossi, Alessandra Title: Uganda Wildlife Trafficking Assessment Summary: The report, "Uganda Wildlife Trafficking Assessment," produced by TRAFFIC as part of the USAID-funded Wildlife TRAPS Project, provides a comprehensive look at Uganda's illegal and legal wildlife trade, poaching trends, and wildlife trafficking routes over the last 10-15 years. Uganda is home to a spectacularly diverse array of wildlife, housing more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, 50% of Africa's bird species, almost 40% of Africa's mammal species, and 19% of Africa's amphibian species. "Uganda's incredible biological diversity is one of the world's great treasures, and the rightful heritage of all Ugandans," says Mark Meassick, Mission Director of the USAID Mission to Uganda. "Successfully managing wildlife conservation is not only fundamental to achieving Uganda's sustainable development goals, it is our collective responsibility to future generations." Despite serving as a trafficking hub, the majority of Uganda's wildlife does not face major threats from organized poaching inside the country's borders. Elephant poaching is less of a concern in Uganda as compared to ivory trafficking, although some poaching episodes are still registered by the authorities. In fact, Uganda's elephant population has increased slightly in recent years. Terrestrial smuggling routes exist between Uganda and neighbors Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and extend to at least the Central African Republic. The main international destinations for wildlife products being smuggled from Uganda are China and Viet Nam. "Uganda relies on its wildlife and natural resources to support its economy, growth and development through tourism. Wildlife conservation and sustainable use are therefore paramount for the country's global development objectives," says TRAFFIC's Alessandra Rossi, author of the assessment. The report also provides an overview of the main bird, reptile and mammal species in Uganda that are legally and illegally traded. Birds: Uganda has seen a decrease in the legal bird trade since 2006, which can be attributed to a number of factors including habitat degradation and stricter protection measures put in place and enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The most targeted species for illicit trade taking place in Uganda are the Grey Crowned-crane (the national bird of Uganda) and the Shoebill. Reptiles: Reptiles were traded mainly between 2000 and 2005, with a prevalence of trade in chameleon species, followed by the Leopard Tortoise. Trade declined between 2005 and 2009 for most reptile species before resuming slowly from 2009 to 2014. Overall, though, the reptile trade is in decline, due to dwindling wild populations and a change in UWA's management strategy to promote trade in captive bred species. The illegal trade in reptiles often runs alongside the legal trade, largely due to the difficulty in identifying reptile shipments. Mammals: Hippopotamus teeth are heavily traded between Uganda and Hong Kong. Despite a ban in 2014 to protect declining hippopotamus populations, this trade has continued illegally in Uganda. Poaching of mammals in Uganda is practiced mainly for meat and due to human-wildlife conflict, with the exception of pangolins, which have been heavily targeted for poaching and trafficking in the country. Between 2012-2016, over 1,400 pangolins were seized in Uganda. To reduce the threat of poaching and trafficking in Uganda, the report offers recommendations for governments, conservation groups and the donor community to take action. They include suggestions for strengthening law enforcement and managing ivory stocks, as well as wildlife seizure and trade information, increasing regional collaboration, and working with communities to raise awareness around wildlife conservation issues. FOR MORE INFORMATION: View the full report Photos for media use Report Citation: Rossi, A. (2018). Uganda Wildlife Trafficking Assessment. TRAFFIC International, Cambridge, United Kingdom. About IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. About Wildlife TRAPS The USAID-funded Wildlife Trafficking, Response, Assessment and Priority Setting (Wildlife TRAPS) Project is an initiative that is designed to secure a transformation in the level of co-operation between an international community of stakeholders who are impacted by illegal wildlife trade between Africa and Asia. The project is designed to increase understanding of the true character and scale of the response required, to set priorities, identify intervention points, and test non-traditional approaches with project partners. About USAID The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for the majority of overseas development assistance from the United States Government and leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people on their journey to self-reliance. About UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a semi-autonomous government agency that conserves and manages Uganda's wildlife for the people of Uganda and the whole world. This agency was established in 1996 after the merger of the Uganda National Parks and the Game Department, and the enactment of the Uganda Wildlife Statute, which became an Act in 2000. UWA is mandated to ensure sustainable management of wildlife resources and supervise wildlife activities in Uganda both within and outside the protected areas. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC International, 2018. 124p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 16, 2018 at: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27882787/1523867065007/Uganda+Wildlife+Assessment_FINAL.pdf?token=JL3Pc0bxP725CIqZ38NV%2FBfUG0s%3D Year: 2018 Country: Uganda URL: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/157301/27882787/1523867065007/Uganda+Wildlife+Assessment_FINAL.pdf?token=JL3Pc0bxP725CIqZ38NV%2FBfUG0s%3D Shelf Number: 149798 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Wildlife Trading Ivory Smuggling Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Anderson, Angela J. Title: Modern Intelligence Measures to Combat Animal Poaching: A Conservation & Counterterrorism Strategy Summary: This thesis explores nuanced intelligence techniques and technologies currently implemented by analysts, rangers, anti-poaching units, and governments to combat the growing problem of animal poaching. It explores how these new intelligence methods can be incorporated into anti-poaching operations and in what environments they are most effective. The study finds that terrain, cultural factors, and specific, customizable, anti-poaching intelligence techniques play a large role in terms of devising the best possible intelligence strategy to combat animal poaching. The study views these possible solutions through the lens of the INT's including HUMINT, SIGINT, MASINT, IMINT, GEOINT, and OSINT. It further highlights terrorist groups' increasing use of poaching to fund their operations. This thesis takes a case study methodological approach in order to describe a wide variety of cases in various national parks, reserves, conservatories, anti-poaching organizations, and countries across the African continent. Due to a lack of data and only recent implementation of these methods, this approach provided the best possible means to display and analyze the current available data applicable to intelligence in anti-poaching operations. Details: Erie, PA: Mercyhurst University, 2014. 108p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed April 19, 2018 at: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/799478-anderson-thesis-final.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/799478-anderson-thesis-final.pdf Shelf Number: 149859 Keywords: Animal Poaching Terrorists Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Crime Cybercrime Illegal Wildlife Trade Internet Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: International Fund for Animal Welfare Title: Ivory Seizures in Europe: 2006-2015 Summary: The biggest threat to elephants today is poaching. Indeed, the African elephant population declined by more than 50% between 1979 and 1989, mainly due to poaching to supply the international ivory trade. Practically all ivory for sale in the world has come at the cost of an elephant's life. There have been some strong political moves in recent years with China and the US introducing domestic ivory bans, as people recognise that the existence of legal markets around the world provides a cover for illegal ivory to be traded. Each year more than 20,000 elephants are being slaughtered because of consumer demand and ivory traders creating a desire to own ivory products. It is virtually impossible to fully calculate the scale of this illegal ivory market. This report seeks to investigate the quantities of seized, illegal ivory that have been reported across the European Union (EU) and to use this data to gain a better understanding of the role the EU plays in enabling the continuation of this trade as a consumer, exporter and transit point for the illegal ivory trade. The international ivory trade has been banned by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1989. Yet, the CITES agreement did not cover the sale of ivory obtained before that date. Moreover, CITES data indicates that illicit trade in ivory has tripled since 1998, leading to a 'serious conservation crisis'. As a new party to CITES since July 2015, the EU has a decisive role to play in controlling its internal ivory market as well as its international imports and exports. This IFAW research indicates that the EU plays a significant role in the global ivory trade. Between 2011 and 2014, member states detailed seizures of around 4,500 ivory items reported as specimens and an additional 780 kilograms as classified by weight. EU countries are key transit points for illegal ivory, either exported to other countries or kept within Europe, under the guise of ivory items acquired legally or as reported antiques, with some items being stained to appear as antiques. By exporting ivory items which are antique and legal to South-East Asian markets, European countries are fuelling the demand for ivory and helping to create a desire to own it. Between 2003 and 2014, 92% of EU exports of preConvention tusks went to China or Hong Kong. Six of the EU member states (Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands and Portugal) stated definitively that they have observed an increase in the number of re-export certificate applications over the past few years. Yet several other countries either made no applications for the re-export of ivory in recent years or the numbers of applications received/certificates issued were so small that it was impossible to discern any significant trends (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Sweden and Slovakia). This report looks at each European country in turn, where data is available, highlighting key cases of ivory seizures as well as the largest volume of ivory seized by the authorities. Finally, the report puts forward a number of key recommendations for the EU. There is an urgent need for a common method of recording ivory seizures, and an EU-wide standardised monitoring system of the ivory trade. As countries already have to report to CITES authorities through the CITES Biennial Reports, not all seizures are made publicly available, which has hindered our data collection for this report. There needs to be a greater level of transparency and the EU needs to make ivory seizure data publicly available in a report every year, recorded in a consistent manner to compare country data across the EU. We hope this research will encourage a full European-wide ban and that individual countries, such as France and the UK, will lead within Europe to introduce the strongest legislation, which will send a powerful political message across the world. It is only by closing down the ivory markets once and for all, and removing consumer demand and desire for ivory products, that we will have any chance to save the remaining elephant populations and ultimately protect this iconic species from extinction. Details: London: IFAW, 2017. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed April 20, 2018 at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/ifaw_ivory_seizures_europe_proof_4.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ifaw-pantheon/sites/default/files/legacy/ifaw_ivory_seizures_europe_proof_4.pdf Shelf Number: 149866 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Wildlife Crime

Author: Shaver, Amanda Title: Casting a Wider Net: The Security Implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Summary: The world's fisheries are on the brink of collapse. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) estimates nearly 90 percent are fully exploited or overexploited and depleted, while demand for seafood continues to increase. Faced with this reality, fishing fleets are scavenging the globe to meet the growing demand, and in the process often engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These pervasive operations do not just pose a threat to the environment, but also a significant threat to national, regional, and global security. This report details those threats, which are the: 1 Threat to ecological security 2 Threat to economic security 3 Threat to food security 4 Threat to geopolitical stability 5 Threat of maritime piracy 6 Threat of transnational organized crime The perpetrators of IUU fishing are not just the local fisherman catching a bit more than his quota allows, but include a range of offenders: from foreign vessels fishing illegally in another nation's sovereign waters to criminal networks that participate in a variety of illicit activities, including trafficking in drugs, arms, and humans, as well as utilizing shell companies to launder money and slaves to carry out their operations. For these reasons and many others explored within this report, IUU fishing poses a risk to national security and addressing it will require more effort and focus than can be addressed by the conservation community and natural resource management agencies alone. These threats necessitate countries across the world, and particularly the United States, to develop a whole-of-government strategy to combat IUU fishing. This integrated approach involves tapping into the expertise of agencies across government, including those with knowledge spanning from natural resource management, development, trade and finance, to intelligence gathering and law enforcement, as well as the wide community of stakeholders interested in combating IUU fishing. Casting a Wider Net: The Security Implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing, argues that IUU fishing is a threat to national security due to its multivariate impacts on individuals, communities, economies, institutions, and governments. It sets out a series of recommendations that articulate a whole-of-government strategy that the U.S. government and other foreign partners can utilize to curb the impacts of IUU fishing, which are to: - Create a whole-of-government approach - Increase engagement of Combatant Commands (COCOMS) - Expand shiprider agreements between the U.S. and foreign countries - Encourage countries to ratify, implement, and enforce the Port State Measures Agreement - Dedicate resources to increase monitoring and enforcement capacities - Advocate for comprehensive foreign domestic fisheries regulations and catch reporting requirements - Encourage greater transparency of the fishing industry Details: Washington, DC: Stimson Center, 2018. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 10, 2018 at: https://www.stimson.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Casting%20a%20Wider%20Net%20Report.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.stimson.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Casting%20a%20Wider%20Net%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 150135 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Maritime Crime Offenses Against the Environment Unregulated Fishing Wildlife Crime

Author: U.S. Government Accountability Office Title: Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Use of Financial Rewards Summary: Why GAO Did This Study Wildlife trafficking-the poaching and illegal trade of plants, fish, and wildlife-is a multibillion-dollar, global criminal activity that imperils thousands of species. FWS and NOAA enforce laws prohibiting wildlife trafficking that authorize the agencies to pay financial rewards for information about such illegal activities. GAO was asked to review FWS's and NOAA's use of financial rewards to combat wildlife trafficking. This report examines (1) laws that authorize FWS and NOAA to pay rewards for information on wildlife trafficking and the extent to which the agencies paid such rewards from fiscal years 2007 through 2017, (2) the agencies' reward policies, (3) information available to the public on rewards, and (4) the extent to which the agencies reviewed the effectiveness of their use of rewards. GAO reviewed laws, examined FWS and NOAA policies and public communications on rewards, analyzed agency reward data for fiscal years 2007 through 2017 and assessed their reliability, interviewed FWS and NOAA officials, and compared agency policies and public communications on rewards to federal internal control standards. What GAO Recommends GAO is making seven recommendations, including that FWS and NOAA track reward information, FWS augment its reward policy to specify factors for agents to consider when developing proposed reward amounts, FWS and NOAA develop plans to communicate more reward information to the public, and FWS and NOAA review the effectiveness of their reward use. Both agencies concurred with these recommendations. Details: Washington, DC: GAO, 2018. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: GAO-18-279, Accessed May 14, 2018 at: https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/691401.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/691401.pdf Shelf Number: 150176 Keywords: Illegal Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Poaching Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Jayanathan, Shamini Title: Stopping poaching and wildlife trafficking through strengthened laws and improved application: Phase 1: An analysis of Criminal Justice Interventions across African Range States and Proposals for Action Summary: This report sets out the findings of Phase 1 of a project to further Sustainable Development Goal 15 and in particular, 15.7 "Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products" The project supports the Elephant Protection Initiative's (EPI) primary objective to enable full and timely implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP). It is focused on the AEAP's Priority Objective 1: REDUCE ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS AND ILLEGAL TRADE IN ELEPHANT PRODUCTS and its key strategies: Harmonize national policies and laws relevant to conservation and management of African elephants within and across range States where possible. Strengthen the laws relevant to conservation and management of African elephants. Strengthen the enforcement of laws relevant to conservation and management of African elephants. The project focuses on the passage of wildlife crime along the 'criminal justice pathway': beginning with the legislative framework for prosecuting wildlife crime; turning to the investigator to prosecution 'handover'; prosecution capability, judicial handling of such cases at trial, sentencing and mutual legal assistance (MLA). It does not consider intelligence handling initiatives, policing per se or frontline protection projects. This report aims to: present a snapshot of the status of the criminal justice pathway; and past, current and planned interventions by various stakeholders including government and non-government organisations and development partners; and propose a scope of work for Phase 2: identifying existing and new cross-cutting tools and initiatives, including best practice laws and standard operating procedures, that are of general application across jurisdictions; cross-overs and opportunities for better partnerships and collaborations; and some country-specific observations and recommendations for action within the context of global, regional and national strategies (where they exist). The aim of Phase 2 will be to enable more effective government and non-government collaborations to deliver change in the criminal justice pathway, measurable by increased rates of conviction and stronger deterrent penalties. Details: Stop Ivory and the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) Group , 2016. 79p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed May 30, 2018 at: http://www.internationalconservation.org/publications/ICCF_StopIvory_Report.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Africa URL: http://www.internationalconservation.org/publications/ICCF_StopIvory_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 150379 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Aucoin, Ciara Title: Tackling supply and demand in the rhino horn trade Summary: The majority of responses to the growing illegal trade in rhino horn aim to curb supply through frontline enforcement and security in parks and reserves in Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. They include recent advances in legalising the trade. Far less effort has been made to involve local communities in anti-poaching efforts or reduce the appetite for rhino horn in East Asia. This policy brief reviews available information on supply and demand in rhino horn markets, analysing the main responses and their impacts. It advocates greater policy coherence in supply-side measures and more regional and international cooperation in demand-side campaigns. Key points - Responses to the illicit trade in rhino horn have mainly focused on the supply side. The burden of implementing security measures cannot only fall on the under-resourced departments responsible for maintaining national parks. - Improving the protection of rhinos is necessary, but not sufficient. Community-led activities that are well coordinated and funded are needed to ensure local people become key stakeholders in rhino conservation. - Policy focus on curbing the demand for rhino horn must be increased to balance supply-side policy interventions. This requires more support and resources for research and public awareness campaigns in demand countries. Details: Pretoria: ENACT Project, 2018. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 5, 2018 at: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2018_03_28_PolicyBrief_Wildlife.pdf Year: 2018 Country: South Africa URL: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2018_03_28_PolicyBrief_Wildlife.pdf Shelf Number: 150470 Keywords: Animal Poaching Illegal Trade Ivory Rhinos wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Law Enforcement

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 Turtle Illegal Wildlife Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Smuggling Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Endangered Wildlife Trust Title: Fair Game? Improving the well-being of South African Wildlife. Review of the legal and practical regulation of the welfare of wild animals in South Africa, 2018 Summary: The report, entitled Fair Game? Improving the Regulation of the Well-being of South African Wildlife finds that there are major gaps in both legislation and the implementation of those laws, leaving the well-being of wild animals without adequate protection. The organisations recommend the clarification of the legal mandate for wildlife welfare, and the updating of legislation. They also call for greater investment in compliance monitoring and enforcement, and a standardised and transparent permitting system for activities involving and affecting wildlife. Historically, our regulatory system has distinguished between animal welfare on one hand, and biodiversity conservation on the other - and regulate those separately in different laws. This means that conservation laws applicable to wild animals under the physical control of humans, whether held temporarily or permanently - are often unsuited to addressing the issue of welfare of those wild animals. Welfare laws, on the other hand, do not necessarily consider conservation objectives. To make matters worse, both sectors suffer from very limited resources for compliance and enforcement. In practice, the current legal regime ultimately provides little protection for wild animals. South Africa has, in recent years, seen a proliferation of facilities that involve the captive management of wildlife for commercial purposes. The legislation that governs the welfare of these wild animals has not kept pace with the rapid changes in the wildlife industry. As a result, the welfare of many species of wildlife has often become compromised. Welfare standards that may be suited to domestic animals cannot be considered suitable to the full spectrum of species of wildlife. Media reports of the practical state of welfare protection for wild animals in South Africa demonstrate the need for urgent reform in laws and practices. For example, an incident in 2014 involving the death of a giraffe while being transported in an open-air truck on a national highway drew great public concern when the driver drove under a bridge that was not tall enough for the giraffe to safely pass under. No prosecutions for this grave incident have been reported to date. More recent examples include dozens of neglected and starving captive lions on a Limpopo farm and a lion "abattoir" in the Free State housing over 200 lions awaiting slaughter for lion bone exports, currently in limbo as both the Departments of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) say that the welfare situation is not their responsibility. In addition to this, the increase in reported incidents of captive carnivore attacks on people, many resulting in fatalities, are not being legally addressed. Each of these incidents, a small fraction of those going on country-wide, represents a failure of the system in protecting the animals. Whilst regulations may exist for the captive management of some selected species, and laws may be in place to regulate the numbers being traded, the welfare of captive wildlife, and the mandate of the authorities to monitor compliance, is currently insufficiently protected. The joint report was prompted by growing concern amongst civil society and NGOs, including the EWT and the CER, about the absence of welfare considerations in conservation laws and practices, and the fact that existing welfare laws do not adequately cater for wild animals, which are increasingly the subjects of breeding farms and other forms of intensive management. CER Wildlife Attorney Aadila Agjee says that: "The combination of government agencies regulating wildlife and welfare, outdated and at times inadequate laws, inconsistent application and enforcement of those laws - and the strong focus on the commercial exploitation of wildlife - make clear that the welfare of wild animals is not currently a priority in South Africa. A set mandate, adequate budget for staffing, training and resources, updating of laws and practices, and consistency in the treatment of the wild animals to prioritise their well-being are critical." The report examines the legal and practical regulation of the welfare of wild animals in South Africa with a view to constructive engagement with the national and provincial departments charged with implementing both conservation and welfare laws, and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of reform. "In order constructively to address the gaps and shortcomings in the legal framework that governs the well-being of wild animals, the EWT and the CER embarked on a process of identifying where and how the laws should be changed. Broad consultation with a large number of stakeholders in the commercial wildlife industry, welfare sector and government has strengthened the findings and recommendations. The report thus provides a positive platform from which the relevant government authorities can now address the dire need for vastly improved welfare governance for our wildlife," said Yolan Friedmann, EWT CEO. Importantly, the report also places the issue of wildlife welfare in a Constitutional context.[ The report argues that the improvement of welfare laws, as recently confirmed by the courts, and their consistent implementation, compliance, monitoring and enforcement is an urgent Constitutional imperative. The report concludes by providing legal and practical recommendations for the improvement and proper regulation, compliance with and enforcement of good minimum welfare standards for wild animals under the control of humans. These recommendations serve as a catalyst to open discussions with and tender assistance to the relevant government and legislative bodies for the improvement of wildlife welfare laws and practices. Details: Cape Town, South Africa: Endangered Wildlife Trust, 2018. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2018 at: https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CER-EWT-Regulation-of-Wildlife-Welfare-Report-25-June-2018.pdf Year: 2018 Country: South Africa URL: https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CER-EWT-Regulation-of-Wildlife-Welfare-Report-25-June-2018.pdf Shelf Number: 150725 Keywords: Animal Poaching Endangered Species Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Extinction Illegal Wildlife Trade Lions Tigers Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Williams, Vivienne Title: South African Lion Bone Trade: A Collaborative Lion Bone Research Project Summary: The African lion is the only big cat listed on CITES Appendix II, and the only one for which international commercial trade is legal under CITES (Williams et al. 2017a). Debates on the contentious trade in lion bones and body parts were amplified at the 2016 CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP17) when consensus on a proposal by Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Togo to transfer all African populations of Panthera leo (lion) from Appendix II to Appendix I of CITES could not be reached, and many southern African countries in particular opposed the proposal. Instead, through negotiations within a working group, a compromise to keep P. leo on Appendix II with a bone trade quota for South Africa, was agreed as follows: A zero annual export quota is established for specimens of bones, bone pieces, bone products, claws, skeletons, skulls and teeth removed from the wild and traded for commercial purposes. Annual export quotas for trade in bones, bone pieces, bone products, claws, skeletons, skulls and teeth for commercial purposes, derived from captive breeding operations in South Africa, will be established and communicated annually to the CITES Secretariat. CoP17 underscored a need for further information on lion trade and the consequences for lions across the continent. And, in accordance with the annotation, South Africa was required to establish an export quota for lion bones, and the Scientific Authority was mandated to advise the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on the size of this quota on an annual basis. Following consultation with various relevant government agencies (national and provincial) and other stakeholders (including a public meeting on 18 January 2017), the 2017 export quota was set at 800 skeletons (with or without the skull) in July 2017. No specific export quotas were set for teeth, claws or individual bones; these items are included in the quota as parts of a skeleton. In order to provide sound scientific decision support to the DEA, an interdisciplinary and collaborative research project led by two independent experts, Dr VL Williams (VLW) and Mr M 't SasRolfes (M'TSR), was commenced in March 2017 and will end in March 2020. This interim report is the first in the series of report backs on the research to SANBI. The core aims of the collaborative research project, as given in the collaboration memorandum, are: 1. To increase understanding of the captive breeding industry and the trade in lions (especially bones, but also other products and live lions) in South Africa; 2. To investigate how the trade in captive-produced lion skeletons and other body parts under a quota system affects wild lion populations; 3. To strengthen the evidence base for the annual review of the lion bone export quota in order to ensure it is sustainable and not detrimental to wild populations. The lion bone trade also interacts with the recreational hunting industry and may affect other felid species internationally; accordingly, the project also aims: 4. To gain a better understanding of the consequences of the US ban on imports of captive-origin trophies that took effect from the start of 2016; 5. To gain a better understanding of potential linkages between markets for lion body parts and those of other large felids in and beyond Africa. In respect of the aims, various sub-projects and/or data analysis activities were initiated in 2017, namely: 1. The National Captive Lion Survey: an online questionnaire survey distributed to South African facilities that breed, keep, hunt and trade in lions (live and/or products) (commenced August 2017; ongoing, but to be closed in 2018 on a date to be determined; the focus of this report) (various collaborators); 2. Analysis of data supplied by multiple information sources: analysis of available data (see Table 1) to inform the evidence base; 3. Muthi market monitoring: a project tracking the presence of lion parts (mainly skins) in traditional medicine outlets/markets (commenced January 2017; ongoing) (VLW only; not SANBI funded). Details: South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2017. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Interim Report 1: Accessed July 30, 2018 at: https://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2017_Interim-Report-1.pdf Year: 2017 Country: South Africa URL: https://conservationaction.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2017_Interim-Report-1.pdf Shelf Number: 150968 Keywords: Animal Poaching Lion Bone Trade Lions Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

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 Crime Cybercrime Illegal Wildlife Trade Illicit Trade Internet Crime Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Hudson Jones, Rhiannon Title: Tools and Resources to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade Summary: The Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) has reached an unprecedented scale, in part due to increasing demand from consumers. It is widely recognized that this criminality threatens peace, security, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The illegal trafficking in protected fauna and flora generates significant profits. IWT occurs globally and involves a multitude of species both iconic and lesser known. The response to IWT is multifaceted. It involves multiple national actors and agencies, numerous intergovernmental organizations (IGO) and national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGO), across borders and jurisdictions. This report provides an overview of the key types of tools and resources available to officials in the criminal justice system for combating IWT, and provides examples of prominent tools and resources, where appropriate. It describes both publicly-available and restricted tools. Details: Washington, DC: The World Bank Group, 2018. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 9, 2018 at: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/131671521451683536/Tools-and-resources-to-combat-illegal-wildlife-trade Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/389851519769693304/24691-Wildlife-Law-Enforcement-002.pdf Shelf Number: 151455 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife 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 Africa�s 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 Africa Environmental Crimes Illegal Wildlife Trade Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: TRAFFIC Title: System Error, Reboot Required: Review of On-line Ivory Trade in Japan Summary: KEY POINTS: In June and July 2018, TRAFFIC conducted an extended survey of online elephant ivory trade in Japan to track changes in trade and compliance patterns since 2017, particularly in response to: 1) voluntary ivory bans on major platforms, Rakuten-Ichiba, Rakuma and Mercari in 2017; and 2) new domestic regulations introduced in June 2018. - Yahoo Japan now remains the single most important provider of online platforms for both BtoC (Business to Customer) sales (Yahoo Shopping) and auction trade (Yahoo Auction), which includes CtoC (Customer to Customer) trade. The scale of ivory sales on Yahoo Shopping appeared to be similar to that found in 2017. The total estimated value of ivory transactions on Yahoo Auction over a four-week period was JPY37.8 million (USD340,626), 16% less than estimated in 2017 over a similar time period. - Shops selling ivory were no longer identified on Rakuten-Ichiba. The ivory ban on Mecari and Rakuma has also significantly reduced the number of easily identifiable CtoC advertisements (e.g. 98% reduction on Mercari). However, cryptic advertisements, use of code words, and rapid turnover in ivory products were detected, indicating persistent trade amongst anonymous CtoC users. - A small number of shops/users selling ivory products were also identified on other online shopping malls, an auction site, and public spaces of major social networking sites (SNS) (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where advertising ivory is supposed to be prohibited internationally). - Compliance with the new domestic regulations by ivory businesses varied across platforms and independent websites. The proportion of unregistered businesses ranged from zero percent on independent hanko shop websites and Yahoo Shopping to twenty-six percent for businesses advertising to purchase ivory online. Non-compliance with the requirement to display business registration was relatively high overall, ranging from twenty-two percent to fifty-two percent. Furthermore, discerning whether the legal requirement applies to the many anonymous sellers on auction, CtoC and SNS platforms presented a serious challenge. - The widespread lack of proof of legal origin persists due to the absence of regulations for products except whole tusks (e.g. on Yahoo Auction just 35 tusks were traded over four weeks as opposed to 4,414 worked products), and illegal trade in tusks without registration cards was still observed on Yahoo Auction (2 out of 35 tusks, six percent). Use of voluntary product certification was sparse amongst online retailers and nearly non-existent on other platforms. - TRAFFIC recommends the government urgently introduce measures that effectively ban unregulated CtoC trade online; that e-commerce companies, especially those hosting unregulated CtoC trade such as Yahoo Auction, introduce a voluntary ban on ivory products and collaborate with industry and NGO partners in the Global Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. Details: Tokyo, Japan: TRAFFIC, 2018. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 23, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11112/system_error-_reboot_required.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Japan URL: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/system-error-reboot-required-review-of-online-ivory-trade-in-japan/ Shelf Number: 151584 Keywords: Cybercrime Environmental Crime Illicit Ivory Trade Illicit Wildlife Products Illicit Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Hongfa, Xu Title: The State of Wildlife Trade in China: Information on the trade in wild animals and plants in China 2008 Summary: This report is the third in an annual series on emerging trends in China's wildlife trade. that aim to highlight wildlife trade trends in threatened and at-risk wildlife, with an emphasis on the impact of China's trade on globally important biodiversity 'hotspots'. These hotspots have a crucial influence on the survival of endangered species, where conservation action to reduce wildlife trade threats can bring about the greatest benefit. While these hotspots might be problem areas at present, they offer great opportunities for conservation success if action is effective. Topics include the exploitation for trade of tigers and other big cats, the origins of timber imported from Africa and South-East Asia, illegal trade on the China-Myanmar border, the consumption of and trade in freshwater turtles in southern China, and TRAFFIC-led training efforts relating to wild medicinal plants and their use in Chinese traditional medicine. Other topics in this issue include the analysis of wildlife trade information from Hong Kong SAR, the coral trade in East Asia, cross-border enforcement efforts, the illegal online wildlife trade, China's new management regulations covering the coral and ivory trades, and a public awareness campaign aimed at sustainable wildlife consumption. The report found that over-exploitation of wildlife for trade has affected many species and is stimulating illegal trade across China's borders.This report aims to continue TRAFFIC's efforts to encourage sustainable wildlife trade trends in China, informing policymakers, enforcers and consumers. Together, these stakeholders can achieve the vision of a world in which usage of wild plants and animals is managed at sustainable levels while making a significant contribution to human needs. Details: Beijing : TRAFFIC East Asia-China Programme, WWF-China, 2007 and 2008. 2010. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 24, 2018 at: https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/9617 Year: 2008 Country: China URL: https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/9617 Shelf Number: 118625 Keywords: Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Title: Taking Stock: An Assessment of Progress Under the National Action Plan Process Summary: The National Ivory Action Plan (NIAP) process is an important framework. It was developed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in response to the continuing elephant poaching crisis in Africa, the worst the continent has experienced since the 1970s and 1980s. If implemented effectively, the NIAP process can contribute significantly to a reduction in elephant poaching and the illegal trade in ivory. The NIAP process identifies the key CITES Parties with high levels of elephant poaching and ivory trafficking. It calls for these countries to develop and implement robust time-bound action plans to address country-specific concerns, with the ultimate goal of achieving positive impact on the ground. For example, impact can be measured through progress made in reducing elephant poaching (resulting in stabilised or increased elephant populations) or improving legislation and enforcement actions (resulting in increased ivory seizures and successful prosecutions). The NIAP process has prompted notable progress in some participating countries. For example, Kenya has strengthened national legislation and improved conviction rates. In 2015, Thailand took steps to regulate its domestic ivory market which, although falling well short of a ban, have measurably reduced illegal trade. In 2017, China closed its domestic ivory market almost entirely. Meanwhile, Uganda has reported that participating in the NIAP process has been positive by encouraging key Government officials to recognise the importance of tackling illegal ivory trafficking as well as by giving the issue more public prominence across the country. There have already been some welcome developments in the process, such as the production of templates for NIAPs and progress reports. The NIAP Guidelines adopted at the 17th CITES Conference of the Parties in 2016 (CoP17), recognise the need for performance indicators and targets to demonstrate progress. They include data on elephant poaching levels, number of ivory seizures, successful prosecutions and any relevant indicators from the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). The CITES Standing Committee (SC) has the ultimate decision-making authority over who participates in, stays in or exits the NIAP process. Since the SC meets every year, this offers an opportunity for tracking progress, supporting implementation and securing strong country-specific decisions on a timely basis, rather than waiting for three years to secure action at a CITES CoP. However, the NIAP process is in its infancy. As such, weaknesses are still being identified and there are opportunities for learning and making improvements. The NIAP Guidelines are an important step forward but they have not been fully implemented to date. One of the most significant concerns is that even though the NIAP Guidelines specifically encourage assessment of progress by independent experts, the process continues to rely on self-assessment progress reports submitted by Parties, without independent review. These progress reports may not fully reflect the key challenges being faced by the NIAP Party in question. There is a clear and pressing need for the mandatory use of independent experts in the assessment of progress against NIAP objectives. Similarly, serious concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of certain NIAPs to address the problems they need to solve. Therefore, as well as being involved in the assessment of progress, it is important that independent experts participate in the development of the NIAP. Finally, independent experts should be involved in the ultimate assessment as to whether a country should exit the NIAP process. While the existing NIAP Guidelines do call for consultation with independent experts, necessary amendments to the NIAP Guidelines should be made at CoP18 to ensure that involvement of expert analysis becomes a standard part of the NIAP process and not an optional extra. The underlying issues within a country may change during the period covered by a NIAP. If that happens, the SC should be able to work with the Party to revise its NIAP to address those changed circumstances, rather than wait for the end of the NIAP period to request the development of a new NIAP. A significant concern about the NIAP process is that the focus is on tracking actions of NIAP Parties rather than on impact. Parties tend to focus on achieving a certain percentage of the NIAP objectives rather than assessing their actual impact in addressing the problems (for example, by demonstrating an increase in elephant populations or disruption of organised criminal networks involved in ivory trafficking). Once a certain percentage of the NIAP objectives has been achieved, the Party may argue that it should exit the process. That would be premature. Before the SC decides that any Party should exit the NIAP process, there should be an assessment period involving detailed input from independent experts to establish whether the actions taken have actually made any difference to the underlying problems. If not, the NIAP should be revised. For example, if a country has made legislative changes, it would be premature for that country to exit the NIAP process, without demonstrating the impact of the changes such as increased prosecutions and disruption of the organised criminal networks implicated in ivory trafficking. Details: London, 2018. 26p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 5, 2018 at: https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-report-NIAP-2018.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA-report-NIAP-2018.pdf Shelf Number: 152847 Keywords: Environmental Crime Ivory Trafficking Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: TRAFFIC Title: Seeing Red: Precious Coral Trade in Central Asia Summary: There are more than 40 species in the family Coralliidae, which comprises three genera (Corallium, Hemicorallium and Pleurocorallium). Precious corals have been harvested and traded internationally since as early as pre-dynastic Egypt, valued by diverse cultures around the world. Precious corals in the Coralliidae family are distributed throughout the world�s tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans, but in only two areas, the Mediterranean Sea and the northern Pacific Ocean, are they commercially exploited. Their slow rate of renewal as well as the high demand because of their commercial and cultural importance have made Corallium corals vulnerable to over-exploitation. Concerns about over-exploitation and the impact of international trade on Corallium corals led to proposals to include the species in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the 14th Conference of the Parties (CoP14) in 2007 and CoP15 in 2010, which were rejected or withdrawn. Meanwhile, mainland China included four Corallium species, Aka Coral C. japonicum, Momo Coral C. (Pleurocorallium) elatius, White Coral C. (Pleurocorallium) konojoi and Angel Skin Coral C. (Pleurocorallium) secundum (hereafter referred to as CITES-listed Corallium corals) in CITES Appendix III, from 1st July 2008.Including a lack of knowledge about populations and their biology, and ongoing illegal harvest. In addition, recently there have been indications of rising demand and prices in mainland China, which has led to an increase in the trade price of raw materials in Japan and Taiwan POC where the species are harvested. However, there are still many knowledge gaps with regards to the current status of the trade and market of Corallium spp. harvested in East Asia. This report presents analysis, research findings, trade data and information into precious coral production, in an attempt to provide an overview of the changing trade in CITES-listed precious corals after the above mentioned species were listed in CITES Appendix III in 2008. Data sources used include global production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the CITES Trade Database, Taiwan POC�s CITES trade data, Customs statistics for Japan and Taiwan POC, in addition to literature and internet research, stakeholder interviews and physical market surveys. According to the CITES Trade Database and Taiwan POC CITES trade data, total global imports of CITESlisted raw Corallium corals were 210 t and ~80,000 pieces between 2011 and 2015. Imports of raw coral (by weight) reached ~145 t in 2011, after which imports declined considerably, with 5 to 15 t being traded during 2013�2015. Additionally, more than 20,000 pieces of raw coral were imported globally in both 2011 and 2012, although the annual number of imported raw corals has declined since 2013, with 4,600�9,000 pieces being traded annually during 2013�2015. Therefore, the trade in raw coral imports during 2011�2015 appears to be declining. Of the total raw coral imports between 2011 and 2015, C. japonicum (Aka Coral) was the dominant species in trade, accounting for 61% by weight with ~129,000 kg and 37% by number of pieces with approximately 27,000 pieces. The main exporter of raw corals was Japan, by weight and number of pieces, although the quantities involved varied depending on the year. Taiwan POC was the main importer of raw CITES-listed Corallium corals between 2011 and 2015. Japan and Taiwan POC�s Customs data suggest that the value per kilogramme of coral materials exported from Japan to Taiwan POC may have increased gradually from 2007 and reached a peak at around USD12,000�12,700/kg in 2013, after which the price dropped in 2015 before increasing again in 2016 to around USD9,000/kg. Although CITES listings are sometimes said to lead to increased prices and illegal trade, it was not clear what impact�if any�the CITES listing of Corallium corals, which came into effect in 2008, had on trade. The data analysed for this report show that the trade and demand for CITES-listed Corallium corals has changed over the last decade, but this is not fully reflected in the available CITES and other trade data. This could be due to a number of factors, including the inconsistent application of Appendix III CITES listings, unreported trade as personal or household effects, and illegal and unreported trade. As such, uncertainties surrounding actual traded quantities and dynamics for CITES-listed Corallium corals exist. Although previous studies and media reports suggest that demand for Corallium corals has increased in mainland China in recent years, leading to higher prices for unworked corals, available data did not clearly support this. According to CITES trade data, mainland China has reported fewer imports of Corallium corals; ~40 kg and 231 pieces during 2008�2015, most of which were imported from Japan (100% by weight and 75% by number of pieces). According to Japan Customs, the total amount of unworked coral exported from Japan to mainland China was only ~120 kg and annual exports did not show any increase between 2008 and 2016.While Taiwan POC CITES trade data and Customs data suggested that a significant amount of CITESlisted Corallium corals could have been exported from Taiwan POC to mainland China in the last decade, neither showed this to be increasing. Taiwan POC CITES export data, derived from the quantity for which certificates were issued, showed that annual exports of unworked Corallium corals from Taiwan POC to mainland China exceeded 2,700 kg in 2011, after which they declined and ranged from 990 kg to 1,300 kg during 2012�2015. As the trade between mainland China and Taiwan POC is not recorded in the CITES Trade Database, a potentially considerable trade between these markets may be obscured. Market surveys in Japan, Taiwan POC and Hong Kong SAR revealed that Chinese tourists from mainland China may play an important role as consumers of precious coral products. Such tourists can bring the products back to mainland China with receipts to verify purchases. As movement of specimens as personal or household effects is rarely reported, it is unknown to what extent precious coral products are transferred from each country/territory to mainland China in this fashion. This makes it difficult to analyse the trade, demand and consumption of precious corals.Many traders who were interviewed during the market surveys mentioned that Corallium corals, especially Red Coral, are becoming scarce, although some of the sellers may have done so to promote the rarity appeal of their precious coral products. It is important to raise awareness about Corallium corals and pertinent international and national regulations in relevant countries/territories. Developing a traceability system for precious coral products could help to prevent illegally sourced or traded products from entering the market and also deepen understanding of the need for sustainable use of precious coral resources. Production data may not be accurate due to under/ misreporting of harvest production and illegal coral harvesting in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, driven by the high prices precious corals fetch. Considering that landing data and trade records are often used as proxies for actual population status, owing to the difficulties in monitoring wild populations, the accuracy of these data needs to be improved so as to contribute meaningfully to the monitoring and sustainable use of precious corals. The discrepancy between production and trade data is clearly shown in the trade in C. secundum, which seems to be unreported and/or misreported. Harvest of C. secundum has not been reported to FAO since 1990, except for 7 kg by Taiwan POC in 2015 and 2016. However, 11.4 t and ~50,500 pieces of raw C. secundum were recorded as taken from the wild, according to the CITES Trade Database and Taiwan POC CITES trade data, between 2008 and 2015. Japan and Taiwan POC, which were specified as important sources, are urged to investigate if harvest production is properly reported by the fishermen and to FAO.The report highlighted the importance of utilising trade data in addition to harvest regulation, monitoring of harvests and reporting of CITES-listed Corallium spp. Accurate data for harvesting of live colonies by species and a system to use these data for resource management is essential in order to achieve sustainable use of Corallium corals. 4 TRAFFIC report: Seeing Red Corallium rubrum At the same time, considering that harvest data can be flawed due to under-reporting, misreporting and illegal harvesting as well as difficulties in resource management, trade data can also be an essential indicator of trade in high-priced specimens such as precious corals. Having Customs codes differentiating Corallium corals from non-Corallium corals, or species-specific Customs codes would be vital to achieve this. Monitoring of live colonies of Corallium corals is of importance for conservation and sustainable use of these species. As knowledge of the populations and conservation status of Corallium corals is limited, there is an urgent need for research in range and harvesting States to gain a better understanding of these issues. Until sciencebased harvesting management measures are possible, precautionary approaches towards management of precious coral harvesting activities should be adopted. It is vital that Japan, mainland China, Taiwan POC and Hong Kong SAR consider their respective and changing roles in the exploitation and trade of these precious resources while strengthening their information sharing, liaison on harvesting management measures, co-operation in monitoring, control and surveillance in the Northwest Pacific OceOcean. The report concludes with recommendations for sustainable use of CITES-listed Corallium spp., co-operation and co-ordination among the region and effective implementation of the CITES listing. Details: Japan, 2018. 84p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 5, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/seeing-red/ Year: 2018 Country: Asia URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11127/seeing-red-vfinal-1.pdf Shelf Number: 152849 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illicit Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

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 Crime Illegal Wildlife Trade Ivory Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Hayman, Gavin Title: International Environmental Crime: The Nature and Control of Environmental Black Markets Summary: This paper summarizes the discussions and conclusions of a workshop on the nature and control of environmental black markets held at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, London on 27�28 May 2002. Thanks to generous support from the European Commission (DG Environment) and UNEP Ozone Secretariat, some eighty participants from over thirty different countries were able to attend. Rather than simply collect and repeat what is known about the extent of the illegal activities in specific jurisdictions in a traditional indulgence of the regulatory community in the workshop was intended to provide a more systematic understanding of the driving forces behind international environmental crime. Efforts to tackle the smuggling of environmental contraband have been dogged by an ad hoc and unsystematic approach where individual enforcement agencies attempt to headhunt environmental criminals without reducing the size of the illegal market in which they operate. The failure of the international war on drugs suggests that this policy is doomed: as long as demand and supply pressures that shape profit-making opportunities remain, other operators will expand their operations or new operations will enter the international market. Thus, the workshop raised the need to think beyond simply increasing enforcement effort to minimize overall levels of environmental harm by addressing the demand and supply of the contraband. This paper is not a literal account of proceedings but rather an attempt to summarize and draw conclusions from the wide-ranging discussions held. It also tries to clarify elements of successful national and international regulatory strategies and draw lessons between the different areas of environmental regulation discussed. Details: London, 2002. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 11, 2018 at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/docum/pdf/02544_environmental_crime_workshop.pdf Year: 2002 Country: International URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/docum/pdf/02544_environmental_crime_workshop.pdf Shelf Number: 152880 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Crime

Author: Meijer, Wander Title: Demand under the Ban: China Ivory Consumption Research Post-Ban 2018 Summary: The research for this report conducted between May and July 2018 reveals Chinese citizens claim to have purchased significantly less ivory since the ban was implemented. But the incidence of ivory purchase among regular outbound travelers stands out compared to the other buyers' segments. While the results of this research show that the ivory ban in China is generating positive changes, more efforts like strengthening market supervision, law enforcement and public education are recommended for to ensure the long-term success of ivory trade ban. Details: Beijing, China: TRAFFIC and World Wildlife Fund, 2018. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 12, 2018 at: https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/publications/1179/files/original/Demand_under_the_Ban_-_China_Ivory_Consumption_Research_Post-Ban_2018.pdf?1537976366 Year: 2018 Country: China URL: https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/publications/1179/files/original/Demand_under_the_Ban_-_China_Ivory_Consumption_Research_Post-Ban_2018.pdf?1537976366 Shelf Number: 152910 Keywords: Animal Poaching Elephants Ivory Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

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 Species Illegal Wildlife Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Crime

Author: Hubschle, Annette Michaela Title: Ending Wildlife Trafficking: Local Communities as Change Agents Summary: A large number of anti-poaching, conservation and management measures have been implemented to protect rhinos. None of these responses has achieved tangible results in lowering unnatural rhino deaths through illegal hunting in southern Africa. The international donor community, conservation NGOs and governments have disbursed millions of dollars to fight this illegal wildlife trade, and continue to do so. We argue in this report that these measures are bound to fail, as they do not engage with the most important change agents in conservation: local people who live in or near protected areas and game reserves. The report therefore aims to provide a better understanding of why African rural communities participate in wildlife economies, both legal and illegal, and how alternative, community-oriented strategies can help build a more resilient response to organized wildlife crime than has hitherto been achieved. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 21, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/ending-wildlife-trafficking/ Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TGIATOC-Wildlife-Trafficking-Report-WEB-4.pdf Shelf Number: 153235 Keywords: Anti-Poaching Measures Community Engagement Community-Oriented Strategies Conservation Management Environmental Crime Poaching Rhino Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Hinsley, Amy Title: The Role of Online Platforms in the Illegal Orchid Trade From South East Asia Summary: The ornamental orchid trade is global and comprises both a large, well-established legal market and a significant but largely unknown illegal trade. Much, though not all, of this illegal trade is driven by demand from specialist collectors for rare species. The trade in wild-harvested plants can have a severe impact on biodiversity: in one documented case, intense demand for a rare species of slipper orchid saw it harvested to near extinction. Illicit sales of wild orchids have been recorded on several online platforms, including e-commerce and social-media websites, forums and private websites, and sellers encompass both hobbyists and formal businesses. Consumers range from houseplant buyers, who want to purchase attractive plants, to specialist growers with a preference for rare species. For consumers who want to avoid illegal avenues of trade, and for researchers and law enforcement who want to monitor the trade, legality can be difficult to determine. However, it can be possible if the plant�s origin, species and final destination can be identified. This brief makes a substantial contribution to our ability to identify illicit orchid trade and the platforms most likely to host it. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 21, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TGIATOC-OrchidTrade-A4-Web.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Asia URL: http://globalinitiative.net/illegal_orchid_trade/ Shelf Number: 153154 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Harvesting Illegal Orchid Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Orchid Plant Trade Rare Species Wildlife Crime

Author: Runhovde, Siv Rebekka Title: Illegal Online Trade in Reptiles From Madagascar Summary: Endemic Madagascan animals are prized for their idiosyncrasies and rarity, and the island�s tortoises, geckos and chameleons are a particular focus of reptile enthusiasts. The international illegal trade in Madagascan reptiles is routinely conducted online, increasingly via social-media platforms. These sites offer traders a convenient way of connecting with a wide international customer base, where there is little internal monitoring and enforcement and access to information can be easily controlled. As a result, the internet facilitates a trade that already poses an acute threat to highly endangered species. At the same time, internet-based or internet-facilitated trade makes enforcing existing legislation designed to protect these animals much harder, due to the use of multiple platforms, the linguistic and technical barriers to monitoring these platforms, and the diffuse networks of sellers and buyers driving the trade which are not suitable to 'kingpin'-driven enforcement tactics. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 19p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 21, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/illegal-online-trade-in-reptiles-from-madagascar/ Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TGIATOC-ReptileTrade-A4-Web.pdf Shelf Number: 153152 Keywords: Illegal Reptile Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Internet Based Trade Internet Facilitated Trade Madagascan Reptiles Online Crime Reptile Trade Trade in Endangered Species Wildlife Crime

Author: Global Witness Title: Paradise Lost: How China Can Help the Solomon Islands Protect Its Forests Summary: At first glance, the Solomon Islands looks like a tropical paradise with palm-fringed white sand beaches and pristine, biodiverse rainforests. It's advertised as being 'untouched' or 'unspoiled'. But look closer and the paradise isn't so idyllic. A Global Witness report, 'Paradise Lost: How China can help the Solomon Islands protect its forests' used detailed research, satellite imagery, drone photography and trade data, conclusively shows that tropical timber across the Solomon Islands is being harvested on an unsustainable scale, and that much of the activity driving this environmental destruction is at high risk of being illegal. The report highlights that although China is taking serious steps to address environmental degradation and to reduce pollution and carbon emissions at home, the Chinese government is overlooking an important aspect of its ecological footprint: the raw materials that it sources from overseas. China is the destination for about two-thirds of all tropical logs globally, many of which come from countries like the Solomon Islands that are struggling to address governance and rule of law issues. As the most important actor in the global timber trade, if China continues to buy its wood with 'no questions asked,' it risks undermining efforts by its trading partners to improve governance, prevent environmental degradation, and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Details: London, UK: Global Witness, 2018. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 23, 2018 at: https://www.illegal-logging.info/content/paradise-lost-how-china-can-help-solomon-islands-protect-its-forests Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.illegal-logging.info/sites/files/chlogging/GW_PARADISE_LOST_LOWRES.pdf Shelf Number: 153105 Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation Drone Photography Drones Environmental Crime Environmental Degradation Governance Illegal Logging Illegal Wildlife Trade Rule of Law Satellite Imagery Trade Data Wildlife 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 Markets Environmental Crime Forestry Sector Illegal Logging Illegal Wildlife Trade Illicit Trade International Markets Logging Organized Crime Supply Chain Timber Harvesting Timber Theft Transnational Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Kitade, Tomomi Title: Otter Alert: A Rapid Assessment of Illegal Trade and Booming Demand in Japan Summary: The surging demand for otters in Japan has led to an increase in smuggling of the animals from Southeast Asia and a rise in instances of �unregulated� domestic otter trade, according to the new TRAFFIC and WWF joint study Otter Alert: A rapid assessment of illegal trade and booming demand in Japan. In 2016 and 2017, at least 39, mostly juvenile Small-clawed Otters Aonyx cinereus were seized in five incidents, all destined for Japan. In each case, Thailand was the source country and Japanese nationals were arrested for the illegal possession and attempted smuggling, says the report. Meanwhile, popular television programmes in Japan have helped boost the profile of the animals. One long-running series television series (Tensai Shimura Dobutsuen, broadcast by Nippon TV) featured the engagement of celebrities with Small-clawed Otters in anthropomorphic situations, such as travelling together and raising them at home. �The show likely planted the image of otters with humans (in this case, celebrities), which presumably served to give viewers the impression that otters are more suitable as pets than they really are,� write the report�s authors. The study identified at least 20 private otter owners with large numbers of social media followers - one of them with more than 750,000 - several of whom said they had purchased the animals after watching TV series about otters. The popularity of otters kept at zoos and aquariums has also evolved into an entertainment event in Japan called �the otter election�, which took place in 2017 in 2018, with the public voting online for their favourite otters. In recent years there has also been a growth in the number of "otter cafes" in major cities such as Tokyo, where visitors can feed or interact with the animals for a fee. "These owners and the media outlets bear a social responsibility not to encourage the purchase of otters, which may have entered the pet trade under dubious circumstances or even be illegally smuggled into Japan." The report�s authors call for action by enforcement authorities and the judiciary to prevent and deter otter smuggling operations, closer monitoring of supposed otter breeding facilities in source countries, and better regulation and monitoring of domestic trade in non-native species both by individuals and zoos, aquariums and other facilities. Mass media companies and private owners on social networking sites should also consider their impact of encouraging demand for exotic pets. An open letter written signed by Dr Nicole Duplaix, Co-Chair, of IUCN - the International Union for Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission�s (SSC) Otter Specialist Group, endorses the report�s findings and points out that "Otters are small carnivores that do not make suitable pets under any circumstance." Japan has a long-standing global reputation as a major market for exotic pets, where rare and threatened species from various taxa are traded, sometimes illegally. However, their potential impact on the environment can be severe. In Japan, Common Raccoons Procyon lotor, introduced from North America as pets in the 1970s as a result of a popular cartoon series broadcast on national television, became established through escapes and deliberate release into the wild. It resulted in harm to ecosystems and humans, including competition with and predation of native species, damage to agricultural products and buildings and transmission of diseases such as rabies. "During our study we documented instances of unwanted otter pets: there is a clearly a risk such animals may be deliberately released into the environment with unknown, but potentially devastating impact," said Yui. "We urge those thinking of owning an otter to think again." Details: Japan: Traffic, 2018. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2018 at: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/asian-otters-at-risk-from-illegal-trade-to-meet-booming-demand-in-japan/ Year: 2018 Country: Japan URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11196/otter-alert-vfinal-web-100.pdf Shelf Number: 153873 Keywords: Animal Product Environmental Crime Exotic Pet Trade Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Illegal Wildlife Trade Japan Otters Wildlife Crime

Author: Rijnsdorp, Adriaan D. Title: Assessing and Mitigating Impact of Bottom Trawling Summary: BENTHIS developed the scientific basis to quantify the impact of bottom trawling on the seafloor and the benthic ecosystem. Based on insight in how fishing gear affects the seafloor, an assessment framework was developed that provide indicators of impact and seafloor status on a continuous scale that can be applied in the context of the MSFD. The mechanistic approach allows us to set reference values of impact (status) to estimate the proportion of a region or habitat where the impact is below (status is above) the threshold. The methodology combines estimates of trawling intensity with the depth to which the fishing gear penetrates into the sea bed (penetration profile) and the sensitivity of the habitat. Habitat sensitivity is estimated from the longevity composition of the benthic community that is related to the recovery rate. The mortality imposed by trawling was shown to be related to penetration depth of the fishing gear. The framework was applied to explore which fisheries had the greatest impact and which habitats were impacted the most. Fishers concentrate their activities in only a part of their total fishing area. These core fishing grounds are characterised by a relative low status (high impact). Additional fishing in these core grounds have only a small impact. In the peripheral areas where fishing intensity is low, additional fishing will have a much larger impact. Hence, shifting trawling activities from the core fishing grounds to the peripheral areas will increase the overall impact. Shifting activities from the peripheral grounds to the core will reduce the overall impact. This asymmetry provides the possibility to reduce the impact at a minimal cost. It was shown that implementing a habitat credit management system can provide incentives to reduce fishing in peripheral areas at minimal cost. In collaboration with the fishing industry and gear manufacturers, technological innovations were studied to reduce the impact of trawling. Promising results were obtained showing that (semi-) pelagic otter doors can be applied to reduce bottom impact and at the same time reduce the fuel cost without affecting the catch rate of the target species. Replacing mechanical stimulation by tickler chains with electrical stimulation In the beam trawl fishery for sole, reduced footprint and penetration depth as well as the fuel cost. Electrical stimulation is also a promising innovation to reduce the bycatch and bottom contact in the beam trawl fishery for brown shrimps. Sea trials to replace bottom trawls with pots were inconclusive. Results suggest that creels may offer an alternative for small Nephrops fishers in the Kattegat. In waters off Greece, the catch rates were very low. Sea trials with the blue mussel fishery showed that fishers could reduce their footprint by deploying acoustic equipment to detect mussel concentrations that allow the fishers to more precisely target the mussel beds and hence reduce fishing in areas with low mussel density. A review of the various case studies carried out in BENTHIS revealed the critical success factors for implementing technological innovations to mitigate trawling impact. While economic investment theory predict that economic profitability should lead to investment in innovative gears, it appeared that many other factors play a role in the successful uptake of new technology such as social, regulatory, technological and environmental factors. For the successful development and implementation of gear innovations, collaboration between fishers, gear manufacturers, policy makers, scientist and society is important. Details: Netherlands: BENTHIS, 2018. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2018 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323084956_Assessing_and_mitigating_of_bottom_trawling_Final_BENTHIS_project_Report_Benthic_Ecosystem_Fisheries_Impact_Study Year: 2018 Country: International URL: http://orbit.dtu.dk/files/143897043/Publishers_version.pdf Shelf Number: 153863 Keywords: Benthic Econsystem Fisheries Impact Study BENTHIS Bottom Trawling Fisheries Fishing Gear Fishing Industry Habitat Credit Management System Illegal Fishing Illegal, Undetected, and Undocumented Fishing Pelagic Otter Doors Trawling Wildlife Crime

Author: Bhuju, Ukesh Raj Title: Report on the Facts and Issues of Poaching of Mega Species and Illegal Trade in their Parts in Nepal Summary: Background The study undertaken by Transparency International Nepal (TIN) with the support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal aims to uncover the facts and underlying issues related to the poaching of mega mammals in Nepal and the illegal trade in their parts. The methodology included review of policy and legal documents, snow balling techniques (nine consultative meetings), and field visits to 42 sites in 14 districts. Eighteen focus group discussions and 50 interactive interviews were conducted with 63 Community and Civil Society Members, 25 Conservationists, Scientists and Others in addition to 26 Government Administrators, six Intruders and Prisoners, and 39 Protected Area Managers. The report contains five chapters: 1: Background, 2: Assessment of the Status of Poaching and Illegal Trade, 3: Review of the Institutional and Legal Framework and Gaps, 4: Investigation and Analysis of Poaching and Illegal Trade, and 5: Conclusions, Recommendations and Action Plan. The study focused on two major mega fauna species namely rhinoceros and tiger. Assessment of the Status of Poaching and Illegal Trade The rhinoceros and the tiger are the two mega-fauna species. Loss of habitat coupled with other human induced activities has posed grave threats to these species. Since the beginning of the national park system, the rhino population has increased from 120 and 147 in 1972 to 544 in 2000. This number has declined to 408 in 2008 in Chitwan. Poaching of rhinos for horn is the major cause of this decline. Altogether 130 breeding tigers have been recorded in the lowland protected areas and surrounding forests in 2005. Poaching and habitat destruction are the major cause of decline in their population. Review of the Institutional and Legal Framework and Gaps The major policies, strategies and plans pertinent to wildlife protection are National Conservation Strategy for Nepal, Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan, Revised Forestry Sector Policy, Nepal Biodiversity Strategy and Its Implementation Plan, and the Species Action Plans. The major Acts and Regulations pertinent to wildlife are the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act and its Regulations, Forest Act and its Regulations, the Buffer Zone Regulations, Conservation Area Management Regulations. The other relevant acts and regulations are in the domains of environment protection, import and export control, police, custom, treaties and transborder cooperation. The major gaps in Nepal's legislative provisions include: - Unidirectional policy making process, - Non- specific mandates of government agencies, - Information sharing is not institutionally built, - Rewards and recognition are inadequate, - Non-existence of anti-poaching squads outside protected areas, - Rank and status conflicts among government officials. Investigation and Analysis of Poaching and Illegal Trade Poaching and illegal trade are not only related to conservation but also to economic, political and social sphere. Involvement of a wide range of people was found in poaching. It is not just the poor who are supposedly 'poaching' for livelihood, but elites are also involved. In some cases, middlemen have exploited locals' poor socio-economic conditions. The complex issue of poaching and illegal trade is further complicated by procedures of punishment and penalties. According to conservationists, poaching will continue along with the demand for wildlife products. Illegal traders are benefiting not only from the porosity of international borders, but also by the limited knowledge of personnel at custom and check posts. At the same time, illegal traders even threaten government personnel. Patrolling and surveillance are inadequate to keep wildlife safe due to lack of resources for anti-poaching units. Army personnel feel that their current strength in park/reserve is not adequate. Security in the field is poor. Guard posts are inadequate in the field, and also in vulnerable areas. Human-wildlife conflict is very high in and around protected areas. Local communities have reacted revengefully. However, several local youths have organized antipoaching groups to curb wildlife trade and poaching. The incentives of reward have increased local involvement in antipoaching activities. NTNC has a supportive role in areas of research, monitoring and database maintenance. The National Forensic Science Laboratory (NAFOL) and the police have limited forensic capacity. The long-term goal is DNA testing, but the laboratory is not a priority of the government. Although wildlife protection is not a priority for the police, on several occasions police cooperation has resulted in arrest of illegal traders and confiscation of wildlife parts. The buffer zone program has been the most successful tool in raising awareness of local people around the park area. The program was considered to be an effective solution to wildlife crimes. However, in spite of public awareness programs and incentives to the local community, there are cases in which families are involved in poaching and illegal trade in wildlife. Benefit-sharing in buffer zone are not directly linked with antipoaching activities. The factors hindering antipoaching include insufficient resources, political intervention, non-coordination among key players, poor tools of investigation, and irregularity of transborder meetings. Similarly, legal weaknesses include high degree of discretionary power exercised by the chief warden and district forest officer, and bureaucratic hurdles to release Rs50,000 as reward. Details: Kathmandu, Nepal: Transparency International Nepal, 2009. 61p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2018 at: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=1&act=pdfviewer&id=1315014970&folder=131 Year: 2009 Country: Nepal URL: http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/131/1315014970.pdf Shelf Number: 153862 Keywords: Conservation Illegal Animal Parts Trade Illegal Wildlife Trade Mega Species Mega-Fauna Nepal Poaching Rhino Poaching Tiger Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Kanari, Kahoru Title: Trade in Endemic Reptiles in China and Recommendations for Species Conservation Summary: Eighty-seven species of reptile are currently recorded as living in the wild in Japan. Some of these species are designated as protected species under Japan�s national legislation for ecological or cultural reasons. While some of these species are traded internationally, clarifications are still needed regarding trade dynamics as well as the legal system regulating this trade. This report presents an overview of the Japanese domestic legal system with regard to Japanese reptiles and the trade in Japanese endemic reptiles in Hong Kong and key cities in mainland China, as these locations have been identified as key trade hubs for wildlife products and are geographically close to Japan and illustrative of the international trade from Japan. Several Japanese laws give protection for wildlife in Japan. One of them is the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties which states that activities that "change the existing state" of national "Natural Monuments" are prohibited. This law designates some Japanese endemic species as "Natural Monuments" in the interests of protecting culturally significant plant and animal species. Despite such legal protection, this study highlights issues of illegal trade in specimens of Japanese endemic reptile species found for sale in pet shops and markets in Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as Chinese-language online trade websites. Through a survey of markets and shops, four of five focal species - Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle Geoemyda jaopnica, Ryukyu Yellow-margined Box Turtle Cuora flavomarginata evelynae, Kishinoue�s Giant Skink Plestiodon kishinouyei and Kiroiwa�s Ground Gecko Goniurosaurus kuroiwae - were found mainly in Hong Kong, as well as potentially in Guangzhou. The two freshwater turtle taxa and Kuroiwa�s Ground Gecko were also found for sale on Chinese-language websites. Some of the animals on sale were found to be accompanied by declarations stating that they were wild-caught, and this was therefore in direct violation of Japanese domestic regulations. Reptiles comprise a group for which various problems related to illegal trade have been noted in the past in Japan. In the case of freshwater turtles in particular, there is an urgent need for increased conservation measures to be taken, especially with regard to Japan's endemic species. Based on the findings of this study, TRAFFIC makes the following recommendations: To the Japanese CITES Scientific Authority: The merits of submission of CITES listing proposals for Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, Ryukyu Yellow-margined Box Turtle, Kishinoue�s Giant Skink and Kiroiwa�s Ground Gecko should be considered and, in connection with this: - further research should be conducted concerning population status and levels of trade, to inform evaluation of the likely effectiveness of CITES listing, and selection of appropriate Appendix for each species; and - submission of listing proposals at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, should be urgently considered with a view to preventing further detrimental exploitation through international trade. - Further long-term monitoring to understand better the relevant trade dynamics should be conducted and supported, including via market surveys in peak seasons of trade. Further investigation would be useful in markets such as Taiwan that are linked to Japan by frequent direct means of transport, as well as in other locations with an active reptile trade, to understand routes used and combat any illegal trade. - Information to the destination Parties, specifically China, should be provided regarding Japan�s domestic regulations to protect species, so that China and other market destinations can be aware of trade in imported wild specimens from Japan, that are fully protected by law in that country. In addition, the CITES Secretariat should be informed of a zero quota for the CITES Appendix-II listed Ryukyu Yellow-margined Box Turtle from Japan, so that all Parties to CITES recognize Japan�s national regulation. - Awareness of the biological status of Japanese endemic species, and regulations governing those species should be raised, including through engagement of relevant stakeholders and the general public, in areas around the species� habitat, trade routes and destinations. To Japanese lawmakers: - In order to preserve Japan�s endemic reptile species, Japan should improve species conservation regulations to strengthen protection and conservation of the taxa themselves and wider biodiversity. Establishment of measures for conservation are recommended, including within the framework of the Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This would further strengthen existing protection measures for culturally important wild species. - To prevent further damage to Japan�s endemic threatened species populations, special measures for further restriction of international trade in Yellow-margined Box Turtle Cuora flavomarginata, such as imposing an import ban for foreign specimens of Common Yellowmargined Box Turtle C. f. flavomarginata, should be considered and made effective. To law enforcement agencies and their administrative authorities: - The effectiveness of Japan�s domestic law enforcement should be strengthened. Even though existing legislation is strong, effective implementation and enforcement against illegal activities is crucial in order for the law to be effective. The fact that trade of endemic species supposedly protected in Japan occurs in foreign markets indicates illegal collection and illegal export. Strengthening of law enforcement at Japan�s borders as well as in wild habitat is urgent. Regular monitoring of pet shops and markets or trade routes should be pursued to discern active and potential trade locations and sources of illegal animals for domestic and international trade. - Organize capacity-building and training for law enforcement officers to increase awareness of regulations and to improve identification of species/subspecies. To the authorities of destination markets�mainland China and Hong Kong - Greater understanding is needed regarding the legislation of source countries for imported species in trade. Once the specimens in question have been taken abroad they are beyond the reach of the source country�s domestic legislation, therefore it is essential to obtain cooperation from authorities regulating the destination markets. Pet shops and physical markets, as well as online trade, should be monitored to ensure they do not become hotbeds of illegal trade. In addition, any captive-bred claims should be closely checked and verified so that false documentation does not facilitate illegal trade in wild-captured specimens. Details: Tokyo, Japan: TRAFFIC, 2012. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2018 at: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/12_Trade_in_Japanese_Endemic_Reptiles_in_China.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Asia URL: http://www.trafficj.org/publication/12_Trade_in_Japanese_Endemic_Reptiles_in_China.pdf Shelf Number: 153861 Keywords: China Endemic Species Exotic Pet Trade Hong Kong Illegal Wildlife Trade Japan Japanese Reptiles Natural Monuments Reptile Trade Turtles Wildlife 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: Birds Environmental Criminology Illegal Wildlife Trade Wildlife Conservation Wildlife 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 Trade Trafficking in Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trade

Author: Scottish Government Title: Wildlife Crime in Scotland Summary: Scotland's First Wildlife Crime Annual Report Section 20 of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 inserted a new Section 26B into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The new Section requires Scottish Ministers to produce an annual report on the state of wildlife crime in Scotland. It prescribes that Ministers must lay a report every calendar year on offences which relate to wildlife, to include information on incidences and prosecutions during the year to which the report relates, and on research and advice relevant to those offences. The report aims to: - Detail the wildlife crime priorities; - Provide and explain crime incidence and prosecution data from a variety of reporting organisations in Scotland; - Highlight activities of PAW Scotland groups; - Provide and explain research on Scotland's wildlife which will positively reduce wildlife crime; - Provide and explain information on the conservation status of key species in Scotland which are affected by wildlife crime and are a UK crime priority group; and - Provide recommendations to Ministers for ongoing activity. This report covers the calendar year 2012, but additionally draws on information from previous years. Details: Edinburgh, Scotland: APS Group Scotland, 2013. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2019 at: https://www2.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00434716.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www2.gov.scot/Publications/2013/09/2382/downloads#res-1 Shelf Number: 154296 Keywords: Conservation Environmental Crime Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland Wildlife Crime

Author: Scottish Government Title: Wildlife Crime in Scotland: 2017 Annual Report Summary: Introduction Legislative requirement of annual report This report is a requirement of Section 20 of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, which inserted a new Section 26B into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The section prescribes that Ministers must lay a report following the end of every calendar year on offences which relate to wildlife, to include information on incidence and prosecutions during the year to which the report relates, and on research and advice relevant to those offences. Wildlife crime The report uses the following definition of wildlife crime, as agreed by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland in 2010. �Wildlife crime is any unlawful act or omission, which affects any wild creature, plant or habitat, in Scotland.� A summary of the legislation which contains offences highlighted in this report is available in Appendix 1. Outline of report The report is divided into two main parts: Chapters 2-4 contain evidence on the level and nature of wildlife crime and prosecutions, supported by additional detail where it is available and relevant. This information covers the financial year 2016-17, the latest period for which a complete set of data is available. Chapters 5-8 include information on activities and projects related to wildlife crime policy and enforcement throughout 2017 and beyond. Details: Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Government, Environment and Forestry Directorate, 2018. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 18, 2019 at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/wildlife-crime-scotland-annual-report-2017/pages/1/ Year: 2018 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.gov.scot/publications/wildlife-crime-scotland-annual-report-2017/ Shelf Number: 154656 Keywords: Crimes against Animals Environmental Crime Poaching Scotland Wildlife Crime

Author: Interpol Title: Overview of Serious and Organized Crime in the Southern African Region Summary: Executive Summary Transnational organized crime in the Southern African region is a growing issue. As a result, INTERPOL, under the European Union funded ENACT Project, has sought to catalogue and assess organized crime in the region in order to drive a more strategic law enforcement response. International criminal organizations continue to target the region due to the significant illicit wealth that can be generated, stemming from criminal market opportunities that exploit various social and political vulnerabilities, including state fragility, limited policing capacities, and corruption. International criminal organizations or networks operate everywhere in the region via key facilitators and bring together a significant array of crime syndicates and street gangs that provide illicit goods and services throughout the region. Crime syndicates remain highly connected across borders and are active in a number of illicit markets, notably financial crimes, organized theft and robberies, drug trafficking, wildlife crimes, human trafficking, and organized violence for profit. In addition, there are a number of enabling crimes such as cybercrime and the trade in small arms and light weapons that are supporting organized criminality throughout the region, which overlap in complex ways with all of the illicit markets noted. Organized crime in the region generates significant profits for all involved and there are substantial illicit interregional financial flows and illicit profits moving throughout the region and often heading offshore. Money laundering relating to all criminal market activities in the region is occurring on a global scale. The threat from organized crime in Southern Africa is substantial yet there is limited capacity amongst law enforcement to manage this complex issue. Organized crime is going underreported and undetected, despite various data sources revealing major activities and dynamics of groups and networks are active in the region. This concern needs strategic action, through stronger partnerships amongst law enforcement agencies throughout the region, enabled through a greater awareness of the overall issue at a regional level. Details: Lyon, France: Interpol, 2018. 37p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 9, 2019 at: https://enactafrica.org/research/analytical-reports/interpol-overview-of-serious-and-organised-crime-in-the-southern-african-region-2018 Year: 2018 Country: Africa URL: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2018-12-12-interpol-southern-africa-report.pdf Shelf Number: 154307 Keywords: Africa Corruption Cybercrime Drug Trafficking Human Trafficking Illicit Financial Crime Money Laundering Organized Crime Transnational Organized Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Laws, Ed Title: The Political Economy of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Summary: Question What is the available political economy analysis of the illegal wildlife trade and the criminal networks involved? Summary This review is based on a rapid assessment of academic, donor and grey literature. A large part of recent scholarship in this area has been produced by international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), or else can be found in peer-reviewed academic journals. Authors do not appear to have engaged with the gender implications of IWT in the context of PEA. Most recent literature on IWT acknowledges the importance of political economy issues such as the prevalence of governance failings in source countries. There is also a common recognition in much of the literature that political, economic, cultural and social factors drive both demand and supply sides of IWT, and that any effort to address the trade needs to be cognisant of these drivers. However, it is very rare to find PEA tools or methods being used to analyse the drivers of the trade or to shape policy recommendations or interventions. Despite consensus in the literature that IWT involves complex networks between transnational crime syndicates, poachers, armed non-state actors, traders and consumers, this review found little evidence of attempts to map the links between these actors or to look in detail at their operating practices. This may be a consequence of the fact that the trade is clandestine and therefore empirical evidence is limited. Details: Brighton, U.K.: Institute of Development Studies, 2017. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2019 at: https://gsdrc.org/publications/the-political-economy-of-the-illegal-wildlife-trade/ Year: 2017 Country: International URL: https://gsdrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/151-The-political-economy-of-the-illegal-wildlife-trade.pdf Shelf Number: 155134 Keywords: Criminal Networks Governance Illegal Wildlife Trade Illicit Trade in Wildlife Poachers Transnational Crime Wildlife Crime

Author: Nimmo, F Title: Taking Stock: Progress towards ending overfshing in the European Union Summary: This Poseidon report was commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts as part of its on-going campaign to end overfishing in the waters of north-western Europe. The research finds that more than half of TACs are consistently set at levels above scientific advice. Projections show this trend continuing to 2020, clear contravention of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) goal to end overfishing. In addition, shortcomings identified within the report demonstrate that current biomass reference points are inadequate to measure progress towards the CFP objective to restore and maintain fish stocks above levels that support the maximum sustainable yield. Details: Portmore, Near Lymington, Hampshire, UK: Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd, 2017. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 13, 2019 at: https://www.consult-poseidon.com/fishery-reports/Poseidon_Taking_Stock_2017.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: https://www.consult-poseidon.com/fishery-reports/Poseidon_Taking_Stock_2017.pdf Shelf Number: 155401 Keywords: Fishing Industry Illegal Fishing Overfishing Wildlife Crime

Author: Araujo, Elis Title: Most Deforested Conservation Units in the Legal Amazon Summary: Conservation Units (Unidades de Conservacao - UCs) cover 22% of the Legal Amazon and are an effective strategy to preserve animals, plants and environmental services, and also to halt deforestation and to maintain the planet's climate balance. However, deforestation rates in UCs have been increasing � in 2015, they already surpassed the 2012 rate by 79% � and its participation in Amazon�s total deforestation increased from 6% in 2008 to 12% in 2015. As a consequence of the deforestation of 237.3 thousand hectares in UCs between 2012 and 2015, equivalent to R$ 344 million in appropriated lands, approximately 136 million trees were destroyed, causing death or displacement of approximately 4.2 million birds and 137,000 monkeys. In addition, we estimated that the burning of vegetation in this deforested area has emitted 119 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year - which compares to 80% of Brazil�s car fleet emissions in September 2016; and that this deforestation generated gross income of R$ 300 million from the sale of timber (value of standing timber), creating a huge investment potential in deforestation. In this context, we identified the 50 most deforested UCs between 2012 and 2015 in the Legal Amazon, which represent only 16% of the total UCs in the region. Overall, they lost 229,900 hectares of forest, that is, 97% of the area deforested in UCs between 2012 and 2015. These UCs in critical deforestation situations are in the area of agricultural frontier expansion and under the influence of infrastructure projects, such as highways, waterways, ports and hydroelectric power plants. Most of the deforestation detected in the period, 49.8% and 38.9% is concentrated in the states of Para and Rondonia, respectively. The federal UCs are in a larger number on the ranking (27), but the state ones presented a greater deforested area (68%). The top 10 ranking positions accounted for 79% of the deforested area within the Legal Amazon UCs between 2012 and 2015 and 82% of the deforestation total on the ranking. The Environmental Protection Areas (APA) occupy five of the top 10 positions. They aim to reconcile human occupation with environmental protection, but this is not possible without management tools. Among state UCs, we highlight APA Triunfo do Xingu, which is the most deforested UC of the Legal Amazon. Among federal UCs, Flona Jamanxim is the most deforested and holds 3rd place on the ranking. The vulnerability of these areas stems from systemic failures of the government, which has a duty to protect them. Among these vulnerabilities, we highlight: i) the erratic and limited strategy of the government, which consists of changing rules and weakening environmental legislation according to current interests and tolerating illegal deforestation until 2030; ii) the scarce human resources for management and the worrying trend of a reduction in the number of federal environmental analysts stationed in the Amazon, 40% in ICMBio (2010-2016) and 33% in Ibama (2009-2015); iii) insufficient financial resources to make the necessary investments to implement the UCs � only 16 critical federal UCs in this study would need R$ 10.6 million per year, which is 3.26 times higher than the average of ICMBio investment resources between 2014 and 2016 for the whole country and 3.42 times higher than that projected for 2017; iv) the ineffectiveness in execution, which is revealed in the low application of available financial resources. For example, between 2009 and 2014, ICMBio used only 35% of the R$ 218 million received for environmental compensation; the slowness in combating irregular occupations, which causes environmental and social damages; and the low rate of punishment for environmental and agrarian crimes. In order to eliminate deforestation and ensure effective protection of these areas in the long term, it will be necessary to build a consistent strategy, to provide human and financial resources and to improve the effectiveness of their implementation. But it is unlikely that the leadership to carry out these tasks comes in isolation from the government, since part of it clearly acts against the public interest. The protection and sustainable use of UCs will also require vigorous and ongoing involvement from various sectors of society, the private sector, and the international community. There is potential for stronger involvement in conservation in Brazil, as 91% of Brazilians favor forestry conservation and another 91% are proud of the country, motivated to a large extent by its riches and natural beauty. We conclude by exploring opportunities for this engagement, considering three goals: Ensure immediate protection of the most critical areas and their populations. It is necessary to protect the local populations of the Amazon, such as indigenous peoples and rubber tappers, who have fought and continue to fight for the creation and maintenance of protected areas. Several agents, besides the police, could contribute to this. Social and environmental NGOs, governments, and international and national donors could increase support for these populations and the implementation of the areas based on the experiences of PPG7 (G7 Rainforest Protection Program) and Arpa (Amazon Protected Areas Program), which permitted the creation of tens of millions of hectares of protected areas in the Amazon. In addition, they could also support the long-term implementation of UCs, as Arpa intends to do. Religious leaders and their followers could step up support for conservation based on Pope Francis' Encyclical Letter, which calls for forest conservation as part of the effort to care for the common home (the planet). Military forces could intensify their action in the fight against deforestation and the land grabbing of public lands in areas of greater conflict. In addition, the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts of Accounts could hold public administrators accountable for reducing the area or degree of protection of UCs to meet the demands of squatters illegally occupying public property, based on the Law of Responsibility of the President of the Republic and of the Ministers of State and in the Administrative Improbity Law Block the demand and financing of illegal deforestation. There is a need to increase the pressure on businesses to improve and expand their commitment to sustainability. To this end, Public Prosecutor's Service and environmental agencies could increase the liability of companies that buy products from illegally deforested areas and those that finance such activities. They could also monitor the implementation of Resolution No. 4.327/2014, which requires financial institutions to establish and implement the Social and Environmental Responsibility Policy (PRSA). NGO campaigns and investigative reporting on law-breaking companies could strengthen such accountability actions and protect companies that comply with laws and agreements from unfair competition. In addition to boycotting illegal production, it is essential to stimulate sustainable production in areas already deforested outside UCs. However, public credit directed exclusively to the most sustainable practices in Brazil (ABC Program - low carbon agriculture) will represent only 1.6% of the country�s total rural credit in the 2016-2017 Agriculture and Livestock Plan. But the financial sector could help scale up sustainable production initiatives by engaging more strongly with governments, producers, and supply chain partners (such as traders, slaughterhouses, supermarket chains) to identify opportunities and remove barriers. Ensure the long-term sustainability of Conservation Units. Several approaches could sustain conservation in the long term. Involvement will tend to be stronger when involving sensorial and emotional experiences, such as tourism, educational expeditions, artistic and sporting events. Such activities could strengthen the regional economy and create a virtuous cycle - UCs would increase tourism which, in turn, would increase the desire to conserve. It is estimated that tourism in UCs already moves approximately R$ 4 billion per year, generates 43 thousand jobs and adds R$ 1.5 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Such an approach could bring together environmental, cultural and commercial interests, similar to the US experience with the creation of national parks. In addition to local benefits, scientific research shows that conserving the Amazon is strategic for the country's development because of its contributions to rainfall that fuels agriculture, hydroelectric power plants and industrial consumption in the southern center of the country. In order to engage national leaders who are unaware of the Amazon, scientists, educators and other professionals could develop programs that combine the presentation of scientific evidence about the Amazon with sensory and emotional experiences through field visits and other means (shows, films, etc.). Details: Belem, Brazil: Imazon, 2017. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://imazon.org.br/PDFimazon/Ingles/books/Most%20deforestation%20Protected%20Area%20Amazon%202012-2015.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Brazil URL: https://imazon.org.br/en/publicacoes/most-deforested-conservation-units-in-the-legal-amazon-2012-2015/ Shelf Number: 155940 Keywords: Amazon Brazil Conservation Units Deforestation Environmental Crime Illegal Logging Protected Areas Wildlife Crime

Author: Chevallier, Romy Title: Safeguarding Tanzania's Coral Reefs: The Case of Illegal Blast Fishing Summary: Tanzania is the only country in Africa where blast fishing, (fishing with explosives), still occurs on a large scale. Besides killing and injuring fish, these blasts cause irreversible damage to coral reefs, destroying the habitats of many reef species, shattering the natural barriers that protect Tanzania's coastline from erosion and storm surges, and threatening the country's reputation as an important marine tourism destination. This destructive fishing practice must urgently be halted, both to prevent the considerable socio-economic repercussions for coastal communities and to protect the integrity of vital and endangered ecosystems. Blast fishing encompasses opportunistic and organised crime, thus requiring an urgent multi-stakeholder response from all sectors of the government, business, coastal communities and regional marine-governing authorities. Details: Johannesburg, South Africa: South African Institute of International Affairs, 2017. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://saiia.org.za/research/safeguarding-tanzania-s-coral-reefs-the-case-of-illegal-blast-fishing/ Year: 2017 Country: Tanzania URL: https://saiia.org.za/research/safeguarding-tanzania-s-coral-reefs-the-case-of-illegal-blast-fishing/ Shelf Number: 155941 Keywords: Blast Fishing Environmental Crime Fishing with Explosives Illegal Fishing Tanzania Wildlife 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 Crime Illegal Ivory Illicit Trade Ivory Trade Poaching Seizures Wildlife Crime

Author: Brochet, Anne-Laure Title: Illegal killing and taking of birds in Europe outside the Mediterranean: assessing the scope and scale of a complex issue Summary: The illegal killing and taking of wild birds remains a major threat on a global scale. However, there are few quantitative data on the species affected and countries involved. We quantified the scale and scope of this issue in Northern and Central Europe and the Caucasus, using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. The issue was reported to be widespread across the region and affects almost all countries/territories assessed. We estimated that 0.4-2.1 million birds per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region. The highest estimate of illegal killing in the region was for Azerbaijan (0.2-1.0 million birds per year). Out of the 20 worst locations identified, 13 were located in the Caucasus. Birds were reported to be illegally killed/taken primarily for sport and food in the Caucasus and for sport and predator/pest control in both Northern and Central Europe. All of the 28 countries assessed are parties to the Bern Convention and 19 are also European Union Member States. There are specific initiatives under both these policy instruments to tackle this threat, yet our data showed that illegal killing and taking is still occurring and is not restricted to Mediterranean European countries. Markedly increased effort is required to ensure that existing legislation is adequately implemented and complied with/enforced on the ground. Our study also highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing and taking of birds in the region. It is a priority, identified by relevant initiatives under the Bern Convention and the European Union, to implement systematic monitoring of illegal killing and taking and to collate robust data, allowing stakeholders to set priorities, track trends and monitor the effectiveness of responses. Details: Cambridge, UK: Bird Conservation International, Volume 29, Issue 1 March 2019 , pp. 10-40 (open access) Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DE4D06F3BD4273B94FD3C9621C615A0A/S0959270917000533a.pdf/illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_europe_outside_the_mediterranean_assessing_the_scope_and_scale_of_a_complex_issue.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DE4D06F3BD4273B94FD3C9621C615A0A/S0959270917000533a.pdf/illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_europe_outside_the_mediterranean_assessing_the_scope_and_s Shelf Number: 156241 Keywords: Birds Environmental Crime Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Birdlife International Title: Assessing the scope and scale of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean, and establishing a basis for systematic monitoring Summary: Overexploitation, in particular illegal killing and taking, is one of the main threats driving birds towards extinction globally and is known to be a particular and growing issue of concern, especially across the Mediterranean. The first report to review the killing of migratory birds in the Mediterranean as a whole was published in 1979 by ICBP (now BirdLife International). It estimated that hundreds of millions of migratory birds were killed annually in the Mediterranean region. Illegal killing of birds in the Mediterranean is known to remain an issue, but there is little quantitative information available. As this threat may be having a negative impact on the populations of some bird species, a quantitative assessment is needed to estimate how many individuals may be killed illegally each year, which species may be the most impacted and where the worst locations may be. In 2014/15 BirdLife International led a 1.5-year project aiming to review all aspects of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean. National legislation of the 27 assessed Mediterranean and peri-Mediterranean countries/territories was reviewed to define what was illegal at national level. Information on the species affected and the number of individuals illegally killed/taken each year, the worst locations and the illegal practices used in these countries/territories were then compiled using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. These data were analysed to quantitatively assess the approximate scale and scope of illegal killing and taking of birds in the region and identify some of the species of greatest concern, and the highest priority locations at which urgent remedial action is required to tackle this threat. We estimated that 11-36 million individual birds per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region, many of them on migration. At the 20 worst locations with the highest reported numbers, 7.9 million individuals may be illegally killed/taken per year, representing 34% of the mean estimated annual regional total number of birds illegally killed/taken for all species combined. For species such as Blackcap, Common Quail, Eurasian Chaffinch, House Sparrow and Song Thrush, more than one million individuals of each species are estimated to be killed/taken illegally on average in the region every year. This assessment also highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing and taking of birds in the region and the need to establish standardised monitoring. Best-practice guidelines for systematic monitoring of illegal killing of birds were developed to generate more reliable quantitative national-scale estimates of the number of birds illegally killed/taken per year. A road-map was developed to guide subsequent efforts by the BirdLife partnership, engaging with other stakeholders, to tackle the illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Future steps will include (a) a programme of investment in and support to relevant stakeholders to strengthen and expand actions on the ground to reduce the illegal killing and taking of birds, targeting the worst locations, and involving enforcement of legislation, awareness-raising, education, advocacy, communications and publicity activities and (b) establishing, expanding or strengthening coordinated and systematic monitoring of illegal killing and taking of birds in the worst affected countries and locations where such monitoring is currently lacking, or incomplete. Results of this project would help relevant stakeholders, including government departments and agencies, hunting groups, international policy instruments and NGOs to strengthen efforts and coordination to tackle this pressing issue for bird conservation. Details: Cambridge, UK: Author, 2014. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/project_report_final_version.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Europe URL: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/project_report_final_version.pdf Shelf Number: 156241 Keywords: Birds Environmental Crimes Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Brochet, Anne-Laure Title: Preliminary assessment of the scope and scale of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean Summary: Illegal killing/taking of birds is a growing concern across the Mediterranean. However, there are few quantitative data on the species and countries involved. We assessed numbers of individual birds of each species killed/taken illegally in each Mediterranean country per year, using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. We estimated that 11-36 million individuals per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region, many of them on migration. In each of Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon and Syria, more than two million birds may be killed/taken on average each year. For species such as Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, House Sparrow Passer domesticus and Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, more than one million individuals of each species are estimated to be killed/taken illegally on average every year. Several species of global conservation concern are also reported to be killed/taken illegally in substantial numbers: Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca and Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca. Birds in the Mediterranean are illegally killed/taken primarily for food, sport and for use as cage-birds or decoys. At the 20 worst locations with the highest reported numbers, 7.9 million individuals may be illegally killed/taken per year, representing 34% of the mean estimated annual regional total number of birds illegally killed/taken for all species combined. Our study highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing/taking of birds. Monitoring schemes which use systematic sampling protocols are needed to generate increasingly robust data on trends in illegal killing/taking over time and help stakeholders prioritise conservation actions to address this international conservation problem. Large numbers of birds are also hunted legally in the region, but specific totals are generally unavailable. Such data, in combination with improved estimates for illegal killing/taking, are needed for robustly assessing the sustainability of exploitation of birds. Details: Bird Conservation International, Volume 26, Issue 1 March 2016 , pp. 1-28. (Open Access) Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/34A06A94874DB94BE2BBACC4F96C3B5F/S0959270915000416a.pdf/preliminary_assessment_of_the_scope_and_scale_of_illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_the_mediterranean.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/34A06A94874DB94BE2BBACC4F96C3B5F/S0959270915000416a.pdf/preliminary_assessment_of_the_scope_and_scale_of_illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_the_medit Shelf Number: 156244 Keywords: Birds Environmental Crimes Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Title: A System of Extinction: The African Elephant Disaster Summary: A ground-breaking ivory trade report which scrutinises key markets in Asia, the rampant poaching in African countries and exposes some of the international criminals who oversee the trade. Those people who have opposed an international ban on the ivory trade have had their chance to demonstrate that it could be controlled. A million elephants have died in the meantime and a total ban on the ivory trade must be agreed and implemented as soon as possible. The report played a key role in achieving the 1989 international ban on elephant ivory trade at CITES. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency, 1989. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 10, 2019 at: https://eia-international.org/report/a-system-of-extinction-the-african-elephant-disaster/ Year: 1989 Country: International URL: https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/A-System-of-Extinction.pdf Shelf Number: 156225 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illicit Ivory Trade Illicit Wildlife Products Illicit Wildlife Trade Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Department of Fisheries. Thailand Title: A National Policy for Marine Fisheries Management, 2015 - 2019 Summary: Marine fisheries are important both socially and economically for Thailand. However, there are a number of challenges that, unless addressed urgently, could have serious impact on the future of these fisheries. These include severe degradation of the fish resources through overcapacity that has resulted in lower catch rates, large quantities of small low value/trash fish, including juveniles of larger commercial species, and Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). Critical fish habitats (mangroves, sea grasses and coral reefs) degradation has contributed to this decline. This situation has occurred mainly as a result of a lack of control of an ever increasing number of vessels and uptake of new technologies over the past 30 years, resulting in excessive fishing capacity and fishing effort. The amendments to the Fisheries Act Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 (2015) recognize the significance of managing the fisheries resources of Thailand sustainably and requires the development and implementation of a fisheries management plan. This Marine Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) 2015-2019 outlines the nature of the management challenges facing Thailand and details what actions and management measures are required to transform what is now essentially an open-access fishery into a limited-access fishery based on balancing the fishing effort with the productivity of the resources (maximum Sustainable yield (MSY)). The Marine Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) of Thailand is closely linked to the National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 2015 (NPOA-IUU) and the National Control Plan (NCP) 2015. The FMP recognizes that there are many threats to the sustainable management of marine fisheries in Thailand, but based on a risk assessment it has identified the high priority issues as (i) Overfishing and overcapacity, especially the commercial fleet and (i) IUU fishing. The FMP aims to reduce the fishing capacity and fishing effort over the next 3 years. The specific capacity reductions targets include (i) for demersal fish; 40% in the Gulf of Thailand and 10% in the Andaman Sea by 2018 and (ii) for pelagic fish; 30% in the Gulf of Thailand and 20% in the Andaman Sea by 2018. The main measures to achieve include: - the removal of currently illegal fishing vessels; and - reducing the total allowable fishing days. The FMP is also designed to reduce the level of IUU fishing to reduce the level that can be controlled through regular MCS arrangements in the future. Specific management measures to achieve this include: -strengthening Monitoring, Control and Surveillance measures through institutional changes and increased resources and capacity for MCS; and -improving the licensing and registration system as that all vessels are registered and licensed. Any vessel with a history of IUU will not be registered.The FMP details all management measures needed to meet the FMP's objectives as well as key performance indicators and timelines. It also specifies how the measures are to be implemented and by whom in a Work plan for implementation 2015/16. Other lower priority issues are being managed through a number measures that are relevant to these challenges. The high catch of juveniles of larger commercial species is being managed through mesh size limitations and spatial and temporal closures. Conflicts between sub-sectors are being managed through declaration of exclusive fishing rights to different zones (distance from the coast). Critical habitats will be restored through increased collaboration and cooperation with other agencies that are mandated to protect and conserve the marine environment. The FMP also recognizes the importance of better data and information to inform management decision making and proposes several important changes on research, data and information that can be used in the future management of Thailand�s marine fisheries. Lastly the FMP recognizes the need for institutional changes and strengthening the human capacity to improve future fisheries management. The implementation also requires the provision of the adequate financial, technical and human resources. The Thai Government commits to allocate funding as well as increase significant number of personnel for various activities of FMP implementation. The FMP will be reviewed every year with a report on progress against the objectives. A major evaluation and review of this plan will be carried out every 2 years, and if appropriate, the issues, goals and objectives will be modified. Details: Bangkok, Thailand: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand, 2015. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 10, 2019 at: https://www.iotc.org/documents/marine-fisheries-management-plan-thailand-national-policy-marine-fisheries-management-2015 Year: 2015 Country: Thailand URL: https://www.iotc.org/documents/marine-fisheries-management-plan-thailand-national-policy-marine-fisheries-management-2015 Shelf Number: 156391 Keywords: Environmental Crime Fishing Industry Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Marine Fisheries Maritime Crime Thailand Wildlife Crime

Author: Symes, William Sigourney Title: Investigation into the Individual and Combined Impacts of Wildlife Trade and Habitat Loss on Biodiversity and Conservation Interventions in the Tropics Summary: My PhD thesis investigates the effects of two economic drivers of environmental change and biodiversity decline, wildlife trade and habitat loss. My first data chapter explores how socio-economic factors undermine protected areas by studying the spatial occurrence of protected area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement. Next, I apply a gravity-underreporting framework to data on legal and illegal wildlife trade, to understand the economic drivers of trade in mammalian, reptilian and avian products. The next two chapters focus Sundaland, a global biodiversity hotspot in South East Asia. Firstly, I combine remote sensing, ecological, and socio-economic data to quantify the combined impacts of wildlife trade and habitat loss on 308 species of forest dependent birds in the region. Finally, I engage in a process I have dubbed 'extinction accounting' for the extensive peatland areas in the region. I link biodiversity declines to agricultural profits from peatland conversion between 1990 and 2015. Details: Singapore: National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, 2018. 167p. Source: Internet Resource (Dissertation Thesis): Accessed June 10, 2019 at: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/147846 Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/10635/147846/1/PhD%20final%20versionv3.pdf Shelf Number: 156364 Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation Environmental Crime Habitat Loss Illegal Wildlife Trade Remote Sensing Wildlife Crime

Author: Musing, Louisa Title: Corruption and Wildlife Crime: A Focus on Caviar Trade Summary: Corruption is a severe threat to wildlife conservation globally. While conservation practitioner anecdotes and existing empirical research all point to corruption as a main facilitator enabling wildlife crime, there is still limited knowledge about what can change this situation and help reverse the pernicious impact of corruption on conservation outcomes in practice. Corruption has a negative impact on conservation by reducing the effectiveness of conservation programmes, reducing law enforcement and political support, as well as establishing incentives for the over-exploitation of resources. It undermines the effectiveness and legitimacy of laws and regulations and can be an indicator of the presence of organised crime groups. Corruption needs to be addressed as a central part of the approach to tackling wildlife crime. As part of a wider project by TRAFFIC in collaboration with WWF to understand global caviar markets and to identify hotspots for illegal trade (Harris and Shiraishi, 2018), funding was provided by WWF to incorporate an anti-corruption component, working in partnership with and under the guidance of the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre. The objectives of this component were to deepen understanding of how corruption may be facilitating the flow of illegal caviar along the value chain, to identify possible intervention strategies, and to inform further studies concerning environmental / wildlife crime and corruption. A typology of corruption for the illegal caviar trade was developed through the review of information gathered by TRAFFIC from academic literature and media reports, interviews with stakeholders who had some knowledge of illegal caviar trade, and the rapid market assessments in Beijing, Berlin, Chicago, Moscow, Paris and Tokyo that were conducted as part of the global caviar markets study (Harris and Shiraishi, 2018). Furthermore, a discussion group with anti-corruption, wildlife trade and sturgeon conservation experts (Table 1) was organised in April 2018 to discuss initial findings from TRAFFIC's rapid assessments, to refine the typology (Figure 3), to develop recommendations for policy and practice, and to build working relationships to support possible future studies (see Annex 1 for discussion group agenda). This report summarises key themes of corruption and wildlife crime as drawn from the literature reviews and interviews, and salient points arising from the discussion group in April 2018. Details: Cambridge, UK: A TRAFFIC, WWF, U4 ACRC, Utrecht University, and Northumbria University report , 2019. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 12, 2019 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11818/corruption-and-caviar-final.pdf Year: 2019 Country: International URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11818/corruption-and-caviar-final.pdf Shelf Number: 156400 Keywords: Caviar Environmental Crime Illegal Trade Organized Crime Political Corruption Sturgeon Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime

Author: Hauenstein, Severin Title: African Elephant Poaching Rates Correlate with Local Poverty, National Corruption and Global Ivory Price Summary: Poaching is contributing to rapid declines in elephant populations across Africa. Following high-profile changes in the political environment, the overall number of illegally killed elephants in Africa seems to be falling, but to evaluate potential conservation interventions we must understand the processes driving poaching rates at local and global scales. Here we show that annual poaching rates in 53 sites strongly correlate with proxies of ivory demand in the main Chinese markets, whereas between-country and between-site variation is strongly associated with indicators of corruption and poverty. Our analysis reveals a recent decline in annual poaching mortality rate from an estimated peak of over 10% in 2011 to less than 4% in 2017. Based on these findings, we suggest that continued investment in law enforcement could further reduce poaching, but is unlikely to succeed without action that simultaneously reduces ivory demand and tackles corruption and poverty. Details: New York: Nature Communications, 2019. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 17, 2019 at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-09993-2 Year: 2019 Country: International URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-09993-2.pdf Shelf Number: 156372 Keywords: Corruption Environmental Crime Illicit Ivory Trade Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Office of the Director of National Intelligence Title: Animal Cruelty: A Possible Warning Behavior for Terrorism and Other Premeditated Violence Against Humans Which Needs Reporting and Further Vetting Summary: Clinical and forensic data on mass murder incidents, including terrorist attacks, reveals the vast majority are premeditated rather than impulsive. Premeditated murders often display observable warning behaviors. Although warning behaviors cannot predict targeted violence, they are useful in identifying an accelerated and increased risk of violence that should elevate authorities' concern. Animal cruelty, particularly when premeditated in nature, is one example of a novel aggression warning behavior. Through this behavior, an individual tests his or her ability to actually engage in a violent act and can be thought of as experimental aggression. Numerous studies indicate that animal cruelty is often linked to a variety of other crimes, particularly violent offences toward humans. In 2017, there were two instances in the Homeland of ISIS supporters who abused animals for various reasons prior to their arrest, and who were plotting to conduct a terrorist attack. Details: McLean, Virginia: Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 2018. 5p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 18, 2019 at: https://www.dni.gov/files/NCTC/documents/jcat/firstresponderstoolbox/56s---Animal-Cruelty--A-Possible-Warning-Behavior-for-Terrorism---survey.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: https://www.dni.gov/files/NCTC/documents/jcat/firstresponderstoolbox/56s---Animal-Cruelty--A-Possible-Warning-Behavior-for-Terrorism---survey.pdf Shelf Number: 156493 Keywords: Aggressive Behavior Animal Abuse Animal Cruelty Murderers Serial Killers Wildlife Crime

Author: Birdlife International Title: A Best Practice Guide for Monitoring Illegal Killing and Taking of Birds Summary: Overexploitation is one of the main threats driving birds towards extinction globally, and much of this is illegal. Illegal activities are by definition hidden and difficult to track, and consequently most estimates of the numbers of birds illegally killed or taken are currently based on inference from fragmentary data, informed by expert knowledge. Monitoring of illegal killing and taking of birds using standardised, replicable methods is needed to generate robust quantitative data to help focus efforts, track trends and monitor the effectiveness of actions to address illegal killing. Detailed guidance is widely available on methods for monitoring bird population abundance, but little information is available on methods to monitor illegal killing and taking of birds. Such monitoring requires use of appropriate sampling design and methodology, recruitment and maintenance of a network of individuals to collect the data, involvement of relevant stakeholders, appropriate consideration of security issues, appropriate data management, analysis, presentation and communication, and many other elements. The aim of this best practice guide is to provide BirdLife Partners and other stakeholders with guidance covering these different aspects. The principle elements of each aspect of a monitoring scheme are summarised in the main chapters, illustrated by a series of case studies describing different approaches applied in selected countries. Details: Cmabridge, UK: Birdlife International, 2015. 66p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 19, 2019 at: https://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/guidelines_for_monitoring_ikb_final_version.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://datazone.birdlife.org/sowb/casestudy/a-best-practice-guide-for-monitoring-illegal-killing-and-taking-of-birds Shelf Number: 156539 Keywords: Birds Case Studies Environmental Crime Illegal Killing Illegal Taking Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Elhalawani, Salawa Title: Hunting and Illegal Killings of Birds: Along the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt Socio Economic Study Summary: Twice yearly, millions of migratory birds fly between their breeding sites in temperate and Arctic zones in northern Europe and Asia, and winter in warmer regions like western and southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The unsustainable hunting and illegal killing of birds along Africa's Mediterranean north coast might be contributing to declines in the populations of migratory species, and constitutes a considerable challenge for bird conservation efforts, as many local communities in these areas might depend on bird hunting during the migration seasons for part of their livelihoods. Over several decades, hunting of migratory birds has taken different forms along Egypt's coast culminating in recent years in the widespread use of hundreds of kilometres of mist nets along the coastline in the autumn, all the way from the eastern to the western border. Efforts to address illegal and unsustainable legal bird trapping have to-date been impeded by a lack of reliable statistics regarding its scope and scale, as well as a limited understanding of the social, economic and cultural importance of trapping itself amongst local communities. Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), under the supervision of the BirdLife International Secretariat, was awarded a small grant by the Secretariat of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA Secretariat) based on a financial contribution provided by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, to undertake a socioeconomic survey on bird hunting along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, to understand the socioeconomic dimensions of bird hunting, and assess the resource dependency and social resilience and communities' ability to cope with any future changes in regulations and conservation strategies. Survey fieldwork was conducted during the autumn season of 2015, from 9-21 September. This report delivers on Result 1.2 of the Plan of Action to Address Bird Trapping along the Mediterranean Coasts of Egypt and Libya (Emile et al., 2014). Methodology: The primary data source for the study was a field survey including quantitative and qualitative data, preceded by a review of relevant literature (see reference list). 73 bird hunters and traders from 25 local communities, towns and cities along the coast were interviewed following a comprehensive set of questions designed and tested prior to the survey. Group discussions were also held in communities where hunters agreed to participate. Results: -Overall, bird hunting is of highly significant socioeconomic importance for communities along the coast. -Although not systematically recorded in the context of the study, it was estimated that at least 75% of killing observed was illegal. -Social and economic dependency on bird hunting was found to be considerably high, while social resilience and ability to cope with conservation strategies is varied. -Household size, occupation and income are significant variables which affect the prominence of bird hunting in local communities. -Economic benefits received from bird hunting vary: from representing a major income supplement to covering basic subsistence. -There are three main hunter profiles: commercial, subsistence and cultural/recreational hunters. Recommendations: 1. To acknowledge the cultural significance of bird hunting and its importance to local communities 2. To engage local communities in decision-making regarding policy changes. 3. To enforce hunting legislation to bring the hunting of birds under effective control - through: a) Implementation of the recommendations from the review of hunting legislation undertaken by NCE and EEAA; b) Development of bird hunting management plan for the Mediterranean Coast and the rest of Egypt; c) To prohibit the use of mist nets in key areas along the coast; d) To set up a new system to increase fines for violations of hunting legislation; 4. To develop a mechanism to control, track and follow up on the legality of bird hunting permits. 5. To secure high-level political support to ensure that measures to address illegal bird killing are given a high priority; 6. To mainstream the socio-economic issues of bird hunting including through: a) Establishment of fish farms run by community members; b) Provision of small loans to community members for them to set up small businesses; c) Development of governmental incentive plans to cover part of the economic loss to hunters that may occur from new conservation strategies and hunting regulations. To increase awareness of bird conservation through: a) Working with local mosques' Imams, Islamic public figures and the media, to convey the bird conservation message to local people and raise awareness against illegal bird killing; b) Development of a bird conservation awareness-raising strategy with a focus on the younger generation; 8. To improve the knowledge of law enforcement and local authorities regarding the birds, hunting and trading of birds -particularly regarding species in trade of high conservation concern such as birds of prey. 9. To control the export of wild birds (legal and illegal). 10. To undertake further studies including: a) A study to investigate the export market; b) A study of non-hunters in the same areas to understand the socioeconomic situation of the population of these areas. Details: S.L.: BirdLife International, 2016. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 20, 2019 at: https://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/hunting_and_illegal_killing_in_egypt_0.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Egypt URL: https://www.birdlife.org/campaign/stop-illegal-bird-killing Shelf Number: 156538 Keywords: Birds of Prey Egypt Environmental Crime Hunting Illegal Killing Illegal Taking Illegal Trapping Illicit Wildlife Trade Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Economist Intelligence Unit Title: The Global Illicit Trade Environment Index: Asia Summary: Economies around the world are facing the blight of illicit trade, but perhaps nowhere more so than in Asia-Pacifc. The region, long a source of supply for illicit goods - be it counterfeits, drugs, or traffcking in humans or illicit wildlife - is now emerging as a major source of demand, compounding the problem signifcantly. And although not much hard data are available, it is quite clear that "due to rising affuence in Asia and other major consuming economies, illicit trade volumes have gone up," says Steven Galster, founder and executive director of the Freeland Foundation, an Asia based non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on environmental conservation and human rights, who cited the trade in endangered species, specifically. As a result, wildlife species are disappearing at alarming rates; pirated and mislabelled products are traded freely across borders and sold openly within them, with varied rates of concern and control on the part of governments; narcotics-related incidents frequently make headlines of regional newspapers; human trafficking is becoming even more common, abated and masked at the same time by various refugee crises in South-east Asia; illegal logging remains a threat to deforestation throughout the region, spurring corruption and lining the pockets of criminals with piles of cash; and illegal arms sales are rampant. The Global Illicit Trade Environment Index is a tool not to measure the size of the problem, but to better understand underlying vulnerabilities in economies that give rise to illicit trade or fail to inhibit it. Although the size of the problem in monetary terms is hard to measure, it is clear the sums of illegal money involved are huge, and there is a consensus on the need to curb illicit trade. Through this study, we hope to provide insight on how economies can use the tools at their disposal to create the right environment to do so. Given Asia's geographic, economic and political diversity, it should come as no surprise that its economies have had varying degrees of success in - and varying attitudes towards - combating illicit trade. As the region continues to grow, and as it moves towards deeper economic and trade integration via various trade agreements and related initiatives, such as the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC), there will be an attendant need for it to implement stricter policies on illicit trade. Its record so far is not encouraging. There have, however, been some positive developments in recent years, says Jeremy Douglas, regional representative of the UN Offce on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for South-east Asia and the Pacifc. Mr Douglas notes that there has been "increasing political interest" in addressing illicit trade and [we are seeing] a couple of key ASEAN member states prioritising action on border management and scanning illicit flows of all kinds. Nevertheless, he does caution that political interest "hasn't translated into practical change yet". To measure how nations are addressing the issue of illicit trade, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) has commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to produce the Global Illicit Trade Environment Index. The global index expands upon an Asia-specifc version, originally created by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2016 to score 17 economies in Asia on the extent to which they enabled or prevented illicit trade. The Asian index generated much-needed attention on the issue of illicit trade within the region. Building upon the success of the Asia index, the global index now includes 84 economies, providing a global perspective and new insights on the social and economic impacts of illicit trade. This briefng paper focuses on the 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific covered by the index. For an explanation of how the global illicit index differs from the 2016 index, please consult the methodology in the appendix. Details: New York: Transnational Alliance to Combat illicit Trade (TRACIT), 2018. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 21, 2019 at: https://www.tracit.org/uploads/1/0/2/2/102238034/eiu_asia_illicit_trade_paper_final.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Asia URL: https://www.tracit.org/uploads/1/0/2/2/102238034/eiu_asia_illicit_trade_paper_final.pdf Shelf Number: 156583 Keywords: Drug Trafficking Endangered Species Human Trafficking Illegal Trade Illicit Trade Wildlife Crime Wildlife Trafficking

Author: Barnes, Richard Title: Fisheries and Maritime Security: Understanding and Enhancing the Connection Summary: Maritime security policy is beginning to change, and one may note that some statements on maritime security occasionally include reference to fisheries � typically illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Some authors are sensitive to this change. Thus, some aspects of fisheries regulation, or rather IUU fishing, are occasionally connected to wider debates about maritime security. This literature is increasingly concerned with the operational links that make fishing activities vulnerable to or synergistic with crime. Other areas, such as the degree to which fisheries disputes and their resolution contribute to insecurity and good order respectively, remain underexplored. This chapter aims to deepen the dialogue about how fisheries fit within the broader framework of maritime security. We seek to move the debate forward by extending discussions about fisheries regulation into maritime security, showing how poor or ineffective regulation and management of fisheries activities can have a wider destabilizing effect on maritime security. In particular, we argue that cumulative, multiple stresses at lower/different levels can render maritime security generally more vulnerable. This is a novel perspective because it combines two discreet areas of concern: maritime security discourse and fisheries law. Details: S.L., 2019. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 21, 2019 at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3388786 Year: 2019 Country: International URL: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3388786 Shelf Number: 156553 Keywords: Environmental Crime Fisheries Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Maritime Security Wildlife Crime

Author: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Title: Report on Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Summary: An updated assessment by the CITES programme Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) has confirmed that poaching continues to threaten the long-term survival of the African elephant. MIKE evaluates relative levels of illegal killing based on the Proportion of Illegally Killed Elephants (PIKE). This is calculated as the number of illegally killed elephants found, divided by the total number of elephant carcasses encountered by patrols or other means, aggregated by year for each site. PIKE levels above 0.5 means that more elephant deaths reported were due to illegal killing than other types of death. The evidence reveals that the Proportion of Illegally Killed Elephants (PIKE) peaked in 2011 at 0.77, when an alarming 10% of African elephants were poached. It then steadily declined through 2017 to 0.53 and remained relatively unchanged in 2018. Such high PIKE levels are of concern because even in well-established and protected elephant populations, the annual losses due to illegal killing and other mortalities would not be compensated by birth rates. Many African elephant populations are small and fragmented and not well-protected, making them even more vulnerable to poaching. As PIKE levels remain above 0.5 in Africa, the number of African elephants in some countries continues to decline. African elephant populations have fallen from an estimated 12 million a century ago to some 400,000, according to the most recent estimations contained in the 2016 IUCN/SSC African Elephant Status Report. "Illegal killing of African elephants for ivory remains a significant threat to elephant populations in most of the range States. At the same time, the human population of Africa has grown tenfold, from 125 million to 1,225 million, creating competition for land with elephants." said CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero. "We must continue to reduce poaching and illegal trade in ivory and find solutions to ensure the coexistence of elephants with local people. This means strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand for illegally sourced ivory and securing the livelihoods of people living with elephants. The international community should further expand its work with the African range States to find solutions that work both for the elephants and for local communities." International trade in elephant ivory has been banned by CITES since 1990. Opinions differ between countries about whether this ban should continue or not. African countries where elephant populations are sufficiently healthy and sustainable argue that they should be permitted to resume the ivory trade, among other things, to generate funds for the conservation of elephants. The African elephant and the debate over the ivory trade will be a major item on the agenda of the next triennial CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP18), originally planned for May in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but to be rescheduled for a later date. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 2019. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 16, 2019 at: https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/18/doc/E-CoP18-069-02.pdf Year: 2019 Country: International URL: https://www.cites.org/eng/news/new-report-highlights-continued-threat-to-african-elephants-from-poaching_10052019 Shelf Number: 156808 Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation CITES Environmental Crime Illicit Ivory Trade Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants Poaching Wildlife Crime

Author: Europol Title: Preliminary Report on Environmental Crime in Europe Summary: In 2013 Europol identified environmental crime as an emerging threat to the EU Member States (MS). At this time illicit waste trafficking was the key focus of concern. Europol then published the "Threat Assessment 2013 - Environmental Crime in the EU", wherein more in‐depth accounts of illicit waste trafficking and trafficking of endangered species (TES) were provided. These were described as 'the two most widespread offences'. Some attention was given to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illegal sand mining, while offences such as fuel oil fraud and the sale of maritime vessels with contaminated loads were mentioned only briefly. Towards the end of 2013 the EU's Standing Committee on Operational Cooperation on Internal Security (COSI) tasked the informal Environmental Crime Network (EnviCrimeNet) to report about their activities and to provide a scan in relation to environmental crime in the EU by the end of 2014. Within the EnviCrimeNet and its Steering Group (SG) discussions were ongoing with regards to both the SOCTA 2013 and the Environmental Crime Threat Assessment. Next to the fact that the EnviCrimeNet's interest covers a much broader area than purely waste trafficking and TES, the assumed under-reporting of environmental crimes in general is seen as a major, if not central problem, obviously influencing the number of investigations and the knowledge of the involvement of organised crime groups (OCGs). The EnviCrimeNet SG wanted to know more about the gaps: What are the problems? Who has them and why? What are possible solutions? As a result, a current key focus of the EnviCrimeNet is to carry out a dedicated project in order to gain an improved understanding of the issues. This is the first time that law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have been tasked to inform on this phenomenon. As the EnviCrimeNet Secretariat, Europol agreed to coordinate the project and in May 2014 the Intelligence Project on Environmental Crime (IPEC) was launched for a period of one year. The project team consists of the EnviCrimeNet Secretariat and two Dutch law enforcement (LE) officials, who were seconded to Europol in support of IPEC. The project outcomes take the form of a preliminary and a final report. Both will inform the EnviCrimeNet members, COSI and other relevant bodies of the findings. This is the preliminary report, drafted after the initial findings were presented during the 4th EnviCrimeNet Annual General Meeting in The Hague on the 19th of November 2014. Details: The Hague, Netherlands: Europol and the Intelligence Project on Environmental Crime, 2014. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 15, 2019 at: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2014/dec/eu-council-envi-crime-net-16438-14.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Europe URL: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2014/dec/eu-council-envi-crime-net-16438-14.pdf Shelf Number: 156999 Keywords: Environmental Crime Illegal Dumping Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Illicit Waste Trafficking Maritime Crime Offenses Against the Environment Waste Management Wildlife Crime

Author: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Title: Status of Elephant Populations, Levels of Illegal Killing and the Trade in Ivory: A Report to the CITES Standing Committee Summary: Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) on Trade in elephant specimens, in paragraph 11, directs the Secretariat, pending the necessary external funding, to: (a) report on information and analyses provided by MIKE (by the CITES Secretariat)and ETIS (by TRAFFIC)..., subject to the availability of adequate new MIKE or ETIS data, at relevant meetings of the Standing Committee; and (b) prior to relevant meetings of the Standing Committee, invite the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) to provide an overview of trade in elephant specimens as recorded in the CITES database; the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) African and Asian Elephant Specialist Groups to submit any new and relevant information on the conservation status of elephants, pertinent conservation actions and management strategies; and African elephant range States to provide information on progress made in the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan. On the basis of the information specified above, the Secretariat is to recommend actions for consideration by the Conference of the Parties or the Standing Committee. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: CITES Secretariat, 2017. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 2, 2019 at: https://conservationaction.co.za/resources/reports/status-elephant-populations-levels-illegal-killing-trade-ivory-report-cites-standing-committee/ Year: 2017 Country: International URL: https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/69/E-SC69-51-01-A.pdf Shelf Number: 158103 Keywords: Elephant Poaching Illicit Ivory Trade Wildlife Crime