Newsletter on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) with a special focus on Africa Volume 3, Issue 3 (CITES) with a special focus on Africa
July 2010 35th Anniversary of CITES The Africa Regional Bu- protection of internationally in Sierra Leone that showed reau of the Species Survival traded species, CITES re- that the population is dou- Network (SSN) is devoting mains an invaluable tool for ble previous estimates. We this issue to the 35 th anni- the conservation of species also express our warmest versary of the entry into in trade. SSN and its mem- congratulations to the Gov- force of CITES. SSN ber organizations are hon- ernment of Liberia for its warmly congratulates ored to work with the decision to suspend wildlife CITES Parties for joining CITES Parties to strengthen exports as a precautionary efforts to protect endan- the conservation of these measure to preserve the gered and threatened spe- species. This month, the country's wildlife. Finally, cies against the harmful newsletter presents the very we address the need for effects of unregulated inter- encouraging results of a increased protection for national trade by ratifying recent chimpanzee survey hippopotamuses in Burkina and implementing the Faso, and review re- CITES treaty. SSN has ports showing the exis- been an active partici- tence of an illegal trade pant in CITES meetings in cheetahs from East
for the last 17 years and Africa to the Middle stands as a prime wit- East. ness to the multiple Enjoy! successes of the Con- vention. Despite the Will Travers, Shelley many challenges that Waterland and Alice the 175 CITES Parties Stroud, SSN Africa Re- still need to overcome Display warning tourists not to illegally import protected gional Bureau to ensure sufficient Felidae’ skins, Atlanta airport, United States. Latest CITES Postings and Notifications ♦The Secretariat informed should be identified to the site (CITES Notification Parties of changes to the species level where feasible No. 2010/016). The CITES Standing Committee’s rec- (CITES Notification No. Trade Data Dashboards can ommendations to suspend 2010/014). be accessed at
Inside this issue: Important CITES Dates
Illegal trade in cheetahs from East Africa to the 2 • 19-23 July 2010: CITES-FAO workshop to review the
CITES AFRIQUE Middle East
CITES AFRIQUE application and effectiveness of international regula- New chimpanzee population estimates in Sierra 3 tory measures for the conservation and sustainable use of elasmobranchs
Leone • 31 July 2010: deadline for Parties to submit informa- Need for increased protection of hippos in 3 tion relating to incidents of poaching of and illegal Burkina Faso / Ban of wildlife exports in Liberia trade in tigers • 31 December 2010: deadline for African elephant Capacity building corner 3 range States that wish to authorize export of raw ivory in accordance with Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP15) to communicate in writing to the Secretariat SSN member and CITES species of the month SPECIES SURVIVAL NETWORK’S AFRICA REGIONAL BUREAU 4 export quotas for raw ivory for 2011 Illegal Trade in Cheetahs from East Africa to the Middle East On 10 June 2010, UAE authorities con- cheetahs are imported illegally, as 4-8 seized ( ibid ). SSN is concerned by the fiscated a cargo of 15 cheetah cubs week old cubs, for the pet trade and for volume of this illegal trade in juvenile (Acinonyx jubatus ) illegally shipped from hunting, primarily from Somalia or Sudan cheetahs, and congratulates the UAE Somalia and intercepted at Dubai Interna- (Haas van Dorsser et al., 2002). The authorities for this successful seizure. tional Airport. Six out of the 15 animals value of a six-week old cheetah ranges SSN also encourages UAE authorities to had died before arrival because of poor between US$3,000-5,000 in the UAE, strengthen their enforcement efforts, and transport conditions, and the rest of the and can reach higher prices depending on to collaborate with cheetah range States animals are now being treated for severe the buyer. Between 1998 and 2002, 39 to stop this illegal trade. stress, dehydration, malnutrition and pos- juvenile cheetahs were confiscated at the sible bacterial and parasitic infections. Sharjah airport alone, one of the less busy SSN has created a Big Cat Working Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable in the airports of the UAE, and authorities be- Group to inform discussion and decision- IUCN Red List and are included in lieve that only making at CITES meetings with regards CITES Appendix I, which prohibits their a fraction of to conservation and trade in Appendix I commercial trade and requires that all illegal imports and II African and Asian big cats. Be- animals transported for non-commercial are actually tween CITES meetings, members of the trade be accompanied by the SSN Big Cat Working Group undertake necessary CITES permits and independent and collaborative efforts to be “so prepared and shipped as raise the profile of the species in range to minimize the risk of injury, and consumer States. Please contact the damage to health or cruel treat- SSN Africa Regional Bureau if you need ment” (CITES Article III). The additional information on illegal trade in United Arab Emirates (UAE) cheetahs or if you need assistance with activities related to their conservation. are a common destination for Confiscated cheetah cub showing loss of hair from poor transport illegal imports of cheetahs. conditions (left) and confiscated cheetah (right) © Breeding Center Available reports show that for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Estimates of Sierra Leone’s Wild Chimpanzee Population Double Experts from the Tacugama Chim- agement policies for the species, both in Leone authorities to build on the results panzee Sanctuary recently conducted Sierra Leone and within the region. A of the survey by ensuring that all zones countrywide survey of endangered West- population and habitat viability assess- occupied by chimpanzees become pro- ern chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus) ment workshop in Sierra Leone, to be tected areas. In July 2007, the govern- in Sierra Leone, with support from ment of Sierra Leone prohibited the SSN member organization the Pan capture, killing, and possession of African Sanctuary Alliance (http:// chimpanzees, demonstrating its com- pasaprimates.org/) and endorsement mitment to strong conservation of the from the Sierra Leone authorities. Re- species within its borders. SSN strongly sults of the survey revealed that the believes that the enforcement of this Sierra Leone population of Western law is of paramount importance for the chimpanzee includes about 4000 ani- protection and survival of this species mals, a figure twice as large as previ- in the country and encourages all stake- ous estimates for this population (the holders to provide assistance to the previous survey from 1980 led to an Sierra Leone government in this regard. estimate of about 2000 wild chimpan- zees located primarily within protected The survey results for the Sierra areas). The survey also revealed that Leone population of chimpanzees were almost half of these chimpanzees are Western chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus), announced at the same time as the surviving in highly threatened and CITES Appendix I - © Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary IUCN Eastern Chimpanzee ( Pan troglo- marginal habitats outside of the coun- dytes schweinfurthii ) Status Survey and try’s protected forest reserves, making held at the end of 2010, will allow the Conservation Action Plan for 2010-2020. them more susceptible to such threats as authorities and the various stakeholders This Action Plan provides information habitat loss and degradation, poaching involved to draft a Chimpanzee Conser- about the status of Eastern chimpanzees and illegal trade. vation Action Plan that fully incorporates in each range State (Burundi, Central the new data provided in the survey. Si- African Republic, Democratic Republic SSN warmly congratulates the team of erra Leone’s shared border with Guinea, of the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania researchers from the Tacugama Chimpan- where the chimpanzee population is esti- and Uganda) and can be downloaded at zee Sanctuary for undertaking this sur- mated at 25,000, is one of the highest-
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 Page 2 Need for Increased Protection of Hippopotamuses in Burkina Faso Though the common hippopotamus one of West Africa's last hippo popula- als since 2006, but down from 68 in (Hippopotamus amphibius ), a species tions, in the 'Mare aux Hippopotames' 1985. In order to stop this decrease, the classified as Vulnerable in the 2010 Biosphere Reserve of southern Burkina authors call for increased levels of moni- IUCN Red List, occurs in many parts of Faso. Researchers who conducted this toring of hippo populations, together with Africa, signs of a deteriorating population study found 41 common hippopotamuses broader involvement of the local human are increasingly apparent. Total popula- in the region in 2008, up by six individu- population, an improvement of zoning tion estimates range between measures (such as the designation of 129,190 and 152,590 individuals sites used by hippos during the rainy in 43 range States. The common season as protected areas) to limit hippopotamus is extinct in 4 range conflict with human populations and States, exists but has unknown infringement on local crops, and the population sizes in 7 range States development of ecotourism activi- and consists of fewer than 500 ties in the area. individuals in 14 range States. The species is reported as “not SSN congratulates the authors of common” in West Africa, where the study and the Burkina Faso gov- the population is split into a num- MAIN THREATS AFFECTING THE COMMON ernment for their renewed efforts in ber of small groups totaling about HIPPOPOTAMUS ( Hippopotamus amphibius ) improving the conservation of hip- 7,000 animals spread over 19 popotamuses. SSN encourages the Burkina Faso authorities to follow countries (IUCN, 2008). National ♦ Poaching and international trade in meat the recommendations presented in surveys conducted in Burkina and ivory (from the canine teeth)* Faso in 1981 estimated the total ♦ the study as key measures to stop Habitat loss and degradation the decrease of hippopotamuses in number of common hippopota- ♦ Trophy-hunting the 'Mare aux Hippopotames' Bio- muses in that country at 500 indi- viduals ( SP/CONAGESE, * Note: other hippo products found in international trade be- sphere Reserve of southern Burkina Faso. SSN also calls on all CITES 2002 ). tween 2000 and 2010 included bones, carvings, feet, horns and plates, leather products, skins and skin pieces, skulls, tails, teeth, stakeholders to support the Govern- A new study ( Tropical Conser- trophies, tusks and live hippos (UNEP WCMC Trade Database, ment of Burkina Faso in these ef- vation Science 3 (2): 175-189) 2010). forts. demonstrates that further conser- Photos: Common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) © B. Niagate; vation actions are needed to save Hippo tooth carving advertised for sale on Internet for 139.99 USD
Ban of Wildlife Exports in Liberia On 29 June 2010, by proclamation, Her hunting and trade in wildlife. CITES stakeholders to support the Libe- Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson- rian government in these efforts. Sirleaf, President of Liberia, banned the Studies in Liberia have shown that dui- export of wild animals and bushmeat kers formed three-quarters of the bush- from the country. The ban, according to a meat harvest (Anstey, 1991), but that Foreign Ministry release, is to remain other species such as red and black effective pending the passage of proposed colobus monkeys, pangolins and forest legislation, and is intended to protect the elephants were also negatively affected country's wildlife against the harmful by bushmeat trade (CEEB, 2003-2004). effects of growing illegal international trade in wild animals and bushmeat. The SSN warmly congratulates the Govern- proclamation is in accordance with the ment of Liberia for its commitment to Act Adopting the National Forestry Re- fighting against illegal international wild- form Law of 2006 which, in Chapter life trade through the adoption of this strong precautionary measure. SSN urges Busmeat seller in Montrovia market © Global News Nine (9) Section 9.12, prohibits illegal Network, Liberia. Capacity-building corner Useful publications:
report conducted in Monrovia, Liberia , populations d’hippopotame commun, Please contact the SSN Africa Regional 2003-2004 available at Hippopotamus amphibius Linné 1758 Bureau if you need help with translation.
Page 3 CITES AFRIQUE SSN Member of the Month: Save the Elephants
Organization Profile:
Founder: Dr. Iain Douglas - Hamilton Date of Creation: 1992 SPECIESSpecies SURVIVALSurvival NETWORK’SNetwork’s Mission Statement: To secure a future for elephants and sustain the beauty and ecological AFRICAAfrica RegionalREGIONAL BureauBUREAU integrity of their habitat and to develop a tolerant relationship between man and elephants Working within CITES to facilitate the Offices Located in: Nairobi and Samburu, Kenya participation of African countries Projects in Africa Located in: Kenya, South Africa, Mali, Gabon Website: http://www.savetheelephants.org
Anglophone Africa: Francophone Africa: Advocacy Project of Regional Interest: Advocacy Save the Elephants (STE) continues to be a highly credible advocate of elephant conservation in international forums and the media, guiding international public opinion and the con- servation policies of governments around the world. The fate of
Will Travers, Shelley Waterland, Alice Stroud, African and Asian elephants is greatly influenced by the out- President Coordinator Coordinator come of meetings of the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoPs). STE attends every meetings of the CoP to support ele- Species Survival Network Species Survival Network Save the Elephants’ delegation c/o Born Free Foundation 511 NW 8th St phants and lobby Parties to maintain the 1989 ivory ban. At at CoP15 in Doha, Qatar, 3 Grove House; Foundry Lane Corvallis, OR 97330 CoP15, STE Founder Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton presented March 2010 . Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5PL, USA evidence against the Tanzanian and Zambian proposals to downlist their elephants to Appen- UK Tel/Fax: 1 541 758 2049 Tel: +44-403-240170 Email: dix II and to sell their stockpiles which contributed to the rejection of these proposals. STE’s Fax: +441-403-327-838 [email protected] advocacy work continues to contribute significantly to the survival of the world’s elephant E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] population. In addition to STE’s research on monitoring the illegal killing of elephants (MIKE), STE is about to start tackling the demand for ivory with an advocacy and awareness raising www.ssn.org campaign in China. STE also has a program of education, conservation and research which is detailed on their website.
Call for local representation Mary Rice, Head of Campaigns Contact Information: Natalia Mroz The Species Survival Network’s Africa Regional Bureau is EIA Chief Operations Officer engaged in a capacity building effort which involves local 62-63 Upper Street Save the Elephants non-governmental organizations and the Press. Please LONDON N1 0NY P.O.T: +44 Box (207) 54667, 354 Nairobi, 79 60 00200, Kenya do not hesitate to contact us if you need help with CITES Phone: +254 20 891673 / 890597 issues, if you wish to submit article ideas for the newslet- F: +44 (207) 354 79 61 OfficeE: [email protected] Mobile: +254 720 441 178 ter or if you wish to apply for SSN membership. Email: [email protected]
CITES Protected Species of the Month
♦ Name: Mulanje cycad ♦ Name: Secretary-bird; messager
(Encephalartos gratus ) Hihhhttp://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/about/links.htm sagittaire ♦ CITES listing: Appendix I (Sagittarius serpentarius ) ♦ CITES export quotas: No export ♦ CITES listing: Appendix II quotas reported for 2010 (see
Page 4 CITES AFRIQUE