TRAFFIC Dispatches

Dispatches: Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time

INSIDE: Bear trade meeting to be held in Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first Asia for the first time time by Judy Mills, Director, TRAFFIC East Asia Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium Most of Asia's wild bear populations are threatened, TRAFFIC opens new and Asia is also the global office in Vietnam centre for use of bear bile as Taiwan establishes orchid medicine. These two factors registration scheme make Asia the ideal location for the Third International Legislative reform needed Symposium on the Trade in urgently in Japan Bear Parts, which TRAFFIC Medicinal plant action East Asia is organizing to take plan gets under way in place in South Korea, 9-11 Indian subcontinent September 1999. TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey Five of the world's eight bear species are at risk in the wild. All eight bear species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Recent Species in Danger Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means international trade in reports all bear parts and products is subject to trade controls and some restrictions. Sniffer dogs help to detect Nonetheless illegal trade in bear parts, especially bear gall bladders for illegal wildlife trade medicinal and tonic use, continues and is endangering some wild bear populations. Kenya considers sniffer dog unit The first international symposium on the trade in bear parts was organized by Reader suggestions TRAFFIC, together with WWF-US, the Woodland Park Zoo of Seattle, USA Thanking supporters and the IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group in 1992. This meeting brought together a variety of people, including traditional medicine specialists, law Credits enforcement authorities and wildlife conservation groups. At the request of Traffic Network some participants, the same organizers convened a second symposium on the same subject in 1997, again in Seattle, so new research and information could Home be exchanged.

The focus of the September symposium will be sharing new information to help improve implementation of and compliance with controls on trade in bear parts, with the purpose of helping to conserve bears in the wild and stopping illegal trade in bear parts. The agenda will include presentations on the status of bears in the wild; research on substitutes for bear bile in traditional medicine; forensic identification of bear gall bladders and bile; monitoring of the bear parts trade; and the status of world consumption of

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/ (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:39:59] Dispatches: Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time bear bile.

The organizers hope this symposium will attract more participation from the traditional medicine industry than ever before. Traditional medicine specialists and wildlife conservationists are increasingly working together for the sake of the earth's biodiversity and to ensure adequate human health care.

The symposium will not be solely about trade in bear parts for medicinal use. It will examine the trade in bear parts as food, ornaments and trophies. Participants will discuss issues of sustainable versus unsustainable use, the cultural differences in using bears as a natural resource, animal welfare considerations, and how these and other considerations complicate the trade in bear parts in today's global community.

Holding this symposium in Asia will be an important step forward for the issue as a whole, as most of the consumers of bear parts as medicine and food are in Asia, while most of Asia's wild bear populations are facing increasing threats to their survival. A venue in the heart of Asia will help increase public and industry awareness of the many conservation threats faced by the world's wild bears and, at the same time, bring together more people involved in both consumption and conservation of bears in Asia.

To show its support for bear conservation, the Government of the Republic of Korea has agreed to be a sponsor of the symposium. South Koreans are one of the largest consumer groups for bear bile and bear gall bladders for use in treating and preventing liver disease. Over the past few years, Korean Customs has seized hundreds of kilos of bear gall bladders and bile being brought into the country illegally. The Korean government recognizes this problem, and hopes that holding the symposium in Seoul will raise public awareness about the illegality of smuggling bear products.

For more information, contact TRAFFIC East Asia, Room 2001, Double Building, 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2530 0587; Fax: +852 2530 0864; E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/ (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:39:59] Dispatches: Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/index.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:01] Dispatches: Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time bear bile.

For more information, contact TRAFFIC East Asia, Room 2001, Double Building, 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2530 0587; Fax: +852 2530 0864; E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/index.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:01] Dispatches: TRAFFIC co-hosts Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium

INSIDE: TRAFFIC co-hosts Healthy Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first People, Healthy Wildlife time Symposium Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium TRAFFIC Oceania co-hosted a symposium on wildlife conservation and TRAFFIC opens new traditional Chinese medicine in Melbourne during March. The symposium, office in Vietnam the second of its kind to be held in Australia, was jointly hosted by TRAFFIC Taiwan establishes orchid Oceania, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Environment registration scheme Australia.

Legislative reform needed The symposium, Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife: A Symposium on Wildlife urgently in Japan Conservation and Chinese Medicine, stimulated communication and helped Medicinal plant action build bridges between the Chinese medicine community and government plan gets under way in regulatory authorities. It drew together Chinese medicine practitioners and Indian subcontinent students in Melbourne; participants from elsewhere in Australia; government TRAFFIC completes authorities; and medicine practitioners from China and Hong Kong. marine resource survey Participants presented information on all aspects of the regulation of Chinese Recent Species in Danger medicine as well as the use and history of Chinese medicine in Australia and reports alternatives to the use of endangered species as medicinal ingredients. Sniffer dogs help to detect illegal wildlife trade A particular focus was the newly passed amendments to the Australian Kenya considers sniffer Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982. These dog unit amendments, passed in March 1999, allow prosecution to take place for the illegal import and possession of medicines labeled as containing endangered Reader suggestions species, without the need to prove that the products actually contain the Thanking supporters species claimed.

Credits The amendments, long recommended by TRAFFIC Oceania, formed an Traffic Network important part of the discussion as did pending regulation of the Chinese medicine profession in Victoria. This regulation will be the first of its kind in Home Australia. It establishes requirements for practitioners in Chinese medicine, as well as a professional conduct board to oversee the profession.

The first symposium, held in Sydney in August 1997, attracted more than 140 participants.

-- Jane Holden, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Oceania

Previous Next http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/healthypeople.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:03] Dispatches: TRAFFIC co-hosts Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/healthypeople.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:03] Dispatches: TRAFFIC opens new office in Vietnam

INSIDE: TRAFFIC opens new office in Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first Vietnam time

Healthy People, Healthy In April, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia opened a national office in Vietnam, a Wildlife Symposium move that will enable it to support and implement projects in the Indochina subregion. The new development brings the number of TRAFFIC offices TRAFFIC opens new worldwide to 21. office in Vietnam

Taiwan establishes orchid TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Vietnam is co-located with the WWF Indochina registration scheme Programme Office. It has received funding from WWF-UK and WWF-US for Legislative reform needed the next financial year and further assistance is being sought to secure its long- urgently in Japan term viability.

Medicinal plant action The office, led by National plan gets under way in Representative James Indian subcontinent Compton, will gather TRAFFIC completes information on the trade in a marine resource survey variety of wildlife and their Recent Species in Danger parts and products in Vietnam, reports including Tiger, bears, Gecko gecko, pangolins, fruit bats Sniffer dogs help to detect and sharks. It will also illegal wildlife trade develop links with national Kenya considers sniffer management and scientific and dog unit enforcement authorities on the medicinal use of wild plants and animals in Vietnam. Reader suggestions

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/vietnamoffice.html [10/12/2007 18:40:04] Dispatches: Taiwan establishes orchid registration scheme

INSIDE: Taiwan establishes orchid Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first registration scheme time

Healthy People, Healthy On April 16, authorities in Taiwan officially announced the establishment of a Wildlife Symposium slipper orchid nursery registration system, the development of which TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei has been contributing to for two years. The TRAFFIC opens new nursery registration system complements earlier measures introduced in 1998 office in Vietnam to control trade in plants covered by the Convention on International Trade in Taiwan establishes orchid Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). registration scheme

Legislative reform needed All orchid species are listed in CITES. The new orchid nursery registration urgently in Japan system initially will apply to Paphiopedilum spp. and Phragmipedium spp. These two genera of orchids are listed in Appendix I so only artificially Medicinal plant action propagated specimens may be commercially imported or exported. plan gets under way in Indian subcontinent Taiwan has become an important producer of artificially propagated orchids, TRAFFIC completes with approximately 20% of its production for the domestic market and the marine resource survey remaining 80% for export. Important commercially grown orchids include Recent Species in Danger Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Oncidium, Cattleya and Paphiopedilum. reports Since 1997, TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei and the Department of Horticulture at Sniffer dogs help to detect National Chiayi Institute of Technology have been contributing to illegal wildlife trade development of the nursery registration system, which is modeled on a system Kenya considers sniffer developed by Thailand. The nursery registration system aims to be an dog unit effective tool to verify whether orchids from these two genera are artificially propagated and thereby prevent illegal trade in wild-harvested orchids from Reader suggestions Taiwan. Thanking supporters

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/orchidregistration.html [10/12/2007 18:40:06] Dispatches: Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan

INSIDE: Legislative reform needed Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first urgently in Japan time

Healthy People, Healthy TRAFFIC East Asia Wildlife Symposium continued its push for legislative reform in Japan TRAFFIC opens new earlier this year with the office in Vietnam release of a new survey Taiwan establishes orchid showing continued registration scheme widespread availability of Legislative reform needed Tiger products on the urgently in Japan domestic market.

Medicinal plant action While the survey found plan gets under way in dispensaries and pharmacies selling medicinal products claiming to contain Indian subcontinent Tiger, Tiger bone wine and Tiger bone itself, existing government regulations TRAFFIC completes cover only Tiger hair, fur and claws and products derived from these. The sale marine resource survey of products classified as pharmaceuticals is also covered but many of the Tiger products confirmed on sale are not classified as pharmaceuticals. Recent Species in Danger reports "Although availability of Tiger products on the market has declined compared Sniffer dogs help to detect with our previous surveys carried out in 1994 and 1996, it remains easy to illegal wildlife trade obtain medicinal products containing Tiger bone in Japan," said Akiko Kenya considers sniffer Ishihara of TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan. "It is very important to close these dog unit legal loopholes at home."

Reader suggestions WWF Japan and TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan released the findings in February Thanking supporters to coincide with the last day of the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar. The findings and recommendations for action were submitted Credits directly to the Environment Agency and the Ministry of Health and Welfare Traffic Network of Japan. Japanese citizens were also asked to express their support for Home amending the domestic trade controls through a petition, which had received more than 35 000 signatures as of late April.

The survey, conducted between October 1998 and January 1999, included visits to 54 dispensaries and pharmacies as well as telephone surveys of 1019 Chinese restaurants and 122 food wholesalers and retailers in Japan.

Of 54 dispensaries and pharmacies visited, 30 sold purported Tiger products, including items such as Tiger bone powder and Tiger bone itself that had not been found in previous surveys. Tiger penis and vitality drinks were also on http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/legislativereform.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:08] Dispatches: Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan sale. Six of the 888 restaurants that participated in the survey said that they sold or kept Chinese liquor containing Tiger parts, although 20 said that it was possible to stock such products. Of the 122 wholesalers and retailers, two reported selling Tiger bone wine.

For more information, click here for the full text of the study or contact TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan: Tel: +81 3 3769 1716; Fax: +81 3 3769 1304; E-mail: [email protected]

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/legislativereform.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:08] Dispatches: A matter of attitude: Tiger facts & figures

INSIDE: Sustaining medicinal plant Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first resources of the Indian time Subcontinent Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium An action plan gets under way

TRAFFIC opens new India is home to nearly one billion people and a variety of traditional office in Vietnam medicine systems, which include Ayurvedic, Unani, Tibetan and local and Taiwan establishes orchid folklore medicine. The use and trade of wild medicinal plants to supply India's registration scheme own health care needs and a growing export market is widespread, even as Legislative reform needed many of the region's plant populations and the habitats upon which they urgently in Japan depend may be declining.

Medicinal plant action TRAFFIC India is undertaking a comprehensive three-year approach to help plan gets under way in secure the future of medicinal plant resources of the Indian subcontinent. This Indian subcontinent work is part of a multi-regional TRAFFIC project supported by TRAFFIC completes Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit (BMZ) through an marine resource survey agreement with WWF. The project includes activities in East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, South America and at the wider international level. Recent Species in Danger reports In India, the most important first step was to establish a solid foundation for Sniffer dogs help to detect detailed research and conservation efforts. One part of this included creating illegal wildlife trade an advisory group of representatives from other conservation groups; Kenya considers sniffer industry; research and education institutes; and government. The advisory dog unit group has provided advice on a number of project components and was expanded in late 1998 to include a representative from the Department of Reader suggestions Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy. Thanking supporters TRAFFIC India Director Manoj Misra also participated in a government Credits group of experts to revise the "negative list of medicinal plants", a list of Traffic Network indigeneous species banned from export. The final list, agreed by the Home government, includes 29 medicinal plant species.

Following the meetings, TRAFFIC India organized a two-day meeting in December 1998 for the exchange of information between indigenous medicine manufacturers; traders; exporters; practitioners; non-governmental organizations; various government departments; and others. The meeting drew more than 40 participants and was inaugurated by the Secretary of the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy.

Future work in this project will focus on the collection of comprehensive http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/medicinalplant.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:09] Dispatches: A matter of attitude: Tiger facts & figures market information and development of tools for local organizations, agencies and industry to assist in the sustainable use and conservation of these resources.

In addition, three workshops are planned for the coming year. The first will bring together Indian traditional medicine practitioners; the second, traders and growers of medicinal plants; and the third, government agencies involved in the use and conservation of medicinal plants. Emphasis will be placed on the common problems faced and the respective roles that each sector can and needs to play in ensuring that trade in medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent is maintained within sustainable levels.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/medicinalplant.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:09] Dispacthes: TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey

INSIDE: TRAFFIC completes marine Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first resource survey time by Nina Marshall, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium The Western Indian Ocean has been an TRAFFIC opens new important source of food and other products office in Vietnam for its coastal peoples for centuries. Many of Taiwan establishes orchid these products have been traded regionally registration scheme and beyond, and in recent decades this trade has expanded substantially. Harvest for local Legislative reform needed use and export today represents an important urgently in Japan source of income for local communities, Medicinal plant action traders and governments. Conservation and plan gets under way in management of these resources, however, is Indian subcontinent insufficient to ensure a sustainable harvest and in many areas over-exploitation is TRAFFIC completes evident. marine resource survey

Recent Species in Danger TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa first reports investigated the trade in marine resources in Sniffer dogs help to detect this region in 1995 and 1996 by conducting a review of the trade in sharks and illegal wildlife trade shark products. This survey revealed that shark fisheries throughout the Western Indian Ocean are substantial, but are largely unmanaged and Kenya considers sniffer unregulated. Exploitation is being carried out with minimal information on the dog unit status of the resource or the implications for conservation. Reader suggestions

Thanking supporters Prompted by concerns about other fisheries found during the shark research, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa initiated a survey of trade in sea cucumbers, Credits seashells (from marine molluscs) and lobsters in Kenya, Tanzania and Traffic Network Mozambique during 1997 and 1998. The aim of this work was to gather information to help improve the future management, conservation and Home regulation of these marine resources. This study entailed the review of available production and export statistics, comparison of these statistics with data from key importing countries, and local level research comprising investigations and interviews with fishermen, traders, scientists and government officials in all three countries.

TRAFFIC’s research revealed that all three groups of marine resources are extremely important revenue earners in the region, but that improved management is needed to ensure a sustainable fishery.

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The lobster catch is comprised of spiny lobsters caught by artisanal fishermen using traps and spears, and deep water lobsters caught in trawls, mostly off Mozambique. Lobsters are a high- value resource sold to hotels and restaurants for the tourist industry or exported to markets in Europe and Japan. Official landing statistics are often inaccurate, as many fishermen do not report landings to national fisheries departments. Export statistics are likewise unrepresentative of actual trading activity, as data from importing countries rarely correlates.

Legislation regulating harvest and trade for lobsters is poor; only Mozambique limits the size of lobsters that can be caught, only Kenya prohibits the harvest of pregnant females, and Tanzania has no legislation specific to lobsters at all. In all countries surveyed, reports of harvest of immature lobsters were frequent, alongside reports of diminishing numbers of large lobsters. Improved landings and export statistics are needed to allow fisheries departments to understand actual harvest and trade levels, and regulations setting limits on the minimum size of lobsters caught would be useful to ensure that lobsters are able to reproduce before capture.

Sea cucumbers are an important, but recent, resource for artisanal fishermen in the region. Sea cucumbers are harvested solely for export, primarily to Asian markets. Sea cucumbers are collected, and dried and processed by artisanal fishermen, and the exported product, known as bêche de mer, is regarded as a delicacy in Asian countries. The major importers of East African bêche de mer are Hong Kong and Singapore.

During this survey it was found that sea cucumbers are becoming scarce in all three countries surveyed, and that this fishery follows a "boom and bust" pattern of harvest, over-exploitation, eventual decline of the fishery and the subsequent need to search for new stocks. Fisheries departments have little information about actual trade levels, for example Kenyan exports for the period 1988 to 1997 were reported at 314.7 tonnes, while imports by other countries of sea cucumbers from Kenya were reported at 630.3 tonnes. Fishermen and traders alike report declines in sizes of sea cucumbers, pointing to the need for a minimum size limit and regulations aimed at improving management and encouraging sustainable harvest.

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/marineresourcesurvey.html (2 of 4) [10/12/2007 18:40:12] Dispacthes: TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey Seashells from a wide variety of marine mollusc species are valued in the region for commercial and industrial purposes for road and building construction, and as additives in floor tiles, pottery, toothpaste and poultry feed because of the concentration of calcium carbonate. Seashells are also valued for ornamental purposes, and are sold locally to tourists as well as exported. Some local species are used in Italy for the manufacture of cameos.

Data on the harvest of marine molluscs for their shells is incomplete at best; most shells are harvested by women and children who collect them from shallow waters and rarely report harvests to fisheries officers. Export statistics for shells are often of little value, and in Kenya this is especially the case as statistics do not indicate the species exported or even purpose of export. Tanzania and Mozambique have better information, and do record exports if not by species at least by genus. Both Tanzania and Kenya are known to import seashells from neighboring countries, although this trade is not documented. While this could be the result of local depletion and declines in large-sized individuals, this conclusion cannot be supported because of lack of information on the status of the resource, and minimal species-specific information. Nonetheless, one key finding from TRAFFIC’s research was that management is inadequate to address the needs of particular mollusc species, and declines have indeed been reported in some areas for some species.

Overall, TRAFFIC’s study found that data on the population status of all three groups of species are insufficient to develop and implement appropriate conservation and management strategies for these important marine resources. While some resource surveys have been carried out in past decades for lobsters, little has been done with the information and the recommendations, in particular that minimum size limits should be imposed for harvest, have been ignored. Sea cucumber and marine mollusc research has been insufficient, and at present resource managers do not have the most basic information about distribution and population on which to base harvest regulations. Therefore, this research points to the urgent need to carry out resource surveys. In the mean time, there are areas where attention could be focused, the most obvious being the improvement of production and export statistics. At present fisheries departments in all countries surveyed do not have accurate harvest and trade data. This fact surely impedes the development of management plans and conservation strategies.

Finally, the artisanal nature of these fisheries must be taken into consideration in future conservation and management strategies. Local communities and their fishermen rely heavily on revenue earned from the sale of seashells, http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/marineresourcesurvey.html (3 of 4) [10/12/2007 18:40:12] Dispacthes: TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey lobsters and sea cucumbers, and most fishing activity is carried out on an artisanal level with minimal reporting to fisheries authorities. With this in mind, any regulation that is introduced must be coupled with appropriate local involvement and environmental awareness activity. Only by working towards a sustainable fishery can the resource be conserved for a future harvest that will yield local benefits, as well as revenue for governments in the form of export duties.

TRAFFIC will now pursue these recommendations with local fisheries authorities and other relevant bodies.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/marineresourcesurvey.html (4 of 4) [10/12/2007 18:40:12] Dispacthes: Recent reports in the Species in Danger series

INSIDE: Recent reports in the Species in Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first Danger series time

Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium Searching for a Cure: Conservation of Medicinal Wildlife Resources in East and Southern Africa TRAFFIC opens new Nina T. Marshall September 1998 112pp ISBN 1 85850 151 2 office in Vietnam

Taiwan establishes orchid This report presents the results of a study of the trade in medicinal plants and registration scheme animals in 17 countries. It identifies 102 medicinal plant species and 29 animal species as priorities for action. Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan Medicinal plant action Europe's Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Their Use, Trade and plan gets under way in Conservation Indian subcontinent Dagmar Lange June 1998 77pp ISBN 1 85850 144 X

TRAFFIC completes This report reviews European trade and documents the results of in-depth marine resource survey studies in Albania, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Spain, Turkey and Recent Species in Danger the UK. The report identifies 150 species that could be at risk in one or reports several countries from over-collection in the wild. Sniffer dogs help to detect illegal wildlife trade

Kenya considers sniffer dog unit Rhinoceros Horn and Tiger Bone in China: An Investigation of Trade Since the 1993 Ban Reader suggestions J. A. Mills April 1997 49pp ISBN 1 85850 128 8 Thanking supporters In China, domestic trade in both Tiger and rhinoceros products has been Credits banned since 1993 and the maximum penalty for illicit trade is death. Traffic Network However, this report documents how Tiger and rhinoceros-based traditional Chinese medicines continue to be available. Home

Species in Danger reports are free, however postage and handling are charged. Copies can be obtained from TRAFFIC International, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 ODL. The price per report is Europe £8 (US$12); rest of world £10 (US$15).

Payment for each report must be received in advance.

Previous Next http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/speciesindanger.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:13] Dispacthes: Recent reports in the Species in Danger series

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/speciesindanger.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:13] Dispatches: Sniffer dogs help detect illegal wildlife trade

INSIDE: Sniffer dogs help detect illegal Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first wildlife trade time by Maija Sirola, Communications Assistant, TRAFFIC International Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium Dogs have proven to be excellent detectives in the TRAFFIC opens new search for smuggled drugs and office in Vietnam firearms but few law Taiwan establishes orchid enforcement agencies have registration scheme tapped their talent in sniffing out illegal trade in wildlife and Legislative reform needed wildlife products. urgently in Japan

Medicinal plant action Dogs were first trained to plan gets under way in detect narcotics in the 1960s Indian subcontinent and 1970s, a time when the illegal drugs trade was growing rapidly. Later, TRAFFIC completes specialists trained canines to detect firearms and explosives. In the 1990s, marine resource survey trained dogs have been introduced as an effective component of efforts to enforce international and national wildlife trade controls, but only in three Recent Species in Danger countries. reports Sniffer dogs help to detect TRAFFIC East Asia has conducted a study on the feasibility of using canines illegal wildlife trade to detect wildlife contraband in Hong Kong and Korea and is using the results Kenya considers sniffer to inform enforcement authorities of the benefits. The results are also proving dog unit helpful in Kenya, where TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-Kenya is working with enforcement agencies to determine how best to plan for and establish a Reader suggestions sniffer dog unit. Thanking supporters The feasibility study found that to date three agencies use sniffer dogs to Credits detect illegal wildlife trade: the British Columbia Conservation Officer Traffic Network Service in Canada, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the South African Police Service. These programmes can serve as valuable models for Home other enforcement agencies around the world.

A dog's working life begins the moment it starts training, normally at age 11 to 16 months. The breed is selected by the type of work required of the dog. For example, if the dog will be searching passengers, a visually non- threatening dog such as a beagle may be the most suitable.

So far, dogs in these agencies’ programmes have been trained to detect wildlife and wildlife products ranging from live parrots, crayfish and abalone http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/snifferdogs.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:15] Dispatches: Sniffer dogs help detect illegal wildlife trade to bear gall bladder and bile, ivory and rhinoceros horn. Quarantine and food inspection dog programmes have shown that canines can also be trained to detect reptiles, birds, eggs, meat and plant material. In fact, it has been said that dogs can be trained to detect anything at all, providing that it has a scent.

"Mason", a three-year-old Labrador Retriever in the canine detection programme of the USFWS, has been trained to detect bear gall bladder, bear bile powder and flakes and live psittacine parrots. It takes about three minutes for Mason to search a car and about 20-30 minutes to search 75% of the baggage and passengers off a Boeing 747. At least 36 Customs officers would be needed to conduct the same search in the same time span on a Boeing 747 airplane with abut 300 passengers.

Mason has sniffed out four separate packages containing bear bile and bear bile products in California and helped lead to the seizure of an Amazon parrot on the Mexican border.

While establishing a sniffer dog programme may be costly at the outset, the advantages are numerous. Trained dogs are quicker and more able to detect contraband goods than humans, help reduce the overall costs of law enforcement, can enhance the safety of Customs officers and, ultimately, help increase public awareness. In addition, a dog already trained to detect narcotics or other commodities could be trained to also detect wildlife products in just a couple of weeks.

For more information about using canines to detect wildlife contraband contact TRAFFIC East Asia: Tel: +852 2530 0587; Fax:+852 2530 0864; Email: [email protected]

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/snifferdogs.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:15] Dispatches: Kenya considers sniffer dog unit

INSIDE: Kenya considers sniffer dog unit Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time East Africa has historically been an important trade route for wildlife destined for the Gulf and Asia, and this situation remains the case today. Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium A wide variety of species originate in or are shipped through East African TRAFFIC opens new countries. Many of these species and products are of high value and often office in Vietnam high profile, such as shark fins, sea cucumbers and rhinoceros horn. At the same time, it is recognized that existing capacity in East African countries to Taiwan establishes orchid regulate trade is often insufficient, creating a climate where illegal wildlife registration scheme trade activities can occur. Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan In 1998, with funding from WWF-Netherlands, TRAFFIC East/Southern Medicinal plant action Africa began documenting important trade routes in East Africa and the plan gets under way in capacity to control wildlife trade at key junctures. This ongoing effort is Indian subcontinent coupled with research aimed at developing ways to improve implementation of existing controls. TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey The illegal trade in rhinoceros products and in particular rhinoceros horn is a Recent Species in Danger strong focus of the project, as the plight of rhinoceros species in the region is reports an ever-present concern and horn imports into Yemen for dagger handle Sniffer dogs help to detect manufacture and into East Asia for medicinal use continue to be reported. illegal wildlife trade TRAFFIC's current efforts are aimed primarily at the Kenyan situation and Kenya considers sniffer have entailed consultations with Customs and wildlife officials, police, and dog unit the private sector to ascertain current enforcement problems as they relate to Reader suggestions wildlife trade.

Thanking supporters The reality of the situation is that capacity is insufficient, salaries are low, and Credits the potential for illegal trade is high given the wide range of routes and Traffic Network methods that are open to smugglers. Nevertheless, there is potential for improved regulation, if cost-effective methods can be identified. Home One initiative of TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-Kenya is to investigate the possibility of introducing sniffer dogs into Kenya, specifically to improve the implementation and enforcement of wildlife trade regulations. Initial research has revealed that there is great potential in this area and positive reactions have been received from enforcement agencies.

Sniffer dogs are not new to Kenya: the Kenya Police Dog Unit is already fully operational with 600 dogs. Of these animals, 589 are used for security

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/snifferdogs-kenya.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:16] Dispatches: Kenya considers sniffer dog unit purposes, and 11 are actual sniffer dogs, trained to detect narcotics and explosives. Private sector security companies are numerous and maintain security dog units as well.

Discussions with wildlife and Customs officials about introducing a sniffer unit into Kenya have been met with interest and enthusiasm. Local capacity and expertise exists in the country to set up such a unit as well.

TRAFFIC plans to work with the various law enforcement agencies in Kenya to determine how best to plan for and establish a sniffer dog unit. Once this unit is operational, it is expected that progress will be made in improving implementation of wildlife laws, and that traditional trade routes and smuggling rings for rhinoceros horn in particular will be cracked.

-- Nina Marshall and Rob Barnett, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/snifferdogs-kenya.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:40:16] Dispatches: Reader suggestions

INSIDE: Reader suggestions Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first time In response to suggestions from readers, we have re-introduced numbering each issue, beginning with the current issue, Number 11 May 1999. To date, Healthy People, Healthy we have produced the following other issues: Wildlife Symposium

TRAFFIC opens new ● January 1999

office in Vietnam ● September 1998 Taiwan establishes orchid ● April 1998 registration scheme ● February 1997 ● October 1996 Legislative reform needed ● May 1996 urgently in Japan ● January 1996 Medicinal plant action ● September 1995 plan gets under way in ● June 1994 Indian subcontinent ● February 1994 TRAFFIC completes marine resource survey Previous Next

Recent Species in Danger © Traffic 1999 reports

Sniffer dogs help to detect illegal wildlife trade

Kenya considers sniffer dog unit

Reader suggestions

Thanking supporters

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/readersuggestions.html [10/12/2007 18:40:17] Dispatches: TRAFFIC thanks the following for their contributions during FY 1997-1998

INSIDE: TRAFFIC staff thank the Bear trade meeting to be held in Asia for the first following supporters for their time contributions during January- Healthy People, Healthy Wildlife Symposium April 1999 TRAFFIC opens new office in Vietnam ● AGF Management Limited ● Ansett Airlines Taiwan establishes orchid ● Agriculture & Fisheries Dept., Hong Kong registration scheme ● Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Legislative reform needed ● Australian Fisheries Management Authority urgently in Japan ● Australia Forestry and Fishery Agency Medicinal plant action ● Belgian Government plan gets under way in ● Biodiversity Support Programme Indian subcontinent ● Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany ● Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und TRAFFIC completes Entwicklung (BMZ), Germany marine resource survey ● CITES Secretariat Recent Species in Danger ● The Commemorative Association for the Japan World Exposition reports ● Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi ● Dieckmann & Hansen Caviar, Hamburg Sniffer dogs help to detect ● Discovery Channel-Asia illegal wildlife trade ● Endangered Wildlife Trust Kenya considers sniffer ● European Commission, Directorates General VIII & XI dog unit ● Exxon Corporation ● Mr James Fairfax Reader suggestions ● Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Thanking supporters ● Green Trust ● Credits Ion Fund ● IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office Traffic Network ● IUCN-The World Conservation Union Home ● IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group ● Johnson & Johnson ● Liang Yi Cultural Undertakings Co. Ltd. ● Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Annuity Trust ● Marine Leadership Council ● Mazda Wildlife Fund ● Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten, Rheinland-Pfalz ● Ministry of Environment & Forests, India ● National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA ● National Geographic Channel Asia

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● Natural Heritage Trust ● Nautilus TV, Munich ● Netherlands Government ● New Horizons Computer Learning Centre ● Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation (NORAD) ● OCS Group Ltd. ● Pacific Development & Conservation Trust ● Petrossian Paris ● Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ● The Rufford Foundation ● SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit ● Save the Tiger Fund, USA ● Society for Wildlife and Nature ● Stevens Sharkey ● Taiwan Council of Agriculture ● Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation ● Tiger's Eye Retail ● UK Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions ● United World Chinese Commercial Bank ● US Agency for International Development ● US Fish & Wildlife Service ● US Information Service Programme Development Office, South Africa ● US National Marine Fisheries Service ● US State Department ● The Walt Disney Company Foundation ● Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa ● WWF Australia ● WWF Belgium ● WWF Canada ● WWF Coordination Office-Zambia ● WWF East Africa Regional Programme Office ● WWF Endangered Seas Campaign ● WWF France ● WWF Gabon Programme ● WWF Germany ● WWF Hong Kong ● WWF International ● WWF Italy ● WWF Japan ● WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe ● WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme ● WWF Netherlands ● WWF New Zealand ● WWF South Africa ● WWF Sweden ● WWF Switzerland ● WWF Tanzania Programme Office ● WWF Tiger Conservation Programme ● WWF UK ● WWF US

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/supporters.html (2 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:40:19] Dispatches: TRAFFIC thanks the following for their contributions during FY 1997-1998

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/supporters.html (3 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:40:19] Dispatches: Credits

INSIDE: TRAFFIC Dispatches Bear trade meeting to be 219c Huntingdon Road held in Asia for the first Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL time Tel: +44 (0)1223 277427 Fax: +44 (0)1223 277237 Healthy People, Healthy E-mail: [email protected] Wildlife Symposium Website: www.traffic.org TRAFFIC opens new office in Vietnam Editor: Bobbie Jo Kelso Taiwan establishes orchid registration scheme Layout: Maija Sirola Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan © TRAFFIC International 1999

Medicinal plant action TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN-The World Conservation Union and plan gets under way in WWF*-World Wide Fund for Nature. It aims to contribute to the conservation Indian subcontinent of nature by helping to ensure trade in wild plants and animals is ecologically TRAFFIC completes sustainable. marine resource survey

Recent Species in Danger The TRAFFIC Network works in co-operation with the Secretariat of the reports Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Sniffer dogs help to detect illegal wildlife trade TRAFFIC Dispatches is published by TRAFFIC International to keep the Kenya considers sniffer Network’s partners and supporters informed about our activities and dog unit accomplishments. Reader suggestions * WWF is known as World Wildlife Fund in Canada and the USA. Thanking supporters

Credits Printed on recycled paper.

Traffic Network Previous Next Home © Traffic 1999

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/credits.html [10/12/2007 18:40:20] Dispatches: Credits

TRAFFIC opens new TRAFFIC International office in Vietnam 219c Huntingdon Road Taiwan establishes orchid Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK registration scheme Tel: (44) 1223 277427 Fax: (44) 1223 277237 E-mail: [email protected] Legislative reform needed urgently in Japan South America Project Office Medicinal plant action c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America plan gets under way in Atahualpa 955 y Republica Indian subcontinent Edificio Digicom, 4to piso TRAFFIC completes Quito, Ecuador marine resource survey Tel: (593) 2 466622 Fax: (593) 2 466624 E-mail: [email protected] Recent Species in Danger reports TRAFFIC East Asia -- Regional Office Sniffer dogs help to detect Room 2001, Double Building illegal wildlife trade 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Kenya considers sniffer Tel: (852) 2530 0587 Fax (852) 2 530 0864 dog unit E-mail: [email protected]

Reader suggestions TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan Thanking supporters 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg., 3-1-14 Credits Shiba, Minato-ku, 105, Tokyo, Japan Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716 Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304 Traffic Network E-mail: [email protected] Home Website: www.twics.com/~trafficj/

TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa -- Regional Office

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/may99/contact.html (1 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:40:22] Dispatches: Credits c/o Department of National Parks and Wildlife PO Box 30131, Lilongwe 3, Malawi Tel: (265) 743645 Fax: (265) 743648 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 2 506839 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 600543 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag x11 Parkview 2122, South Africa Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Tanzania c/o WWF Programme Office PO Box 63117 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: (255) 51 72455 Fax: (255) 51 75535 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe -- Regional Office Chaussee de Waterloo 608, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: (32) 2 343 82 58 Fax: (32) 2 343 25 65 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - France 151 Blvd. de la Reine, 78000 Versailles, France Tel: (33) 1 39 24 24 02 Fax: (33) 1 39 53 04 46

TRAFFIC Europe - Germany c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Deutschland Rebstocker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, Germany Tel: (49) 69 791440 Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - Italy Via Garigliano 57, 00198 Rome, Italy Tel: (39) 06 844971 Fax: (39) 06 85300612 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist, The Netherlands Tel: (31) 30 6937307 Fax: (31) 30 6912064 E-mail: [email protected]

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TRAFFIC Europe - Russia c/o WWF Russia Programme Office Box 55, Moscow, Russia 125319 Tel: (7) 095 2649948 Fax: (7) 095 2649927 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect/

TRAFFIC North America -- Regional Office 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA Tel: (1) 202 293 4800 Fax: (1) 202 775 8287 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC North America-Canada c/o World Wildlife Fund 245 Eglinton Avenue, Suite 410 Toronto, Ontario M4P 3J1, Canada Tel: (1) 416 489 8800 Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Oceania -- Regional Office GPO Box 528 Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671 Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia -- Regional Office Locked Bag No. 911, Jln. Sultan PO, 46990 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (60) 3 7944097 Fax: (60) 3 7947220 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Vietnam c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office 7 Yet Kieu Street International PO Box 151 Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (84) 4 8220640 Fax: (84) 4 8220642 E-mail: [email protected]

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Can the live reef fish trade in Southeast Asia be managed? by Chen Hin Keong, Director, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia

he expansion of trade in live Asia be Managed? presents the poisoning, blasting, removal of coral reef fish for food has its findings of a study conducted in 1997 for construction and aquarium trade Tbeginnings in Southeast Asia. which set out to describe the trends, can cause immense damage to the As the waters around Hong Kong and patterns and diversity of the live reef species. China became depleted of wild stocks, fish industry in the Southeast Asia. The fishing vessels targeted the coral reefs four major countries involved in the of the Philippines, Malaysia and industry, Indonesia, the Philippines, Indonesia. At the same time Singapore Malaysia and Singapore were studied established itself as the main consumer in detail. of the reef fish in the region. Today, the For the study details of the capture, reef fish stocks of the Southeast Asia trade and transportation of live food region face drastic overexploitation reef fish were obtained primarily by unless some endurable management of interviewing members of the industry fisheries can be implemented. and from the international trade data. A TRAFFIC study titled Fishing for Also nine separate case studies were Solutions: Can the Live Trade in Wild conducted to provide details on Groupers and Wrasses from Southeast exploitation and trade at the local level. As a result of the extensive research carried out it became apparent that the catch rates of live reef fish throughout INSIDE: the region are declining and the size of fish caught in the region are becoming A grouper being sold at a fish market smaller due to overexploitation. in Medan, Indonesia. • TRAFFIC Network news Consuming freshly killed seafood has been the tradition among As well as the use of hook and line, • Farmed groupers are the Cantonese people for centuries. Today traps are common fishing methods. main source of live reef fish live groupers and wrasses are sold at a Cyanide is used in large amounts in the for food in Taiwan premium in Cantonese restaurants; for region to catch fish. For example by at example coral groupers can fetch up to least 15-20%, and according to some USD20/kg in Hong Kong. The most recent estimations even 50%, of the • Woodcarving trade in expensive species targeted for the live fishers in the Calamian Islands use Malawi food fish market is Humphead wrasse cyanide. The fish is normally stunned Cheilinus undulatus. Also in much and survives the long journey to the • Update on Elephant Trade demand are the groupers Serranidae market. This means that it has time to Information System ETIS spp. and the stonefish Synanceia spp. excrete the cyanide, so that any Due to the high market prices the remaining amounts of the poison are • An overview of medicinal fishers in the live food reef fish trade well below those safe for human plant activities in can expect to earn up to five times that consumption when the fish reaches the TRAFFIC of an average fisher. restaurant. Juvenile fish are usually found in Catches are either sold to middlemen • On the scent of musk trade seagrass beds and tidal pools, and or directly to exporters - foreign or in Europe adults live among coral reefs which local. Large self-contained foreign gives rise to the term ‘live coral reef vessels have dominated the fishery but fish trade’. The destruction of this reef also local operations are found in many • A sniffer dog purchase fish habitat through degradation of areas today. Exporters and larger fish under way in South Korea coral reefs, especially by cyanide continued on page 3 TRAFFIC staff news TRAFFIC re-opens its Dr. Ing. Pier Lorenzo Florio Welcome South America office Sabri Zain commences his work as A critical gap in the TRAFFIC TRAFFIC staff were extremely sad the new Communications Manager at Network’s geographic coverage will to hear of the recent death of Dr. Ing. TRAFFIC International in mid- be filled in October 1999 with the re- Pier Lorenzo Florio, the Director of October 1999. Sabri moves to opening of a regional TRAFFIC office TRAFFIC Italy for six years after its TRAFFIC from WWF-Malaysia for South America. TRAFFIC South establishment in 1986. Pier Lorenzo, a where he has worked as Director of America will be based in Quito, founder member of WWF Italy, will Special Tasks giving senior level Ecuador, and co-located with the be warmly remembered for his great support within the Directorate. Prior to Regional Office for South America of contribution to TRAFFIC’s work and that he worked at WWF-Malaysia as IUCN - the World Conservation his tireless dedication to a wide range Director of Communications for five Union. TRAFFIC’s work in the region of conservation causes. years and Communications Manager for is already in full swing with projects two years. on mahogany, medicinal plants and the Celia Denton has started as the new sea cucumber trade from Galapagos Funding Development Officer at either completed or under way. TRAFFIC International in May 1999. The establishment of a full regional Most recently she worked as a major office will allow more extensive gifts fundraiser at the University of attention to the wildlife trade issues. Cambridge and prior to that as Applications for the position of fundraising manager for a children's Director for the regional office are TRAFFIC Dispatches charity. currently being sought. 219c Huntingdon Road Nguyen Tri Man joined TRAFFIC Cambridge UK, CB3 0DL Southeast Asia-Vietnam in August Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 1999 as a Project Assistant. Before TRAFFIC International Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 coming to TRAFFIC he worked in the E-mail: [email protected] fields of journalism and economic becomes a charity Web site: www.traffic.org research. TRAFFIC International, the UK- Editor: Maija Sirola Appointment based headquarters of the TRAFFIC Network, became a UK Registered © TRAFFIC International 1999 Director of TRAFFIC Oceania Charity (No. 1076722) when its Glenn Sant has been appointed to the charitable status was conferred by the newly established Environment Committee Charity Commission in July 1999. TRAFFIC is a joint programme that will provide high level advice to This is a significant milestone in the of IUCN–The World Conservation the Australian Fisheries Management Network’s development and will Union and WWF*-World Wide Fund Association (AFMA) Board on issues provide a strong legal base and allow for Nature. It aims to contribute to relating to the environment and TRAFFIC International to seek funds the conservation of nature by helping fisheries management. from a range of new sources. to ensure trade in wild plants and animals is ecologically sustainable. Moving The TRAFFIC Network works in co-operation with the Secretariat Deputy Director of TRAFFIC Bear trade meeting to of the Convention on International East/Southern Africa Nina Marshall Trade in Endangered Species of Wild moved her working base from Kenya take place in October Fauna and Flora (CITES). to South Africa in August 1999. TRAFFIC Dispatches is published The Third International Symposium by TRAFFIC International to keep Goodbye on the Trade in Bear Parts organized the Network’s partners and supporters by TRAFFIC East Asia, the IUCN/SSC informed about our activities and Communications Manager Bobbie Bear Specialist Group and the accomplishments.

Jo Kelso left TRAFFIC International Ministry of Environment, the Republic * WWF is known as World Wildlife Fund in in June 1999 to take up the post of of Korea will take place 26-28 October Canada and the USA. International Manager of Campaign 1999 in Seoul, South Korea. Communications at WWF International. The organizers are grateful for the Printed on recycled paper. Senior Programme Officer Jane financial support given by Association of Holden left TRAFFIC Oceania in Korean Oriental Medicine, Cho Seon August 1999 to pursue her legal Pharm. & Trading Co., LTD., Johnson & career. Johnson, Miljø- og Energieministeriet Programme Officer David Mulolani Denmark, National Fish and Wildlife from the East/Southern Africa office Foundation, UK-Department of Environ- left TRAFFIC in June 1999 to join a ment, Transport and the Regions, World GTZ project in Malawi. Wildlife Fund-US, and WWF Netherlands.

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12 September 1999 continued from page 1 three years. In Malaysia, the most national governments of Southeast buyers usually have holding facilities extensive coral reef areas are in Sabah. Asia should set separate quotas as well near fishing areas where the reef fish Today the state of Sabah exports only as minimum and maximum exporting are kept until they reach a suitable about 350t per year compared to a sizes for each live food reef fish 'table' size before shipping them to the peak of 500-600t in 1993. Singapore, species to prevent overexploitation. buyers. Many exporters also have the main consumer in the region, has Also the national governments need to holding facilities at international an annual consumption of around implement a system of monitoring and airports to facilitate transport to Hong 500t. enforcement of export quotas. Among Kong and other large markets. Such The study shows that the fishery for other recommendations the report also major centres in the region are Manila live food reef fish needs to be stresses the role that government and in the Philippines, Kota Kinabalu in managed to make it sustainable. Stock non-government agencies should take Malaysia and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang, depletion, habitat destruction as well in training the fishers to use non- Medan and Denpasar in Indonesia. as fishers' income need all be taken destructive fishing techniques. Between 1991 and 1995, Indonesia into account when decisions are being provided about 60% of the live food made. According to the study the best Fishing for Solutions: Can the Live reef fish harvested from Southeast approach is the management of the Trade in Wild Groupers and Wrasses Asia while the Philippines was the first industry that maintains the fishers' from Southeast Asia be Managed? 1999. Southeast Asian nation recorded as livelihood and at the same time TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, M19B, 2nd being fished for live food reef fish. stresses the conservation needs of the Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21), 46000 PJ Old However, the supply in the Philippines coral reef ecosystems in Southeast Town, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was reduced by almost 50% after 1996 Asia. Malaysia. Tel: +60 3 7917284, Fax: +60 compared to 1100t in the preceding The report recommends that 3 7947220, E-mail: [email protected].

Farmed groupers are the main source of live reef fish for food in Taiwan by Marcus Phipps, Deputy Director, TRAFFIC East Asia

RAFFIC East Asia-Taipei has domestic supply or other factors such completed a study on Taiwan’s as reduced supply in the wild or Tgrouper fisheries, aquaculture stricter export restrictions by and trade. The study provides insights traditional supplying countries has yet to the grouper resources and the future to be determined. prospects of grouper fisheries in Grouper farming could enhance the Taiwan. conservation of wild groupers in the Groupers are popular in Taiwan’s medium-term by providing an seafood markets because of their alternate source of supply. However, texture and taste. As Taiwan’s seafood farming cannot be assumed to have a consumers show a marked preference completely benign impact on wild Top: High-finned Grouper for freshness as opposed to the source grouper populations. During the Cromileptes altivelis; of groupers, farmed groupers remain research and development of farming Humphead Wrasse the main source of live specimens in techniques for specific species, Cheilinus undulatus. Taiwan’s fish markets. Live wild- collection of wild specimens for caught specimens appeal only to a breeding stock is unavoidable. Once improved data collection for wild limited number of discerning self-sufficiency in production is grouper populations and fisheries in consumers. obtained, farming faces a number of Taiwan’s own coastal and offshore Taiwan’s government has other obstacles including the need for areas. encouraged grouper breeding, farming substantial resource input, the threat of and export by streamlining regulations disease, and possible negative For more information, contact TRAFFIC and procedures for grouper and environmental impacts. East Asia, Room 2001, Double Building, fingerling imports and exports. The report contains a number of 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. Techniques are well developed for the recommendations aimed at fisheries Tel: +852 2530 0587; Fax: +852 2530 breeding and rearing of a number of authorities and industry. These include 0864; E-mail: [email protected] or grouper species and these play a the need for species-specific TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei, PO Box 7- significant role in Taiwan’s live fish feasibility studies which would 476, Taipei, Taiwan. Tel: +886 2 2362 exports. There appears to have been a include collection of information on 9787; Fax: +886 2 2362 9799; E-mail: corresponding decrease in imports of conservation status, regulatory [email protected] large wild groupers and fingerlings. measures in range states, and Also available from TRAFFIC East Asia: However, whether the trend towards consumer preference; technical The Hong Kong Trade In Live Reef Fish reduced imports is a result of increased assistance to range states; and For Food. 1999.

Number 12 September 1999 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 TRAFFIC examines the trade in woodcarvings in Malawi by Louisa Sangalakula, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa

Malawi's forest resources have come under immense pressure in recent years due to the uncontrolled rate of exploitation of indigenous forest resources. Uncontrolled harvest outside protected areas for fuelwood, furniture, construction, and in particular woodcarving, has caused great concern about the sustainability of current harvesting practices. It is evident that forest resources in Malawi are over-exploited, and that solutions must be found soon to address declines in natural resources, as well as the needs of an important source of livelihood to many people in Malawi.

alawi plays a major role in survey focused on examining the angolensis. Based on the data the woodcarving trade status of tree species used for obtained from various players in the Mwithin southern Africa. The woodcarving, and documenting the woodcarving industry, a decline in the trade is regional and beyond, yet very little is known about it. The only studies that pertain to Malawi's woodcarving industry were undertaken in 1981 and 1984 to survey craft production and export in the northern, central and southern regions of the country. Other recent surveys in neighbouring countries indicate that Malawi's trade is inter-linked and that the country functions as both an importer of raw material, and an exporter of finished products. Prompted by the information gap and the uncontrolled rate of exploitation of indigenous forest resources, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa initiated a project in late 1998 to assess the trade in woodcarving trade and utilization patterns for supply of these three most popular products in Malawi. Financial support hardwoods occurring in the central and species used in carving is evident. for this project was provided by southern region. The aim of this Surprisingly, survey results also USAID through support from the project was to identify species of revealed that this problem tends to be Regional Centre for Southern Africa concern through examination of the localized in certain districts. However, (IUCN NETCAB Grant), USAID industry and trade, and to develop the scope of the problem is still under SHARED Project and Flora and Fauna recommendations that would result in examination. International. Efforts during this conservation and sustainable The most popular species are favoured utilization of these valuable resources. for making specific products such as Fieldwork for this project was chessboards, ornaments, furniture, carried out in ten districts at 32 study which include the famous chief chairs, sites within the central and southern and utensils mainly because of the regions. The northern region was hardness and finishing quality, omitted from the study, as there has accessibility, and customer preference of never been a tradition or culture of the wood. Albizia gummifera , woodcarving in this part of the Colophospermum mopane, Kirkia country. Information was collected acuminata and Pterocarpus angolensis through questionnaires as well as are the species least exploited. Other interviews with woodcarving producers, species include Khaya nyasica, traders, and exporters. Newtonia buchanaii, Burkea africana, The study is now nearing Swartizia madagascariensis, Gmelina completion and project researchers are arborea and two other unknown in the process of compiling and taxonomic species. analysing their information. The study Fieldwork showed that while much has revealed that 14 tree species are of the wood used by woodcarvers in used for carving, the three most Malawi is harvested within the popular species in order of preference country, some is imported from being Combretum imberbe, Dalbergia Mozambique and other neighbouring Dalbergia melanoxylon melanoxylon and Pericopsis countries. Often the wood is harvested

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12 September 1999 Update on the Elephant Trade Information System - ETIS

n 1997, at the tenth Meeting of the populations in the CITES Appendices IConference of the Parties to CITES, and/or the resumption of legal TRAFFIC's Bad Ivory Database international trade in ivory". System (BIDS) was recognized as In March 1998, the Ivory and "the appropriate instrument for Elephant Product Seizure Data monitoring the pattern and measuring Collection Form (SDCF) was the scale" of trade in ivory and other produced and circulated to all CITES elephant products. Parties requesting them to use the form The further refinement of BIDS to submit information on seizures of commenced in November 1997, when ivory and elephant products. TRAFFIC commissioned a statistician Completed forms are submitted by from the Statistical Services Centre of governments to the CITES Secretariat the University of Reading in the UK to which provides relevant information illegally, for example, from within undertake a thorough evaluation of the to TRAFFIC for entry into ETIS. The protected areas. Importation is often system. The results and recommen- response from Parties has been unregulated or illegal, and when dations of the technical evaluation commendable, with more than 100 discovered, forestry officials usually were presented at an Elephant SDCF received to date. confiscate shipments lacking the Monitoring Workshop organized by A detailed functional specification required documentation. IUCN/SSC and TRAFFIC, in co- of ETIS was produced and approved Most traders and producers are operation with the CITES Secretariat for the 41st CITES Standing unaware of forestry regulations in December 1997. Committee Meeting in February 1999. governing the harvesting, transporting At the workshop, it was agreed that At the same time detailed explanatory and trade in forest resources within the BIDS would be expanded to include notes for the SDCF were produced and country. The only form of regulation seizures of all elephant products and circulated to all CITES Parties in April that is commonly known is that of would develop into an integrated 1999. Funding for implementation royalties, which range from USD16- information system comprising during 1999 was secured from the UK USD35 per tree. As this fee is several components. This system Government. regarded as being rather high, it is not would be renamed ETIS - or the A beta test version of ETIS was surprising that illegal felling of trees is Elephant Trade Information System - installed in April 1999, further prevalent throughout Malawi. and work in parallel to MIKE, (the development to the structure of the The woodcarving industry is system for Monitoring the Illegal system continued, and in July 1999 a dependent upon tourists, as well as Killing of Elephants) to be managed refined version was installed. It is local and foreign businesspersons who by IUCN/SSC. anticipated that the final structure of export the products for resale in Specific objectives of the system are the system will be completed by the foreign markets, notably Italy, South to enable an appropriate statistical end of 1999 to facilitate preliminary Africa, United Kingdom and the analysis for the purpose of monitoring data analysis prior to the eleventh United States. There has been a current levels and trends of trade in meeting of the Conference of the significant upward trend in the value ivory and non-ivory elephant products. Parties to CITES in Nairobi in April of the domestic exports of carvings, Further, the outputs of the system will 2000. with the figure growing from an be linked with those from MIKE to estimated six thousand USD in 1994 facilitate an assessment of whether or -- Louisa Sangalakula, TRAFFIC to eleven thousand USD in 1996. not "observed trends are a result of East/Southern Africa With this level of exports, significant changes in the listing of elephant foreign exchange is generated for the country. The woodcarving industry is extremely important for rural woodcarvers, urban traders and exporters, and the government. As natural resources dwindle, the future of this industry is precarious. A balance must be found between employment and resource exploitation, in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the resource and the people of Malawi. As TRAFFIC enters the final stage of this project, it is this challenge that will be addressed.

Number 12 September 1999 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 An overview of medicinal plant activities in TRAFFIC by Teresa Mulliken, Network Research and Programme Development Manager, TRAFFIC International

TRAFFIC is working around the globe to document the medicinal plant trade and identify threats to wild species and, in turn, the people and healthcare systems that depend upon them. Last September the work undertaken by TRAFFIC in East Asia, India and South America through a grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ*) was featured inDispatches. This time we provide an overview of the work implemented by TRAFFIC offices including an update on some of the activities supported by BMZ.

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa Work in East and Southern African countries centres on follow-up to the findings of the TRAFFIC Species in Danger report Searching for a Cure: Conservation of Medicinal Wildlife Resources in East and Southern Africa and recommendations resulting from the workshop that followed - Sustainable Utilisation of Wildlife Medicinals in East and Southern Africa: A Challenge for the Health American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius and Natural Resource Sectors. The proceedings of the workshop were distributed earlier this year, and India and Germany. TRAFFIC North America several projects are being initiated to 'Species' work includes an in-depth Work continues to focus on the trade implement specific recommendations. study of the trade in Asian Ginseng in American Ginseng Panax Through a grant from The Rufford Panax ginseng focusing on the quinquefolius and Goldenseal Foundation, TRAFFIC East/Southern Russian Far East, home to the last Hydrastis canadensis , CITES Africa is producing public awareness known wild stands of this species. A Appendix II species traded interna- materials targeted at traditional report on the trade in Asian Ginseng, tionally in large quantities for their medicine practitioners throughout the which has been proposed for inclusion medicinal properties (see TRAFFIC region in order to increase knowledge in CITES Appendix II by the Russian Bulletin Vol. 18(1)). TRAFFIC North about conservation concerns and to Federation, is in preparation. The America has been working directly stimulate action to address declines in study is funded by the German Agency with dealers of wild ginseng in the wildlife medicinals. for Nature Conservation (BnF**) and Appalachian Mountains to identify Work in South Africa is currently WWF Germany. potential ways to reduce overharvest. focused on a study of the use and trade Thanks to a grant from The Rufford Working with those involved in the of medicinal plants from the fynbos Foundation, TRAFFIC Europe will trade is crucial to ensure conservation region, a unique habitat in the southern soon be better able to facilitate the of wild ginseng populations and Cape that supports a great variety of region-wide exchange of information therefore the availability of future wild plants. related to medicinal plants and related supplies. conservation concerns. A strategy and The experience gained in North business plan for the establishment of America has also been used to help TRAFFIC Europe a European Medicinal and Aromatic medicinal plant conservation efforts As in Africa, TRAFFIC's work in Plant Resources Secretariat is being initiated in East Asia and Oceania. Europe is guided in large part by the developed. The Secretariat will Chris Robbins, Programme Officer for results of a region-wide study of the undertake activities to increase the TRAFFIC North America, recently medicinal plant trade followed by a availability of information on gave papers at workshops convened by stakeholders workshop. The medicinal and aromatic plants traded TRAFFIC Oceania, and with Judy proceedings of the workshop, in Europe, especially those of Mills of TRAFFIC East Asia, co- Medicinal Plant Trade in Europe: conservation concern, to monitor the wrote a paper Conservation Measures Conservation and Supply, have been socio-economic aspects of the trade, to and International Trade Controls for published and distributed and follow- evaluate existing regulatory tools and Wild and Cultivated Ginseng, up actions are underway. to provide advice for improvements presented to the International Ginseng At the country level, TRAFFIC where appropriate, and to develop Conference in Hong Kong in July Europe is completing trade studies in practical guidelines for sustainable 1999. Russia and Italy, and has published the exploitation of selected European The first two phases of a joint results of a study of the trade between medicinal and aromatic plant species. project with The Nature Conservancy

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12 September 1999 to identify other North American Furthermore, the conference recom- national NGOs, particularly women's medicinal plant species at risk from mended that a model policy be traditional healer groups, reflecting the overharvest for trade have been developed with respect to addressing important role of women in healing completed. TRAFFIC North America intellectual property rights, and that and the use of medicinal plants in this inventoried the US market for native recognition of and appreciation for region. medicinal plants and, with information traditional knowledge held by on the status of wild species provided indigenous communities be increased. by The Nature Conservancy and input The conference concluded with a TRAFFIC Southeast Asia from industry experts, identified 80 call for the establishment of a working Over 200 million people of Malay species of native herbs, shrubs and group consisting of and funded by descent use or are influenced by trees considered a priority for further stakeholders, which would be devoted traditional medicine systems, which in research. to addressing issues related to the turn rely largely on native plants. Harvest permits issued by the US conservation, sustainability and ethical However, little research has been Bureau of Land Management and US production of medicinal plants within undertaken to identify whether current Forest Service have also been Australia. harvest and trade rates are sustainable. analysed. Next steps include more The conference demonstrated the TRAFFIC Southeast Asia therefore detailed species analyses and importance of medicinal plants to undertook preliminary reviews of the comparative case studies of medicinal Australia's people and biodiversity, use of wild plant species for traditional plant harvest, monitoring and and the importance of stakeholder medicine in Indonesia and Malaysia. management in selected National cooperation in addressing issues such Completed in August 1999, these Forests in the Klamath-Siskiyou and as sustainability and intellectual reviews document the importance of Blue Ridge Mountain areas of the property rights. Jonathan Vea, native wild plants both to 'jamu' - USA. TRAFFIC Oceania Research Officer traditional medicine produced locally noted: ‘Especially encouraging was from raw plant materials - and to the pro-active approach being taken by manufactured herbal remedies based TRAFFIC Oceania the medicinal plant industry, and their on medicinal plants. Approximately 100 delegates interest in working with indigenous Over 100 species were found to be participated in Medicinal Plants for and conservation communities in a used in both Indonesia and Malaysia, the Future: Sustainability and Ethical transparent and participatory manner. with most of these collected from the Issues, a two-day conference organ- This is good for the industry, for other wild rather than cultivated. Funds are ized 19-20 August 1999 by the stakeholders, and for Australia's being sought to undertake more in- National Herbalists Association of medicinal plant species.' depth studies of the trade in species for Australia and TRAFFIC Oceania. The Elsewhere in the region, TRAFFIC which initial research has indicated conference attracted a variety of Oceania is completing a preliminary there may be a conservation problem. stakeholders concerned with Australia's assessment of the medicinal plant Meanwhile, work continues on use and trade of medicinal plants, trade in and from the South Pacific agarwood Aquilaria spp., a group of including herbalists, industry members, (funded by the Rufford Foundation). trees whose fungally infected wood is growers, Aboriginal community Specific emphasis is being placed on used medicinally as well as for incense members and conservationists. establishing contacts with local and and perfumes. Presentations reflected the broad range and complexity of medicinal plant issues in Australia. Topics addressed included sustainability, preservation and use of traditional knowledge, intellectual property rights, national and international trade controls, industry procurement policies and genetic modification. Delegates explored the issues in more depth during workshops held the second day of the conference and produced recommendations subsequently adopted during the closing plenary session. The need to develop a code of ethics, to establish mechanisms to monitor wild harvesting and to raise awareness of conservation issues within the herbal products industry was recognized.

Trading medicinal plants at a market place in Quito, Ecuador

Number 12 September 1999 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Top left: Cover of the report on medicinal plants in Ecuador by TRAFFIC South America; top right: medicinal and aromatic plants products in Germany; Aloe feroxharvest in South Africa.

D. Lange / TRAFFIC

of Medicinal Plants, held in Seoul, to the second Indo-Nepal Trans-border Republic of Korea have been Meeting in February 1999. As a published in a combined Korean/ result, the final resolution of that English volume. meeting called for bringing the bi- Following on from a stakeholders lateral treaty regulating cross-border meeting held in December 1998, trade into line with CITES TRAFFIC India convened a meeting requirements. on the role of practitioners of As a contribution to a project of and traditional systems of medicine in with funding from the German Agency sustainable utilization and fo Nature Conservation(BfN**),

Hajo Schmitz-Kretschmar / TRAFFIC conservation of medicinal plants in TRAFFIC East Asia was able to take a July, with participants including closer look at the use and trade of practitioners of Ayurveda, Siddha, orchids for traditional medicine, Unani and Tibetan traditional further highlighting the need for more BMZ funded projects under way medicine systems. A similar meeting effective trade controls for plant for commercial growers, traders and medicinals in the country. Medicinal plant work made possible the plant medicinals industry is The upcoming CITES meeting in through a grant from BMZ through a planned for December. Nairobi in April 2000 will provide an framework agreement with WWF important focus for further TRAFFIC International (see Dispatches efforts to address unsustainable and September 1998) continued to gain Emphasis on CITES illegal international trade in medicinal momentum, especially with regard to The TRAFFIC Network continues plants. Implementation problems doc- market research and building links to maintain a specific focus on the use umented by TRAFFIC and others will with stakeholders. of CITES as a tool to bring the be on the agenda, and it is likely that Detailed market research is now international trade in medicinal plants several new medicinal plant species well under way in China, India, within sustainable levels. Two will be put forward for listing in Colombia and Brazil and preliminary briefing documents were prepared in CITES Appendix II. research initiated in Peru and Bolivia. conjunction with a CITES Secretariat The report, Ecuador - Uso y funded project to examine CITES *Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Comercio de Plantas Medicinales - implementation for three medicinal Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, more Situación Actual y Aspectos plants; two Himalayan species commonly known as BMZ. Importantes para su Conservación recently included in the Appendices (Use and Trade of Medicinal Plants - (Jatamansi Nardostachys grandiflora **Bundesamt für Naturschutz, BfN. Current Status and Important Aspects and Kutki Picrorhiza kurrooa), and the for their Conservation) was published Southeast Asian tree species and formed the backbone of a Agarwood Aquilaria malaccensis (see For more information on projects, September 1999 workshop on box). These documents were presented workshop proceedings or papers medicinal plants in Ecuador. The by TRAFFIC to the ninth meeting of mentioned in this article, contact workshop determined actions to be the CITES Plants Committee (Darwin, TRAFFIC Regional Office in question taken to improve the trade legislations Australia, June 1999), where or TRAFFIC International. See page and to strengthen the co-operation medicinal plants figured prominently 12 for contact information. between government and NGOs. At on the agenda. the request of the Ministry of TRAFFIC's research documented Environment Affairs, TRAFFIC also poor levels of CITES implementation helped produce a pamphlet on the for all three species, and identified a trade in medicinal plants targeted at number of possible actions to improve the national congress and the media. trade controls. The proceedings of another TRAFFIC India also presented TRAFFIC workshop on the Conservation initial research results on these species

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12 September 1999 On the scent of musk trade in Europe

usk is one of the most Europe's role in the trade expensive natural products Min the world, with a retail The findings indicate that at least 52 value three to five times higher than countries participate in the gold. It has been used in medicines international trade in musk specimens. and perfumes for thousands of years. In Europe, Russia acts as a major In traditional East Asian medicine supplier of raw musk to the (TEAM), musk has been used to treat international market as it is home to a variety of ailments and as a stimulant the Siberian Musk Deer, while France, of the heart, nerves and breathing. Germany and Switzerland all play a Today, musk remains popular in significant role as importers. France is trade, however nearly all populations Europe's main raw musk consumer. of musk deer, the source of natural The changes brought by the 1992 musk, are declining throughout much dissolution of the Soviet Union led to of their range. There are at least four a rapid increase in hunting and and possibly six or more species of poaching of musk deer. While musk deer, of which the Siberian information on musk deer populations Musk Deer Moschus moschiferus in in Russia varies widely, specialists A gland of a male musk deer produces particular has declined rapidly due to estimate that the population numbered an average of 25 grams loss of habitat and, more recently, an no more than 60 000 in the mid-1990s of musk per year. increase in both legal and illegal compared to more than 160 000 in the hunting. In addition, all musk deer and late 1980s. No population information their products are regulated in was available for other republics hunt, three to five musk deer are international trade under CITES. where musk deer may occur in this usually killed to obtain one male with A new report, On the Scent: region, now known as the Common- a sufficiently large gland. Conserving Musk Deer - The Uses of wealth of Independent States (CIS). Germany and Switzerland act Musk and Europe's Role in its Trade The Soviet Union and then later, the mainly as intermediaries in the raw by Volker Homes of TRAFFIC CIS republics of Russia, Uzbekistan musk trade and re-export to other Europe-Germany, documents the and Kyrgyzstan have served as the destinations, such as Hong Kong, international trade in musk, with a main European exporters of raw musk Singapore, South Korea and even focus upon Europe's role in the trade to the international market since 1978. France. In the four years following the and use, particularly in the perfume In the period from 1992-96, the three break-up of the Soviet Union, industry. The study, released in July CIS suppliers exported at least 360 Germany developed an important role 1999, is part of a comprehensive effort kilos of raw musk, an amount requiring in the global trade. by TRAFFIC to document the trade in the killing of 40 000 to 75 000 musk France has also exported musk but and uses of natural musk. deer. This number is so high as only more than 90% of all imports of raw male deer produce musk and during a musk from 1978-96 were consumed in France itself or re-exported as products containing musk. It is highly likely that a large proportion entered the French perfume industry. The study found that historically musk has been used as an ingredient in classic and expensive perfumes produced in Europe. It has also been estimated that in the French industry the use of natural musk still amounts to some kilograms per year. Today much of the natural musk used in the perfume industry has been replaced by synthetic musk in Europe's leading perfume industry countries, including France. Synthetic musk is also commonly used in many cosmetics, shampoos, detergents and Only the male Musk Deer Moschus moschiferusproduces musk. other perfumed products. The During the hunt, three to five musk deer are killed to obtain suspected toxicity of some synthetic one male with a sufficiently large musk-secreting gland. musk compounds on the environment

Number 12 September 1999 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 countries. For example, the report status of musk deer and through the indicates that a significant percentage use of alternatives such as musk taken Illegal musk trade of musk traded in Russia is likely to from live deer without harming the Between 19 November 1998 and 17 originate from illegal sources. animal. March 1999, Felixstowe Customs and Smuggled musk glands can be hidden Further studies of the harvest, trade Excise authorities seized commercial with ease and carried across the border and demand in countries where musk imports of traditional Chinese into neighbouring countries or shipped deer occur and in countries medicines from China amongst which to other foreign destinations. participating in the trade are needed. were 76 080 pills and 492 aerosols The countries of the European Improved legal protection, where containing, among others, Musk Deer Union are now in the process of necessary, and assessments of Moschus. suspending imports of wild musk deer population and status should also be products from Russia until stronger undertaken. From 1 January to July 1998, 8 dozen safeguards are introduced. In Russia, export quotas for musk boxes of traditional Chinese medicines In western parts of Europe, most of should be based on solid scientific data containing Musk Deer Moschus, from the illegal trade in musk has been in and kept at the lowest possible levels China to Belgium, were seized at medicinal products manufactured in until wild populations have had a Zaventem Airport. Asia, although illegal raw musk has chance to recover and reliable field On March 1998, Zhi Lin Dong and his been seized in France. In recent years, assessments have been conducted. The company, Chinese Medical Centre, in thousands of traditional medicines report also recommends continued Utrecht, were found guilty of trading manufactured in Asia and claiming to monitoring of the use of musk in the packages claiming to contain contain musk have been seized in European perfume industry. ingredients of CITES-species. Dong was European countries such as Belgium, sentenced to gaol for three months and the Netherlands, Germany and the UK -- MS fined HFL10 000 ($US 5000); the because they lacked necessary CITES company was fined HFL80 000. Eight permits. On the Scent: Conserving Musk Deer - lorry-loads of traditional Chinese The Uses of Musk and Europe's Role in medicines were seized. Some packages claimed to contain, among others, Musk Recommendations its Trade. Available from TRAFFIC Deer Moschus. Europe, Waterloosteenweg 608, 1050 The report includes a variety of Brussels, Belgium or TRAFFIC Europe- On March 1997, Hampshire recommendations to ensure the long- Germany c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Magistrate's Court, Bang Hue Thu term conservation of musk deer. The Deutschland, Rebstöcker Str. 55, D- pleaded guilty to four charges under the most important action would be to 60326 Frankfurt, Germany. Control of Trade in Endangered Species reduce the use of natural musk by (Enforcement) Regulation 1985 increasing public awareness about the (COTES) of illegal sale of traditional Chinese medicines. She was fined £2000 (US$ 3336) and £150 costs. Among the items seized were packages www.traffic.org news that listed also derivatives from Musk DeerMoschus. The design of the traffic.org web site will be renewed in the near future to give the site a fresher look. At the has not, to date, been adequately same time changes to the structure of verified and requires further the site will be introduced to assure investigation. easy access to information whilst the Industry representatives interviewed amount of information displayed during the study reported that use of increases steadily. natural musk perfumes has declined In October a special section of the for a variety of reasons, including the traffic.org site will be launched to high price, increased difficulty in cover the 11th meeting of the obtaining natural musk and Conference of the Parties to CITES. conservation concerns. Regular updates, TRAFFIC reports Illegal trade in musk and musk and recommendations will be products in Europe was found in some provided in the six months leading to the Conference. During the meeting itself, a daily news update will be The young musk deer grow rapidly maintained. and become independent of their mother by the age of six months, and reach sexual maturity at 18 months of age. Female musk deer are capable of breeding after their first year.

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12 September 1999 A sniffer dog to detect illegal wildlife trade in South Korea

nimals Asia Foundation (AAF)*, reptiles, birds, eggs, meat, and plant * Animals Asia Foundation, a charitable Ain close co-operation with the material can also be detected by their foundation based in Asia, is developing Korea Customs Service, is planning to scent. Which scents the AAF and expanding regional animal welfare fund a sniffer dog to work in South "Detective Dog" will be trained to projects, including the creation of Korea detecting illegal trade in wild detect has yet to be finalized but will assistance programmes, such as animal parts. Based on the likely include animal parts ranging "Detective Dog", to encourage a recommendations of the 1998 from bear gall bladders to tiger bone. growing awareness of the plight of TRAFFIC East Asia report The Although implementing a project of animals in trade, and to foster respect for Feasibility of Using Canines to Detect this nature will not be cheap, the cost wild, domestic and endangered species. Wildlife Contraband this important implications are minimal when development marks a new stage in the compared to the enhanced efficiency -- Rob Parry-Jones, Programme efforts to intercept illicit trade in of detection and increased public Officer, TRAFFIC East Asia wildlife. Selection of the appropriate awareness brought about by a dog and dog and a twelve-week training course its handler. At the same time, the for the dog and the handler should safety of law enforcement officers is begin soon. increased since an alert from a dog The TRAFFIC East Asia report, will indicate that the officer should produced with support from the UK- proceed with caution in case, for based Rufford Foundation, found that example, live venomous snakes are canines used in existing wildlife found. Increased interaction between detection programmes in the USA, the dog handler and customs officials South Africa, and Canada can detect as well as the general public enhances products ranging from bear gall awareness about which species are bladders, bear bile, ivory and banned or regulated in trade. Of equal rhinoceros horn to live parrots, importance, the presence of a wildlife abalone, and crayfish. Quarantine scent detection dog should act as a detector dogs have also shown that deterrent to potential wildlife smugglers.

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions during May - September 1999:

AGF Management Limited Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Development Office, South Africa Ansett Airlines Annuity Trust US National Marine Fisheries Service Agriculture & Fisheries Department., Hong Marine Leadership Council US State Department Kong Mazda Wildlife Fund The Walt Disney Company Foundation Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten, Wildlife and Environment Society of Australian Fisheries Management Authority Rheinland-Pfalz South Africa Australia Forestry and Fishery Agency Ministry of Environment & Forests, India WWF Australia Belgian Government National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA WWF Belgium Biodiversity Support Program National Geographic Channel Asia WWF Canada Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany Natural Heritage Trust WWF Coordination Office-Zambia Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Nautilus TV, Munich WWF East Africa Regional Programme Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Netherlands Government Office (BMZ), Germany New Horizons Computer Learning Centre WWF Endangered Seas Campaign CITES Secretariat Norwegian Agency for International WWF France The Commemorative Association for the Cooperation (NORAD) WWF Gabon Programme Japan World Exposition OCS Group Ltd. WWF Germany Department. of National Parks & Wildlife, Pacific Development & Conservation Trust WWF Hong Kong Malawi Petrossian Paris WWF International Dieckmann & Hansen Caviar, Hamburg Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew WWF Italy Discovery Channel-Asia The Rufford Foundation WWF Japan Endangered Wildlife Trust SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe European Commission, Directorates General Save the Tiger Fund, USA WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme VIII & XI Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Netherlands Exxon Corporation Stevens Sharkey WWF New Zealand Mr James Fairfax Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF South Africa Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF Sweden Green Trust Tiger's Eye Retail WWF Switzerland Ion Fund UK Department of Environment, Transport WWF Tanzania Programme Office IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office and the Regions WWF Tiger Conservation Programme IUCN-The World Conservation Union United World Chinese Commercial Bank WWF-UK IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group US Agency for International Development WWF-US Johnson & Johnson US Fish & Wildlife Service Liang Yi Cultural Undertakings Co. Ltd. US Information Service Programme

Number 12 September 1999 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

nTRAFFIC International sregional TRAFFIC office lnational TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa–Tanzania TRAFFIC North America 219c Huntingdon Road c/o WWF Programme Office 1250 24th Street NW Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK PO Box 63117, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Washington DC 20037, USA Tel: +44 (0)1223 277427 Tel: +255 51 72455 / 700077 Tel: +1 202 293 4800 Fax: +44 (0)1223 277237 Fax: +255 51 75535 Fax: +1 202 775 8287 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East Asia TRAFFIC Europe TRAFFIC North America-Canada Room 2001, Double Building Waterloosteenweg 608, c/o WWF Canada 22 Stanley Street 1050 Brussels, Belgium 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410 Central, Hong Kong Tel: +32 2 343 82 58 Toronto, Ontario M4P 3J1, Canada Tel: +852 2530 0587 Fax: +32 2 343 25 65 Tel: 1 416 489 4567 E-mail:[email protected] Fax: 1 416 489 3611 Fax: +852 2530 0864 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC Europe–France 188 Rue de la Roquette TRAFFIC Oceania TRAFFIC East Asia–Japan F 75011 Paris, France GPO Box 528 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg. Tel: +33 1 55258452 Sydney NSW 2001, Australia 3-1-14 Shiba, Minato-ku Fax: +33 1 55258474 Tel: +61 2 9280 1671 105 Tokyo, Japan Fax: +61 2 9212 1794 Tel: +81 3 3769 1716 TRAFFIC Europe–Germany E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +81 3 3769 1304 c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Deutschland E-mail: [email protected] Rebstöcker Str. 55 TRAFFIC South America Web site: www.twics.com~trafficj D 60326 Frankfurt, Germany c/o IUCN Regional Office for TRAFFIC East Asia–Taipei Tel: +49 69 791440 South America PO Box 7-476 Fax: +49 69 617221 Atahualpa 955 y Republica Taipei, Taiwan E-mail: [email protected] Edificio Digicom, 4to Piso Quito, Ecuador Tel: +886 2 2362 9787 TRAFFIC Europe–Italy Fax: +886 2 2362 9799 Tel: +593 2 466622/23 Via Garigliano 57 Fax: +593 2 466624 E-mail: [email protected] 00198 Rome, Italy E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.wow.org.tw Tel: +39 06 844971 Fax: +39 06 85300612 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa E-mail: [email protected] M19B 2nd Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21), c/o Department of National Parks and 46000 PJ Old Town, Petaling Jaya Wildlife TRAFFIC Europe–Netherlands Selangor, Malaysia PO Box 30131 PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist Tel: +60 3 7917284 Lilongwe 3, Malawi The Netherlands Fax: +60 3 7947220 Tel: +265 743645 Tel: +31 30 6937307 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +265 743648 Fax: +31 30 6912064 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Vietnam c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa–Kenya TRAFFIC Europe–Russia PO Box 68200, Mukoma Road c/o WWF Russia Programme Office 7 Yet Kieu Street, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya International PO Box 151 Box 55, Moscow, Russia 125319 Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: +254 2 506839 Tel: +7 095 264-99-48 Tel/fax: +254 2 600543 Fax: +7 095 264-99-27 Tel: +84 4 8220640 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +84 4 8220642 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.deol.ru/nature/protect TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa–South Africa c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust TRAFFIC India Private Bag x11, Parkview, c/o WWF India Secretariat Johannesburg, South Africa 172-B Lodi Estate Tel: +27 11 486 1102 New Delhi 110003, India Fax: +27 11 486 1506 Tel: +91 11 4698578 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +91 11 4626837/4691226 E-mail: [email protected] Dispatches: More protection needed for turtles in Asia

INSIDE: More protection needed for More protection needed for turtles in Asia turtles in Asia COP 11 Conference by Craig Hoover, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC North America and Peter Paul van Dijk, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Room

TRAFFIC review Rising demand for tortoises influences a new and freshwater turtles in swordfish recovery plan Asia, and especially Building enforcement southern China, has capacity in East Asia provoked concern that many Asian species are in serious Agarwood: Threatened decline in the wild and that multi-cultural resource? some species are already TRAFFIC joins forces with facing extinction. celebrities to end shahtoosh trade Turtles and tortoises are African Elephants and the used for food, traditional Eleventh Meeting of the medicine, religious release, Conference of the Parties decoration and as pets. Of to CITES these uses, food and traditional medicine pose the greatest threat to their survival. Market studies and analyses of trade dynamics conclude that this Bear trade stakeholders harvest is generally non-specific - any available species is targeted to supply find common ground in the trade. Given the enormous demand for turtles and tortoises, and the Korea relatively late age and low levels of reproduction of these species, even a Reptile trade booms in small harvest can cause a turtle population to decline significantly - and in Tanzania some cases, even disappear.

Wildlife trade in the In response to this crisis in biodiversity, TRAFFIC, WWF and The Wildlife Russian Far East under scrutiny Conservation Society (WCS), brought together 40 regional turtle experts from 16 countries, primarily within East and Southeast Asia, to discuss the trade Straddling stocks problem. Turtle ecologists, government representatives, international conser- agreement important to vation NGOs, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and zoological large migratory fish advisors convened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 1-4 December 1999 at the Thanking supporters Workshop on Trade in Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Asia. The workshop provided a forum to gather available information on the status of Credits more than 80 individual species at national levels; map trade routes and types Traffic Network of demand; analyse legislative and enforcement frameworks protecting turtles; and assess national and regional threats to turtle populations posed by Home the trade.

The immediate aim in addressing this critical conservation issue is to reduce

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/ (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:16] Dispatches: More protection needed for turtles in Asia or eliminate collection from native populations and reduce demand in consumer countries. The workshop participants identified a combination of immediate and long-term measures to assist the conservation of Asian turtles.

The workshop developed a variety of recommendations urging, among others, for a thorough review and improvement of national legislation for effective protection of turtles in the region as well as for prompt enforcement of all local, state and national regulations and legislation concerning the conservation of turtles.

Further, the workshop recom-mended that out of the 93 turtle species found in the region those that are still not listed in the CITES Appendixes, should be added to them.

The workshop also underlined that the collaboration with the media, schools and other institutions to develop campaigns that boost awareness and generate financial returns to support conservation of native turtle populations is crucial for the success of the efforts carried out.

Complete workshop proceedings will be published in March 2000. Currently, the full text of the workshop conclusions and recommendations is available on the TRAFFIC website at www.traffic.org.

The workshop was funded by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety; the Office of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Chelonian Research Foundation, USA; Kari and Andrew Sabin; and the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, Hong Kong.

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/ (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:16] Dispatches: More protection needed for turtles in Asia

The immediate aim in addressing this critical conservation issue is to reduce

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/index.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:19] Dispatches: More protection needed for turtles in Asia or eliminate collection from native populations and reduce demand in consumer countries. The workshop participants identified a combination of immediate and long-term measures to assist the conservation of Asian turtles.

Further, the workshop recom-mended that out of the 93 turtle species found in the region those that are still not listed in the CITES Appendixes, should be added to them.

Complete workshop proceedings will be published in March 2000. Currently, the full text of the workshop conclusions and recommendations is available on the TRAFFIC website at www.traffic.org.

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/index.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:19] Dispatches: COP 11 Conference Room

INSIDE: COP 11 Conference Room More protection needed for turtles in Asia

COP 11 Conference Room

TRAFFIC review influences a new swordfish recovery plan

Building enforcement In the run-up to 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to CITES capacity in East Asia this April, TRAFFIC has launched the COP 11 Conference Room - a regular feature of the TRAFFIC Network website bringing Internet users the latest Agarwood: Threatened information, news, updates and views on COP11. multi-cultural resource?

TRAFFIC joins forces with "As a leading expert on wildlife trade issues, we play a vital role in ensuring the celebrities to end effectiveness of CITES - and the key to that effectiveness is information," said shahtoosh trade TRAFFIC International Communications Manager Sabri Zain. "We aim to make the website's Conference Room a central information resource for others African Elephants and the to gain access to both our outputs and up-to-the-minute information on CITES Eleventh Meeting of the priority issues and current developments. Hopefully, it will become an Conference of the Parties indispensable and influential resource for decision-makers prior to, during and to CITES after COP11." Bear trade stakeholders find common ground in The Conference Room features various sections. ‘About CITES’ has Korea information dealing specifically with CITES and the COP. The ‘News Room’ Reptile trade booms in highlights the latest press releases, statements and features related to CITES. Tanzania The ‘Briefing Room’ has the relevant briefing papers, position statements, fact sheets and policy documents related to priority issues being raised at the COP, Wildlife trade in the while more detailed reports and publications can be found in the ‘Library’. The Russian Far East under ‘Links’ page offers a selection of CITES-related websites and organisations scrutiny supporting CITES work. Straddling stocks agreement important to The TRAFFIC website was set up in November 1997 and now has at least large migratory fish 100,000 'hits' every month. The COP 11 Conference Room can be located at Thanking supporters http://www.traffic.org/cop11

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/cop11.html [10/12/2007 18:35:20] Dispatches: TRAFFIC review influences a new swordfish recovery plan

INSIDE: TRAFFIC review influences a More protection needed for turtles in Asia new swordfish recovery plan COP 11 Conference by Caroline Raymakers, Fisheries Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe Room The International Commission for TRAFFIC review the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas influences a new (ICCAT) held its 16th Regular swordfish recovery plan Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Building enforcement on 15-22 November 1999. capacity in East Asia Swordfish Xiphias gladius caught special attention this year and Agarwood: Threatened repeated reference was made to multi-cultural resource? TRAFFIC Europe's review, TRAFFIC joins forces with Slipping the net: Spain's compliance with ICCAT recommendations for celebrities to end Swordfish and Bluefin Tuna. shahtoosh trade

African Elephants and the At the meeting the 27 member countries agreed to a 10-year recovery plan to Eleventh Meeting of the rebuild Swordfish stocks in the North Atlantic. This was an important step Conference of the Parties forward, not only because overfishing jeopardises the future of the species, to CITES but also because the livelihoods of fishermen depend on these fisheries.

Bear trade stakeholders TRAFFIC Europe's report was find common ground in released on the commencing day of Korea the ICCAT meeting was the result Reptile trade booms in of a two-year project. It included Tanzania field surveys undertaken in Spain in Wildlife trade in the summer 1998 and an analysis of Russian Far East under legal measures that were in force in scrutiny August 1999, namely ICCAT Recommendations, European Union Straddling stocks (EU) Regulations and Spanish national legislation. agreement important to large migratory fish Landings of Swordfish and Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus, also called Thanking supporters Northern Bluefin Tuna, were recorded in seven Spanish harbours on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The survey results revealed that 44% of Credits the Swordfish observed weighed less than 25kg, ICCAT's recommended size Traffic Network limit, and 51% of the Bluefin Tuna weighed less than 6.4kg. These figures Home suggest that Spain, one of the major fishing countries in the world, exceeds the 15% ICCAT tolerance by multiple of three for both species.

However, in the ICCAT Standing Committee on Research and Statistics

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/swordfish.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:22] Dispatches: TRAFFIC review influences a new swordfish recovery plan (SCRS) 1998 report, it is recognised that Spain is not the only ICCAT Party to exceed set limits for its Swordfish and Bluefin Tuna fisheries. France, Japan, Italy, Morocco and the USA, among others, also have problems with compliance. The TRAFFIC review indicates that the Spanish legislation adopted to manage tunas and tuna-like fisheries complies with both ICCAT Recommendations and EU requirements.

In recommendations proposed by the report, TRAFFIC underlines the importance of adopting strict management measures for Swordfish in the Mediterranean as well as applying sanctions against ICCAT Contracting and non-Contracting Parties, for example, by allocating lower annual catch quota to those nations that are fishing in contravention of international recommendations and regulations. The report also recommends setting up programmes to record discards and by-catch from Swordfish and Bluefin Tuna fishing vessels, particularly with reference to sharks caught by Swordfish longliners in the Atlantic.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/swordfish.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:22] Dispatches: Building Enforcement Capacity in East Asia

INSIDE: Building Enforcement Capacity More protection needed for turtles in Asia in East Asia COP 11 Conference by Crawford Allan, Global Enforcement Assistance Co-ordinator, TRAFFIC Room International

TRAFFIC review influences a new swordfish recovery plan

Building enforcement capacity in East Asia

Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource?

TRAFFIC joins forces with celebrities to end shahtoosh trade The CITES enforcers of twelve countries, mainly from East Asia, gathered in December 1999 for a five-day training seminar that focussed entirely on the African Elephants and the roles that law enforcement personnel fulfil in their daily work. A Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties comprehensive package of training and exercises had been developed by the to CITES CITES Secretariat, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise - United Kingdom and TRAFFIC, with presentations by the countries from the region and some Bear trade stakeholders guestspeakers from outside the region. TRAFFIC's involvement came hot on find common ground in the heels of the signature in November 1999, by the CITES Secretariat and Korea TRAFFIC of a Memorandum of Understanding, to formally recognise and Reptile trade booms in promote collaboration on CITES capacity building. Presentations were made Tanzania by several TRAFFIC offices in attendance and TRAFFIC International provided one of the trainers. The sessions led by TRAFFIC focussed on Wildlife trade in the monitoring and investigation of illegal trade. The driving force behind the Russian Far East under seminar was the Hong Kong Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD, the scrutiny CITES Management Authority for this Semi-Autonomous Region of China), Straddling stocks which funded and hosted the event. agreement important to large migratory fish The Seminar was not entirely based in the classroom. Some relief from the Thanking supporters intense tutorials and exercises was afforded through a field trip to an AFD reserve, providing an insight into the work of the AFD. This was also Credits illustrated through a presentation of its collection of CITES-listed live Traffic Network specimens and products which had been seized in recent years. It was clear that much was learned during the seminar, for the delegates and trainers alike, Home setting a good foundation for future collaboration and more effective CITES law enforcement. This was the second such seminar in the region in the last five years and illustrates an effective means to maintain contacts, refresh experienced staff, train new staff and introduce new developments in CITES http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/enforcement.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:25] Dispatches: Building Enforcement Capacity in East Asia

enforcement. The undertaking or continuation of similar programmes in other regions needs to be encouraged.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/enforcement.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:25] Dispatches: Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource?

INSIDE: Agarwood: Threatened multi- More protection needed for turtles in Asia cultural resource? COP 11 Conference by Angela Barden, Research Officer, TRAFFIC International Room Used for incense, perfumery TRAFFIC review and medicine, the value of influences a new the fragrant wood of swordfish recovery plan Aquilaria species, Building enforcement agarwood, has been capacity in East Asia recognised for thousands of Agarwood: Threatened years. International trade in multi-cultural resource? agarwood dates back at least 800 years and currently TRAFFIC joins forces with threatens six of the 15 tree celebrities to end species in this Indomalyan shahtoosh trade genus. TRAFFIC's recently African Elephants and the completed study of CITES Eleventh Meeting of the implementation for A. Conference of the Parties malaccensis and the wider to CITES trade in agarwood confirms earlier concerns regarding Bear trade stakeholders conservation and trade find common ground in controls. Korea Reptile trade booms in TRAFFIC first investigated the trade in agarwood in 1994, TRAFFIC India's Tanzania report Trade in Agarwood, being a key source of information considered by Wildlife trade in the the Parties in deciding to list A. malaccensis in CITES Appendix II in 1995. Russian Far East under A. malaccensis is the only species currently listed in the CITES appendices. A scrutiny review of the implementation of A. malaccensis listing was identified by the CITES Plants Committee as a priority under the CITES Significant Trade Straddling stocks process for the period 1998-2000. The CITES Secretariat contracted the agreement important to TRAFFIC Network to study CITES implementation in key range States, with large migratory fish TRAFFIC India and TRAFFIC Southeast Asia taking the lead. Initial research Thanking supporters showed that it was impossible to study the trade in A. malaccensis without investigating the trade in other agarwood-producing Aquilaria species. The Credits research was therefore widened to consider the larger agarwood trade. Traffic Network

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/agarwood.html (1 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:30] Dispatches: Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource? A summary report documenting TRAFFIC's research was circulated at the Ninth meeting of the CITES Plants Committee in June of 1999. The full report was submitted to the CITES Secretariat, who in turn circulated it to all A. malaccensis range States in September 1999. The findings of the study, including market reviews in seven countries, are to be presented in a forthcoming report compiled by TRAFFIC International, with funding support from Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit (BMZ).

When infected by certain fungi, Aquilaria trees produce a fragrant resin-like substance popularly referred to in trading circles as agarwood among other names. The greatest volumes of resin are found in trees aged 50 years or more. However, not all Aquilaria trees produce agarwood, with uninfected trees being of negligible commercial value. If agarwood is present, it exists in unpredictable quantities and qualities that can only be fully determined once the tree has been split open. As a result, trees are indiscriminately felled in search of the highly prized 'black gold' resulting in the drastic decline of wild populations.

Agarwood is used in a variety of ways, including in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurvedic, Tibetan and Traditional East Asian medicine. Its pleasant fragrance makes it popular ingredient of perfumes and tends to be mixed with less expensive carrier oils such as sandalwood. Agarwood is also burned to create incense for example in India, Japan and the Middle East. Less commonly, it can be used as an insect repellant and as an ingredient in wine.

Agarwood is traded in several raw forms including chips (the most common form of raw agarwood in trade), powder, timber pieces, and very occasionally, roots. The price of agarwood depends on a complex set of factors including country of origin and fragrance strength, but not the species that the agarwood is from. Reported wholesale prices for chips have ranged from USD25 to USD1000 per kilogramme in Singapore. Agarwood oil, produced through the steam distillation of agarwood powder, is the most commonly traded processed product. It is virtually impossible for traders or consumers to assess the purity of oil offered for sale, however, agarwood oil can range in price from USD5000 to USD10000 per kilogramme.

CITES Annual Report data show that 20 countries traded a total of over 1350 t of A. malaccensis from 1995 to 1997. This represents only part of the global http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/agarwood.html (2 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:30] Dispatches: Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource?

agarwood trade. Taiwan Customs data that show that Taiwan alone imported over 2000 t of agarwood (species unknown) during these same three years. The main CITES-reported exporters during this period were Indonesia and Malaysia, whilst the largest importer was Singapore, confirming this countrys' importance as a major international agarwood trading centre. Several Middle Eastern countries were identified by CITES Annual Report data as being major consumers of A. malaccensis. TRAFFIC research suggests that this region consumes the largest amount of agarwood of all species in trade.

Problems with CITES implementation included inconsistent trade reporting, determining sustainable export volumes and identifying agarwood in trade. TRAFFIC's research also found evidence of ongoing illegal trade - over 68 t of agarwood was seized in India alone from 1994 to 1998.

The agarwood trade involves a variety of players including local harvesters, various middlemen, governments and consumers. Collaboration among these different stakeholders will be vital to the success of efforts to bring the agarwood trade within sustainable levels. TRAFFIC's report calls for such collaboration together with other measures to more effectively control agarwood harvests and trade, and makes specific recommendations aimed at more effective CITES implementation for A. malaccensis.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/agarwood.html (3 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:30] Dispatches: TRAFFIC joins forces with celebrities to end shahtoosh trade

INSIDE: TRAFFIC joins forces with More protection needed for turtles in Asia celebrities to end shahtoosh COP 11 Conference trade Room

TRAFFIC review In October 1999 celebrities influences a new joined TRAFFIC and WWF swordfish recovery plan India in calling for an end to Building enforcement the shahtoosh trade which capacity in East Asia drives a large-scale poaching of Tibetan antelope Agarwood: Threatened Pantholops hodgsonii (chiru) multi-cultural resource? on the plateaux of China. A TRAFFIC joins forces with TRAFFIC East Asia and celebrities to end TRAFFIC India review shahtoosh trade summarised the latest information about the status of African Elephants and the chiru and illicit trade of shahtoosh. It also served as the foundation for a Eleventh Meeting of the successful campaign against shahtoosh trade in India, Hong Kong, Europe Conference of the Parties and the USA, gaining wide attention by the media and consumers worldwide. to CITES

Bear trade stakeholders International trade in shahtoosh, which is a luxury fibre made from the wool find common ground in of chiru, has been prohibited under CITES since 1979. The only notable Korea exception is the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where the chiru wool is Reptile trade booms in woven into shahtoosh shawls and scarves to be smuggled to consumer Tanzania markets worldwide. Shahtoosh shawls range in price from USD1000 to USD5000. An estimated 20,000 animals have been killed each year to obtain Wildlife trade in the the wool for the consumer market. The wild population is now estimated to be Russian Far East under 70,000. scrutiny Straddling stocks The summary report titled Fashion Statement Spells Death for Tibetan agreement important to Antelope recommended, among other actions, that all the countries should large migratory fish stop all internal trade, export and import of shahtoosh products whilst Thanking supporters consumers should refuse to buy and wear such products.

Credits In India, the campaign spearheaded by TRAFFIC India and WWF India, with Traffic Network a helping hand from celebrities and politicians, has been the biggest success to date. Prominent adverts in newspapers urged people to "Say no to shahtoosh" Home and warned of the penalties of possessing a shawl or engaging in the illegal trade. The campaign, which was backed by the Delhi Government, also appealed for information about those flouting the law. As a result, an

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/shahtoosh.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:32] Dispatches: TRAFFIC joins forces with celebrities to end shahtoosh trade anonymous phonecall resulted in a raid on an exclusive auction held in a five- star hotel in Delhi. A shahtoosh shawl was seized from the auction and two persons, including the organiser of the auction, were arrested.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/shahtoosh.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:32] Dispacthes: Bear-Trade stakeholders find common ground in Korea

INSIDE: Bear-Trade stakeholders find More protection needed for turtles in Asia common ground in Korea COP 11 Conference by Judy Mills, Director, TRAFFIC East Asia Room Altogether, there may be only 50,000 TRAFFIC review individuals of Asian bear species left in the influences a new wild, spread across habitats and fragmented swordfish recovery plan populations from India, though China, and Building enforcement into the ASEAN countries, according to capacity in East Asia renowned bear biologist Dr. Chris Servheen.

Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource? Dr. Servheen was one of 21 speakers at the Third International Symposium on Trade in TRAFFIC joins forces with Bear Parts, in Seoul, South Korea, 26-28 October 1999, which was organised celebrities to end by TRAFFIC East Asia, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of shahtoosh trade Korea, and the Bear Specialist Group of The IUCN-World Conservation African Elephants and the Union. Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties More than 100 stakeholders from disparate professions and cultures came to CITES together in the Seoul symposium to discuss the impact of trade in bear parts on the status of bears world-wide. This was the third symposium of its kind, Bear trade stakeholders following on from a first and second organised by TRAFFIC and WWF in find common ground in 1992 and 1995 in the USA. Seoul was chosen as the venue for the third such Korea meeting because Koreans are among the most avid users of bear bile as Reptile trade booms in medicine and as a health tonic. Tanzania

Wildlife trade in the The main messages from symposium participants were that Asian bear Russian Far East under species are still in serious trouble in the wild, demand for gall bladders of wild scrutiny bears for use as medicine remains a threat to the survival of Asian bear species, and all sides - including traditional medicine communities - wish to Straddling stocks work together to solve these problems and conserve bears in the wild. agreement important to large migratory fish While mainland China's bear farms now produce some 6,000 kg of bear bile Thanking supporters annually, which is more than what the entire country consumes, Credits conservationists questioned whether this oversupply was helping wild bears or creating more users and uses of bear bile. In fact, a spokesman for Korea's Traffic Network traditional medicine community said that 50 kg of bear bile is "quite Home sufficient" to satisfy South Korea's purely medicinal needs each year. "There is a tendency to misuse bear bile due to its reputation as a health enhancer", said Lee Yong Jong of the Association of Korean Oriental Medicine.

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/beartrade.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:34] Dispacthes: Bear-Trade stakeholders find common ground in Korea Though the representative from China said China would like permission to market its excess bear bile internationally, a representative of the Animal Welfare Institute in the United States called for a ban on international trade in bear gall bladders, bile and feet (the latter of which are considered a culinary delicacy in parts of Asia). Despite these divergent opinions, a majority of symposium participants seemed to favour a reduction in trade in bear gall bladders and bile to a level that would satisfy only urgent heath care needs.

Organisers and participants alike supported the creation of an international working group to suggest actions that would reduce the threat trade poses to wild bears, while still meeting the health care needs of people.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/beartrade.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:34] Dispatches: Reptile trade booms in Tanzania

INSIDE: Reptile trade booms in Tanzania More protection needed by Simon Milledge, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa for turtles in Asia COP 11 Conference According to an on-going TRAFFIC Room East/Southern Africa study, the live bird TRAFFIC review export volumes have declined by more than influences a new three-quarters since 1994 as a result of trade swordfish recovery plan restrictions imposed by the Tanzanian government, CITES, importing nations and Building enforcement airline compa-nies. On the other hand, the capacity in East Asia trade in live reptiles and amphibians is Agarwood: Threatened growing fast. A total of over 65 000 reptiles were exported from Tanzania in multi-cultural resource? 1998 showing an increase of over ten-fold between 1991 and 1998.

TRAFFIC joins forces with The study that investigated this important shift in the live animal market in celebrities to end Tanzania found that spiny-tailed lizards, geckos and chameleons constituted shahtoosh trade almost three-quarters of the reptile trade between 1991 and 1998. The study African Elephants and the also found that the notably high amphibian diversity will most likely lead to a Eleventh Meeting of the rapid rise in demand in the near future. The most traded species are the Conference of the Parties Rubber-banded frog, African bull frog, Mottled shovel-nosed frog and to CITES bubbling kassina. Bear trade stakeholders find common ground in Although the bird trade appears to be in a much more sustainable level, some Korea priority species, particularly parrots and large waterbirds, will continue to need closer attention. Reptile trade booms in Tanzania In the past, as one of the largest exporters of live birds in Africa, Tanzania has Wildlife trade in the received considerable attention concerning levels of sustain-ability and Russian Far East under general policy. TRAFFIC research, CITES-significant trade studies and scrutiny workshops have been carried out and considerable progress has been Straddling stocks recorded. In particular a revised quota system, reducing the number of non- agreement important to quota species in trade and encouraging captive breeding has proven very large migratory fish successful.

Thanking supporters The study that was embarked in 1998 is also analysing the three main tools Credits for controlling the live export trade: licences, quotas and permits. A report on TRAFFIC's studies of the live animal export trade from Tanzania will be Traffic Network published later in the year to encourage conservation action. Home Previous Next

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/reptiletrade.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:35] Dispatches: Reptile trade booms in Tanzania

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/reptiletrade.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:35] Dispatches: Wildlife trade in the Russian Far East under scrutiny

INSIDE: Wildlife trade in the Russian Far More protection needed for turtles in Asia East under scrutiny COP 11 Conference by Tom De Meulenaer, Director, TRAFFIC Europe Room In November 1999 the International Workshop TRAFFIC review on Enforcing Wildlife Trade Controls in the influences a new Russian Far East and North East Asia was held swordfish recovery plan in Vladivostok, Russia, bringing together over Building enforcement 40 delegates and wildlife trade experts from the capacity in East Asia Russian Federation, the Peoples Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and various Agarwood: Threatened international non-governmental organizations. multi-cultural resource?

TRAFFIC joins forces with The Russian Far East is a land of salmon celebrities to end streams, pristine seashores, natural hot springs, shahtoosh trade and vast stretches of untouched forest that are African Elephants and the amongst the largest and best preserved in the Eleventh Meeting of the northern hemisphere. In this region a rich Conference of the Parties biological diversity prevails with habitat for rare to CITES and endangered species of global importance such as the Siberian Tiger, Panthera tigris altaica, and the Amur Leopard, Panthera pardus altaica. Bear trade stakeholders find common ground in Poaching of these rare species for Asian wildlife medicinals and trophies, Korea intensive subsistence hunting, over-fishing, and ruthless exploitation of the Reptile trade booms in forestry resources are of serious concern. Much of these wildlife resources are Tanzania destined for markets in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Wildlife trade in the Russian Far East under During the workshop, the delegates reviewed a large amount of up-to-date scrutiny information on the conservation status and the legal and illegal trade in a number of species that occur in northeast Asia, and are of common concern. Straddling stocks Besides the Tiger and Leopard, these species include the Brown Bear Ursus agreement important to arctos, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus, and Musk deer Moschus spp., all large migratory fish of which are listed CITES and to which all three participating countries are Thanking supporters signatory Parties. Attention was also drawn to the trade in Sea cucumbers and Asian Ginseng, which are protected in Russia, but appear to be heavily Credits exploited for export to Asian countries. Traffic Network

Home The participants agreed that the CITES Authorities, Customs Administrations, and other enforce-ment bodies in the three countries should co-operate effectively at a national and regional level to strengthen the implementation of CITES and to stop illegal trade with CITES-listed species.

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/russia.html (1 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:38] Dispatches: Wildlife trade in the Russian Far East under scrutiny

During comprehensive discussions, the participants agreed on a range of activities that would significantly improve CITES implementation and enforcement. These include practical steps to enhance co-operation between East Asian Customs administrations on CITES, to review the CITES implementing legislation in each of the three countries and remedy weaknesses, to organize common capacity building and training activities, and to ensure that public awareness and education activities are conducted.

Finally, it was agreed that the results of the workshop had to be made available to the relevant authorities in other northeast Asian countries.

The participants appealed to various organizations and agencies, including the CITES Secretariat, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO-Interpol), to help and support this effort.

The Workshop was organised by the State Committee of the Russian Federation on Environmental Protection and TRAFFIC Europe, with financial support from the Save the Tiger Fund, and in collaboration with Global Survival Network (GSN), Fund Phoenix, and the Russian Programme Office of WWF.

Also available a report titled ‘Wild Animals and Plants in Commerce in Russia and CIS countries’ by TRAFFIC Europe. For more information, contact TRAFFIC Europe.

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/russia.html (2 of 2) [10/12/2007 18:35:38] Dispatches: Straddling Stocks Agreement important to large migratory fish

INSIDE: Straddling Stocks Agreement More protection needed for turtles in Asia important to large migratory COP 11 Conference fish Room

TRAFFIC review The catches of migratory fish species in the Southern and Indian Oceans have influences a new increased steadily since 1980s, mainly due to the improved efficiency, range swordfish recovery plan and effort of Southeast Asian fleets. Large migratory fish (LMF) are Building enforcement threatened also by an anticipated increase of fishing effort from China and capacity in East Asia elsewhere as well as the growing consumer demand of shark meat in Southeast Asia. Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource? The TRAFFIC Oceania report Sustainable Use of Large Migratory Fish in the TRAFFIC joins forces with Southern and Indian Oceans: Gaps in the International Legal Framework celebrities to end investigated how well the existing international agreements provide shahtoosh trade management framework for the sustainable fishing of LMF such as tunas, African Elephants and the billfish and oceanic sharks. Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties The report identified the UN Straddling Stocks Agreement for 1995 as to CITES providing the most comprehensive and legal guide to facilitate conservation and sustainable use of LMF. However, many major fishing nations of the Bear trade stakeholders region, among others India, Madagascar, Malaysia, South Africa and find common ground in Thailand, have not ratified or acceded to the Agreement. The study also Korea found, that most of the other agreements reviewed lacked core legal Reptile trade booms in obligations for sustainable fisheries, emphasising only short-term eco-nomic, Tanzania social and political objectives. Wildlife trade in the Russian Far East under Previous Next scrutiny © Traffic 2000 Straddling stocks agreement important to large migratory fish

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/migratoryfish.html [10/12/2007 18:35:39] Dispatches: TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions during October 1999 - January 2000

INSIDE: TRAFFIC staff thank the More protection needed for turtles in Asia following supporters for their COP 11 Conference contributions during October Room

TRAFFIC review 1999 - January 2000: influences a new swordfish recovery plan ● AGF Management Limited ● Ansett Airlines Building enforcement ● Agriculture & Fisheries Dept., Hong Kong capacity in East Asia ● Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Agarwood: Threatened ● Australian Fisheries Management Authority multi-cultural resource? ● Australia Forestry and Fishery Agency TRAFFIC joins forces with ● Belgian Government celebrities to end ● Biodiversity Support Programme shahtoosh trade ● Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany ● Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und African Elephants and the Entwicklung (BMZ), Germany Eleventh Meeting of the ● CITES Secretariat Conference of the Parties ● The Commemorative Association for the Japan World Exposition to CITES ● Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Bear trade stakeholders ● Discovery Channel-Asia find common ground in ● Endangered Wildlife Trust Korea ● European Commission, Directorates General VIII & XI ● Exxon Corporation Reptile trade booms in ● Mr James Fairfax Tanzania ● Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Wildlife trade in the ● Green Trust Russian Far East under ● Ion Fund scrutiny ● IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office ● Straddling stocks IUCN-The World Conservation Union agreement important to ● IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group large migratory fish ● Johnson & Johnson ● Liang Yi Cultural Undertakings Co. Ltd. Thanking supporters ● Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Annuity Trust Credits ● Marine Leadership Council ● Mazda Wildlife Fund Traffic Network ● Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten, Rheinland-Pfalz Home ● Ministry of Environment & Forests, India ● National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA ● National Geographic Channel Asia ● Natural Heritage Trust

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/supporters.html (1 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:40] Dispatches: TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions during October 1999 - January 2000

● Nautilus TV, Munich ● Netherlands Government ● New Horizons Computer Learning Centre ● Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation (NORAD) ● OCS Group Ltd. ● Pacific Development & Conservation Trust ● Petrossian Paris ● Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ● The Rufford Foundation ● SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit ● Save the Tiger Fund, USA ● Society for Wildlife and Nature ● Stevens Sharkey ● Taiwan Council of Agriculture ● Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation ● Tiger's Eye Retail ● UK Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions ● United World Chinese Commercial Bank ● US Agency for International Development ● US Fish & Wildlife Service ● US Information Service Programme Development Office, South Africa ● US National Marine Fisheries Service ● US State Department ● The Walt Disney Company Foundation ● Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa ● WWF Australia ● WWF Belgium ● WWF Canada ● WWF Coordination Office-Zambia ● WWF East Africa Regional Programme Office ● WWF Endangered Seas Campaign ● WWF France ● WWF Gabon Programme ● WWF Germany ● WWF Hong Kong ● WWF International ● WWF Italy ● WWF Japan ● WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe ● WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme ● WWF Netherlands ● WWF New Zealand ● WWF South Africa ● WWF Sweden ● WWF Switzerland ● WWF Tanzania Programme Office ● WWF Tiger Conservation Programme ● WWF-UK ● WWF-US

Previous Next http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/supporters.html (2 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:40] Dispatches: TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions during October 1999 - January 2000

http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/supporters.html (3 of 3) [10/12/2007 18:35:40] Dispatches: Credits

INSIDE: TRAFFIC Dispatches More protection needed 219c Huntingdon Road for turtles in Asia Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 COP 11 Conference Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 Room E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC review Web site: www.traffic.org influences a new swordfish recovery plan Editor: Maija Sirola Building enforcement capacity in East Asia © TRAFFIC International 2000 Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource? TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN–The World Conservation Union and WWF*-World Wide Fund for Nature. It aims to ensure that trade in wild TRAFFIC joins forces with plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. celebrities to end shahtoosh trade The TRAFFIC Network works in co-operation with the Secretariat of the African Elephants and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Eleventh Meeting of the Flora (CITES). Conference of the Parties to CITES TRAFFIC Dispatches is published by TRAFFIC International to keep the Bear trade stakeholders Network’s partners and supporters informed about our activities and find common ground in accomplishments. Korea * WWF is known as World Wildlife Fund in Canada and the USA. Reptile trade booms in Tanzania Previous Next Wildlife trade in the Russian Far East under © Traffic 2000 scrutiny

Straddling stocks agreement important to large migratory fish

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/credits.html [10/12/2007 18:35:42] Dispatches: Credits

INSIDE: TRAFFIC Network More protection needed for turtles in Asia

COP 11 Conference Room

TRAFFIC review influences a new swordfish recovery plan

Building enforcement capacity in East Asia

Agarwood: Threatened multi-cultural resource?

TRAFFIC joins forces with celebrities to end shahtoosh trade

African Elephants and the Eleventh Meeting of the TRAFFIC International | TRAFFIC East Asia | TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa | TRAFFIC Europe Conference of the Parties TRAFFIC India | TRAFFIC North America | TRAFFIC Oceania | TRAFFIC Southeast Asia to CITES Bear trade stakeholders TRAFFIC International find common ground in 219c Huntingdon Road Korea Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK Reptile trade booms in Tel: (44) 1223 277427 Fax: (44) 1223 277237 Tanzania E-mail: [email protected]

Wildlife trade in the South America Project Office Russian Far East under c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America scrutiny Atahualpa 955 y Republica Straddling stocks Edificio Digicom, 4to piso agreement important to Quito, Ecuador large migratory fish Tel: (593) 2 466622 Fax: (593) 2 466624 Thanking supporters E-mail: [email protected]

Credits TRAFFIC East Asia -- Regional Office Traffic Network Room 2001, Double Building Home 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2530 0587 Fax (852) 2 530 0864 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan

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TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa -- Regional Office c/o Department of National Parks and Wildlife PO Box 30131, Lilongwe 3, Malawi Tel: (265) 743645 Fax: (265) 743648 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 2 506839 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 600543 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag x11 Parkview 2122, South Africa Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Tanzania c/o WWF Programme Office PO Box 63117 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: (255) 51 72455 Fax: (255) 51 75535 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe -- Regional Office Chaussee de Waterloo 608, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: (32) 2 343 82 58 Fax: (32) 2 343 25 65 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - France 151 Blvd. de la Reine, 78000 Versailles, France Tel: (33) 1 39 24 24 02 Fax: (33) 1 39 53 04 46

TRAFFIC Europe - Germany c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Deutschland Rebstocker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, Germany Tel: (49) 69 791440 Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected]

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TRAFFIC Europe - Italy Via Garigliano 57, 00198 Rome, Italy Tel: (39) 06 844971 Fax: (39) 06 85300612 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist, The Netherlands Tel: (31) 30 6937307 Fax: (31) 30 6912064 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Europe - Russia c/o WWF Russia Programme Office Box 55, Moscow, Russia 125319 Tel: (7) 095 2649948 Fax: (7) 095 2649927 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect/

TRAFFIC India -- Regional Office c/o WWF India Secretariat 172-B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India Tel: (91) 11 4698578 Fax: (91) 11 4626837/4691226 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC North America -- Regional Office 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA Tel: (1) 202 293 4800 Fax: (1) 202 775 8287 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC North America-Canada c/o World Wildlife Fund 245 Eglinton Avenue, Suite 410 Toronto, Ontario M4P 3J1, Canada Tel: (1) 416 489 8800 Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Oceania -- Regional Office GPO Box 528 Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671 Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia -- Regional Office Locked Bag No. 911, Jln. Sultan PO, 46990 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (60) 3 7944097 Fax: (60) 3 7947220 E-mail: [email protected]

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http://www.traffic.org/dispatches/archives/february2000/contact.html (4 of 4) [10/12/2007 18:35:43] DISPATCHES Number 14 June 2000 Bush meat utilisation depletes wildlife in East and Southern Africa

any wildlife populations in by law in the countries of East and east and southern Africa are Southern Africa. Mfacing a lean future. The To date, most research on bush meat illegal killing of wild animals for meat, has been focussed on west and central the so-called use and trade of ‘bush African countries. To gather more Freidkin Conservation Trust meat’, is believed to be one of the substantial information on the situation greatest direct causes of the decline of in other parts of Africa, TRAFFIC wildlife numbers outside of protected conducted a two-year review on trade areas. and utilisation of wild meat in seven While many rural Africans struggle east and southern African countries for survival amidst endemic poverty (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi Mozambique, and frequent famine, wild animals Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). The continue to be an economic resource of study “Food For Thought: The Decomposing carcass. Hundreds of major importance, particularly as food. Utilisation and Trade of Wild Meat in animals are caught but only few are Wildlife is critically important as a Eastern and Southern Africa” by Rob taken and majority left behind. source of cheap protein for Barnett, TRAFFIC East/Southern malnourished people and, when traded, Africa,will be released on 18 July 2000. monthly basis. as earnings in cash where few This study documents the utilisation For example, the study found that in alternative sources of income exist. But of wild meat in the region, its economic Kitui District, Kenya, about 14.1 kg of such use and trade is widely prohibited value to rural communities, and the bush meat per household is consumed impact of harvest on protected areas and by 80% of the households each month individual species valued in the trade. and in the Kweneng rural area of INSIDE: A total of 23 surveys were Botswana, 46% of households consume conducted from 1997 to 1998, of which at least 18.2 kg of bush meat every • Tiger Trade Revisited: Far 16 were focused on illegal use of month. In many areas bush meat also From A Cure wildlife. A diversity of rural and urban represents the only viable source of areas was targeted and approximately meat protein, with domestic meat being • Butterfly trade in Europe 6,000 respondents contributed to the prohibitively expensive and largely collection of baseline data. unavailable. • Pangolin distribution and trade in With increasing urbanisation, a key East and Northeast India Versatile source of food and trend within all countries of the study is protein a continuing reliance on affordable • COP11 sources of bush meat protein. For A wide variety of species - from example, in the urban survey area of • Plant for a healthy future insects, rodents and birds, to duikers, Maputo Province, Mozambique, a • Regional focus: elephants, and impalas - are utilised substantial trade of more than 50 metric TRAFFIC South America regularly throughout the areas studied. tonnes (mt) per month of bush meat Bush meat also affects a wide range of exists, with the supply emanating from • Illegal TCM trade in Europe communities, from traditional hunter/ numerous, often distant, source areas. gatherer societies, to agro-pastoral and Such commercialised urban trade is also • Wildlife trade dynamics in pastoral communities as well as urban extensive elsewhere, for example in Vietnam centres in the region. Among the Lusaka, Zambia. majority of the people, bush meat is In six of the seven countries • Tuna agreement underway recognised as a valued resource and surveyed, bush meat was found to be consumed regularly on daily, weekly or - continued on page 14 Far From A Cure: Tiger Trade revisited

espite a marked fall in the also seen the trade shifting more in to This report was published with consumption of tiger-bone tiger skins and other products beside financial support from Save the Tiger Dmedicines in former major bone. Fund (a special project of the National consuming States, there is little TRAFFIC International, TRAFFIC Fish and Wildlife Foundation in evidence of a major reduction in offices in the East Asia, Southeast partnership with ExxonMobil), poaching of some key tiger Asia, Europe, India and Oceania, as Johnson and Johnson, WWF-UK, populations. well as WWF International and a WWF-US and WWF-Japan. A new TRAFFIC report Far From number of WWF national A Cure: The Tiger Trade Revisited organisations participated in the released in March 2000, examined the worldwide launch urging the tiger

tiger trade in the late 1990s and range States, especially key countries TRAFFIC East Asia revealed that use of tiger parts in in Southeast Asia, to strictly enforce traditional Asian medicine continues to trade bans, improve anti-poaching be a threat to wild tigers. capacity, develop specialised However, the study also reports of enforcement units for undercover progress made in Tiger trade control investigations and provide incentives since the early 1990s. The Tiger has against commercial tiger poaching. Specific media events were held by not become extinct in any range State, The launch also stressed the TRAFFIC and WWF offices in the UK, despite fears in the early 1990s that this importance of close co-operation and Hong Kong (in photo) and India. may happen by the turn of the work with traditional medicine millenium. practitioners. This community can play There has been greatly increased an important role in eliminating any investment in all aspects of Tiger remaining trade, promoting the use of TRAFFIC Dispatches conservation, including anti-poaching, substitutes and raising conservation 219c Huntingdon Road biological monitoring, local awareness among consumers of such Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL community development, public medicine. Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 education, and capacity-building. Also management solutions, such Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 E-mail: [email protected] Progress in India, Nepal and the as compensation, livestock protection Web site: www.traffic.org Russian Federation is particularly and management as well as developing notable, although problems remain. alternative livelihoods, must be Editor: Maija Sirola In the recent years markets have urgently developed. © TRAFFIC International 2000

TRAFFIC is a joint programme TRAFFIC staff news of IUCN–The World Conservation Union and WWF*-World Wide Fund Welcome Janet Ong has started as for Nature. It aims to help ensure Administrative Officer at TRAFFIC that trade in wild plants and animals Southeast Asia in May 2000. is not a threat to the conservation of Claire Nugent has started her work nature. as the new Programme Administration Lorena Hidalgo will start as The TRAFFIC Network works and Evaluation Officer in TRAFFIC Administrative Assistant at TRAFFIC in co-operation with the Secretariat International in March 2000. South America in the end of June of the Convention on International 2000. Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Mary Hansford has started her Fauna and Flora (CITES). work at TRAFFIC International in Moving TRAFFIC Dispatches is published March 2000 replacing Rose Warwick by TRAFFIC International to keep as the new administrative officer. Nina Marshall has left her position the Network’s partners and supporters as Deputy Director at TRAFFIC informed about our activities and Susanne Honnef started as the new East/Southern Africa to take up a new accomplishments. Medicine and Plants Officer in challenge as Assistant Director in TRAFFIC Europe-Germany in May * WWF is known as World Wildlife Fund TRAFFIC Europe Regional Office in in Canada and the USA. 2000. mid-June 2000.

Rolie Srivastava has joined Julie Thompson the National TRAFFIC Europe also in May and will Representative of TRAFFIC North be working as Project Consultant to America-Canada will be moving to support the establishment of European Vietnam in August 2000 to take up a Medicinal Plant Resources Secreteriat new post as the National Representative until November 2000. at TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Vietnam.

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC completes a study on butterfly trade in Europe by Peter Schütz, Consultant, TRAFFIC Europe and Roland Melisch, National Representative, TRAFFIC Europe-Germany

Many butterflies and beetles are threatened by commercial trade. Earlier observations by a variety of publications have indicated a significant commercial trade - both legal and illegal - in insects. A new TRAFFIC study shows that this trade has continued over the years and insect trade fairs in Germany, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic continue to offer many endangered butterfly and beetle species for sale for demanding public.

he report titled ‘Flügel hinter were illegally offered for sale at insect insect species. Glas. Der Insektenhandel in trade fairs. Every species for which there is a TDeutschland unter besonderer 21 out of 31 CITES-listed butterfly demand was for sale on the market. In Berücksichtigung der Schmetterlinge’ species (among them Parnassius most of the insect trade fairs surveyed, by Peter Schütz will be released later apollo and Ornithoptera alexandrae) the species' population, conservation this month. It focuses on butterflies but that were recorded during the study or protection status appeared to have also examines the beetle trade. A total period were not allowed for trade and very little, if any influence on the of 12 insect trade fairs were visited in sale according to a EU Council behaviour of insect traders – as was Germany, France, Switzerland and in regulation and were thus offered also the case with the existing legal the Czech Republic between illegally. In addition, as many as 14 of restrictions. September 1996 and November 1997. 55 beetle species that were listed on the - continued on page 14 In addition, offers on threatened IUCN Red list (1996), as well as 39 out insects that appeared in journals and of 238 butterfly species, were offered magazines specialising in entomology on the markets surveyed. Among them that were published from 1995 to 1997 were Atrophaneura jophon (critically were analysed. The overall aim was to endangered) and Ornithoptera assess and analyse the butterfly and alexandrae (endangered). beetle species offered, their prices, Prices for butterflies ranged origin, quantity, purpose of trade and between DM0.20 (US$0.1) for some form of presentation in trade. In the specimens to DM 7,000.00 (US$3,400) process, the study also aimed to for a pair of Ornithoptera WWF/A. Österle highlight threatened and/or protected meridionalis, a birdwing species species offered on the market and Ornithoptera meridionalis. Exotic underline possible solutions to species offered outnumbered the overcome the conservation problems palaearctic (Eurasian) ones by far. encountered. After analysing international trade Critically endangered Sri Lankan Rose The study found that most of the data, the study found that Germany is Atrophaneura jophon was offered for sale species in trade were not protected by the fourth biggest importer of CITES- in most of the European insect trade any national or international law or listed butterflies after Japan, the USA fairs surveyed. regulations. However, a big selection and the UK. About 81% of all CITES- of the offered species still remained listed butterflies traded worldwide subject to the German Federal Species were imported for commercial Price for Macrodontia cervicornis Conservation Act (Bundesarten- purposes. More than half of these originating from Brazil and Peru varied schutzverordnung, BArtSchV) and specimens came from ranching or between DM30 ($US15)and DM200 other countries’ domestic legislation farming programmes, and about 11% ($US97) in fairs surveyed. prohibiting the species in question to were of wild-caught origin. With be captured, on sale and traded without respect to non-CITES butterfly prior official permission. species, the study registered an The study found that 250 butterfly increase of Eastern European, Russian species offered for sale were protected and Central Asian species for sale. WWF/A. Österle by the BArtSchV, including all However, with the exception of the domestic species threatened by trade. CITES data mentioned above, there are Additionally, 21 out of 37 (57%) beetle no statistics available giving species listed under the BArtSchV information about general trade in

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 Pangolin distribution and trade in East and Northeast India by Manoj Misra, Director and Fahmeeda Hanfee, Senior Project Officer, TRAFFIC India

Pangolins in India are widespread but little known and appreciated. There is a low intensity and low profile illegal trade flourishing in village markets (haats), which could accumulatively be significant and of conservation concern. Belonging to the family Manidae, two species of Pangolin, namely the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), are reported at least from 22 protected areas in the country. Both these species are given the highest degree of legal protection i.e listed in Schedule 1 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, of India.

In order to determine the nature and volume of trade in pangolin scales and parts and its impact (if any) on natural populations in the wild, TRAFFIC India undertook a field survey in parts of West Bengal and Orissa in East India. Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh The field work was carried out by the Delhi Buxa, West Bengal Indian Society for Wildlife Research, Singalia, West Bengal Nanas, Assam Keoladeo Ghana, Rajasthan Orang, Assam Calcutta between June 1997 and Ajmer, Rajasthan Chambal, Madhya Pradesh Itanki, Nagaland Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh January 1998 in the forests of several Dampa, Tripura areas of West Bengal and Orissa. Singalia, West Bengal Achanakmar, Madhya Pradesh Simlipal, Orissa The field investigators interviewed Gir, Gujarat Sunabeda, Orissa Nandankanan, Orissa 209 villagers and 12 forest officers, Kuldiha, Orissa collecting information about species Kotgarh, Orissa sighting, as well as seizures of animals Nagarjunsalar Sri Sailam, Andhra Pradesh and their parts. Previously identified Goa Dandeli, Maharastra urban and rural ‘haats’, were visited to Bhadra, Karnataka Chinese Pangolin estimate the nature and volume of trade. Bandipur, Karnataka Indian Pangolin Main threats Reported sightings Kanyakumari, Kerala of Indian Pangolin Found in a variety of habitats, including primary and secondary forests, cultivated lands and hilly tracts, Source: Chinese and Indian Pangolin: Sangita Mitra (in litt,1999) pangolins prefer rock crevices and Reported sighting of Indian Pangolin: Published sightings. burrows, which they make in sheltered boulders. These burrows may be as as tribesmen use trained dogs to track - 7 cm (height) from the dorsal and tail deep as 6m. They are nocturnal, coming and hunt them. Pangolin scales are region of the body, with an average out during the night for feeding on eggs extracted after killing and skinning the breadth of 8.5 cm and weight of 7-10 and adult termites and ants. It is animal. Scales from one adult animal gmms. The Indian pangolin may have reported from Kannyakumari district in weigh an average of 1kg. Oil is about 160-200 scales all over its body, Tamil Nadu that they also feed on the extracted from the fat of the animal of which 40-46% is present on the tail. soft shelled land molluscs found in (amounting to 250 grammes per animal) The Chinese Pangolin found in North gardens and cultivated lands. It is not for medicinal purposes. The brain of the East India is smaller in size when known how they feed on molluscs - animal is used by local medicine men. compared to the Indian pangolin. they possibly break the shells with their Local tribesmen eat also the flesh. strong nails as evident in the crumbled The scales of pangolin, the main Distribution and status shells in their hide outs. part in trade, are found all over the body Known by various names such as except the snout, chin, sides of face, Pangolins have been reported to Bajrakit (Sanskrit), Banrui (Bengal), throat, belly and inner surface of limbs, occur in the Indian sub-continent from Sallu Samp (Hindi) and Enampeechi are two sided symmetrical elevations of eastern Pakistan, through much of India (Malayalam), habitat loss and hunting the epidermis, which are constantly south of the Himalayas, Bangladesh and for meat and scales are the major threats replaced on wear. The size of Indian Sri Lanka. They may occur also in to the species. Traditional hunters such Pangolin’s scale may vary from 6.5 cm Myanmar and extreme western China.

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 WWF/Gerald Cubitt Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata has 160-200 scales all over its body.

But essentially no information is found in urban as well as rural areas, reports of supplies to Nepal via available on population levels of any of such as High Court market, Choudhary Dimapur in Nagaland. the pangolin species. In a CITES Bazar, and Nimchandi market in Also the study found that there is a Management Authority document from Cuttack, and Kiplipada, Udala and flourishing cross border trade on the 1986 pangolin populations are Nilgiri rural markets in Mayurbhanj and Indo Myanmaar border. A monthly described to occur in India, with an Baleswar districts. Puri, a popular trade estimate of 25-45 kg (3-4 animals indeterminate status. Further, it pilgrimage town on the Orissa coast, is make one kg) of scales in Manipur has considers that the population have been also known for the flourishing wildlife been recorded, out of which about 80% greatly reduced by hunting. trade including Pangolin products. is destined for Myanmaar. There are On the other hand the interviews collection agents all over the state, in Trade with villagers and forest officials the districts of Senapati, Tamenglong, confirmed that pangolin sightings are Churchandrapur, Ukhrul and Chandel. Available data shows that the far apart and few, though tribal Moreh (Manipur-India) And Tumu principal component of the Pangolin communities continue to track and trap (Myanmaar) are the notable, cross trade is exploitation for scales and meat them successfully to feed the markets. border trade centres. for medicinal purposes. The trade The Simplipal Tiger Reserve in Orissa pattern is such that it mostly goes was found to be the main supply source Epilogue undetected and therefore unrecorded. for markets in the region, in addition to The reported international trade in its the forests of Baripada, Hathgarh, This study encourages more products generally involves two Satkosia, Kuldiha and Sunabera . In research on the pangolin status in the commodities - scales and skin. It is West Bengal, supplies come from the region and recommends focussing the recorded that about 700 skins of Indian hilly forests of Purulia and the adjoining enforcement efforts on porous borders Pangolin were exported to the USA in forests of the state of Bihar (Dalma of Indo-Nepal and Indo-Myanmar. At 1983 compared to 5,023 skins between hills) and Orissa. the same time, the study acknowledges 1980-1982. The survey also found that there are that lack of adequate information on the The price of one pangolin in the two types of end users. The first group pangolin populations making the animal USA was about $US6 and 1kg of scales consists of the general public, who data deficient. is valued $US18. The prices of scales purchase scales or the rings made from vary from INR 250-500 per kg at the the scales, mainly for personal use, for At the 11th meeting of the collection points; INR 500 - 1000 per kg example, to be used as charms or cures Conference of the Parties to CITES in at the main trading centers; and INR for haemarroids, rheumatism or labour April 2000, a proposal to transfer Asian 900 - 1500 per kg at the border trading pain. The other group consists of Pangolins Manis crassicaudata, M. centres. The international market prices medicine men (locally called 'kaviraj') pentadactyla and M. javanica from are reported to be INR 7000 - 8000 per who purchase the scales, fat and brain Appendix II to Appendix I was put kg. of pangolins from their regular forward by India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and The traders in all the states are suppliers. the USA. This proposal was rejected. mainly the tribal charmers. Generally Unfortunately population numbers despite the fact that the Parties they are the direct primary level sellers, or population trends in the wild of the acknowledged that Asian Pangolin though there is sometimes involvement Pangolin species could not be populations are increasingly under of middlemen or agents. The tribal determined. Of all the respondents from threat due to domestic and international communities in the rural areas are areas in West Bengal only five reported demand as well as habitat destruction. directly involved in hunting while the recent sightings. In the major rescue and TRAFFIC welcomed the decision middlemen or the agents usually buy rehabilitation centre in the state, and urged COP to direct the Animals the products from them. However, some Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubeneswar, Committee to complete its review of agents were found to be hunters Orissa, records mention only 12 trade in specimens of these pangolin themselves. Pangolin arrivals since 1990. species. TRAFFIC also called for a TRAFFIC India investigations from suspension of international trade in Findings the North Eastern states of Manipur, pangolins, their parts and derivatives, Mizoram and Tripura indicate that until the status of the species has been The survey found that in East India Chinese Pangolin scales and meat are assessed in all exporting range States. a regular trade in pangolin scales take regularly collected from many different place in numerous weekly bazaars such areas in the region (such as Assam, as the Bundwan Choke and Kuilapal Nagaland, and Manipur) and traded in For more information on the study market in Purulia district of West markets such as Imphal, Bishnupur and contact TRAFFIC India. For contact Bengal. In Orissa such markets were Moreh in Manipur. There are also details see page 16.

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 Significant progress Plant for a Healthy Future made at COP11

he eleventh meeting of the he importance of traditional 3. Testing the propagation TConference of the Parties (COP11) medicine can not be understated – methods developed by IUCN in to the Convention on International Tespecially in developing coun- field situations. Trade in Endangered Species of Wild tries where traditional medical Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held in practitioners represent the first line of 4. Collation of the above Nairobi, Kenya in April 2000. With its treatment for many maladies. In rural information into a simple manual 152 member states, COP11 proved locations modern medicine, in for use by the traditional medical once more to be a vital forum for contrast, is often difficult to acquire in practitioners. international action to halt over- rural locations, and beyond the exploitation of valuable resources in economic reach of the majority of the 5. Dissemination of the wildlife trade. ever-expanding population. These information to traditional medical Significant progress was made in factors mean that the demand for practitioners, community and controlling the elephant trade when a medicinal plants far exceeds supply school groups as well as the continued ban on the ivory trade and and many species are under threat of voluntary sector. support for elephant trade monitoring local extinction. This is especially true systems was agreed upon. A deeper if there is a strong commercial element Once the species have been understanding of the illegal trade and to be satisfied as in the case of Prunus identified and the methods refined, killing of elephants ensured enough africana. TESA plans to distribute “kits” time for monitoring systems to become In order to improve this situation, providing starter materials for operational and deliver analytical TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa individuals and groups to propagate results to the next CITES conference (TESA) has initiated a self-help project some of the species for themselves. which will be held in the year 2002. to encourage traditional medical Unfortunately, some of the medicinal Other significant progress was practitioners to grow indigenous plant species are extremely difficult to grow made by addressing poaching of tigers species that are considered most in basic situations. Thus, the nurseries and monitoring the illegal trade in tiger important. This project has five at the Eastern Africa Regional Office parts. Further, a resolution was adopted components: of IUCN will act as a seedling centre to tighten controls on the illegal trade for these species, which can then be in shahtoosh shawls made from the 1. Identification of species that collected and distributed. endangered Tibetan Antelope. Also a are considered threatened by use in Between raising awareness of the working group looking at trade traditional medicine. This includes values of indigenous trees and controls in mahogany was revitalised. discussions with traditional propagating the most threatened Since some Parties felt that medical practitioners as well as species it is hoped that traditional national legislation or regional reviewing academic studies medical practitioners, community and agreements regarding fisheries are undertaken on the subject. school groups can all “Plant for a sufficient, some proposals, such as the healthy future”. whale shark, basking shark and great 2. Discovering the most white shark, were rejected. This left effective means to propagate these This project is funded by the these species at risk from unregulated species in tandem with the Kenya Rufford Foundation. unsustainable international trade. Forestry Research Institute and the Further, a resolution aimed at International Centre For Research clarifying trade controls for marine in Agroforestry. species taken on the high seas outside any national jurisdiction, termed in CITES as ‘introduction from the sea’, was defeated. Traditional Medical TRAFFIC recommends that plans Practitioners' for the future of CITES pay particular stand at the attention to the application of science, economics, law enforcement and Machakos awareness. In addition, CITES Agricultural Show member countries should strive to displaying a range harness greater finance to support of species of national action and pay close attention plants, and the to the wider conservation and trade medicines derived agenda. from these that Full TRAFFIC report on COP11 are used in the will be published in TRAFFIC treatment of

Bulletin Vol. 18 No.3 later this year. TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa patients.

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 13 February 2000 South America: A diverse continent of wildlife resources The Challenge The Way Ahead

or many centuries Latin America complex scenario - and in the context TRAFFIC South America has was conquered and colonised of a large, biologically and culturally identified four approaches to mainly for its mineral richness. diverse continent. F guide its work within the region: The mentality of mineral extraction It is TRAFFIC’s aim to provide may have also triggered the continuing guidance and recommendations from exploitation of natural resources in the perspective of one of the most Identification of possibilities South America. No distinction was serious problems that the conservation to introduce a wildlife in trade made between well sought-after metals of biological biodiversity faces: the element to focused projects and large amounts of wild resources, unsustainable extraction of species and of priority ecoregions and plants, and animals. In many cases they its impact on the environment to feed species issues under the WWF were used to total exhaustion. the trade of fauna, flora and their umbrella in the region. Many of the products were and products. The basis of TRAFFIC’s continue to be important to the work is objective information of high economies of the region and to technical and scientific quality. Increased involvement in international markets. Oyster pearls, No single organisation alone can CITES implementation work in Brazilian wood, Caribbean mahogany, generate the urgent changes needed. the region in fields such as primates for pets and biomedical Our work focuses on strategic liaisons timber, fisheries and enforce- research, macaws and parrots, bird with WWF, IUCN and key ment, where TRAFFIC can help feathers, reptile skins and mammals international, regional or national to make a difference. skins for fashion, the sap of the rubber Institutions. Together we can combine and quinine (the only antidote known efforts and contribute solutions to the against malaria for centuries) are just a problems faced by our societies. The Co-operation with govern- few such products. loss of biological diversity, its ments in the region through Today, the legal and illegal productivity and continued existence clearly identified sets of extraction of animals and plants from need to be urgently addressed by us issues where TRAFFIC’s input the wild continues to be driven by the and future generations. has been and will be welcomed. demand of markets around the world. We are also part of a global Human populations increase and the network, offering analysis and Improvement of TRAFFIC’s insatiable demands of the more alternatives from the perspectives of own knowledge and developed countries and the élite of the both producing and consumer developing countries keep the demand countries that can help us find appreciation of the most high. Thanks to a world of free trade integrated solutions. The support for urgent needs where TRAFFIC’s and global economies, obstacles to sell the correct implementation of CITES input can help conservation of anything anywhere - provided that and other related agreements in the biodiversity in South America. there is someone willing to pay for it - region is crucial in all our work. are few. We reaffirm our commitment with These approaches will help The challenge for South America’s the Region in the search of a more just TRAFFIC South America frame new TRAFFIC regional office that was and sustainable world. the most realistic and effective re-established in October 1999 is to generate positive changes in this programme for the region. TRAFFIC’s aim is to be recognized by the conservation and wildlife trade community in its region as a reliable, objective source of information and advice, As part of a worlwide network, known for the quality and

TRAFFIC South America staff work TRAFFIC South America timeliness of its products. to better ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to Databases on species in trade, the conservation of nature. infractions, and trade levels will In photo from left: also be part of the expertise in Anita Sancho, Bernardo Ortiz and wildlife trade issues provided by Ximena Buitrón. TRAFFIC.

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Sea cucumbers in Galapagos Islands

uring 1999 an experimental unit. A few days prior the start of the season of sea cucumber fishing season, the fishermen requested Isostichopus fuscus fishery a new increase of the quota. To create

D TRAFFIC South America was opened in the Galapagos Islands. pressure on the authorities, they During this period over 4.4 million sea “kidnapped” juvenile giant tortoises cucumbers were harvested. The from the breeding centre at Isabela majority of them were destined to Island and occupied the installations of Taiwan and Hong Kong, with small the National Park. Fishermen had used amounts sent to the markets of USA these kind of tactics successfully in the and Singapore. past to meet their demands. The trial period was supervised by The authorities fixed a new date to The Galapagos is home to some 14 the Directorate of Protected Areas of open the fishing season and fishermen species of sea cucumbers - relatives Galapagos as well as supported by had to concede and accept the of the starfish - but only Isosticus studies before and after the season in previously agreed quota. The sea fuscus is heavily exploited. order to determine the impact of the cucumber fishery for year 2000 began harvest on the populations of I. fuscus. on 22nd May. In this context TRAFFIC presented a TRAFFIC has expressed its Sea cucumber fishersstarted report ‘The Galapagos Sea Cucumber support to the Ministry of Environment targetting the Galapagos Islands in Trade during 1999’ to the Minister of in enforcing the law, rejecting all 1992 following exhaustion of the the Environment of Ecuador (to be radical positions by the fishermen that supply from the coast of mainland published in the near future). The imply blackmail, lack of respect Ecuador. report concludes that sea cucumber towards previous agreements and fishery should be halted until it is disregard of the integrity of the

certain that this endangered resource is Galapagos ecosystem and the TRAFFIC South America recovering successfully. resources. The management authorities However, due to pressure imposed are urged to make all parties respect by the fishermen, the authorities the established fishing quotas and to included the fishery of I. fuscus in the exercise the corresponding control. annual fishing calendar for year 2000. The appropriate sanctions need to be A new fishing period was established applied to those who have fished and with a quota of two million sea stocked sea cucumbers outside the cucumbers. The fishermen did not fishing season. accept the offer and requested an In recent dialogues with the fishing increase of the quota and the sector of the archipelago and with the Larger environmental establishment of an official minimum authorities, TRAFFIC was requested to programme underway for Regional Focus : TRAFFIC South America : TRAFFIC South Regional Focus price per sea cucumber. continue with investigations providing After negotiations a new quota of recommendations related to the the Galapagos Islands four and a half millions sea cucumbers processing and presentation of the was set, with a two month fishing product, as well as trends in the season and a fixed price of US$2 per international market. he Ecuadorian government Ttogether with the Interamerican Sea cucumbers Development Bank (IDB) is preparing are marine a conservation programme for the Galapagos Islands. The programme animals that aims to promote efficient use of natural range in size resources and conservation of the from two environment in the archipelago. centimeters to As soon as the agreement between two meters and government and IDB has been move by means finalised, TRAFFIC South America of many small will undertake the evaluation of trade feet. They are in marine resources in the Galapagos regarded as a region. This work supports the delicacy, tonic Directorate of Protected Areas of food and Galapagos (DAPG) in its efforts to occasionally better manage fishery-related issues in used in the region. The activities are envisaged medicines. Jonathan Green to start in the year 2001.

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 Medicinal plants in trade Trading Leafs medicinal and bark plants at a of Tabebuia market impetiginosa

place in are used for S.R. Silva Quito, medicinal

Ximena Buitron / TRAFFIC Ecuador. purposes.

edicinal plants as well as but worldwide. their derivative products, In order to address this enormous Toothfish Msuch as potions, pills and challenge, TRAFFIC South America creams, are sold daily in the local aims to enhance the body of markets throughout South America information on these resources and to study in Chile and traded internationally. There is better understand harvest and trade evidence that the volume of medicinal patterns, as well as the existing and n November 1999 TRAFFIC South plants traded is considerable and that proposed trade legislation in the region IAmerica commenced research on the net sales exceed millions of dollars and recommendations for future status of the trade in Patagaonian annually. developments. toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides in To a great extent the plants are Various activities by TRAFFIC Chile, as part of a larger study carried harvested from the wild and come from have recently been undertaken, are out by the TRAFFIC Network Coastal, Andean and Amazonian ongoing or planned to take place in the investigating the global trade of both regions. In some cases they are well near future: Patagonian and Antartic Toothfish. known species, that have been known Toothfish is a very important since the colonial era, such as the · Medicinal plant studies on resource for the fishing industry in Quinine and the Sarsaparilla. In other harvest, use and trade in Bolivia, Chile, as it generates a considerable cases, such as Ayahuasca, they were Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru amount of direct and indirect known for long time only by and Venezuela. employment and creates incomes of indigenous communities but recently US$ 90 million per year to the country. have been studied and used also by · Workshops organised by The fishery for toothfish in Chile larger communities. TRAFFIC on medicinal plants and began in the early 1970s and has South America supplies raw trade, with the participation of not expanded across to the northern and material used for the production of only the scientific experts but also southern borders of the country. many medicines aimed at relieving or indigenous and local communities, Toothfish is exported as frozen HG curing illnesses, from various aches traders and private companies as (headed and gutted) and as iced fillets and infections to cancer. For example well as the governmental sector. to some twenty countries worldwide. native plants like Boldo, Dragon’s The main export markets are Japan and blood, Cat’s claw and Ipecac are used · Interaction with various technical the United States. for these purposes. The region also networks such as RIPROFITO Chile has a Fishery Development consumes vast amounts of products (Iberoamerican Network of Regime, which requires regular stock containing medicinal plants, such as Phytopharmaceutical Products), evaluation and management regu- Gingseng, that are produced overseas CYTED (Science and Technology lations. Chile also complies with the and then imported to the region. for Iberoamerican Development) regulations of Convention on the The use of traditional medicine is and GICPLAM (Iberoamerican Conservation of Atlantic Marine increasing steadily. The reliance on group for the just Commercialis- Living Resources (CCAMLR). natural medicinal resources is due to ation of Medicinal Plants) as well Chile is also one of the few cultural preferences as well as the high as with private groups related to countries that has historical detailed cost and inaccessibility of modern trade and health, universities and information on statistics and biology of medicine. The increasing wild harvest herbaria, and environment and the resource. and current trade patterns of these health NGO´s. resources can create a negative impact that threatens not only the · Participation in various sustainability of the species but also conferences and and other events, the health of the population. such as the upcoming International Patagaonian Better use and management of the Fair on Natural Health, EXPONAT toothfish TRAFFIC trade in medicinal plants is the key 2000, to be held in Colombia in Dissostichus challenge – not only in South America September 2000. eleginoides

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla

ig leafed Mahogany Swietenia Brazil and Peru’ and ‘Mahogany macrophylla continues to be Markets and trade: obstacles and Bone of the most exploited and opportunities’, provide a better insight exported tree species in South to the diverse factors that threaten the America. Its great demand and value species and/or impede adequate on international markets has made it by management. The reports will be far the most profitable wildlife timber released in the near future. species to Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.

The USA is still the largest importer of Margaret Stern mahogany followed by the Dominican Mahogany and CITES: Republic. In South America only Next Steps Brazil is known to have a considerable local market. To date Costa Rica, Bolivia, There are indications of a decrease Brazil and Mexico have included in exports from Brazil and Bolivia. mahogany populations in Appendix III Big leafed Mahogany This is partly due to increase of control of CITES. Swietenia macrophylla measures but also because of The re-establishment of a being stored and processed exhaustion of the resource. The market Working Group on Mahogany at at Espinoza Sawmill is growing constantly, and the demand CITES COP11 in April 2000 in Maldonado, continues to be supplied by wild prompted new challenges to the Madre de Dios, Peru. mahogany, especially at the time when work with this species in a more the mahogany plantations in the region participative and integrated are still in their early days. manner. TRAFFIC is preparing a Swietenia macrophylla trade publication that will include reflects to a great extent market information on the monitoring of patterns and the systems of extraction, implementation of Appendix III exportation and control of valuable listing up to 1999. In addition, timber in general. The findings by dialogue and exchange of TRAFFIC carried out in two separate information in the region continue studies in South America illustrate the between TRAFFIC and CITES Margaret Stern problem of forestry and forest authorities, with the support of management in the region. Both WWF and IUCN, to ensure better ‘Legislation and extraction controls implementation of CITES. and trade of mahogany in Bolivia,

Recent publications Regional Focus : TRAFFIC South America : TRAFFIC South Regional Focus Ecuador: Use and trade of medicinal plants, current situation and important facts for its conservation (in Spanish). Ximena Buitrón, July 1999. Ecuador: Use and trade of medicinal plants, current situation and important facts for its conservation. Proceedings of the Workshop 1-3 September, 1999, Quito, Ecuador (in Spanish). Ximena Buitrón, December 1999. Publications under preparation Legislation and extraction controls and trade of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. Mahogany Markets and trade: obstacles and opportunities. Medicinal Plants of Brazil: legislation and trade. Evaluation of trade of sea cucumbers Isostichopus fuscus in Galapagos Islands during 1999.

TRAFFIC South America is part of the worldwide TRAFFIC Network which has offices in 21 countries. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF- World Wide Fund For Nature and IUCN-The World Conservation Union and it works in co-operation with the CITES Secreteriat. TRAFFIC aims to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

For more information please contact: Bernardo Ortiz, Director TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America Ximena Buitrón, Programme Officer Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, Edificio Digicom, 7mo. piso, PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador Anita Sancho, Programme Assistant Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext. 400; Fax (593) 2 466624; E-mail:[email protected] Lorena Hidalgo, Administrative Assistant

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC study offers insight into illegal TCM trade in Europe by Stephanie Theile, Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe

rom November 1999 to March The Dutch Investigation Service 2000 TRAFFIC Europe (AID), for example, seized several Fconducted surveys on the thousands illegal TCM products since availability of Traditional Chinese the beginning of this year. TRAFFIC Medicines (TCM) purported to contain Europe’s information led to one of the species regulated by CITES. This largest seizures ever of Musk & Tiger study documented the range and Bone Plasters in Europe, when in April legality of TCM products offered in 2000 the Federal Police of Brussels five West European countries confiscated more than 6.000 plasters (Belgium, France, Germany, the from a single shop in Brussels. Netherlands and the United Kingdom) The study also revealed relatively and investigated the types of products low awareness among retailers and most commonly on sale. Because traders of the EU laws and regulations TRAFFIC Europe undertook a similar governing the trade in certain TCM survey in 1995, possible market shifts products. As a follow-up activity, during recent years could be assessed. TRAFFIC Europe will commence In parallel with these TCM surveys, outreach and awareness work towards TRAFFIC Europe-Germany studied the TCM communities in Western the TCM user communities in Europe. For example, TRAFFIC Germany (see TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol. Europe is participating in information 18 No. 2). seminars organised by the Dutch AID, CITES Appendix I -listed Costus root The surveys showed that TCM and aimed at retailers and traders of Saussurea costus is one of the most products purporting to contain CITES- TCM in the Netherlands. In addition, common species found on sale in the listed species were available in all of TRAFFIC Europe-Germany plans to countries surveyed. It is said to act the five countries surveyed. 31% of the produce a leaflet for TCM practitioners on the spleen and large intestine. It 149 sites that were visited offered about the relevant Regulations that helps to ease abdominal pain and TCM products claiming to contain apply to the trade also listing the most heighten body awareness and ingredients of species such as Tiger commonly used animal and plant sensitivity. It is also used to treat Panthera tigris, Musk Deer Moschus species in TCM as well as TCM asthma, bronchitis and cancer spp. Wild Ass Equus spp., Saiga products that contain regulated among other illnesses. Antelope Saiga tatarica, American ingredients. Ginseng Panax quinquefolius, Costus root Saussurea costus and several species of Orchids. Musk deer UK focuses in raising awareness on products such as anti-rheumatic lesser known species used in TCM plasters and pills claiming to contain Costus root were among the products s part of the European study seven was available in all 14 premises that that were most commonly found on Acities in the United Kingdom were sold TCM claiming to contain protected sale. visited and a total of 41 premises species. The findings of this study were surveyed. It was found that over half of Over three-quarters of the made available to national the premises sold traditional Chinese practitioners questioned were aware enforcement agencies in all five medicines. Included in this survey were that the sale of tiger and rhino and their countries, leading to a number of Chinese supermarkets, pharmacies, products was illegal. However, outside significant seizures of illegal TCM. clinics and doctors surgeries. of these two high profile species, their Of the 22 premises that stocked awareness was low. Efforts within the TCM, 14 (64%) were selling TCM that UK will now be focused on raising claimed to contain EU Wildlife Trade awareness of these lesser known species Regulation Annex A protected species, within the TCM community, as has ‘Musk & Tianwang either in patent medicines or as raw been done for the tiger and rhino in the Analgesic Plaster’ ingredients. These species include past. containing leopard Costus root, Leopard, Bear and Musk. -Stephanie Pendry, TRAFFIC bone liquid and Precise species in many cases remained International musk extract was unknown. seized from UK- Costus root was the most prevalent This study was supported by WWF- based premises. species to be found, and in its raw state Netherlands and WWF-UK.

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 TRAFFIC analayses wildlife trade dynamics in Vietnam by James Compton*, National Representative, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Vietnam

Surveys conducted in Indochina over the past decade have shown that Vietnam plays three overlapping roles in the wildlife trade: as a conduit for wildlife sourced in surrounding countries, particularly Vietnam, Lao PDR and Cambodia en route to more lucrative markets; as a consumer; and as a source country in its own right.

Vietnam has a long border with its province in 1995, encompassing an the Social Forestry and Nature western neighbours, and a protected area of 91,113 hectares across tropical Conservation project (SFNC) which area network has been set up in an and sub-tropical evergreen forest – began in 1997, TRAFFIC Southeast attempt to safeguard Vietnam’s including the largest tract of primary Asia-Vietnam office was contracted to remaining forested wilderness. One of lowland tropical forest left in Vietnam. assess the wildlife trade dynamics that the most important areas for endemic PMNR lies between two important operate around the nature reserve area. flora and fauna is the ecoregion known road conduits for trade between Lao A three-month survey was as the Northern Annamites, where PDR and Vietnam, Route 7 and Route conducted between August and attempts have been made by WWF and 8. More importantly, it is surrounded November 1999 by a four-person other conservation programmes to link by a bufferzone of 86,000ha, populated survey team who looked at key villages areas of contiguous habitat in Vietnam by 50,000 people who rely on within the buffer zone, interactions and Lao PDR. exploiting forest products as part of with middlemen and traders, and how As part of the protected area their livelyhoods. cross-border trade from Lao PDR system, the Pu Mat Nature Reserve Following an initial phase of plays a part in supply and demand. (PMNR) was established in Nghe An biodiversity assessment conducted by The team found that – as with much of the trade through Vietnam – reptiles made up the largest proportion of observable trade, in this case 40%. Observed reptile species in trade included species listed on CITES Appendix II such as Impressed Tortoise Manouria impressa, Indian Cobra Naja naja, King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah, Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus and Burmese Python Python molurus. Indochinese Box Turtle Cuora galbinifrons (recently listed on CITES App II at CITES COP11) made up 41% of all turtles observed in trade, while Cuora trifasciata (also now in CITES App II) was reported to fetch up to VND18 million (US$1286) per kilogramme. Live individuals and parts of mammal species comprised 18% of the total observable trade, including the following CITES listed species: Tiger Panthera tigris; Sun Bear Ursus malayanus; Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus; Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa; Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra; Gaur Bos gaurus, Pangolin Manis sp. and Serow Capricornis sumatraensis. These species are utilised as Young Serow bushmeat by local people and sold-on Capricornis to wildlife restaurants along Route 7, sumatraensis adjacent to the buffer zone of the park. WWF /Gerald Cubitt

12 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 Symposium on Medicinal Utilisation of Wild Species WWF / Ron Whitaker

This year's World Exposition, EXPO 2000, with its overall theme 'Humankind - Nature - Technology' will last from 1st June until 31st October. Within a series of fora presented by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Germany, WWF and TRAFFIC They are also used as medicinal Vietnam’s wildlife; would like to announce a one-day ingredients or as decorations and pets. · Reliance of rural communities on symposium: Three main source areas were forest resources, and therefore the 'Medicinal Utilisation of Wild Species - identified: the PMNR itself, areas in need to conserve these resources; A Global Conservation Challenge in the Nghe An province outside the · Role of Lao PDR as an additional New Millennium' protected area, and Lao PDR. Traders source area for the trade; and on October 13th, 2000 at the Nord/LB- estimated that 40% of the bear trade · How enforcement strategies could Forum, EXPO 2000, Hannover, and 90% of the pangolin trade be improved. Germany. originated in Lao PDR. If the animals were not consumed in the districts The results of this survey will be Scope: 80 per cent of the world's population relies surrounding the PMNR, they were taken forward by the SFNC project in on plant and animal-based most likely to be transported north to the near term. TSEA-VN will also be medicines for their primary health care Hanoi, possibly going further north using the report as an advocacy tool needs. Rising demand for wildlife across the border into China. with the Vietnamese authorities at medicinals has led to increased rates of The TRAFFIC survey discovered central and provincial levels, aiming to over-exploitation in many regions of the world. Encouraging the sustainable that trade in Indian Cobra and King catalyse a more coherent approach to use of medicinals from the wild is Cobra peaks between November and regulating wildlife trade relative to the crucial to maintain both biodiversity and January each year, targeted to supply needs of the rural poor who depend on health requirements for future generations. Chinese traders during a specific 10- the forest for their livelihoods. Aim: day period when they extract the Decision-makers and experts in the fields venom for supplying the TCM market. * Currently James Compton is working in of health-politics, conservation, Prior to the commencement of the TRAFFIC Oceania office as a Senior development co-operation, pharmaceutical Programme Officer. larger SFNC project (ECU 22 million industry and traditional medicines are over six years, funded by the European invited to develop strategies for a more effective management of species used for Community) baseline socio-economic Top photo: Indian Cobra Naja naja Below: Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra; medicinal purposes. Speakers will include analysis indicated an income gap of international representatives from the US$1million between what village Gaur Bos gaurus. political, conservation and health care communities in the PMNR buffer zone sector. can produce from agricultural Among the invited key note speakers are activities and what the population Prof. Klaus Töpfer, Executive

needs to survive. Harvesting and WWF / Henry Auslloos Director of the UN Environmental exploitation of wildlife and other forest Programme, products is believed to play a major Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of the World Health role in making up this shortfall. Organisation (WHO) and TRAFFIC’s involvement in this Maritta Koch Weser, Director General of project has provided a localised the World Conservation Union (IUCN), counterpoint to working at the national as well as the German Ministries for Health and Development Cooperation. level with the CITES Authorities of Vietnam. By analysing the wildlife Symposium languages will be English and trade dynamics around a source area German. such as the PMNR, TRAFFIC has compiled insights on several levels: For further information please contact:

WWF / Mandal Ranjit Susanne Honnef · Traded species profiles, uses of TRAFFIC Europe-Germany office wildlife products and current Phone: +49 69 79144-212 market prices; Fax: +49 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] · The need to strictly police protected areas as sanctuaries for

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 13 continued from page 1 value of nearly $US 7.7 million. citizens. However, due to the subsidised much cheaper than domestic meat. For Game meat production in cost of licenses, licensed citizen hunting example, in Zimbabwe bush meat is Zimbabwe (2,925 mt per year) can be open to misuse. 75% cheaper than domestic meat and in represents a substantial and growing For example, in Tanzania the cost of Botswana it is 30% cheaper. The study industry. It is economically more a citizen license to hunt a Cape Buffalo also found that the poorer the favourable compared with other land is USD 10. By comparison, the animal’s household, the greater its reliance on uses such as farming and livestock meat is valued at USD 211 and its value bush meat seems to be. ranching in semi-arid areas. This is due, as a safari hunting trophy is USD 800. During times of economic hardship, in part, to the ability of wildlife to adapt Hence, the high-value of bush meat can droughts and famine, bush meat is to harsh conditions, and the versatile result in many citizen hunters, literally, relied upon to an even greater extent. options wildlife offer in terms of over-shooting their license quotas for Peak hunting periods coincide with dry photographic tourism, trophy hunting, commercial gain. season drought months, as vegetation is and hide and meat production. less dense and wildlife searching for However, the study found that the Bush meat trade watering holes are easier to locate and other countries surveyed have a hunt. Hence, supply peaks during times negligible game ranching, farming and In many rural survey areas, hunters of hardship, and constitutes an cropping sector due to unfavourable whose primary objective is still to important drought and famine coping wildlife ownership and land tenure provide meat to their families, conduct strategy for the majority in the rural laws. In these countries, wildlife is areas surveyed. government-owned with only limited Wildlife and, in many cases, short-term user trader Legal game meat production rights given to landholders. When a with continuing uncertainty about the dik dik All the countries surveyed legally retention of wildlife user rights persists, produce game meat through ranching, landholders remain reluctant to invest in Ryncho- farming, cropping/culling, licensed costly start-up infrastructure. tragus hunting or problem animal control Game meat also results as a by- kirki meat initiatives. Such schemes collectively product from licensed hunting. All the in Maputo, yield about 8,500 metric tonnes (mt) of countries surveyed have legislation Mozambique. meat annually, with an estimated local allowing low-cost licensed hunting by IUCN Mozambique

A landmark tuna agreement underway continued from page 3

ince June 1997 the coastal states, fisheries organisations; among others The study also showed that Sterritories and states fishing in the decision-making processes and basis for enforcement and market surveys that area of the western and central Pacific future fishing entitlements. are carried out sporadically by both, Ocean have been negotiating a new TRAFFIC Oceania continues to the enforcement authorities and the fisheries arrangement under the United work with other environmental NGOs, insect fair hosts, are far from Nations Fish Stocks Agreement1. as well as in co-operation with the satisfactory. The conservation status of Called the ‘Multilateral High Level Australian government, to ensure that certain non-migrant, resident insect Conference (MHLC) process’, the any decisions made do not undermine species with low population densities resulting arrangement will be the first to the effectiveness of the arrangement in and restricted range (eg., Atrophaneura be concluded under the UN Agreement. support of effective conservation and jophon, a Sri Lankan Papilionid The fishery for highly migratory fish management. butterfly and Colophon primosi, a stocks in the western and central Pacific At present, only two countries have South African Lucanid beetle) seems is based on four tuna stocks; skipjack, had environmental NGO delegates – to remain under threat by commercial yellowfin, bigeye and South Pacific Australia and the US. TRAFFIC collecting and trade. albacore. The largest tuna fishery in the Oceania is the only NGO on the The report urges that all the world, it is worth around US1.7 billion Australian delegation and has been specific butterfly and beetle species per annum. The geo-political nature of liaising closely with the NGOs threatened by trade should be the western and central Pacific represented on the US delegation, considered for trade restrictions under distinguishes it from other major tuna including through the tabling of a joint the EU-Wildlife Trade Regulation and fisheries, with around 70% of the total statement on transparency provisions for possibly also under CITES. The report catch taken in the exclusive economic observers at the last session of the also calls upon entomological zones of Pacific island countries and MHLC. associations to explore the possibilities territories. This, combined with the high Negotiations are pursued to be of self-regulation and co-operation in economic reliance by many Pacific concluded by the end of summer 2000. trade-related activities. island countries on the fishery, makes these negotiations very sensitive. - Anna Willock, Senior Fisheries Adviser For full recommendations and Not unexpectedly, the issues that TRAFFIC Oceania report (in German) contact TRAFFIC have polarised participants mirror those 1) The UN Fish Stocks Agreement was adopted in 1995 and requires Europe-Germany. For contact details 30 ratifications to bring it into force. There are currently 26 that have plagued other international ratifications and it is expected to come into force later this year. see page 16.

14 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 14 June 2000 the majority of trade. In Kitui District Tanzania, 34% of traders rely on bush legislation. This would prompt an and the Loikas area of Kenya, and the meat as their sole source of income, and interest among landowners and holders Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, many have identified markets as far as 200 km to invest in the sustainable management hunters, who are primarily subsistence away on the more densely populated of the wildlife resource for meat farmers, sell only excess bush meat Kenyan border. production. after their families have been satisfied. However, most trade in rural areas Once benefits increase to Full-time commercial traders also still occurs locally. Trading mechanisms landholders, wildlife can play an exist in most of the survey areas. Such vary, with house to house sales and important sustainable role in commu- traders sell larger quantities of meat contracts between hunters and nity development and, by doing so, and, in many cases, identify more consumers or traders being successful ensure its continued survival. Without lucrative markets outside the local due to their relative secrecy. it, wildlife will continue to be seen as a supply area. freely exploitable, uncared-for resource, In Kitui District, Kenya, a range of Rights for landholders that benefits only those who use it first. more commercially orientated trade Without a dynamic and proactive outlets such as open air markets, illegal This study recommends that response to the bush meat issue in the brew bars, and butchery kiosks are used wildlife ownership be more widely region, it is likely that the countries of to trade bush meat. transferred to landholders and secure this study will lose not only a valued In the western Serengeti of land tenure needs to be formalised in natural resource, but also a vital community development option. The study urges for a more equitable Longline distribution of donor funding to this snares, critical conservation and social issue, used for with greater collaboration between the capturing conservation and community develop- antilopes ment government departments, NGOs and buffalo, and professionals. seized from This study was funded by the poachers European Union. by Wildlife For more information and full Division, report contact TRAFFIC East/ Tanzania. Southern Africa - Kenya office , Senior Programme Officer Rob Barnett. For contact details see page 16. Freidkin Conservation Trust

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during February - June 2000:

AGF Management Limited Marine Leadership Council US National Marine Fisheries Service Ansett Airlines Mazda Wildlife Fund US State Department Agriculture & Fisheries Dept., Hong Kong Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten, The Walt Disney Company Foundation Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Rheinland-Pfalz Wildlife and Environment Society of Australian Fisheries Management Authority Ministry of Environment & Forests, India South Africa Australia Forestry and Fishery Agency National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA WWF Australia Belgian Government National Geographic Channel Asia WWF Belgium Biodiversity Support Programme Natural Heritage Trust WWF Canada Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany Nautilus TV, Munich WWF Coordination Office-Zambia Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Netherlands Government WWF East Africa Regional Programme Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung New Horizons Computer Learning Centre Office (BMZ), Germany Norwegian Agency for International WWF Endangered Seas Campaign CITES Secretariat Cooperation (NORAD) WWF France The Commemorative Association for the OCS Group Ltd. WWF Gabon Programme Japan World Exposition Pacific Development & Conservation Trust WWF Germany Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Petrossian Paris WWF Hong Kong Discovery Channel-Asia Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew WWF International Endangered Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation WWF Italy European Commission, Directorates General SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit WWF Japan VIII & XI Save the Tiger Fund, USA WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe Exxon Corporation Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme Mr James Fairfax Stevens Sharkey WWF Netherlands Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF New Zealand Green Trust Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF South Africa Ion Fund Tiger's Eye Retail WWF Sweden IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office UK Department of Environment, Transport WWF Switzerland IUCN-The World Conservation Union and the Regions WWF Tanzania Programme Office IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group United World Chinese Commercial Bank WWF Tiger Conservation Programme Johnson & Johnson US Agency for International Development WWF-UK Liang Yi Cultural Undertakings Co. Ltd. US Fish & Wildlife Service WWF-US Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead US Information Service Programme Annuity Trust Development Office, South Africa

Number 14 June 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 15 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

!TRAFFIC International !regional TRAFFIC office "national TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC North America - Canada TRAFFIC East Asia - Regional Office TRAFFIC Europe - Regional Office c/o WWF Canada Room 2001, Double Building, Waterloosteenweg, 608 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 3J1 Tel: (852) 2 530 0587 Tel: (32) 2 343 8258 Tel: (1) 416 489 4567 (ext.259) Fax (852) 2 530 0864 Fax: (32) 2 343 2565 Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan TRAFFIC Europe - France TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg., c/o WWF France GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia 3-1-14, Shiba, Minato-ku, 105 Tokyo, Japan 188, rue de la Roquette Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716 F 75011 Paris, France E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304 Tel: (33) 1 55 25 84 52 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (33) 1 55 25 84 74 Website: www.twics.com/~trafficj E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei TRAFFIC Europe - Germany Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 Germany Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext.400 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180 Fax: (593) 2 466 624 Website: www.wow.org.tw Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - TRAFFIC Europe - Italy TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office Regional Office c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c M19B 2nd. Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21) c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional 00198 Rome, Italy 46000 PJ Old Town, Programme Office Tel: (39) 06 8449735 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia Fax: (39) 06 84497356 Tel: (603) 77817284 & (603) 77822704; PO Box CY 1409 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (603) 77847220 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534 TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands Fax: (263) 4 703902 PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Vietnam E-mail: [email protected] The Netherlands c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, Tel: (31) 30 6937307 7 Yet Kieu Street, International PO Box 151, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (31) 30 6912064 Hanoi, Vietnam c/o Ngong Racecourse E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (84) 4 942 0310 Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Kenya Fax: (84) 4 822 0642 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 TRAFFIC Europe - Russia E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF Russia Programme Office PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa Tel: (7) 095 264 99 48 c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag Fax: (7) 095 264 99 27 x11, Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South E-mail: [email protected] Africa Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 TRAFFIC India - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF India Secretariat 172 B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India Tel: (91) 11 4698578 Fax: (91) 11 4626837/4691226 E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHES Number 15 November 2000

A new focus for TRAFFIC’s conservation programme by Stephen Nash, Programme Director, TRAFFIC International

RAFFIC’s vision is that for four major conservation objectives wildlife trade will be kept at addressing the relationship between Tsustainable levels, without wildlife trade and key biological and damaging the integrity of ecological human concerns. These objectives are systems, so that it contributes to to reduce wildlife trade threats to human needs, supports livelihoods and threatened species, reducing threats to helps motivate commitments to the priority ecoregions for biodiversity conservation of wildlife species and conservation, and to the security of their habitats. Our mission is to ensure key wildlife resources for human that trade in wild plants and animals is needs, and promoting the need for David Lawson/WWF-UK not a threat to the conservation of international co-operation in regu- Indian Tiger Panthera tigris nature. lating and managing wildlife trade. To help guide and focus our actions to reduce threats to these conservation work towards achieving 1. Ensuring wildlife trade does not species. Our regional-based pro- these, the TRAFFIC Network has result in the endangerment of any grammes will contribute to the adopted a new three-year strategy wild animal and plant species. development and implementation of covering the period from mid-2000 to trade monitoring systems and trade mid-2003. This new strategy, based on Many species are under direct or management plans for priority species. TRAFFIC’s strategic plan for 2000- indirect threat from trade. Others may TRAFFIC will be evaluating local and 2010, outlines objectives and targets become so in the near future. national controls for threatened TRAFFIC is mindful of its specific species in trade, and pushing to role in informing decision makers strengthen them. INSIDE: about the impacts of trade on species Over the next three years • Native corals of Japan and motivating efforts to guarantee the TRAFFIC will focus its efforts on a ecological sustainability of trade in number of priority species and • CITES Workshop in Taipei wild species. TRAFFIC also works to taxonomic groups, including African identify and address indirect impacts and Asian Elephants, African and • Symposium on Medicinal of wildlife trade on biodiversity Asian Rhinoceroses, Tiger, marine Utilisation of Wild Species conservation, including researching turtles, sturgeons, tortoises and the trade in potentially invasive freshwater turtles, Tibetan Antelope, • Study on information needs of species and the detrimental impacts of Whale Shark and other sharks, and medicinal plant stakeholders wildlife harvests on “non-target” Bigleaf Mahogany and other threat- • UK herbal medicine industry species such as fisheries by-catch. ened tree species. meets conservation groups Over the next three years TRAFFIC aims to increase knowledge 2. Ensuring wildlife trade • Mahogany trade in the USA and awareness among government, does not threaten the integrity industry, consumers and local of priority ecoregions. • EXPONAT, Natural Health communities about trade in threatened trade fair species and the direct and indirect The world’s conservation impacts of this trade on wild problems are being addressed at • Endangered freshwater turtle populations and on biodiversity increasingly large bio-geographic species doubles conservation. scales. Many conservation efforts are Our work will encourage now focusing on maintaining essential • Agarwood use and trade governments, industry, consumers and ecological processes and life support local communities to take appropriate ...continued on page 10 WWF and TRAFFIC appeal to end illegal harvesting of native corals in Japan

Japanese native corals on display. TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan

n August 2, 2000, WWF Japan TRAFFIC researchers visited tropical These steps include the prohibition Oand TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan fish shops and pet shops in Tokyo and of coral gathering in all prefectures presented an appeal to the Wildlife Kanagawa, and carried out site where living corals are found. Department of the Environment surveys and analysis aimed at Secondly, coral species should also be Agency, the Fisheries Resources identifying the coral species on sale at added to the list of wild animals and Department of the Fisheries Agency, these stores and their origin. plants under the Law for the and the fisheries divisions of the Researchers found living corals on Conservation of Endangered Species governments of Tokyo and 13 other sale at 12 of the 16 stores visited, and of Wild Fauna and Flora. This listing prefectures. This appeal urged the the number of species sold at would prohibit capture and transfer of recipients to take measures to prevent individual stores ranged from 2 to 60. coral species. In addition, specialists the illegal removal of coral growing The survey also found a wide variation should determine the conservation around the Japanese coast. It was in the retail price of corals, with the status of species whose status is still drawn up on the basis of a survey of cheapest priced as low as 2,000 yen unknown by carrying out follow-up the market for living corals collected (approximately US$20) and the most field surveys. An English-language from Japanese coastal waters and sold expensive selling for around 40,000 summary of the Japanese report is in for ornamental aquarium purposes. yen (approximately US$390). On sale preparation. The study was undertaken by were species such as Acropora TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan in pruinosa and Alveopora japonica, Akiko Ishihara, Programme Officer, cooperation with Mr. Takeshi Igarashi which can be found on the shores of TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan of Tohoku University School of Post Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Graduate Studies. It was also clear from the results In 1999, TRAFFIC East that existing regulations in Japan TRAFFIC Dispatches Asia-Japan carried out telephone governing coral collecting are 219c Huntingdon Road surveys of tropical fish shops and pet inadequate. In order to prevent Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL shops that advertise in aquarium domestic trade in living corals from Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 hobbyist magazines and found that of threatening the continued existence of Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 the 78 stores surveyed, 45 stores native reef-building coral species, E-mail: [email protected] claimed to stock living corals collected WWF and TRAFFIC in Japan propose Web site: www.traffic.org from Japanese coastal waters. that a number of steps be taken. Editor: Maija Sirola

© TRAFFIC International 2000 New TRAFFIC office opens in Mexico TRAFFIC staff news TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN–The World Conservation The TRAFFIC Network increased Welcome Union and WWF*-World Wide Fund its size to 22 offices worldwide with for Nature. It aims to help ensure the opening of the TRAFFIC North Miriam van Gool has been appointed that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of America-Mexico office in the as the new National Representative of nature. beginning of September, 2000. The TRAFFIC Europe-Netherlands in The TRAFFIC Network works new office is co-located with WWF August 2000. Miriam works also as in co-operation with the Secretariat Mexico Programme Office in Mexico Species Programme Head of WWF of the Convention on International City. Netherlands. Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Adrian Reuter joined the office to * Fauna and Flora (CITES). become the first National TRAFFIC Dispatches is published Representative of TRAFFIC North Elizabeth Scoggins has joined by TRAFFIC International to keep America-Mexico. TRAFFIC International in the the Network’s partners and supporters Most recently Adrian worked as a beginning of November 2000, informed about our activities and lecturer in the research, management replacing Celia Denton as the new accomplishments. and conservation of birds of prey at the Funding Development Officer. Most recently Elizabeth worked as Trust * WWF is known as World Wildlife National University of Mexico. Fund in Canada and the USA. Adrian has a long interest and Fundraiser for Invalid Children’s Aid involvement in wildlife trade-related Nationwide based in London, UK. activities and has also worked in the reptile field, among others. ***

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC hosts CITES Enforcement Training Workshop in Taipei by Joyce Wu, Research Officer and Rita Chang, Administrative Officer, TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei

aiwan plays an important part in experts from Taiwan as well as their the global trade in plants. colleagues from UK Customs (see box A trainer’s perspective TAccording to international trade article, right), the Royal Botanic of the Workshop data for the period 1992 to 1997, Gardens in Kew, UK and TRAFFIC Taiwan ranked fifth in overall imports International. You can never be certain of the of medicinal and aromatic plants after The workshop, which was the fifth success of any training workshop let alone one that is designed for a country Hong Kong, Japan, USA, and in a series of international CITES with a very different culture and Germany. Taiwan is also an important workshops held in Taiwan since 1995, language; there are just too many exporter of plants such as artificially focused on licensing and trade controls unknowns. So how did I think it went? propagated orchids, with export for plants, plant specimen Well, good organisation is always a volumes rivaling those of Thailand, identification, trade trends, and critical factor and, in TRAFFIC East the world’s leading orchid exporter. countering illegal trade. Providing Asia-Taipei, I can honestly say it couldn’t have been bettered. In order to strengthen awareness of useful tools to front-line enforcement From the day we arrived to the day plant conservation and trade issues staff was a principal objective of the we left, their whole team worked among the relevant government workshop. In addition to lectures, the tremendously hard late into the evenings agencies, TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei workshop also included practical to ensure that every small detail for the hosted a three-day workshop on exercises for participants to test their seminar was covered. This included a lot CITES Enforcement Training skills and to reinforce the knowledge of last minute translation, obtaining of vast amounts of specimens and props for Workshop – Plants, from 27-29 provided in the lecture setting. exercises and even acting (very September 2000, that was sponsored Overall, feedback from the realistically, I might add) as plant by Council of Agriculture (COA). participants was positive. Customs smugglers in the final exercise. More than fifty delegates from various stated its intention to incorporate plant Active participation by the students government authorities participated, trade control issues in future training is also crucial and a good judge on including delegates from the Board of for Customs officers and the COA are whether the trainers are getting their message across. In my fairly extensive Foreign Trade, Customs, the planning to hold a similar workshop experience of international training I can Quarantine Bureau, COA, and plant focusing on CITES-listed fauna next honestly say that I have never come research institutes. Trainers included year. across a more receptive group. They asked many searching questions throughout, performed enthusiastically in all the exercises, achieving high marks, and showed a general willingness to talk about problems they encountered in this area of work. Of course, overall success can only be measured by how well the training is put into practice and whether the political will is there to ensure that enforcement of CITES is taken seriously. Only time will determine the first point. However from the high level discussions that took place with Deputy Director General of Customs Chen Mao-ting, there was a definite willingness shown to have closer working relationship with TRAFFIC Taipei. This can only bode well for the future.

Overall it was a very rewarding experience and I congratulate TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei for producing such a Crawford Allan/TRAFFIC International well-run event. Group exercises are the key to good workshops - they break up the tutorials and give the delegates the opportunity to participate and share their Charles Mackay MBE experience. In the Taipei workshop this brought together representatives Senior Officer, CITES Enforcement Team from a wide variety of agencies, working together to tackle stimulating Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise problems set out in the varied exercises. In the picture, the delegates attempt Heathrow Airport, UK. to determine if the samples before them are of legal origin, based upon the scenario information supplied with each specimen.

Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 Over 20 organisations declare support for the conservation of natural medicinal resources by Teresa Mulliken, Research & Network Development Manager, TRAFFIC International and Susanne Honnef, Medicine and Plants Officer, TRAFFIC Europe-Germany

ver 80 members of the commercial, conservation, Joint Declaration for Ogovernment, health care and the Health of insurance sectors gathered at EXPO People and Nature 2000 in Hannover, Germany on 13 October to participate in the symposium ‘Medicinal Utilisation of We, the signatories, Wild Species’. Convened by declare herewith TRAFFIC Europe–Germany and our joint interest WWF Germany, the symposium com- Miriam van Gool / TRAFFIC/WWF Netherlands in the conservation of natural bined presentations and discussion on Panelists in the final session of the medicinal resources: the use, trade and conservation issues symposium at EXPO 2000. affecting medicinal plant populations, Our future commitment to and the people dependent on them for the health of people and nature healthcare and livelihoods. Dr Uschi Eid, Parliamentary Secretary shall entail an increasing A key theme throughout the day of the German Ministry of Economic contribution to the conservation was the need to address conservation Co-operation and Development of natural medicinal resources concerns in a multi-disciplinary and (BMZ), drew the attention to this issue and shall not contribute to the collaborative manner. Over 20 and work supported by BMZ with overexploitation or endangerment participants demonstrated their regard to medicinal plants (see of these resources. support for such collaboration by TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 12). A signing a ‘Joint Declaration for the more holistic approach to healthcare Health of People and Nature’. Initial was proposed, and an example given To realise this, we will ... signatories included representatives of of how the medicinal plant industry the phyto-pharmaceutical industry in can operate in a manner that ensures ...address the current lack of Germany, practitioners’ associations, both environmental conservation and information on the trade the International Council for the quality of medicinal plant in medicinal materials and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, WWF, products. The closing presentation pharmaceuticals of plant and IUCN and TRAFFIC. WWF drew attention to the need for multi- animal origin by collecting and Germany will serve as the depository sector partnerships in addressing exchanging such information. for the Joint Declaration and, with conservation and other issues. TRAFFIC, will work to encourage and Although a wealth of information ...to the best of our knowledge monitor its transformation from words was provided, in his summary of the and ability, support the trade into actions. day’s presentations, Steven Broad, and use of products and raw Each of the symposium’s nine Executive Director of TRAFFIC materials of plant and speakers highlighted specific charac- International, commented that the animal origin that will not teristics and problems related to symposium raised nearly as many threaten the natural medicinal plant use and trade. Topics questions as it answered. “There are populations in the wild. covered included a review of global, no simple means to address the European and German medicinal plant interwoven issues of biodiversity ...aim for close co-operation use and trade and the related threats to conservation, benefit sharing, property between all stakeholders who medicinal plant species, and the need rights and demands from local users, share an ecological, social or for more effective trade monitoring the health and commercial sectors. It economic interest in and conservation action. The is essential that different sectors the conservation of natural importance of securing critical follow up the results of this medicinal resources. habitats for medicinal plants and other symposium and work together to wild species was also brought forward. address what will continue to be an ...participate actively in the Such an approach is being pursued urgent and complex set of development and implementation under WWF’s “Global 200” conservation and development of strategies that contribute campaign. priorities.” to the sustainable utilisation of natural plant and animal resources. The importance of fully respecting benefit sharing and intellectual For more information contact property rights associated with the use TRAFFIC Europe-Germany. For of medicinal plants was also stressed. contact details see page 12.

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 15 November 2000 Number 15November 2000 activities including: centre couldnurtureavarietyof Centre couldbefarreaching.The European MedicinalPlantInformation near future. develop operationalscenariosforthe medicinal plantstakeholdersandto to assesstheinformationneedsofkey Information Centre Medicinal andAromatic Plants ‘ conducting afeasibilitystudyonthe addressing thisinformationgapby wild plants.TRAFFICEuropeis towards longtermconservationof difficult toaccess,andnotgeared knowledge inEuropeisscattered, the medicinalandaromaticplanttrade. becoming moreresponsiblepartnersin industry sectortoassistthemin methods couldbesharedwiththe appropriate cultivationandharvesting different medicinalplantstakeholders. information exchangebetween this problem,wouldbetoincrease initiative, whichcouldhelptoaddress at unsustainablelevels.Onepossible plants iftheyarecontinuallyextracted threatens theresourcebaseofmany medicinal andaromaticplants Plants. Council forMedicinalandAromatic year accordingtotheInternational grow atarateofapprox.8-10%per years, thismarketwillcontinueto (US$2.2 billion).Overthenexttwo North America(US$3.8)andJapan billion, followedbyAsia(US$5.1), billion withEuropeleadingatUS$7 I by RolieSrivastava, Project Consultant, TRAFFICEurope medicinal plantstakeholders inEurope Studying theinformation needsof Establishment ofaEuropean collecting anddisseminating - actingasaresourceand - When established,thebenefitsofa At themoment,relevant For example,informationon The growingdemandanduseof was worthapproximatelyUS$20 world marketforherbalremedies n 1999itwasestimatedthatthe information; medicinal plantconservation stakeholders; information centreforall ’. Thisstudyaims Association, National Instituteof Medicine Association, Soil TRAFFIC Europe.British Herbal Fauna andFloraInternational, and Medicinal PlantsSpecialists Group, conservation groups,suchas IUCN together. practical strategiesforworking herbal industryintheUKtodiscuss groups andrepresentativesfromthe meeting between20keyconservation WWF-UK organised anexploratory (www.herbalapothecary.net plant andherbmaterial approaches togrowingandpurchasing encouraging ethicalandsustainable to producingherbalproductswhile year. WWF-UK waslaunchedinMaythis company, Herbal Apothecary, and UK basedherbalmanufacturing complementary initiativebetweena A meet inUK Herbal MedicineIndustryandconservationists information centre. the nextstepsforestablishingan next yeartodiscussthescenariosand meeting withkeystakeholdersearly TRAFFIC Europeplanstoconvenea completed byDecember2000and Presentations weregivenboth by Herbal Apothecarytogetherwith Herbal Apothecaryiscom-mitted The feasibilitystudywillbe providingupdatedand - promotingbetterpractices in - providinginformation on - identifyinginformation - continues, aseparatebut s theEuropeanfeasibilitystudy commercially. for speciestraded and managementschemes lishment ofsoundregulatory reliable datafortheestab- inal plantresources;and protecting andusingmedic- conservation andtrade; regulations andpoliciesfor needs/gaps; ).

Dagmar Lange For contactdetails seepage12. contact theTRAFFICEurope office. regulation. immediate needtopromote self- raised bytheindustrywas created. Anotherimportantpoint information centre,ifonewastobe medicinal andaromaticplants under theobjectivesofaEuropean program. sustainable sourcesandacertification organisations, aswelltoidentify facturers, tradersandconservation share informationbetweenmanu- medicinal andaromaticplants. sustainable conservationstrategiesfor sides toworktogetherondeveloping definite needandkeeninterestonboth others wererepresentingtheindustry. Plants foChineseMedicineamong Medical HerbalistsandMedicinal For more information please These needswouldinvariablyfall The meetinghighlightedaneedto The meetingalsoindicateda TRAFFIC Dispatches Left: CITES. Appendix IIof is listed in Orchidaceae the family countries and European most protected in Orchids are Europe. Today, throughout populations of manyorchid in thenumber been adecline there has habitat loss, Owing to Barlia robertiana . 5 Mahogany matters TRAFFIC completes a market survey in the USA

The USA consumes more timber per capita than any other country in the world. Logs, lumber and other soft and hardwood products are imported to the country in amounts worth at least US$13 billion annually. A small portion of the timber trade in the country is the one of American mahogany harvested in Latin America. However, the most traded species of the three American mahogany species, Big-leafed Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla constitutes a small, but very lucrative portion of timber trade, worth US$56 million annually. Today the existence of Big-leafed Mahogany is threatened by an intensive and often illegal harvest that is driven by increasing demand from consumers in the USA and elsewhere.

Unless there is significant change, mahogani was a clear warning. Once it for Big-Leafed Mahogany and its current harvest rates of Big-leafed was heavily traded but is today Implications for the Conservation of Mahogany may make it yet another extensively depleted. the Species” by Christopher S. endangered and commercially In September 2000 TRAFFIC Robbins. It reviews the scope and exhausted species. The fate of North America released a report titled scale of the demand for big-leafed Caribbean mahogany Swietenia “Mahogany Matters: The U.S. Market mahogany in the USA, as well as the conservation implications of such demand. More than 200 The report also includes an species of tropical exhaustive analysis of global trade hardwoods are data along with a survey of mahogany imported into the importers, offering alternative options USA from Africa, for improving species conservation. Asia, Oceania, Big-leafed mahogany is exported from Central and South at least 14 Latin American countries America and the and more than 120,000 cubic meters of Caribbean. the species enters international trade Mahogany, and annually. Because of this international particularly trade, it has also become a vital cornerstone to many of the national American mahogany, economies of Latin America. Swietenia spp. is considered one of most valuable and Consumer countries versatile tropical hardwoods. It is Historically, the dominant markets widely used by the for big-leafed mahogany have been furniture Europe and North America. In recent manufacturing years the USA has been by far the industry in the USA. biggest consumer. In 1998, the USA imported 60 percent (75.5 cubic Left: Big-leafed meters) and France 25 percent (31.6 Mahogany Swietenia cubic meters) of the big-leafed macrophylla mahogany trade. Other importing waiting to be countries in 1998 (in order of volume) shipped at Espinoza included Canada, UK, Dominican Sawmill in Republic, Spain, Germany, Madonado, Netherlands and, to lesser extent,

Margaret Stern Margaret Madre de Dios, Peru. several other European, Latin

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 15 November 2000 The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) trademark certifies that wood comes from forests that are managed in accordance with internationally endorsed Recent publications principles and are harvested in an ecologically and socially responsible manner. Mahogany Matters: The US Market for Big-Leafed Mahogany and its Implications for the Conservation of American and Caribbean countries. Steps forward the Species. October 2000. Within the USA, the study shows TRAFFIC North America. that about 40 percent of big-leafed To overcome the current mahogany imports are destined for unsatisfactory trends in the mahogany North Carolina, the furniture trade, Latin America has improved Asian Turtle Trade: Proceedings of a manufacturing centre of the USA, national legislation for mahogany, Workshop on Conservation and Trade followed by Mississippi, Florida, invested in forest certification, of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises Pennsylvania, Louisiana and convened regional management in Asia. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 1 - 4 California. workshops and imposed logging December 1999. 164pp. Chelonian pauses. Further, to date, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil and Mexico have Research Monographs in A declining resource included mahogany populations in association with Wildlife Appendix III of CITES. The re- Conservation Society, TRAFFIC, The study reveals many indications establishment of a working group on World Wildlife Fund, Kadoorie Farm of increasingly tight supplies of big- mahogany at CITES COP11 in April & Botanic Garden, and US Fish and leafed mahogany within its range 2000 has also prompted new Wildlife Service. Number 2 - August States. Mahogany has already been challenges for future considerations of 2000. depleted in the Caribbean and Central the harvest of and trade in the species. America, moving the core of the The study urges the consumer harvest to the denser, tropical forests States, headed by the USA, to support Heart of the Matter: Agarwood Use of South America - some of these this development in the range States. It and Trade and CITES Implementation areas being among the most is crucial for consumers to demand for for 'Aquilaria Malaccensis'. 52pp. biologically diverse regions of the such mahogany products to carry the August 2000. A TRAFFIC Network world. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Report. The study shows that Brazil, the trademark. This trademark certifies biggest mahogany producer of the that wood comes from forests that are region, has decreased its export quotas managed in accordance with Food for Thought: The Utilization of in recent years, showing signs of internationally endorsed principles Wild Meat in Eastern and Southern increased concerns on exploitation and and are harvested in an ecologically Africa. Trade Review. 264pp. July exportation also by government and socially responsible manner. Even 2000. TRAFFIC East/Southern regulators. Still, despite the tighter though there are only two companies Africa - Kenya. controls, Brazilian mahogany continue that are known to import solely FSC- to amount to half of all the mahogany certified big-leafed mahogany, the trade destined for the leading recent surveys and trends suggest that Evaluation of the Trade of Sea consumer country outside Latin certified wood products are gaining Cucumber Isostichopus fuscus in America, the USA. In Peru, there are increasing popularity in the USA. the Galapagos Islands During 1999. indications that forests might be The report also urges the USA 19pp. July 2000. TRAFFIC South exploited rather than managed, as the government to increase import tariffs America. distances from mahogany forests to on minimally processed mahogany mills continue to increase. from Latin America that currently is Furthermore, retail prices of exempt. On the other hand, it also Wings of Desire: The Insect Trade in mahogany are escalating rapidly, urges that the duties on products of Germany, with an Emphasis of being 25 percent higher today than a non-threatened tree species should be Butterflies (published in German). decade ago. A reliance on substitute lowered or renounced. The report 62pp. May 2000. TRAFFIC species, like African mahogany Khaya concludes that harvesting of and trade Europe-Germany. spp., is also growing. in big-leafed mahogany should Concerns about excessive levels of continue to provide revenues for the legal harvest are intensified even more local economies, only in a more Far from a Cure: The Tiger Trade by illegal exploitation of the species in methodological fashion by ensuring a Revisited. 100pp. March 2000. the region, especially in Bolivia, long-term supply and the survival of Species in Danger series, TRAFFIC Brazil and Peru. This illegal trade threatened species. International. underscores the enforcement and management challenges which For more information, contact government officials are faced with in TRAFFIC North America. For contact the range States. details see page 12.

Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 TRAFFIC features at natural health trade fair in Colombia by Ximena Buitron, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Souh America

RAFFIC brought the highlighted the importance of taking were produced in Colombia but raw conservation message to the care of the natural resources from materials used were partly of foreign Tmedicinal plant industry at which many of the products on sale at origin. In most cases these raw Colombia's first-ever natural health the fair were derived. materials were imported from trade fair Exponat 2000, held in late The three-day fair attracted 7000 Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Chile in September in Colombia. About 80 visitors, with over 300 people South America, as well as Asia and representatives representing industry requesting information from the Europe. Some products from the and trade took part in the fair, TRAFFIC booth each day. Publicity USA, India and Japan were also including companies from Colombia, for the booth was generated a few displayed. Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, days prior to the fair at a related ...continues on page 11 Guatemala and South Korea. The fair workshop on sustainable use of and was sponsored by National Nutritional trade in medicinal plants which was Food Association, USA; Natural co-hosted by TRAFFIC South About 1000 people visited TRAFFIC’s Products Association, Mexico; America booth ‘Securing the future of medicinal BIONATURA, Brazil; FENAT as well Interest from representatives from plant resources’ during the fair. as PROEXPORT, Colombia. the commercial sector and the general TRAFFIC was invited to public was keen, with visitors participate and featured its trade- requesting various TRAFFIC related work on medicinal plants and publications and seeking advice on derived products. TRAFFIC's booth specific issues. There were also many on conservation issues in the midst of inquiries on the legal requirements commercial fair was a positive related to the import or export surprise for many, generating medicinal plants and derivatives, as curiosity, interest and support. With well as requirements for starting the theme ‘Securing the future of business in the industry. medicinal plant resources’, the booth Many of the products on display Exponat 2000

More endangered freshwater turtle species

he number of critically luxury food in Asia, fetching prices endangered freshwater turtles that may be six times the price of lamb Thas more than doubled in just or chicken. In addition, turtle shell is the last four years, according to a traded to supply the traditional report released on October 3rd by Chinese medicine industry. The turtle TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation jelly made from the shell is claimed to

Society (WCS), WWF and other have cancer-curing properties, and is Peter Paul van Dijk / TRAFFIC Southeast Asia conservation groups. The report, consumed as a general health tonic. Hieremys annandalii consisting of proceedings from the The publication of the proceedings Workshop on Trade in Tortoises and coincided with the release of the IUCN Yunnan box turtle Cuora yunnanensis. Freshwater Turtles in Asia, documents Red List of Threatened Species, which The workshop and proceedings the threats facing the species and listed 24 turtle species worldwide as present information on the status of recommends actions to address the critically endangered, compared to ten more than 80 individual species; trade growing crisis. The workshop, held species in the last assessment in 1996. routes; types of demand; legislative last year in Cambodia, brought According to the proceedings, the and enforcement frameworks; and together over 40 regional turtle experts IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater national and regional threats to turtle from 16 countries, primarily within Turtle Specialist Group, as well as the populations posed by the trade. East, South and Southeast Asia. Asian Turtle Trade Working Group, According to the workshop The enormous demand for turtles consider 66 of the 90 species of Asian participants, a thorough review and and tortoises affects nearly all species freshwater turtles and tortoises as improvement of national legislation is around the world, but especially turtles threatened. Half (45) are endangered, needed urgently for effective and tortoises found in Asia. Softshell including 18 critically endangered protection of turtles in the region. turtles are especially popular as a species. One is already extinct: the ...continues on page 11

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC launches into the Heart of the Matter by Angela Barden, Research Officer, TRAFFIC International

RAFFIC first began inves- as the TRAFFIC’s Executive Director. trade. In recognition of the need for tigating the trade in agarwood A representative of the Forest status and distribution data, the Tin 1994. As explained in Research Institute of Malaysia also Malaysian Forestry Department Dispatches Number 13, agarwood is gave a presentation, and provided an announced at the launch that it will just one of several names used to update on their research into the include A. malaccensis in future forest describe the fragrant, resinous and artificial production of agarwood. surveys and review the issuance of valuable heartwood produced by Attended by approximately forty harvesting licenses. Aquilaria species, a genus of trees people, the subsequent discussions Agarwood has been used and native to the Indomalesian region. In benefited greatly from the partic- traded for thousands of years with August 2000, TRAFFIC launched its ipation of a wide range of demand remaining strong today. latest report on the tree, Heart of the stakeholders. These included repre- Heart of the Matter resulted from matter: Agarwood Use and Trade and sentatives of Malaysia’s Government research prompted by CITES Parties. CITES Implementation for Aquilaria from the Forestry Department, CITES At their meeting earlier this year, malaccensis. authorities and the Customs & Excise CITES Parties once again expressed The report focuses on the harvest Department, as well as those from the concern and agreed that the CITES and trade controls for A. malaccensis trade, timber certification, research, Plants Committee should continue to in key range countries, reviews educational, conservation and review the trade of Aquilaria species. available information on the wider development sectors. Parties specifically called for trade in agarwood and recommends It was evident from both Heart of particular issues to be addressed, actions required to tackle issues such the Matter and the launch discussions, including resolving the difficulty in as unsustainable harvesting and illegal that there is an urgent need for better differentiating between species in trade. information on which to base trade, and whether more Aquilaria The launch of Heart of the Matter decisions for managing the resource species should be included in CITES in Kuala Lumpur was organised to and regulating the trade. Appendix II. Heart of the Matter coincide with the XXI Congress of the Particular areas highlighted for encourages support for this process International Union of Forestry further research include the biology, and the wider research mentioned Research Organisations (IUFRO). status, identification of harvest and above. To this end, TRAFFIC is There was strong participation from trade volumes of Aquilaria species in seeking to convene a workshop the TRAFFIC Network, with talks trade, the potential of cultivation and involving the wide variety of given by the Directors of TRAFFIC artificially enhancing agarwood stakeholders concerned with India and TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, production in contributing to Aquilaria species to facilitate staff from TRAFFIC Southeast Asia sustainable management, and benefit cooperation and begin identifying and TRAFFIC International, as well flows resulting from harvests and practical solutions to problems such as over-exploitation. TRAFFIC will continue to Aquilaria conduct research to document more trees are about the trade in agarwood. For indiscrimini- example, once funding has been taly felled in secured TRAFFIC Oceania will be search of investigating the booming agarwood the highly trade in Papua New Guinea. prized TRAFFIC will also be encouraging ‘black gold’ information exchange and the resulting in development of practical guidelines the drastic for sustainable harvest. Collaboration decline is at the heart of the matter, if we are of wild to secure the future of Aquilaria populations. Left: species. Aquilaria malaccensis. Copies of Heart of the Matter can Right: be obtained from your nearest Agarwood TRAFFIC office or can be perfume and downloaded in PDF format from Peter Paul van Dijk / TRAFFIC Southeast Asia TRAFFIC India / Dr. A.K. Gupta TRAFFIC India / Dr. chips. http://www.traffic.org/news/agarwood

Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 ...continued from page 1 the Amazon Basin, and the Guyana sustainable practices at the industry systems, preserving genetic diversity, Shield of northern South America. level, for wild resources in trade. sustainably utilising species, and Some offices will be preparing working towards realistic, lasting 3. Ensuring the security of case studies on the adoption of solutions. wildlife resources of particular alternatives and substitutes for This component of TRAFFIC’s value for food and medicine, and threatened wild animal and plant programme focuses on trade that may to support other human needs. resources, and on the implementation threaten the integrity of priority of proposed solutions that are expected ecoregions of high biodiversity value With the world’s human to result in sustainable use of wild or significance. population expected to exceed 8 resources. TRAFFIC will focus on research- billion within the next 25 years, the Over the next three years ing and understanding wildlife trade security of wild resources used to TRAFFIC will focus on trade in processes acting on specific ecological supply basic human needs is at risk. certain wild resources, primarily landscapes, identifying threats and The demand for wild-sourced marine fisheries, freshwater fisheries, root causes to biodiversity loss, and foods, medicines, fuelwood and wood products and charcoal, medic- promoting appropriate solutions. timber is ever increasing, yet sound inal and aromatic plants, bushmeat, To this end, TRAFFIC will be management of wild resources and wild bulbs, and traditional medicine. developing and strengthening partner- sustainable harvesting is sporadic at ships with governments, industry, best. The TRAFFIC Network seeks to 4. Supporting the development conservation organisations and other ensure that wild resources valued for and application of international stakeholders involved in ecosystem- basic human needs are not threatened agreements and policy approaches based conservation efforts in priority by unsustainable trade. that prevent negative ecoregions. Towards this objective, TRAFFIC conservation impacts of wildlife Through our analyses we will will be highlighting priority taxa of establish baseline information on trade particular value for food, medicine and trade and encourage that wildlife in wild resources/species in priority other human needs whose security trade is at sustainable levels. ecoregions, and assess and interpret may be threatened by unsustainable levels of threat to biodiversity in trade. International co-operation in the priority ecoregions that are caused by TRAFFIC will be increasing regulation and management of use of wildlife trade. awareness of conservation issues wild resources is essential. There are TRAFFIC will be raising aware- among resource stakeholders and approximately 200 multilateral ness about these threats, and will work promoting dialogue between them. environmental agreements, of which a towards enhancing the implementation Our work will contribute towards number include provisions that of regulatory and other measures that the development of national and regulate harvesting and/or trade in can be used to reduce these threats. regional management plans and wild species. Over the next three years, regulatory measures for trade in wild Over the next three years TRAFFIC will be focusing on coastal resources, and improve participation TRAFFIC will be supporting the forests and marine areas of East in these plans. development of multilateral environ- Africa, the Eastern Arc Mountains and Regional programmes will pro- mental agreements that concern wild- Miombo Woodlands of Africa, the mote sustainable practices at the life trade, and guide/influence their Lower Mekong River of Southeast industry level, and encourage the evolution. We aim to build capacity at Asia, the vast Russian Far East, the development of guidelines, codes of regional and national levels to enhance Chihuahuan Desert of North America, practice and certification schemes for implementation and enforcement of these agreements, and we aim to contribute to the development, Over the next three implementation and enforcement of years TRAFFIC aims the national wildlife laws that are the to increase ‘teeth’ of these agreements. knowledge and TRAFFIC will also monitor the awareness about application of certification and trade in threatened accreditation schemes for wildlife species and the products, and encourage international direct and indirect development, finance and trade impacts of this mechanisms that complement efforts trade on wild to ensure wildlife trade does not populations and on exceed sustainable levels. biodiversity Over the next three years, the conservation. Left: One of TRAFFIC Network will mainly direct TRAFFIC’s priority its efforts towards CITES, the species, sturgeon (A. Convention on Biological Diversity- Stellatus) being (CBD), the World Trade Organisation- fished at River (WTO), and various regional fisheries

Caroline Raymakers / TRAFFIC Europe Danube, Romania. and timber trade agreements.

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 15 November 2000 ... Exponat 2000 - continued from page 8 tance of securing the future of ...Freshwater turtles - continued from page 8 Among the most commonly medicinal plant resources, bringing to The report also calls for prompt exhibited products at the fair were the attention of the commercial sector enforcement of all local, state and extracts from mallow, arnica cream urgent concerns about the impacts not national regulations and legislation and calendula, as well as products only on trade, but also to health care concerning the conservation of turtles. containing eucalyptus, “marañon”, systems and wild populations. More research needs to be done on the “zarzaparilla” (Smilax), and artichoke. However, it also proved to be an trade and greater public awareness These are used as natural health excellent opportunity for strength- efforts need to be made to highlight supplements and harmony complexes. ening links with the industry in South the threats facing these species. Information was distributed at the fair America and beyond. Hopefully, it is by companies on the use of some an important step in developing “Asian Turtle Trade: Proceedings species such as Echinacea working synergies between the two of a Workshop on Conservation and angustifolia, Hydrastis canadensis, sectors - industry and conservation. Trade of Freshwater Turtles and Thuja occidentalis, Aloe vera, Tortoises in Asia” (Chelonian Research Symphytum officinale and marine Monographs, Number 2, 2000) is algae. published by the Chelonian Research Products made from dragon’s For more information on Exponat Foundation, in association with WCS, blood Croton spp. and cat’s claw 2000 or the workshop on sustainable TRAFFIC, WWF, Kadoorie Farm and Uncaria tomentosa, originating from use of and trade in medicinal plants Botanic Gardens and the US Fish and Peru and Ecuador, were also present. held in Colombia, contact TRAFFIC Wildlife Service. Copies are available Both of these species are potentially South America. For contact details from the Chelonian Research threatened in these countries due to see page 12. Foundation (www.chelonian.org) overexploitation and trade. Products - SZ made from Asian Ginseng Panax Asian Box Turtles ginseng, a medicinal plant that is also Cuora amboinensis at potentially threatened, was also exporter location in widely featured at the fair, the raw Medan, Indonesia material originating mostly from awaiting international Japan and South Korea. export to the food and Exponat 2000 was an important TCM markets of avenue for highlighting the impor- East Asia. Chris R. Shepherd / TRAFFIC Southeast Asia

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during July - October 2000:

AGF Management Limited Liang Yi Cultural Undertakings Co. Ltd. US Information Service Programme Ansett Airlines Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Development Office, South Africa Agriculture & Fisheries Dept., Hong Kong Annuity Trust US National Marine Fisheries Service Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Marine Leadership Council US State Department Australian Fisheries Management Authority Mazda Wildlife Fund The Walt Disney Company Foundation Australia Forestry and Fishery Agency Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten, Wildlife and Environment Society of Belgian Government Rheinland-Pfalz South Africa BINGO! Die Umweltlotterie, Germany Ministry of Environment & Forests, India WWF Australia Biodiversity Support Programme National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA WWF Belgium Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany National Geographic Channel Asia WWF Canada Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Natural Heritage Trust WWF Coordination Office-Zambia Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Netherlands Government WWF East Africa Regional Programme (BMZ), Germany New Horizons Computer Learning Centre Office CITES Secretariat Norwegian Agency for International WWF Endangered Seas Campaign The Commemorative Association for the Cooperation (NORAD) WWF France Japan World Exposition OCS Group Ltd. WWF Gabon Programme David and Lucile Packard Foundation Pacific Development & Conservation Trust WWF Germany Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Petrossian Paris WWF Hong Kong Discovery Channel-Asia Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew WWF International Endangered Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation WWF Italy European Commission, Directorates General SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit WWF Japan VIII & XI Save the Tiger Fund, USA WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe Exxon Corporation Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme Mr James Fairfax Stevens Sharkey WWF Netherlands Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF New Zealand Green Trust Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF South Africa Ion Fund Tiger's Eye Retail WWF Sweden IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office UK Department of Environment, Transport WWF Switzerland IUCN-The World Conservation Union and the Regions WWF Tanzania Programme Office IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group United World Chinese Commercial Bank WWF Tiger Conservation Programme Johnson & Johnson US Agency for International Development WWF-UK Leuser Development Programme US Fish & Wildlife Service WWF-US

Number 15 November 2000 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

!TRAFFIC International !regional TRAFFIC office "national TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan TRAFFIC Europe - France TRAFFIC North America - Mexico 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg., c/o WWF France c/o WWF Mexico Programme Office 3-1-14, Shiba, Minato-ku, 105 Tokyo, Japan 188, rue de la Roquette Ave. Mexico No.51, Col. Hipodromo Condesa Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716 F 75011 Paris, France 06170 Mexico, D.F., Mexico Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304 Tel: (33) 1 55 25 84 52 Tel: (525) 286 5631/5634 (ext.216) E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (33) 1 55 25 84 74 Fax: (525) 286 5637 Website: www.twics.com/~trafficj E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei TRAFFIC Europe - Germany PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 Germany Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - TRAFFIC Europe - Italy c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America Regional Office c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional 00198 Rome, Italy Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, Programme Office Tel: (39) 06 8449735 PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia Fax: (39) 06 84497356 Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext.400 PO Box CY 1409 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (593) 2 466 624 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534 TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands Fax: (263) 4 703902 PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist E-mail: [email protected] The Netherlands TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office Tel: (31) 30 6937307 M19B 2nd. Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21) TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (31) 30 6912064 46000 PJ Old Town, c/o Ngong Racecourse E-mail: [email protected] Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Tel: (603) 77817284 & (603) 77822704; Kenya TRAFFIC Europe - Russia Fax: (603) 77847220 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 c/o WWF Russia Programme Office E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia Tel: (7) 095 264 99 48 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Vietnam TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa Fax: (7) 095 264 99 27 c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag E-mail: [email protected] 7 Yet Kieu Street, International PO Box 151, x11, Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect Hanoi, Vietnam Africa Tel: (84) 4 942 0310 Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 TRAFFIC India - Regional Office Fax: (84) 4 822 0642 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 c/o WWF India Secretariat E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 172 B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India Tel: (91) 11 4698578 Fax: (91) 11 4626837/4691226 E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHES Number 16 March 2001

Industrial fisheries crisis in the western Bering Sea by Nina Marshall, Assistant Director, TRAFFIC Europe

he Bering Sea is the greatest sea basin in the northern Pacific TOcean and it was also identified as one of WWF’s Global 200 ecoregions, a science-based ranking of the Earth’s most biologically outstanding habitats. The Bering Sea

ecoregion is bounded by Russia on its Alexey Vaisman / TRAFFIC Europe-Russia western shores, the Bering Strait which leads northward into the Trawler Chukchi Sea, and Alaska and the in the Aleutian Islands to the east and south, mist, respectively. Russian This large body of water is waters biologically one of the most pro- of the ductive seas in the world, and has a Bering diverse and rich supply of fauna and Sea. flora, including considerable commercial biological resources such as fish, invertebrates and sea mammals. importance to the USA and Russia as Recent estimates of losses resulting The Bering Sea is of paramount it accounts for a significant proportion from illegal fishing activity in Russian of these nations’fishery landings. waters vary widely, but what is evident Approximately 20% of Russia’s is the magnitude of illegal fisheries, INSIDE: marine landings come from the which is estimated to be worth western Bering Sea. Exports of between one to five billion USD marine products caught in the western annually. These estimates point to the • CITES workshop in Brussels Bering Sea have risen in recent years; chaotic nature of fisheries in the region for the four-year period 1995 to 1998, and the impossible challenge of • Musk deer farming in China exports of marine products from managing marine resources when • Rhino horn stock management Kamchatka Customs totalled 374,000 harvest levels are unknown and are tonnes, valued at over USD 437 very likely to be unsustainable. • South Pacific medicinal plants million. Management and regulation in the exposed to bioprospecting Bering Sea ecosystem are essential, Lucrative fisheries but often difficult when resource • Programme directions: exploited by many stewardship is shared between nations, TRAFFIC and ecoregion and exploitation is undertaken by conservation In recent years, fishing in the many. The situation is further western Bering Sea has become complicated by poor socio-economic • Medicinal plant news fiercely competitive, with Russian, conditions in Russia, which have American, Japanese, Chinese and contributed to intensified fishing in the • Decline of European Eel Korean fishing fleets, among others, western Bering Sea. Political change scrambling to catch the Bering Sea’s has resulted in reduced regulation that • Significant Trade Review of lucrative marine commodities. in the current climate has stimulated sturgeon and paddlefish Reports of undocumented, unreg- unregulated and illegal fishing ulated and illegal fishing are frequent. - continued on page 14 CITES Workshop on 11 Megabiodiversity Exporters: A personal perspective by Crawford Allan, Global Enforcement Assistance Co-ordinator, TRAFFIC International

Q. What are the implementation answered but when I stepped back allocated on the agenda. One would needs of the top eleven CITES onto the train five days later I had time think it was a bad thing to over run so exporting states that are also among to reflect and realised that a major much but this was the exception to the the most biodiverse in the world? event had happened. I will now rule. It may sound like a cliché but in Q. How can the experiences of these attempt to explain why. fact it was a pleasure to witness a real Parties to CITES be shared, The delegates were from South and coming together of different countries compared and learnt from? Central America - Guyana, Suriname, that shared common problems and Q. Will the knowledge and expertise Nicaragua (Colombia as observer), learnt from each others ideas on how from the CITES Secretariat, the Africa – Benin, Guinea, Madagascar, to solve them. Commission of the European Union United Republic of Tanzania (South The dialogue flowed freely, and TRAFFIC help to facilitate Africa as a positive case study interspersed with comments and dialogue, draw out common issues country) and Southeast Asia – direction from the convenors, and assist in developing sound Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam. They including the Secretary General of the recommendations? had been invited to make presentations CITES Secretariat as Chair. We were and prepare papers about the all learning a great deal. It was a These were the critical questions challenges they face in their countries surprise that these countries were so that I asked myself as I jumped on the in implementing the CITES treaty. - continued on page 15 train to Brussels on 29 January 2001, The other participants would then to be an observer at a workshop make comments and suggestions and facilitated by the CITES Secretariat discuss this in the context of their own and funded by the EU Commission. experience. TRAFFIC Dispatches To be honest, from the outset I was not This part of the workshop took 219c Huntingdon Road sure if the questions would be nearly twice as long as had been Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC staff news Web site: www.traffic.org Editor: Maija Sirola

Welcome Goodbye © TRAFFIC International 2001

Craig Kirkpatrick has started his work TRAFFIC’s Programme Director, TRAFFIC is a joint programme as the new Director of TRAFFIC East Stephen Nash will leave TRAFFIC of IUCN–The World Conservation Asia in February 2001. Craig joins International in April 2001 to take up a Union and WWF*-World Wide Fund TRAFFIC with wide experience new challenge at CITES Secreteriat in for Nature. It aims to help ensure working in wildlife conservation in Switzerland as the Chief of the that trade in wild plants and animals China. Most recently Craig has Capacity Building Unit. is not a threat to the conservation of worked in The Nature Conservancy as nature. Biodiversity Specialist for the Yunnan Director Tom De Meulenaer is leaving The TRAFFIC Network works Great Rivers Project. TRAFFIC Europe in April 2001 to in co-operation with the Secretariat commence work as the Fauna Officer of the Convention on International of the CITES Secretariat in Trade in Endangered Species of Wild * Switzerland. Fauna and Flora (CITES). TRAFFIC Dispatches is published Jonathan Vea, Programme Officer left by TRAFFIC International to keep Teresa Mulliken is back in TRAFFIC TRAFFIC Oceania in January 2001. the Network’s partners and supporters International after her sabbatical year informed about our activities and spent studying. As the Co-ordinator of Administrative Officer Mary Hansford accomplishments.

Research and Policy, Teresa will be will leave TRAFFIC International in * WWF is known as World Wildlife providing direction and guidance to the end of March 2001. Fund in Canada and the USA. TRAFFIC Network research and policy initiatives.

*** ***

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC examines musk deer farming in China by Rob Parry-Jones, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East Asia

Photos: TRAFFIC East Asia usk deer (Moschus spp.) deer. TRAFFIC East Asia recently have been hunted for many examined the captive breeding of Mcenturies for musk - used musk deer in China to assess whether predominantly in traditional forms of it was a viable conservation tool for medicine, but also in the perfume wild populations of musk deer. This industry. project was supported by WWF-UK. Records of the use of musk in Despite improved techniques, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) musk deer are extremely difficult to date back to the Han Dynasty (200 BC raise in captivity and only male musk - 200 AD). Musk has a wide range of deer produce musk. Demand in China uses, including stimulation of alone is estimated to be annually in the circulation of qi (‘life force’) and region of 1000 kg of musk and to blood as well as being a catalyst for produce this amount, approximately other medicinal materials. 84,000 captive-bred male musk deer Captive breeding compound, Sichuan Musk deer are native to Asia, and would be required. Institute of Musk Deer Breeding. are distributed from the Arctic Circle Although operational since the late to the Hindu Kush/Himalayan region 1950s, China’s current captive of Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan and population is approximately 1,400 of India in the south, and east to Viet which only about 450 are male musk Nam. deer, producing a total of about 6kg of Despite national laws in nearly all musk per year. This clearly does not range States protecting musk deer and present a viable means of meeting international trade regulated by China’s demand for musk. However, CITES, populations of musk deer with careful management, captive continue to decline throughout their breeding operations could serve as a range. Illegal hunting and trade of genetic ‘safety’ net for wild musk for use in traditional medicines populations providing that illegal poses the biggest threat to musk deer, hunting is also brought under control. although habitat destruction is also Enforcement of China’s impres- serious concern. sive ‘paper’ regulations is clearly China’s populations of musk deer needed and could be facilitated are listed as Class II protected species through better coordination between under China’s Wild Animal Protection musk deer breeders, wildlife Legally acquired musk pods of a Hong Law (1988), and hunting of musk deer management authorities and medicinal Kong trader. in China has been banned since 1989. authorities. However, in reality enforcement Accurate labelling of medicines is remains problematic and population also an urgent requirement, as it would estimates for China indicate an enable consumers to make informed alarming decline from over three choices when purchasing medicines, million in the 1950s to between as well as facilitating regulation of 200,000 and 300,000 in the 1990s. threatened species in trade. China continues to export TRAFFIC East Asia’s principal hundreds of thousands of medicinal recommendation is the establishment preparations purporting to contain of a cross-sectoral coordinating body musk every year, although the on wildlife conservation and majority of these most likely contain traditional health care to facilitate synthetic musk. However, some TCM understanding and enforcement of the companies continue to illegally obtain legislation and regulations protecting genuine musk for use in certain musk deer in China. medicinal preparations. Captive breeding of musk deer has Musk deer in the Musk Deer Captive been suggested by some as a means of For more information, contact Breeding Research Group of East meeting demand for musk whilst also TRAFFIC East Asia. For contact China Normal University, Shanghai alleviating pressure on wild musk details see page 16. Chongmingdao Musk Deer Farm.

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 TRAFFIC leads efforts to improve management of rhino horn stocks in Africa by Simon Milledge, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa

Today legal stocks of rhinoceros horn are found throughout the world. This is mainly accumulated through trade control and anti-poaching efforts carried out in range states, consumer markets and trade entrepôts. In some regions, the stocks are growing quickly, the greatest increase being in east and southern Africa. There is also evidence that some horn quietly, but illegally, filters from such stocks into the hands of blackmarket traders and markets for rhino horn. In the absence of transparent and accountable tracking systems, such instances are rarely discovered, much less deterred. To improve the current situation, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa (TESA) has undertaken the first systematic effort to identify and track these stocks around the globe.

In 1998, TESA started to document worldwide legal stocks of rhinoceros horn and other products, as part of a suite of rhino conservation projects funded by WWF Netherlands. Run from the TESA office in Tanzania, the project also provides, where appropriate, technical advice on how marking, registration and tracking systems can be improved in compliance with CITES directives. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES last April revised the Resolution Conf. 9.14 (Rev.) “Conservation of and trade in African and Asian rhinoceros” which now requires the identification, marking, registering and reporting of horn stocks to the CITES Secretariat. Further knowledge about rhino horn stocks can also assist the understanding of rhino horn trade dynamics, and could potentially play a useful role in helping to develop credible models of rhino horn consumption and legal production in Northern the future. white rhino Ceratotherium Individual accumulation rates vary simum cottoni, greatly in east and southern Africa Garamba National Park, TESA’s Rhino Horn and Product Democratic Database currently stores stock Republic of information for both government and Congo. Simon Milledge, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa private sources in a total of 54

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 countries. One of the best data sets collected to date is for rhino range States in east and southern Africa where over 12,000 kg have been documented, of which almost 1,000 kg is privately-held. But these figures are expected to increase significantly once some outstanding stocks are added to the total. In this region, there is close correlation between government stocks and current rhino populations, with the largest stocks unsurprisingly occurring in rhino strongholds such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Crawford Allan, TRAFFIC International Rhino horn stocks in east and southern Africa are accumulating at the fastest rate in the world. However, individual accumulation rates vary UK greatly, depending on a number of seizure factors including recovery rates from of 127 natural deaths, poaching levels, illegal rhino horns seizure rates, frequency of dehorning in 1996. operations, stock security and whether destruction is practised or not. For example, Botswana’s rhino procedures for marking and regis- lucrative illegal trade. population has increased by 41% tering rhino horn vary enormously. TESA is advocating the need for a between 1993 and 2000 with horn These range from basic manual national legal mechanism that requires stocks increasing at a rate of 38%, ledgers to sophisticated computerised the full and timely registration of all mostly collected from natural deaths tracking systems forming an auditable private stocks as a means to improve and some seizures. On the other hand, trail from the field to the main storage accountability and transparency in that Zimbabwe’s horn stock, currently one vault. country. Stock monitoring is vital in of the largest in Africa, grew by the Clearly, the necessity for more all countries to track and secure such a same rate between 1992 and 2000, advanced procedures increases with valuable commodity against illegal although the wild population the volume of horn accumulating, but market forces. experienced overall decline during this at the very simplest level a period. The increase in Zimbabwe’s standardised system is required. The Towards closer stock was largely attributed to high best systems feature standard collaboration rates of seizures and large-scale weighing on approved scales, standard with SADC dehorning exercises in the early and registers, marking systems, tags, serial mid-1990s followed by successively numbers, invoices and issue vouchers. In addition to the ongoing greater quantities of horns collected However, usage is far from universal collection of stock information from from natural deaths as the country’s in all countries or provinces. around the world, TESA recognises rhino populations recovered. Efficient tracking mechanisms are that it is vital that stock monitoring Different stock accumulation further necessary to enable checks to measures are improved before horn scenarios are found in South Africa be made on who, when, where and volumes get too large to handle. With (where large numbers of hunting how horn was collected and moved to present accumulation rates, this could trophies are exported), in United the head office. This is essential to happen in some countries within the Republic of Tanzania (which avoid loss or exchange of horns at any next few years. traditionally served as a regional trade point in process, and to enable TESA’s efforts this year will route and entrepôt), and in Zambia and reconciliation of written records and therefore be focussing on promoting Kenya (where all government-held physical checks. This project is specific improvements to marking and rhino horn stocks were destroyed in providing recommendations and registration of rhino horn stocks in east the early 1990s). Developing this technical assistance on a country-by- and southern Africa. greater understanding of horn country basis to improve marking and This will be realised through accumulation dynamics is helpful registration systems. collaboration with the Southern Africa when trying to study and predict legal With growing numbers of rhinos in Development Community (SADC) and illegal rhino horn trade dynamics. their hands, the private sector in South Rhino Programme. Not only are most Africa remains one of the largest of Africa’s rhinos found in SADC More standard marking and untracked sources of rhino horn. The countries, but SADC provides a strong registering procedures needed lack of nationally-mandated horn framework for implementing the registration procedures means that changes needed to improve Another issue which has become many horns remain unaccounted for, management of rhino horn and product clear through the project is that providing a potential route for stocks.

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 South Pacific medicinal plants exposed to bio-prospecting Traditional medicine often a preferred alternative with local communities by James Compton, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Oceania

Kava Piper Although there is little evidence of Law and Development (FIELD), the methysticum organised international trade in South Pacific Regional Environment leaves medicinal plants from the Oceania Program (SPREP) and national region, indigenous control of existing environment representatives. So far, plant genetic resources remains under this collective has assisted both the Kava Piper threat from unauthorised bio- Cook Islands and Vanuatu to draft methysticum prospecting. relevant guidelines. Fiji, while having drink The report, An Overview of drafted a Sustainable Development Conservation and Trade of Medicinal Bill that covers bio-prospecting Plants in the South Pacific draws concerns, has yet to ratify the bill in together information from nine Parliament. Nonu (Indian developing countries and territories in The report indicated that, despite Mulberry) the region: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, countries in the South Pacific Morinda New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, consisting primarily of island citrifolia leaves Solomon Islands, (Western) Samoa, ecosystems, medicinal plants used in Tonga and Vanuatu. The study was the region are not characterised by any Nonu Morinda supported by the Rufford Foundation. high degree of endemism. Many of citrifolia fruit All the countries covered by the these plants are non-native species that study are signatories to the Convention have been introduced from elsewhere. on Biological Diversity (CBD), which While many national-level studies enshrines equitable benefit sharing exist on the medicinal qualities of Photos: James Compton / TRAFFIC Oceania and protection of indigenous plants, information on the knowledge and genetic resources. conservation status of plants in use by Medicinal plants and Despite this, traditional medicinal traditional medical practitioners is systems in the region remain open to limited. Environmental statistics on traditional medical exploitation by bio-prospectors. Of the the region indicate that a large number countries surveyed, only Samoa has of general plant species are under systems throughout the national-level regulations to address threat from habitat degradation and South Pacific play an these issues. loss – factors that adversely affect The complexity of this problem is medicinal plant collection and use at essential role in treating highlighted by a recent case the local level. concerning the Samoan medicinal Based on a 1999 case study ailments at the local plant Mamala Homolanthus conducted in Fiji during this project, community level. Research acuminatus, from which the United trade in medicinal plants occurs States National Cancer Institute primarily from healer to patient coordinated by TRAFFIC isolated the drug Prostratin for without wholesale movement of potential use in combating HIV. The component plants or selling through Oceania, in conjunction medicinal plant material was collected markets. Two plant species that are without prior agreement with the found in international trade, Kava with the WWF South Samoan Government (although this Piper methysticum and Nonu (Indian Pacific Programme was done in 1989, before the CBD Mulberry) Morinda citrifolia are came into force). Last year, with grown from cultivated stock or, in the (WWF-SPP), found that assistance from WWF-SPP, the case of the latter, commonly found in country put in place bioprospecting secondary forests. even when Western regulations, which have since TRAFFIC Oceania will use the medicine was available, empowered Samoan government findings of this report to direct further agencies in their active policing of regional work in this sector, including local people continued “research activities” and collection of the provision of advice to Pacific biological samples by overseas Island countries on regulatory to use traditional medicine interests. frameworks and precautionary as a supplementary To redress the legislative measures. shortcomings throughout the region, treatment – and often as a WWF-SPP has been working with For more information contact lawyers from the London-based TRAFFIC Oceania Regional office. preferred alternative. Foundation for International Environmental For contact details see page 16.

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 Programme directions: TRAFFIC and ecoregion conservation

Distinct habitats and their characteristic wildlife populations, ecological dynamics and environmental conditions can be grouped into bio-geographic units termed ‘ecoregions’. Addressing conservation issues at an ecoregional level makes good sense for biological reasons, where wild populations, key sites, migration corridors, ecological processes and so on are conserved as a whole, and across the artificial barriers of political boundaries. Focusing conservation efforts on outstanding ecoregions representative of all major habitat types is a strategy gaining widespread support. The TRAFFIC Network, in its ambitious new ten-year strategic plan, is working to support ecoregion conservation efforts and has selected this as one of its four main programme elements.

Ignoring national boundaries is not biodiversity value or significance. This implementation of regulatory and other easy, but solving conservation problems involves understanding wildlife trade measures used to reduce these threats. and managing and conserving biodiversity processes acting on specific ecological Trade is a good example where threats at an ecoregional level is a strategy that is landscapes, identifying the real threats and to ecoregions are not necessarily coming gaining in influence and practical root causes to biodiversity loss; and from within the ecoregion itself. While application worldwide. promoting appropriate solutions to those local demand can have an impact on The challenges of addressing bio- who can make a difference. species populations and the environment, diversity conservation at this level are We seek to encourage partnerships with very often it is the demand from other many, and actions require close co- governments, industry, conservation organ- places that is the real driving force. Such operation and co-ordination at inter- isations and other stakeholders involved in demand may be driven by urban markets national and local levels, which can be ecoregion-based conservation efforts. in the same country or consumers in difficult to achieve. Our research provides baseline data on countries on the other side of the globe. From TRAFFIC’s point of view, trade in wild resources/species in priority Examples of this include demand for working at this level links biodiversity ecoregions, and this helps assess and fisheries products, tropical timber, reptile conservation efforts with identifying and interpret levels of threat caused by wildlife skins, medicinal and decorative plants, understanding threats to biodiversity, and trade to biodiversity in these ecoregions. and live animals for pets. working collaboratively towards multi- Through our communications work As a global Network, TRAFFIC is sector, long-term solutions that address we seek to increase awareness in able to apply its expertise at all levels of human impacts, use, and sustainability. government, industry and the general the trade, involving both producers and Our main focus is researching and public concerning threats to biodiversity consumers, wherever they may be – addressing wildlife trade that may threaten caused by wildlife trade. At the practical providing a unique perspective on what is the integrity of priority ecoregions of high level, we are working to enhance the today an effective conservation approach.

Current or planned T3 TRAFFIC TRAFFIC International T21 projects T27 T2 regional offices are linked T14 to many T28 T26 T9 T24 national offices T5 T priority T25 20 T11 T ecoregions. T1 15 T19 T12 For a list of T T 6 10 T17 T18 the ecoregions T8 T7 T shown on 23 T T 16 the map, 4 see the end T13 of this special T22 section.

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Tiger Land – the Russian Far East R. Melisch/WWF-UK

he forests of the eastern part of most effective - assisting with CITES Russia are among the largest and implementation, maintaining dialogue Tiger Land - The Russian Far East best preserved in the northern with enforcement officers and Themisphere, and its coastal and management authorities, and facilitating freshwater ecosystems may well be the co-operation with colleagues in information for future conservation richest and most productive in the world. cross-border zones and neighbouring efforts. Other activities include surveying The southern portion, where sub-tropical countries of the RFE. the region’s fur trade, helping to improve Asian wilderness meets the frozen forests Furthermore, TEUR will produce an regional Musk deer management, and of Siberia, is known as the Russian Far updated overview of wildlife trade in the articulating and implementing workable East (RFE). It is a land of salmon streams, RFE mapping out recent developments in solutions for conserving rare plant pristine seashores, natural hot springs, and the ecoregion and obtaining good base line resources that are harvested in the RFE. vast stretches of untouched temperate forest. The RFE is home to animals such as Amur Tigers and Bears, and plants such as Siberian cedar and Asian ginseng. The geo-political position of the RFE Linking unique Woodlands with – bordering China, Japan, North Korea and South Korea - is as unique as its infrastructure development - biodiversity. The opening up of the former USSR in the early 90s resulted in an the Miombo Ecoregion unprecedented rush for the natural resources of the RFE, including its forests, fisheries, minerals, oil and gas. Poaching ne of TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa’s (TESA) priority ecoregions is the of rare species for Asian wildlife Zambezian Miombo/Mopane/Savanna Woodlands, otherwise known as the medicinal and food markets, widespread Miombo ecoregion. Covering an estimated one million square miles encom- hunting for trophies and subsistence, Opassing large parts of twelve nations (Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic over-fishing, and ruthless exploitation of Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, the forestry resources intensified. Zambia and Zimbabwe), these dry Caesalpinoid woodland systems harbour a unique flora To tackle this crisis, effective and fauna, with more than half of its 8,500 plant species found nowhere else on earth. measures have to be promoted and Large-scale conversion of the Miombo ecoregion to agricultural land is occurring, and implemented that can lead to the large numbers of people in the region depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. conservation and sustainable use of Isolated from the major consuming and export market in Dar es Salaam due to poor wildlife in the RFE, and this is what infrastructure, southern Tanzania, particularly the Kilwa and Lindi districts, harbours one TRAFFIC Europe (TEUR) aims at and of the largest natural stands of Miombo woodlands in Africa. However, this may all be contributes to. The Russian and about to change with the advent of a new bridge across the Rufiji River, which will open indigenous peoples inhabiting Tiger Land up an unimpeded coastal transport route. Previously, the seasonal flooding of the Rufiji have an opportunity to create an almost completely prevented overland transport of timber and other cargo across its environmentally sustainable economy that banks. Even in the dry season, very little timber got ferried across the river northwards, can protect ecologically important lands, and the long, circuitous roads charting inland routes to Dar added too much additional restore damaged landscapes, and use cost. Now, the completion of the bridge, scheduled for June 2001, will create a continual natural resources within ecological limits link between Dar es Salaam and southern Tanzania. for the benefit of local communities. But Once the bridge is open for business, broader plans for road, power and this will take time, political and public communication developments will necessarily follow. From a conservation perspective, support, commitment, and collaboration. there is little doubt that the exploitation of natural resources, particularly timber, will TEUR has been active in this increase enormously as a result. Altering the face of southern Tanzania in this manner ecoregion since 1997, investigating the will produce impacts on an ecoregional scale, and ultimately have spin-off repercussions trade in tiger products, musk, and ginseng in neighbouring parts of Mozambique and Malawi. among others. TEUR’s aim for future While there may be no stopping these events in their own right, the challenge is to work is to pursue areas where it has been seize the moment and commence a programme to measure the impact of development on biodiversity and natural resource use. With ‘fast track’ funding from WWF’s Miombo ecoregion programme, TRAFFIC researchers are now undertaking a five-month A new bridge being built across reconnaissance to produce vital baseline data on the scale of current timber and other Rufiji River in Miombo Woodlands. resource exploitation in southern Tanzania before the Rufiji bridge is completed. This effort constitutes the initial phase of a larger effort to document timber exploitation in the region over the next few years. Through a WWF-UK GAA funding approach, TESA hopes to commence an ongoing, long-term monitoring programme once the bridge becomes operational. Understanding the situation on the ground at this critical juncture will allow for future assessments that measure the impact of increased accessibility to Miombo woodlands in a general climate of high market demand and inefficient control mechanisms. In this way, TESA hopes to make a solid contribution to WWF’s Miombo ecoregion programme and help to mitigate unsustainable exploitative activities on the natural resource base using credible scientific data from its monitoring

Sam Kasulwa / Programme Office WWF Tanzania programme.

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 Southeast Asia’s

‘Mother River’ – the Mekong TRAFFIC Southeast Asia

he Mekong River catchment area and threats in the region. It will also assist covers more than 800,000 square in bringing together governments, kilometres and the river itself is government agencies, NGOs, and local Mother River - the Mekong Tmore than 4,200 kilometres long, communities of the lower Mekong making it the world’s 12th longest. countries to improve dialogue with one Emanating from headwaters on the another. This is especially important since and increased protection for each nation’s Tibetan Plateau, it winds southward both local and national developments have wildlife resources is needed to better through Yunnan China into Myanmar, an impact on the Mekong region beyond pursue conservation efforts and prevent Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, being fed national boundaries. Since wildlife trade illegal trade that threatens the richness of by thousands of major and minor crosses borders, international cooperation this diverse ecoregion. tributaries along the way before crossing Vietnam and emptying into the South China Sea. It also traverses some of Earth’s most spectacular biological and cultural landscapes. Living desert – the Chihuahuan Although the Mekong region continues to maintain a high degree of Desert Ecoregion biodiversity, habitat degradation during the past 20 years has threatened the he Chihuahuan Desert is perhaps the most biologically diverse desert ecosystem survival of many species and even the in the world. It is particularly known for its botanical bounty as it is home to extinction of some. These impacts approximately 23 percent of the planet’s known cacti species, many of which are continue on a wide scale, both Tfound nowhere else in the wild. Cacti unique to this ecoregion display geographically and in terms of the number remarkable morphology and are known for their miniature size and low-growing of species affected. Construction of characteristics, making them irresistible to some collectors. hydroelectric power dams and a range of Thousands of reptiles, primarily lizards and snakes, many of which are endemic, are other developments have had a significant also collected from the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion each year to supply the enormous negative impact on aquatic and wetlands demand for these species. ecosystems, as well as the biodiversity of With support from WWF US, TRAFFIC North America (TNAM) has identified both the region. Critical habitats have begun to cacti and reptiles as particularly in need of a study to quantify their exploitation and trade. disappear, and a much larger area is being The threat posed by such exploitation can then be assessed and necessary steps identified degraded at a rapid pace, which is to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable resources. alarming in terms of its impact on rare and Cacti endangered species. Many species, a All cacti are regulated by CITES, with some taxa prohibited from trade. Mexico, number of them endemic, are on the brink where 70 percent of the 800 to 1500 known cacti species occur naturally, prohibits the of extinction or have become extinct exportation of wild live cacti and their seeds. The country has placed additional strict already, e.g. Eld’s deer (Cervus eldi). measures on collecting, possessing and commercializing endangered, endemic and unique Hundreds of others remain threatened. fauna and flora, including cacti. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia (TSEA) in Despite Mexico’s ban, the country has been the target of foreign collectors searching collaboration with other organisations is for rare and new species of cacti. Newly discovered and endangered Mexican cacti have developing activities that will contribute appeared in European mail-order catalogues. An unfortunate side effect of overzealous to efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts collection of cacti is the decline in wild populations of some taxa. IUCN considers 217 of development and ensuring the cactus species endangered in Mexico, owing largely to continued looting of rare cacti for conservation of biodiversity in the sale in local, domestic and foreign markets. Mekong region. TSEA is developing a TNA is conducting an initial review of the collection, commercialization and project that will increase knowledge and conservation of cacti in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion. This project will provide awareness about wildlife trade impacts conservationists with the information needed to undertake further work on the extent and biological impacts of trade on species, their wild populations and habitats in this region. Reptiles Living desert - the Chihuahua Though there are many factors affecting reptile populations in the Chihuahuan Desert, such as habitat destruction, harvest for trade is seen as one of the primary threats. Among the most sought after taxa are Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards, the world’s only two venomous lizards, which are listed on CITES Appendix II and recognized as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Other taxa frequently harvested for the trade include Horned Lizards, Collared lizards, Rosy Boas, Kingsnakes and Rattlesnakes. Despite a large and growing demand for reptiles from the Chihuahuan Desert, there is little regulation of harvest and trade within this region in both the United States and Mexico, with little focus on the protection of these species by wildlife law enforcement agencies. The project undertaken by TNAM will provide well-documented, comprehensive data and information on the status of these reptile species and the impacts of harvest and trade on the long-term sustainability of current populations. Our results will allow conservationists and state and federal governments to be proactive in their efforts to

Gerry Ellis / WWF-US further protect these species.

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 TRAFFIC’s ecoregional world TRAFFIC Europe-Russia

Ecoregions linked to current or planned projects of the TRAFFIC Network : Alexey Vaisman/

T1. Andaman Islands and Sea – TRAFFIC India T2. Alta Sayan Region – TRAFFIC Europe T3. Bering Sea – TRAFFIC Europe Biologically one of the most T4. Central Andean Yungas – TRAFFIC South America productive seas in the world - the Bering Sea ecoregion T5. Chihuahuan Desert – TRAFFIC North America T6. East African Coastal Forests – TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa TRAFFIC will be publishing a report T7. East African Marine – TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa Trawling in the Mist: Industrial Fisheries T8. Eastern Arc Montane Forests – TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa in the Western Bering Sea by Alexey Vaisman of TRAFFIC Europe-Russia, as T9. Eastern Himalayas – TRAFFIC India part of TRAFFIC’s Species in Danger (SID) series by mid-2001. It is hoped that T10. Galapagos Islands – TRAFFIC South America the information contained in this report T11. Ghats Ecoregion – TRAFFIC India will contribute to the overall body of knowledge pertaining to Bering Sea T12. Guianan Shield – TRAFFIC South America fisheries, and, most importantly, will assist fisheries managers to achieve the goal of T13. Marine ecoregions, other – TRAFFIC Oceania sustainable utilisation of marine resources T14. Mediterranean Woodlands and Shrublands - TRAFFIC Europe in this vital ecoregion. The Bering Sea is the greatest sea T15. Mekong River Basin – TRAFFIC Southeast Asia basin in the northern Pacific Ocean and identified among the 61 marine ecoregions T16. Miombo Woodlands – TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa included in WWF’s Global 200 T17. Napo Moist Forests – TRAFFIC South America ecoregions. This large body of water is biologically one of the most productive T18. Niugini Forests - TRAFFIC Oceania seas in the world, and has a diverse and rich supply of fauna and flora, including T19. Northern Andes - TRAFFIC South America considerable commercial biological T20. Northern Indochina Subtropical Moist Forests – TRAFFIC East Asia resources such as fish, invertebrates and sea mammals. T21. Russian Far East – TRAFFIC Europe Recent estimates of losses resulting from illegal fishing activity in Russia all T22. Southern Oceans– TRAFFIC Oceania point to the chaotic nature of fisheries in T23. Southwest Amazonia – TRAFFIC South America the region and the impossible challenge of managing marine resources when off-take T24. Southwest Temperate Forests of China – TRAFFIC East Asia levels are unknown and are very likely to be unsustainable. T25. Sunderbans – TRAFFIC India With support from WWF-US T26. Tibetan Plateau – TRAFFIC India TRAFFIC conducted a six-month review in 1999/2000 of industrial fisheries in the T27. Volga Delta & Caspian Sea – TRAFFIC Europe region, with a focus on activities off the Kamchatka peninsula. The project T28. Western Himalayas – TRAFFIC India revealed that Kamchatka’s fishing sector is in a crisis situation characterised by a All material published in “TRAFFIC and ecoregions” special section originates from staff of sharp drop in production potential, and a the respective TRAFFIC regional programmes. For further information regarding ongoing deteriorating financial return. This ecoregional work and future plans, please contact the respective regional office directly. situation has encouraged the illegal For contact details, see latest copy of Dispatches, our website www.traffic.org or contact harvesting of marine biological resources. TRAFFIC International, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, tel. +44 (0)1223 Based on the findings of this study, 277427, fax +44 (0)1223 277237, email: [email protected]. strategies and recommendations to address unsustainable and illegal harvest and trade TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN–The World Conservation Union and in marine resources were developed. WWF*-World Wide Fund for Nature. For more information on the study see cover story (Dispatches #16). For future

* WWF is known as World updates on the report, see our website Wildlife Fund in Canada www.traffic.org or contact your nearest TRAFFIC and the USA. TRAFFIC office.

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 Medicinal Plant News

BMZ-funded workshop held Medicinal Plan Action Plan Commonwealth regional in Hong Kong underway in Colombia workshop in South Africa

one-day stakeholder workshop he outputs of a workshop paper Threatened medic-inal Aentitled Medicinal Plant Trade TSustainable Use of and Trade in Aplants in East and Southern and Sustainable Use was held in Medicinal Plants in Colombia co- Africa was presented by Nina November 2000 to discuss the role of organised by TRAFFIC South Marshall, Assistant Director of Hong Kong in the medicinal plant America, are now to be used as a basis TRAFFIC Europe in a workshop trade. The event was organised by for establishing an Action Plan to organised by The Export and TRAFFIC East Asia under the regulate the medicinal plant trade in Industrial Development Division auspices of a project supported by Colombia. (EIDD) of the Commonwealth Germany’s Federal Ministry for The proceedings of the workshop Secretariat on medicinal herbs and Economic Co-operation and released last month reveal increasing their extracts, held last December in Development (BMZ). consumption of plants of Colombian Cape Town. Participants included members of origin, in an environment where the For more information contact the local trader associations as well as official trade regulation levels are TRAFFIC Europe or TRAFFIC representatives from the Hong Kong clearly low. East/Southern Africa-South Africa CITES Management Authority, the For more information, contact office. Department of Health, and Hong Kong TRAFFIC South America office. Chinese University’s School of Chinese Medicine. The final report, The Role of Hong Cultivation initiative becomes a Kong in the Regional Medicinal Plant success story in India Trade in East Asia (in Chinese) will be made available to all participants and small function was organised at other identified stakeholders in the Athe Village Soda-Raipur Block in Rahul Dutta / TRAFFIC India region. a remote area of Dehradun district on The purpose of the workshop was 25 January 2001, when farmers who to obtain information from the traders had participated in TRAFFIC-India's to complement documented trade and pilot project of medicinal plant customs data collected and analysed cultivation in their marginal lands, by TRAFFIC East Asia. The were remunerated for their crops. workshop also aimed to involve The farmers had taken up 13 Farmers with their konch crop at the stakeholders in the research and to medicinal plant species for cultivation, ‘buy back’ function in Dehradun. alert them to possible future regulatory out of which a crop of Konch (Mucuna developments. The results of the pruriens) was harvested and sold to the process are, for TRAFFIC East Asia, traders under a ‘buy back’ arrangement. Recent publications more accurate information on the trade The efforts of TRAFFIC-India and and, for other stakeholders, increased WWF-India in initiating the project Regulation of Collection, Transit and understanding of the relationship were lauded and support for other Trade of Medicinal Plants and other between conservation, CITES, and similar initiatives was highlighted by Non Timber Forest Products in India. trade in medicinal plants. the Chief Secretary of Uttaranchal, Mr. 529pp. November 2000. -- Samuel Lee, Programme Officer, Ajay Vikram Singh. TRAFFIC/WWF India. TRAFFIC East Asia Mr. Toliya, the Principal Secretary, Forests, also welcomed the initiative CITES Listed Medicinal Plants of of TRAFFIC-India and Vaidya India. An Identification Manual. Chandra Prakash Cancer Research 85pp. November 2000. Proceedings of EXPO 2000 Foundation is taking up this work in TRAFFIC/WWF India. Symposium now available the interior villages. Dr. S.K. Mukherjee, Director, Cultivation of Medicinal Plants of he proceedings of the symposium Wildlife Institute of India offered to India. A Reference Book. 161pp. TMedicinal Utilisation of Wild host a stakeholders meeting on November 2000. TRAFFIC/WWF Species that was convened by medicinal plants conservation in India. TRAFFIC Europe-Germany and Uttaranchal in order to maintain the WWF Germany in October 2000 are momentum built up by this pilot All three reports were released at now available. For full copies and project. India’s fifth and final stakeholder further information contact Susanne -- Rahul Dutta, Information Officer, meeting of the medicinal plant project Honnef at TRAFFIC Europe-Germany. TRAFFIC India funded by BMZ.

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 European Eel: Decline of a highly migratory fish by Stéphane Ringuet, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Europe-France and Caroline Raymakers, Senior Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe

Populations of European Eel Anguilla anguilla fisheries have dropped drastically in the past ten years. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) data, the annual catch of the European Eel decreased by over 40%, from 1988 to 1998 with only 7.546 tonnes of eels harvested in 1998. The decline of this unique species that reproduces in the Sargasso Sea and colonises fresh, brackish and coastal waters throughout Europe as well as North and West Africa, is especially worrying since eels are important to many aquatic systems. They are particularly vulnerable due to their long and complex biological cycle, about which much is still unknown. In addition, as many as 25,000 people in rural Asia and Europe depend on the species for their livelihoods.

In an effort to better understand However, the study found that exports outside Europe that year). this relatively recent decline, trade can also play a major role in the With regard to the number of fish TRAFFIC Europe-France has in the future of eel populations. Towards the caught, this represents a vast amount past few months compiled information end of the 1990s, Japanese Eel of eels as 1 tonne of European glass on European Eel fisheries, trade and populations collapsed as a result to the eels can represent as many as 2.5 conservation measures in France and growing demand of the species in the million glass eels caught in the wild. Europe as well as at the international Japanese food market. This con- Eels from Western Europe are also level. The study also highlights the tributed greatly to demand of used to restock both Central and relationship between European Eel European glass eel (one of the early Northern European rivers and farming management and the fisheries of other stages of development of eels) in Asia, facilities. eel species. encouraging over-fishing and poach- This ongoing study is the first It has been suggested that changes ing in Europe, with prices per attempt to compile information on in ocean currents might be affecting kilogram suddenly surging from European eels, such as current transatlantic migration of leptocephali USD88 to USD440. In France, which management goals of European eel (eel larvae) which then contributes to was the first country in Europe to producers as well as international trade the decline in wild populations. Loss export live glass eels, as much as 80% and control measures. Recently, the of available river habitats, land-based of commercial glass eels came from commercial aspects of eel fisheries pollution, as well as alien parasitism, illegal fishing in mid-1990s. have also been highlighted in all advance the decline of the species. During the same time span (1988- discussions between the FAO Working Also, dams that limit the migration of 98), the world’s aquaculture pro- Group on European Eel of the eels (in “silver eel” stage) back to the duction of eels doubled from 98,000t European Inland Fisheries Advisory sea, and possibly the subsequent to 217,000t, of which 95% was Committee (EIFAC) and the reproduction and survival of early produced in Asian farms. As Europe International Council for the larvae together with over-fishing at has increasingly supplied the Asian eel Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and it is local rivers and estuaries are thought farms with necessary glass eels, the anticipated that further discussions to contribute to the decline. study confirmed that Asia has about these issues will follow. gradually become more dependent on The next step of the TRAFFIC Eels for sale on a food market wild-caught eels of Europe. Eels are study is to clarify the full impact in Guangzhou, China. mostly caught young in Western European eels have on the Europe and then exported to Asian eel international eel trade and also to farms in China, South Korea and establish an action plan that would Japan and then sold and consumed hopefully secure the future of this mainly in Japan. unique species. In 1997, for example France This work is to be supported under exported more than 266t of European the TRAFFIC fisheries programme Eels to destinations outside EU supported by David and Lucile

R. Melisch/TRAFFIC Europe-Germany (amounting to 55% of all EU eel Packard Foundation.

12 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 CITES Significant Trade Review process on sturgeon and paddlefish underway by Caroline Raymakers, Senior Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe

he entire Order Acipenseri- implemented properly by range States Caviar Labelling formes, 27 species of sturgeon (e.g. Caspian Sea, Danube River and Tand paddlefish, has been Amur River basins) and international included in the CITES Appendices trade may therefore be detrimental to since June 1997. The vulnerability of the survival of wild populations. The Resolution Conf. 11.13 Universal these fish lies essentially in their late four remaining species were classified labelling system for the identification maturity, sometimes 25 years, and in to category 2; species for which not the fact that their survival and enough information had been provided of caviar, was adopted at COP 11 and reproduction depends on a wide range by range States to conclude if the of habitats. They spend the longest Convention is implemented in a way a working group was formed to look part of their lives in coastal brackish that ensures that international trade is and clarify various concerns and marine waters where they feed and not detrimental to the species. migrate in large rivers to reach their In February 2001, a list of detailed related to the resolution. The spawning grounds. recommendations and questions about report submitted by the working In April 2000, at the 11th meeting fisheries management and trade of the CITES Conference of the control measures tailored to the group to the members of the Parties (COP 11), 25 species of country’s situation was sent by CITES Acipenseriformes listed in Appendix Secretariat to each Party. For most Animals Committee in December II were included in the Significant range States, the major concern is the highlighted among others, that the Trade Review. This decision was uncertain basis for establishment of official recognition of the on-going the annual catch and export quotas of intent of the Resolution is to apply and increasing problems facing sturgeon and sturgeon products. The only to commercial shipments and sturgeon and paddlefish fisheries countries are expected to answer around the world. Experts believe that before the end of May 2001, or a not to personal effects. annual caviar export quotas set by the maximum 90 days after the range States are not based on sound recommendations were received. At present there is no universal and updated biological and market If Parties do not react, or if their labelling system for identification data. response is considered unsatisfactory TRAFFIC received a grant from by the CITES Secretariat, the CITES of caviar to indicate if products the CITES Secretariat to undertake the Standing Committee at its meeting in from wild and captive-bred sources Significant Trade Review of 10 June 2001 has authority to recommend species, 9 sturgeon and one paddlefish, that CITES Parties do not accept any have been legally obtained and that are most targeted by commercial shipment of particular species of fisheries and international trade. The sturgeon or paddlefish from countries traded. The outcome of the Review was based on an assessment of of concern. In short, if range States do Animals Committee meeting draws the implementation of CITES listing not take action to improve their of Acipenseriformes in 1998 and was sturgeon fisheries management and clear guidelines for countries and carried-out in consultation with 17 trade controls, they may face a CITES the private sector to implement countries, including two that are not prohibition on exports of products and Parties to CITES. Additionally, the specimens of these species before the and enforce efficient labelling of IUCN Species Survival Commission end of August 2001. provided input from the experts of its caviar for better trade controls. Sturgeon Specialist Group. This will greatly assist efforts to

In December 2000, at the 16th Caroline Raymakers / TRAFFIC Europe meeting of CITES Animals ensure that consumers are not Committee, the members of the buying caviar outside the legal Committee proposed drastic action that was in line with the recom- trade channels. mendations prepared by TRAFFIC: Six species were classified as category 1 species; species for which the provisions of CITES are not

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 13 ... continued from page 1 monitoring and regulation were The most widespread violations interviewed during this project, in include distortion of data by fishermen activities, both of which undermine particular to gain an understanding of on the volume and size of fish caught current efforts aimed at achieving the illegal activities occurring in the as well as on the species composition sustainable fisheries harvest and trade. fisheries sector in the western Bering of the catch. Other violations include Sea. distortion of data by processors on the TRAFFIC study volume and quality of fisheries to better understand Lack of management products that are processed on board, the impact of exploitation encouraging illegal harvesting fishing in prohibited areas, and selling and other activities unreported catch without paying In an effort to better understand the customs duties, either at sea or in impact of current exploitation of The project revealed that foreign markets. marine resources in the western Bering Kamchatka’s fishing sector, as in the Sea, TRAFFIC conducted a six-month rest of Russia, is in a crisis situation Towards sustainable utilisation review of industrial fisheries in the characterised by a sharp drop in region, with a focus on activities off production potential, and a This project is nearing completion, the Kamchatka peninsula. The deteriorating financial status. This and a report containing its results, research was supported by funding situation has encouraged the illegal Trawling in the Mist: Industrial from the WWF-US. Based on the harvesting of marine biological Fisheries in the Western Bering Sea by findings of this study, strategies and resources. Alexey Vaisman of TRAFFIC Europe- recommendations to address The existence of illicit activities, Russia, will be published in unsustainable and illegal harvest and including catching, processing and TRAFFIC’s Species in Danger series trade in marine resources were also storage of fish in excess of quotas by mid-2001. Publication costs are to developed. allocated per species, is significant at be met from TRAFFIC’s fisheries In 1999/2000, TRAFFIC collected all levels and scales - from sailors on programme supported by the David harvest and trade statistics on key small isolated fishing vessels to and Lucile Packard Foundation. marine species caught in the western organised fleets of large industrial It is hoped that the information Bering Sea, and specifically looked at fishing boats. contained in this report will contribute 23 species in nine resource groups: The total number of infractions to the knowledge pertaining to Bering pollack, cod, herring, rockfish, halibut, detected by the Kamchatka Basin Sea fisheries, and, most importantly, flounder, crab, shrimp and squid. Regional Fisheries Inspectorate from will assist fisheries managers to Information was collected on 1993 to 1998 was 191 (on average 32 achieve the goal of sustainable biological characteristics of the per year), but in 1999 when control utilisation of marine resources in this species, stocks, quotas and harvest patrols were intensified, the figure vital ecoregion. levels, fishing gears, trade, and trends. rose to 209, with 152 of these For future updates on the report, Agencies and individuals involved in infractions committed by Russian see our website www.traffic.org or stock assessment, quota setting, vessels. contact your nearest TRAFFIC office.

Unloading a catch of Alaska pollack Recent reports in the on the deck of a Russian fishery vessel. Species in Danger series

Far from A Cure: The Tiger Trade Revisited. Kirstin Nowell. March 2000. 100pp.

* Slipping the net: Spain’s compliance with ICCAT recommendations for Swordfish and Bluefin Tuna. Caroline Raymakers, Jacqui Lynham. November 1999. 58pp.

Searching for a Cure: Conservation of medicinal wildlife resources in East and Southern Africa. Nina T. Marshall. September 1998. 112pp.

*** Alexey Vaisman / TRAFFIC Europe-Russia Alexey Vaisman

14 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 16 March 2001 ... continued from page 2 meeting their CITES obligations. The points. Time was running out but all forthright in explaining their EU Commission provided a of the discussions were covered in the difficulties and this was the key to the presentation on how the EU as a major section on solutions. The Secretariat success of the workshop. ‘customer’ for wildlife from these is now working on producing a report South Africa explained how it had countries had imposed stricter of the meeting with an emphasis on dealt with the problems of large-scale domestic measures and how and why these solutions. exports from a megabiodiverse nation these have applied. This information I cannot say what will be in the and the systems they had developed was vital to help exporting nations report but I doubt the words will be that had worked well for them. My understand the perspective of able to impart the feeling of value and TRAFFIC colleagues from Tanzania consumer states. excitement about what the future could and Brussels joined me to observe the From all of these discussions we bring, amongst people who clearly did workshop and share our experiences tabulated the common themes and care about their jobs and about what and ideas on good CITES associated issues and used these as the CITES means and can potentially implementation and the common basis for drawing up recommendations achieve. Week-long discussions about issues that these countries shared in for change and a series of action how to implement an international treaty in developing countries may not sound too enthralling. However, I will always remember that the debate was mostly lively, sometimes humourous but always engrossing. And it had a tone of urgency and importance for the Parties that were brought from the South to the North, to meet each other.

The Secretary General of the CITES Secretariat Willem Wijnstekers (second from left) chaired the five- day workshop. Crawford Allan / TRAFFIC International

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during November 2000 - February 2001:

Action Aid Malawi Leuser Development Programme US Information Service Programme AGF Management Limited Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Development Office, South Africa Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Annuity Trust US National Marine Fisheries Service Department., Hong Kong Marine Leadership Council US State Department Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Mazda Wildlife Fund The Walt Disney Company Foundation AusAID Ministerium fu Umwelt und Forsten - Wildlife and Environment Society of Australian Fisheries Management Authority Rheinland-Pfalz South Africa Belgian Government Ministry of Environment & Forests, India WWF Australia Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea WWF Belgium Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Ministry of Tourism and National Parks, WWF Biodiversity Support Programme Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Malawi WWF Canada (BMZ), Germany National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA WWF Coordination Office-Zambia Caviar Petrossian National Geographic Channel Asia WWF East African Marine Ecoregion CITES Secretariat Natural Heritage Trust Programme The Commemorative Association for the Nautilus TV WWF East Africa Regional Programme Japan World Exposition Netherlands Government Office The David and Lucile Packard Foundation New Horizons Computer Learning Centre WWF Endangered Seas Campaign Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Norwegian Agency for International WWF France Dieckmann & Hansen Caviar, GmbH Cooperation (NORAD) WWF Gabon Programme Endangered Wildlife Trust Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew WWF Germany European Commission, Directorates General The Rufford Foundation WWF Hong Kong VIII & XI SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit WWF International EU Yan Sang Limited, Hong Kong Save the Tiger Fund, USA WWF Italy Exxon Corporation Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Japan Mr James Fairfax Southern Africa Wildlife College WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Stevens Sharkey WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme Green Trust Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF Netherlands Ion Fund Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF New Zealand IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office Tiger's Eye Retail WWF South Africa IUCN - The World Conservation Union UK Department of Environment, Transport WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme IUCN Mozambique Country Office and the Regions Office IUCN - Species Survival Commission UK Department for International WWF Sweden IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group Development, Botswana Office WWF Switzerland The John Ellerman Foundation UNESCO WWF Tanzania Programme Office Johnson & Johnson United World Chinese Commercial Bank WWF Tiger Conservation Programme Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden US Agency for International Development WWF-UK Kenya Wildlife Service US Fish & Wildlife Service WWF-US

Number 16 March 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 15 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

TRAFFIC International Vregional TRAFFIC office znational TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei TRAFFIC Europe - Germany PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 Germany Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - TRAFFIC Europe - Italy c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America Regional Office c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional 00198 Rome, Italy Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, Programme Office Tel: (39) 06 8449735 PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia Fax: (39) 06 84497356 Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext.400 PO Box CY 1409 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (593) 2 466624 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534 TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands Fax: (263) 4 703902 PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist E-mail: [email protected] The Netherlands TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office Tel: (31) 30 6937307 M19B 2nd. Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21) TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (31) 30 6912064 46000 PJ Old Town, c/o Ngong Racecourse E-mail: [email protected] Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Tel: (603) 77817284 & (603) 77822704; Kenya TRAFFIC Europe - Russia Fax: (603) 77847220 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 c/o WWF Russia Programme Office E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia Tel: (007) 095 7270939 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Viet Nam TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa Fax: (007) 095 7270938 c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag E-mail: [email protected] 53 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, x11, Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect PO Box 151, Hanoi, Vietnam Africa Tel: (84) 4 733 8387 / 733 8386 Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 TRAFFIC India - Regional Office Fax: (84) 4 822 0642 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 c/o WWF India Secretariat E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 172 B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India Tel: (91) 11 4698578 Fax: (91) 11 4626837/4691226 E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHES Number 17 July 2001 Reviews on whale meat trade controls in Japan, South Korea and Norway released

n 23 July 2001, coinciding The studies noted the significant Caroline Raymakers / TRAFFIC Europe with the opening of the 53rd progress made by Norway and Japan Omeeting of the International in implementing domestic man- Whaling Commission (IWC) held in agement systems to regulate trade in London, TRAFFIC released three whale products, and especially in the reports based on its continued efforts establishment of DNA registers of to review whale meat trade controls whales legally caught in their waters. in Japan, South Korea and Norway. The three studies titled These reports provide the latest “Monitoring progress in Norway’s TRAFFIC information available on development of a DNA register for its Whale meat on sale in Norway. trade controls in the respective domestic management system for countries. whale meat” (July 2001), “A Survey of In Japan, samples for genetic the Commercial Trade in Whale Meat analysis are reported to be collected Products in Japan” (June 2000) and from every specimen of minke whale “A Survey of Whale Meat Markets harvested as part of Japan’s scientific INSIDE: Along South Korea’s Coast” (June whaling operations in the Antarctic 2000) were funded by WWF. and North Pacific regions. Govern- • New Wildlife Bill in Australia In late 1999, with the co- ment notifications also request operation of the relevant government collection of samples from specimens In Viet Nam: authorities, TRAFFIC commenced a of baleen whales and Sperm Whales • CITES legislation work underway study aimed to gain understanding of stranded or caught as bycatch in • Awareness campaign launched the trade control measures national waters. introduced in Norway and verify the • Eurasian trophy hunting TRAFFIC’s review of the tourism accuracy of the DNA register system measures adopted identified employed. DNA samples are shortcomings in the domestic man- • Tootfish report out in August reported to be taken by government agement system’s ability to distin- inspectors from each specimen as guish between legal and illegal whale • Nature concervation legislation soon as whales are caught, and a meat in the marketplace as inclusion report released in South Africa specialised laboratory has been of samples from frozen stocks, commissioned to analyse samples incidental catch and strandings in the • CITES workshop in Egypt and produce a DNA fingerprint for register is not yet mandatory. each individual whale. Norway has However, TRAFFIC notes with • Compromise agreement on established a DNA register of all satisfaction recent revisions to caviar at Caspian Sea minke whales legally caught for the whaling regulations in Japan which 1997 season onwards. now require mandatory reporting of • Multi-lingual tools in use in During its review, TRAFFIC the bycatch of large whales in trap net East Asia secured DNA profiles from a selection fisheries (including biological and of samples on the Norwegian market • First CITES wider Caribbean catch information), provision of DNA Hawksbill Dialogue meeting and in June 2000 presented the results samples for analysis, and reporting of to the Norwegian government for DNA results to the government. • Whale Sharks in India matching with the register. However, TRAFFIC fully supports the this matching remains unresolved over establishment of a comprehensive • Programme targets for 2001-04 a year later and TRAFFIC is await ing DNA register within Japan further information from the encompassing not only “by-products” Norwegian authorities. continued on page 10... New Federal Wildlife bill sets standards for wildlife protection in Australia

new wildlife trade law that was species such as exotic birds, whale TRAFFIC Oceania, together with Apassed through both houses of bone products and rhino and tiger WWF Australia and Humane Society parliament in Canberra, on Friday, 29 parts. International suggested a number of June 2001 sets new standards for Overall effectiveness of the amendments to the bill which were wildlife protection in Australia. legislation, however, will depend on supported by all political parties. The Environment Protection and key points of government support, These included among others Biodiversity Conservation Amendment such as adequate funding and requirements to consider recovery plans (Wildlife Protection) Bill 2001 resources, in terms of both expertise before giving export permits relating to integrates the existing Act dealing and personnel, to implement and threatened species, and restricting with wildlife trade* within the enforce the legislation; appropriately registered scientific exchanges to non- Environment Protection and strong regulations to be finalised in the commercial exchanges. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. drafting process; and the review of the For more information, please The new bill will drastically National Exotic Birds Registration contact Director Glenn Sant at increase the Federal Government’s Scheme (NEBRS) which will be TRAFFIC Oceania. For contact capacity to enforce wildlife protection conducted by TRAFFIC Oceania prior details, see page 12. laws, making it easier to prosecute to the legislation coming into force in illegal importing of endangered December 2001. *Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982

Glenn Sant, Director, TRAFFIC Oceania discusses the Bill with another conservationist outside Australia's Parliament House TRAFFIC Dispatches shortly after the Bill was tabled on 219c Huntingdon Road Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL 24 May 2001. Sophie Chapple Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC staff news Web site: www.traffic.org Editor: Maija Sirola

Welcome © TRAFFIC International 2001

Ernie Cooper has started his work Karin Berkhoudt has joined TRAFFIC is a joint programme as the new TRAFFIC North America TRAFFIC-Europe Regional Office as of IUCN–The World Conservation Representative in Canada in June the new Programme Officer in May Union and WWF, the conservation 2001. Ernie comes to TRAFFIC after a 2001. organization. It aims to help ensure long career with Environment Canada that trade in wild plants and animals as a Wildlife Inspector based in Akiko Ishihara from TRAFFIC is not a threat to the conservation of Vancouver. East Asia-Japan has commenced her nature. * maternity leave on 16 July 2001 The TRAFFIC Network works Dr. Fumihito Muto started as the during which Shoko Kameoka will be in co-operation with the Secretariat new Regional Fisheries Officer in working full-time at Japan office. of the Convention on International TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan in April Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 2001. Dr. Muto has trained in fisheries *** Fauna and Flora (CITES). science at the Hokkaido University. Goodbye TRAFFIC Dispatches is published He will be working on regional by TRAFFIC International to keep fisheries issues in Japan, and Nina Marshall has left her position the Network’s partners and supporters elsewhere in the region. as the Assistant Director in TRAFFIC informed about our activities and Europe Regional office in May 2001 accomplishments. * to take up a new challenge at the Kelly Trentham started her work as Conservation International in the new Office Manager at TRAFFIC Washington as the Grant Director for International in April 2001 . Africa.

* ***

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 17 July 2001 CITES legislation gets underway in Viet Nam by Julie Thomson, National Representative, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Viet Nam

ike its neighbours, Viet Nam ministries and four scientific domestic legislation and establishing has a long history of trade in institutions of the country. penalties for violation of the Lwild species. The trade is In early April 2001, draft CITES Convention. known to have had localised impacts legislation was completed and the The legislation will come just in on abundance of some species but it Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental time to acknowledge the importance of was not until Viet Nam embarked Law (APCEL), IUCN, WWF and CITES, before the 17th Annual CITES upon its highly successful policy of TRAFFIC were asked to review it. It is Animals Committee meeting convenes economic restructuring in the early expected that a revised draft will be in Ha Noi in July-August 2001 and, 1980s that the trade began affecting submitted to the Prime Minister of even more importantly, before the wildlife from neighbouring states. Viet Nam for ratification before CITES deadline for adequate This factor, alongside China’s September 2001. After ratification, the legislation to be in place expires in dramatic economic growth and legislation will provide for better October 2001. historical trade ties between the two implementation of CITES by clearly The Rufford Foundation and countries, have resulted in Viet Nam designating Viet Nam’s CITES WWF-US have generously supported emerging as a significant player in the Management and Scientific Authorities, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia – Viet wildlife trade at the regional level. clarifying CITES-listed species and Nam’s work on this issue. At the international level, Viet those protected by Viet Nam’s Nam acts as a source area especially for reptiles and small to medium sized mammals. Viet Nam is also a nation that consumes wild species, in National tourist awareness campaign particular, bears and reptiles in large quantities. It also acts as a transit route on wildlife trade and CITES launched to international markets, such as China, for species that are legally and n 15 June 2001 the Vietnamese Millennium.” illegally harvested from its Ogovernment in collaboration with As the number of tourists to Viet neighbouring countries, namely Laos TRAFFIC Southeast Asia – Viet Nam Nam has grown, so too have pressures and Cambodia. launched a national tourist awareness on the nation’s wild animal and plant Since acceding to CITES in 1994, campaign on wildlife trade and species. Unwittingly, many tourists the Vietnamese government has CITES. are buying souvenirs or products striven to address illegal wildlife trade Over the last several years, Viet derived from threatened wild animals but has so far lacked the capacity to Nam has increasingly become a and plants harvested illegally from effectively implement and enforce the popular destination for foreign Viet Nam and its neighbours. Convention. The findings of the tourists. Renowned for its rich Often these products are sold CITES Secretariat from the last phase cultural and ecological heritage, over openly, with no indication that their of the CITES National Legislation two million tourists visited Viet Nam sale is illegal under Viet Nam’s project, presented at the 11th in 2000. This is an increase of nearly domestic law or that they may require Conference of the Parties to CITES 20% from the previous year and CITES permits for export. For a (CoP11) last year, noted that further rises are expected as the country that has lost over 60 % of its implementation of CITES legislation government makes good of its promise forest cover in the last fifty years and in Viet Nam was far from sufficient. “Viet Nam: Destination for the New whose species are quickly disappearing To improve the situation, the Parties continued on page 5... requested Viet Nam to adopt adequate legislation before 31 October 2001 (under Decision 11.15). In the conclusions, it was noted that should Viet Nam fail to adopt the legislation, it could risk facing sanctions on trade in CITES-listed species. In response, the Vietnamese government established a CITES Legislation Working Group in September last year and invited TRAFFIC to provide technical assistance to the group. Members of Two bill-boards, in English and Vietnamese, will be displayed at Tan Son Nhat the Working Group represented six International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City in the end of July 2001.

Number 17 July 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 Eastern Europe has a lion’s share of the Eurasian trophy hunting tourism

by Roland Melisch, National Representative, TRAFFIC Europe-Germany

There have been increasing attempts in recent years to of the German tourist hunters spend integrate trophy hunting as a conservation tool into wildlife between EUR1250 (US$1100) and management programmes, the goal being the sustainable EUR3000 (US$2600) per expedition. The average price of a foreign hunt is use of wildlife. During these years, trophy hunting’s about EUR2000 (US$1700). For potential impact on these conservation efforts has been Eurasian destinations the fee is slightly debated. To gain a better understanding of demand for, less. From time to time, about 20 – 30 % products from and supply of trophy hunting, TRAFFIC Europe of European hunters travel abroad for initiated in 1998 a review of the Eurasian trophy hunting hunting. They are mainly from market with support from WWF and the European Germany, Austria, the Benelux Commission. The study is now nearing completion and countries, Italy, and Spain. Destination preferences differ from country to will be published in the coming months. country. German and Italian hunters travel to a wide range of European The TRAFFIC Europe Regional by the German Hunters Association destinations, Spanish tourist hunters report "The Lion's Share of the Hunt" (DJV) and WWF-Germany in order to prefer North America, and Benelux by Doris Hofer and other contributors, better understand German hunters’ hunters are much more oriented aims to provide a basic overview of tourist hunting demand, frequency and towards Africa. In general, the the Eurasian tourist hunting market. preferences. majority of tourist hunters visit The scope of the study extends to 18 destinations that are relatively close to countries in Europe (EU countries, Abundant species of Eastern Europe home. Malta, Norway, Switzerland) regarded attract many EU hunters The main Eurasian conservation primarily as demand countries, and 38 hot-spots like the Caucasus, the Altai countries in Eurasia (covering regions The study shows that a lion’s share and Tien Shan Mountains, and the and countries such as Eastern Europe, of the Eurasian tourist hunting market Russian Far East imply higher costs Russia, Central Asia and the Near is hunting by EU hunters in Eastern and long distance travelling and thus East, Himalaya, Mongolia, and China) Europe for abundant species. Hunting attract only a minority of the foreign regarded as supply, or destination, in Eastern Europe entails low risk in hunting industry. countries. terms of hunting success, organisation, Within the Eurasian market or security, and its cost is comparable Ungulates and birds the preferred overview, a survey was co-supported to an average holiday. More than half game for many

The game species preferred by German and Spanish hunters abroad Most of the are ungulates, mainly Red Deer, Roe CITES-listed Deer, Wild Boar and, to a lesser trophy items extent, antelope, gazelle, wild sheep imported from and goats. Some 45% of German Eurasia to tourist hunters have hunted for small Europe and game and waterfowl at some point in North America the past. Almost a fifth of German between hunters have hunted for big game 1990-96 were carnivores. Italian tourist hunters Brown Bears prefer bird hunting abroad. Ursus arctos A review of print and internet (1135). The advertisements, catalogues and price total number lists reveals that at least 29 ungulate of registered and 15 carnivore species are offered in CITES-listed Europe for tourist hunting in the imports during supply countries surveyed during this the period was project. For Eurasian destinations, Edward Mendell / WWF-UK 1924. these indicate a preference by tourist

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 17 July 2001 continued from page 3... due to the demands of a thriving illegal international trade, the additional

PJ Banks/ WWF-UK pressures brought on by foreign tourists may eventually drive some Timber species to the brink of extinction. wolf, In response to this situation, Canis TRAFFIC and the Forest Protection lupus Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hunters for Moose, Roe Deer, Red security, organisation, or value for have joined forces to produce and Deer, Mouflon, and Wild Boar. money. distribute awareness materials for An analysis of reported imports of Species listed by CITES only tourists and the general public on Eurasian taxa listed under CITES from attract a small share of European wildlife products to avoid purchasing the years 1990 -1996 revealed that 912 tourist hunters. With the methodology in Viet Nam. trophy items were registered as used during this report, it was not The materials include multi- imports into the European demand possible to assess any illegal activities, lingual brochures in Vietnamese, countries, as compared to 1012 which such as hunting in excess of local Korean, Chinese and English were registered as imports into Canada quotas or using illegal methods of languages, as well as posters, and and the US. During this period, for hunting. billboards encouraging legal and both of these main demand regions However, despite sharing a sustainable purchasing habits. (Europe and North America), the common regulation implementing Thousands of brochures and hundreds largest part of CITES-listed trophy CITES in the EU, the survey indicated of posters have already been item imports from Eurasia between differences in the strictness of distributed to popular tourist hotels, 1990 and 1996 were formed by Brown handling practices in trophy importing restaurants, tour operators, and Bear Ursus arctos (1135), Argali Ovis procedures from country to country. A provincial Forest Protection ammon (421), and Wolf Canis lupus better information sharing system Departments across the country. The (178). between EU countries is necessary, billboards will be installed in Ha Noi and would be best addressed at the and Ho Chi Minh City’s international Minimal economic incentives on relevant EU-CITES management airports sometime in late July and national level group. early August. The benefits shared between Production of the tourist awareness While Hungary or Poland can wildlife management systems, local materials was made possible through a supply 10 000 – 20 000 hunts per year, communities, and the foreign trophy grant to TRAFFIC Southeast Asia – the Central Asian countries or China hunting demand remain difficult to Viet Nam by the British Embassy in currently reach a limit within the assess. Whereas on a general level the Ha Noi. hundreds. Even within the main activities of the Eurasian trophy supply countries, the economic hunting industry do not seem to have contribution of foreign hunting is any large impact on a destination Toothfish study out extremely limited on a national level country's economy, benefits may well (e.g. in Hungary: 0.0005% of the GNP). arise on a more regional or local level. in mid-August Based on available data gathered Hence, granting financial support to during this study, it can be estimated the management of the few threatened A TRAFFIC Network study that European hunters generate around species targeted by trophy hunters “Patagonian Toothfish: Are EUR50 million (US$43million) should be encouraged. Conservation and Trade Measures annually, which remains in the Within the European demand Working?”on the status of the trade in Eurasian supply countries. countries, very little information is Patagonian Toothfish Dissostichus Information about the use and re- available explaining revenue systems eleginoides will be released on 14 investment of this revenue into in Eurasian countries as compared August, 2001. On the date, a limited wildlife management or conservation with, for example, destination coun- number of off-prints of the study will is largely unavailable. tries in Southern Africa or North be available. The article is part of the America. next issue of TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol.19 More co-operation and To compile adequate information No.1. that will be coming out in early information sharing needed regarding the conservation benefits Autumn. involved, more information sharing is For more information, see This analysis provides the first needed between hunting associations, www.traffic.org on the day of the market overview of its kind for the tourist hunting industry, wildlife release or contact TRAFFIC Oceania. Eurasian trophy-hunted species. It management decision-makers as well For contact details, see page 12. shows that European hunters as conservation organisations in both travelling to the East for foreign hunts the government and NGO sector. are attracted by abundant species and For more information, please reject destinations that have a "bad contact TRAFFIC Europe-Germany. image" in terms of hunting success, For contact details, see page 12.

Number 17 July 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 Nature conservation legislation reviewed in South Africa by Markus Burgener, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa – South Africa

The alignment of provincial nature conservation legislation in South Africa has been identified as an area of critical importance in attempts of ensuring effective regulation of the wildlife trade. Currently wildlife trade in the country is regulated in terms of a highly fragmented potpourri of provincial Ordinances, Acts, Decrees and Proclamations, which are, in numerous aspects, inconsistent, incomplete, outdated and overly complex. A recent TRAFFIC report is now set to serve as a tool in efforts to update the currently insufficient legislation.

Two separate initiatives, namely related to South Africa’s wildlife The report provides also a series of the South African CITES trade. Specific themes that are either recommendations and alignment Implementation Project (SACIP) and being inadequately addressed by options mainly to assist provincial and the Law Reform Programme (DLRP) legislation or are not being addressed national authorities in amending, of South Africa’s Department of at all are also outlined and discussed. developing and drafting the Environmental Affairs and Tourism At the present time there are, for legislation. Key recommendations (DEAT) are currently addressing this example, a number of inconsistencies include among others the following: unruly situation. The ultimate aim of in permitting procedures, sanction !"Biodiversity utilisation, includ- these initiatives, both managed by provisions, legal definitions, and the ing wildlife trade, can be most DEAT, is the development of national conservation status of many effectively and holistically addressed biodiversity conservation legislation. indigenous species. This confusing through national legislation. Therefore The legislation will include provisions legislative structure makes it alignment with both national and specific to CITES as well as general extremely difficult for conservation provincial laws should take place trade provisions for all species. authorities already facing budgetary within national legislation, particularly A recently published report and capacity constraints, to carry out with respect to definitions, alien ‘Towards a Sustainable Wildlife their work effectively and efficiently. organisms, permitting procedures, Trade: An Analysis of Nature Provincial restructuring in 1994, sanctions, schedule amendment Conservation Legislation in South combined with a failure to repeal procedures and the inclusion of Africa with Particular Reference to the nature conservation legislation of the wildlife welfare provisions. Wildlife Trade’ by the Institute of former Independent States and Self- !" National nature conservation Criminology of the University of Cape governing Territories, has intensified legislation should also incorporate Town (UCT) in association with an already fragmented legal creative tools and strategies in TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - environment. achieving sustainable legal wildlife South Africa has been produced to But problems are not only created trade (for instance, through the use of serve as a tool in the development of through inconsistencies between incentives and the involvement of this legislation. The project was various Ordinances and Acts. The communities in biodiversity financially supported by the United existing legislation is for the most part management). Nations Foundation. outdated and there are, for instance, no ! Legislation of the former home- The report is one of the key outputs provisions dealing with the lands should be repealed as these Acts of a collaborative research project that involvement of communities in reg- and Ordinances are outdated and was initiated after a workshop ulating wildlife trade or the use of create unnecessary implementation convened in 1999 by UCT, brought incentives to encourage persons problems for conservation authorities. together a broad group of leading involved in the trade to utilise natural For more information and figures in the national conservation resources in a sustainable manner. complete recommendations, please field. Nor does the existing system allow contact TESA-South Africa office. For The report provides a detailed national monitoring and oversight of contact details, see page 12. A full description of the existing legislative, the extent, and nature, of wildlife copy of the report in PDF format can policy and institutional environment trade. also be downloaded from TRAFFIC

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 17 July 2001 Next steps towards Compromise better collaboration in agreement on CITES enforcement work in Egypt Caspian Sea by Stephanie Pendry, UK Enforcement Assistance Officer, caviar lauded TRAFFIC International

gypt is facing a number of wildlife Scientific Authorities in the country hree caviar-producing states have Etrade challenges, such as trade in for Animals, Plants and Marine Tagreed to halt sturgeon fishing in ivory, tortoises, Uromastyx lizards, species. the Caspian Sea for the remainder of snakes and raptors. The Egyptian A total of 40 participants attended the year and have committed authorities know of these issues, are the workshop from all Ministries and themselves to a series of urgent making steps to improve the situation government agencies involved in measures aimed at addressing alarm in Egypt, and are clearly committed to CITES. Training was given on a range over plummeting sturgeon stocks. enforcing CITES. However, Customs of enforcement issues, including Progress on these measures must be awareness of wildlife issues is in permit completion, examination of made within the next six months if general still low, and there are few shipments, profiling and targeting, these countries wish to avoid an resources available for CITES law confiscations, smuggling and international ban on caviar exports enforcement in the country. identification. A series of exercises next year. The agreement was In response to a request from the such as permit checking and species announced on 21 June 2001, at the end Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identification gave the participants the of a meeting of the Standing for assistance in training on CITES opportunity to put into practice what Committee of CITES. enforcement, a workshop was held in they were learning. Four Caspian Sea range states - Cairo in March 2001. Her Majesty’s In the last two years, the Egyptian Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Customs and Excise CITES Teamfrom enforcement agencies have made a Turkmenistan - faced the prospect of a the UK and TRAFFIC International concerted effort to improve their full suspension of their caviar exports provided the training for the workshop CITES role and are still in the early if the committee was not satisfied with that was organised by the UK stages of developing their capacity. their response to concerns raised by Embassy in Cairo. The Environment Much effort is concentrated at Cairo the CITES Standing Committee earlier Project Fund of the Foreign and Airport, and the work of the in 2001. However, these countries Commonwealth Office UK (FCO) Environment Police based at the have already reduced their combined funded the workshop. Airport (who work closely with export quotas on Caspian species by One of the main aims of the three- Customs) is particularly impressive. more than 50 per cent since 1998. day workshop was to increase co- As this centre of expertise at the Hence, a ban of caviar exports alone ordination and collaboration between Airport is developed the expertise can might not effectively address critical all pertinent enforcement agencies and be devolved to other border points. problems such as rapidly rising government departments. This One of the major challenges facing domestic trade, poaching and illegal especially in a situation where the the authorities is the number of trade. implementation and enforcement of different Ministries involved and their Instead, TRAFFIC called for CITES in Egypt falls within the remit respective roles in CITES countries to undertake specific of 7 Ministries (Interior, Defence, enforcement. The workshop was the measures on sturgeon fisheries, Tourism, Finance, Foreign Affairs, first step on the ladder to achieving a including concerted efforts for the Trade and Environment). The overall greater level of communication establishment of co-ordinated catch responsibility for CITES lies with between all parties involved in CITES and export quotas; trans-border anti- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister enforcement and it is hoped that this poaching units; a comprehensive for Agriculture and Irrigation. In type of collaboration will continue and assessment and effective control of addition, there are three CITES grow in the future. continued on page 9...

Participants identifying animal skins (of jaguar, leopard and Boris Mashkov rock python) during the ID exercise. Charles Mackay / Customs and Excise Her Majesty’s

Number 17 July 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Multi-language publications to support conservation activities in East Asia by Marcus Phipps, Deputy Regional Director, TRAFFIC East Asia

The importance of communications as a 'key' to success is a commonly heard refrain and one that TRAFFIC East Asia has taken to heart in working within its region. Much of TRAFFIC's early research in the region pointed to the necessity of communicating with stakeholder groups in their native languages, particularly in the traditional medicine communities.

TRAFFIC East Asia has Ministry for Economic Co-operation committed significant resources to and Development, the guide is doing just that in a region which is designed for use by Customs and other both an important consumer and enforcement officers. It includes a producer of a wide range of wildlife general introduction to CITES and products. TRAFFIC offices in the plants, to terminology used to describe region produce newsletters in Chinese, flora specimens and parts, and more Japanese, and Korean, maintain detailed descriptions of CITES-listed Japanese and Chinese-language web- ornamental and medicinal plants sites*, and produce a range of reports frequently seen in trade. The guide in relevant languages. also provides a template for the future The TRAFFIC Network's development of similar identification authoritative report Far from a Cure: materials for use in the East Asian The Tiger Trade Revisited (2000) region. highlighted the need to continue to The Chinese language Proceedings raise conservation awareness in to the First Annual Symposium on consuming markets and to build the Endangered Species Used in capacity of wildlife trade monitoring Traditional East Asian Medicine: and enforcement officials to Substitutes for Tiger Bone and Musk resources used in the region. These discriminate between real and fake (2001) were published with support include working to increasing Tiger parts and products. With support from the US Fish and Wildlife awareness among government and from WWF-Japan and WWF-UK, Service's Rhinoceros and Tiger industry of conservation issues TRAFFIC East Asia recently has Conservation Fund. With topics pertaining to wildlife in trade; building published a Japanese-language edition ranging from the status of species in capacity in government and industry to of Far from a Cure. With additional the wild through to forensic enforce and implement regulatory support from WWF-US, TRAFFIC authentication of samples and clinical measures; promoting policies and East Asia is planning to produce the trials for substitutes, these proceedings management measures to address report's executive summary in Korean have proved to be one of TRAFFIC trade in threatened species; and and Chinese. A Chinese-language East Asia's most challenging Chinese- developing a constructive dialogue guide to identifying Tiger parts in language publications to date. between the conservation and other trade is also under development for A number of other TRAFFIC East stakeholder communities. distribution to enforcement officials in Asia publications are currently in press TRAFFIC East Asia's multi- China. or distribution including the bilingual language publications are central to TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei has report Musk Deer Farming as a supporting these activities and to recently produced a full-colour Conservation Tool in China (Chinese supporting overall efforts for Chinese-language Guide to CITES and English) and the Proceedings to biodiversity conservation in East Asia. Plants in Trade (2001). Published the Third International Symposium on *For the TRAFFIC Chinese with funding from Taiwan's Council of the Trade in Bear Parts (English). language web site, please see Agriculture and incorporating TRAFFIC East Asia uses a www.wow.org.tw and for the TRAFFIC research supported range of approaches in its efforts to TRAFFIC Japanese language web site primarily by Germany's Federal support the conservation of wildlife please see www.twics.com/~trafficj.

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 17 July 2001 Caroline Raymakers / TRAFFIC Europe 9 TRAFFIC Dispatches Russia, Azerbaijan and Russia, Azerbaijan TRAFFIC applauds the countries attend by failing to Turkmenistan, According to CITES Secretariat, information, see For more continued from page 7... page from continued strict including markets, domestic of and enforcement implementation full national legislation; existing of the Universal implementation for the identification Labeling System and independent of caviar; stocks by assessments of sturgeon of experts from international teams such organisations inter-governmental Food and Agriculture as the UN’s and the (FAO) Organization Group. Specialist IUCN/SSC Sturgeon to, within the next Kazakhstan agreed a comprehensive six months, conduct set joint stocks, survey of sturgeon and assess the catch and export quotas, illegal trade and enforcement needs, with assistance of international agencies such the CITES Secretariat, Customs Interpol and World By June 2002, the Organization. countries are also committed to developing a regional fisheries management system, significantly enhance to combat illegal harvesting, efforts regulate domestic trade and implement a caviar labeling system. concerned and the CITES Standing Committee for coming to an agreement that will give the nations of the Caspian Sea the opportunity to undertake these crucial initiatives, while ensuring that conservation action is taken immediately. the meeting still risks immediate suspension of the international trade unless it complies with the commitments now made by the other three Caspian Sea range states. Iran, the fifth Caspian Sea state, already has a functioning sturgeon management system, and is not subject to the concerns raised by CITES. It has to nevertheless great interest in efforts improve the regional management of the Caspian Sea fisheries. TRAFFIC website at www.traffic.org.

Steven Broad / TRAFFIC International ” by Elizabeth Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Given the considerable and reports It is hoped that TRAFFIC’s working document TRAFFIC’s there were comments from different and parties mentioning its objectivity, the need to request TRAFFIC’s assistance on the development of a region-wide trade study and to work with TRAFFIC in monitoring illegal trade. commendable progress achieved in resolving issues of common interest during this meeting, the delegates agreed that further Dialogues should be held and the Government of the to host the United Kingdom offered next meeting in April or May 2002 in in the region. one of its Territories and all the issues discussed during the meeting will serve as the basis for future collaborative approaches towards the conservation and management of hawksbill turtles in the region. at the meeting was extracted presented a TRAFFIC North America from “Swimming Against the Tide: report Recent surveys of exploitation, trade and management of marine turtles in the Northern Caribbean Fleming. For full copies of the report, please contact TRAFFIC North America. For contact details, see page 12. Status of Hawksbill

ith the participation of 34 ith the participation range states and territories, meeting the first dialogue

This meeting was the result of a This meeting was The dialogue, held in a cordial and Common topics of concern such as One of the working documents proposal brought up and accepted CITES CoP to during the 11th facilitate communication and information exchange between interested parties in areas such as population status, migratory biology, routes and trade. friendly atmosphere, was facilitated by the CITES Secretariat and IUCN (with the collaboration of TRAFFIC) and chaired by Diana Ponce Nava, Sub- attorney of the Environmental in Enforcement Agency (PROFEPA) Mexico. the standardisation of monitoring protocols, conservation impacts of management programmes different and policies and the need to establish a regional strategy and management plan in the wider Caribbean, were addressed and discussed. In order to facilitate the commitment of governments to implement the conservation management recommendations which resulted from this dialogue, a draft Resolution will be proposed for adoption at the next COP in November 2002. presented during the meeting was “ TRAFFIC’s of the regional A review Trade: Turtle wider Caribbean and global trade including domestic and non-shell ” which contained data on 11 products states and territories. It was extracted from wider TRAFFIC report on marine turtles in the Northern Caribbean that was funded by the Foundation, WWF-US and Rufford WWF-Latin America and Caribbean Programme. The presentation and document were well received, and on Caribbean Hawksbill turtles took on Caribbean Hawksbill 15-17 May, City, place in Mexico 2001. W Number 17 July 2001 hawksbill turtle dialogue meeting dialogue turtle hawksbill - Mexico TRAFFIC North America National Representative, by Adrian Reuter, first CITES wider Caribbean CITES wider first Common ground found at the at found ground Common Whale Sharks – the Gentle Giants of the Sea

by Rahul Dutta, Information Officer, TRAFFIC India

it was hunted for almost all its parts. The price of each fish depends on the size and weight and ranges from between INR40,000 (US$850) to INR150,000 (US$3200). It was also found that the boom in Whale Shark fishing in India resulted partly from bans imposed elsewhere on Whale Whale Shark fishery (such as in the shark Philippines and Maldives). fishing The report urges greater interna- off the tional collaboration in research and Gujarat information gathering on India’s

TRAFFIC coast. Whale Shark stocks and its basic biology. It also calls for alternative eraval, a small coastal town in in shark and shark products had already sources of revenue for fishes on the Gujarat, a western state of been carried out by TRAFFIC-India coast of India. For example, ‘dive VIndia, suddenly came into the over 1996-1997. This study found that tourism’ is considered to have good limelight earlier this year, when a in Gujarat, Whale Shark fishing had potential for revenue generation for massive trade in Whale Sharks gathered considerable prominence in local fishers as an alternative income (Rhinocodon typus) was revealed recent times. With very little infor- to returns from the Whale Shark showing excessive exploitation of a mation on the species as well as on the fishery. vulnerable species that could be trade, TRAFFIC-India then initiated a The report concludes that national facing extinction unless urgent field survey to study the impact of the and international protection needs to measures for better management are trade along Gujarat’s coastline, which be urgently provided and that the introduced. is the longest among Indian states, Whale Shark be listed in the Wildlife A TRAFFIC-India report titled stretching to some 1,640 km. (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES Gentle Giants of the Sea by Fahmeeda The study revealed that Whale Appendix-II. Hanfee was released on 11 April Sharks, which occur in the fishing In a recent development that is 2001. The study consisted of literature areas off Veraval during March-June, welcomed by TRAFFIC and in line reviews as well as interviews with are harvested for its meat, fins, liver, with the above recommendation, the various fisheries experts, research skin and cartilage. Demand for Whale Government of India included Whale institutes and local fishermen. The Shark liver seems to have already Sharks in Schedule-I of the Wildlife report showed that Whale Sharks that existed in the 1950s, primarily to (Protection) Act, 1972 on 28 May , were once considered commercially extract oil which was then used for 2001. This provides Whale Shark unimportant, have gradually become waterproofing boats. However, until with the highest protection under the the victims of extremely lucrative, the beginning of 1990s, the Whale national law of India and makes its targeted fishing. Shark never caught much attention as fishing and trade in its all forms A preliminary survey of the trade a profitable catch. By 1992, however, illegal.

continued from page 1... from scientific whaling, but also and whale meat products, requiring the international trade in whale products imported products, incidental catch common name of the species as well does not threaten the conservation and strandings, and frozen meat as its origin be declared on packaging status of whale species. The twelfth stocks. for whale meat and processed whale CoP to CITES will convene in Further clarity about the Japanese products. November 2002 and discussions market should be enabled by the recent The information from the studies regarding the Great Whales and their revision of the Law Concerning will inform discussions in IWC and trade conservation status, are likely to Standardisation and Proper Labeling CITES both of which have important continue. of Agricultural and Forestry Products and comple-mentary roles to fulfill in to include a labeling requirement that whale discussions: IWC is responsible For more information and full requires the identification of product for the management and harvesting of copies of the three whale reports, contents and origin for fresh and great whales, and CITES is please see the TRAFFIC web site at processed foods, including whale meat responsible for ensuring that www.traffic.org/iwc.

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 17 July 2001 Programme targets: 20 priority issues set for 2001-2004

TRAFFIC's recently developed Network Programme Strategy defines high-level conservation goals and specific global targets that represent highlights of TRAFFIC's conservation work and typify our work as a worldwide network. It is also a tool to promote more effective collaboration between TRAFFIC's regional programmes around some common concerns, making use of TRAFFIC's greatest strength - its global network. The 20 priority issues confirmed at the TRAFFIC Network meeting held in May 2001 in Hong Kong are:

TRADE AND THREATENED SPECIES TRADE AND PRIORITY ECOREGIONS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO ADDRESS WILDLIFE TRADE PROBLEMS Objective: Objective: Wildlife trade does not result in the Wildlife trade does not threaten the integrity of Objective: endangerment of any wild animal and plant priority ecoregions. International agreements and policy approaches species. preventing negative conservation impacts of Target issues: wildlife trade and ensuring trade does not exceed Target issues: 13. Ecoregion conservation and wildlife trade sustainable levels are developed and supported. 1. Elephants 2. Asian Big Cats Target issues: 3. Rhinoceroses TRADE AND RESOURCE SECURITY 18. Informing and Assisting CITES Mechanisms 4. Tibetan Antelope “Chiru” 19. Effective Regulation of the International 5. Musk deer Objective: Wildlife Trade 6. Asian Freshwater Turtles The security of wildlife resources of particular 20. International institutions addressing wildlife 7. Marine Turtles value for food and medicine, and those that trade issues 8. Sturgeons support other vital human needs, is not threatened. 9. Sharks 10. Agarwood Target issues: For more information about TRAFFIC’s 11. Mahogany 14. Wildlife Meat Programme, see Dispatches No.15 and for 12. Threatened Orchids 15. Marine fisheries a full list of targets and outputs, please contact 16. Medicinal Plants TRAFFIC International. For contact details, see 17. Timber page 12.

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during March - July 2001:

Action Aid Malawi Ms. Shu-Jiuan Lu Development Office, South Africa AGF Management Limited Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead US National Marine Fisheries Service Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Annuity Trust US State Department Department., Hong Kong Marine Leadership Council The Walt Disney Company Foundation Association of Korean Oriental Medicine Mazda Wildlife Fund Wildlife and Environment Society of AusAID Ministerium fu Umwelt und Forsten - South Africa Australian Fisheries Management Authority Rheinland-Pfalz WWF Australia Belgian Government Ministry of Environment & Forests, India WWF Belgium Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea WWF Biodiversity Support Programme Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Ministry of Tourism and National Parks, WWF Canada Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Malawi WWF Coordination Office-Zambia (BMZ), Germany National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA WWF East African Marine Ecoregion Caviar Petrossian National Geographic Channel Asia Programme CITES Secretariat Natural Heritage Trust WWF East Africa Regional Programme The Commemorative Association for the Nautilus TV Office Japan World Exposition Netherlands Government WWF Endangered Seas Campaign The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Norwegian Agency for International WWF France Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Cooperation (NORAD) WWF Germany Endangered Wildlife Trust Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew WWF Hong Kong European Commission, Directorates General The Rufford Foundation WWF International VIII & XI SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit WWF Italy Exxon Corporation Save the Tiger Fund, USA WWF Japan Mr James Fairfax Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Southern Africa Wildlife College WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme Green Trust Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF Netherlands Ion Fund Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF New Zealand IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office Tiger's Eye Retail WWF South Africa IUCN - The World Conservation Union UK Department of Environment, Transport WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme IUCN Mozambique Country Office and the Regions Office IUCN - Species Survival Commission UK Department for International WWF Sweden IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group Development, Botswana Office WWF Switzerland The John Ellerman Foundation UNESCO WWF Tanzania Programme Office Johnson & Johnson United World Chinese Commercial Bank WWF Tiger Conservation Programme Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden US Agency for International Development WWF-UK Kenya Wildlife Service US Fish & Wildlife Service WWF-US Leuser Development Programme US Information Service Programme

Number 17 July 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

#TRAFFIC International !regional TRAFFIC office $national TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei TRAFFIC Europe - Germany PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 Germany Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - TRAFFIC Europe - Italy c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America Regional Office c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional 00198 Rome, Italy Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, Programme Office Tel: (39) 06 8449735 PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia Fax: (39) 06 84497356 Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext.400 PO Box CY 1409 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (593) 2 466624 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534 TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands Fax: (263) 4 703902 PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist E-mail: [email protected] The Netherlands TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office Tel: (31) 30 6937307 M19B 2nd. Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21) TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (31) 30 6912064 46000 PJ Old Town, c/o Ngong Racecourse E-mail: [email protected] Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (603) 77817284 & (603) 77822704; Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 TRAFFIC Europe - Russia Fax: (603) 77847220 E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF Russia Programme Office E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa Tel: (007) 095 7270939 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Viet Nam c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag Fax: (007) 095 7270938 c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, x11, Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South E-mail: [email protected] 53 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Africa Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect PO Box 151, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 Tel: (84) 4 733 8387 / 733 8386 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 Fax: (84) 4 733 8388 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHESNumber 18 November 2001

25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE by Steven Broad, Executive Director, TRAFFIC International

his special issue of TRAFFIC introduction of invasive species. Dispatches marks the passing Despite the considerable progress Tof 25 years of conservation made under the Convention on action by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade International Trade in Endangered Species monitoring network. It provides an of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and opportunity to look back at TRAFFIC's national conservation initiatives, this development from a single UK-based challenge remains substantial. In many office in the late-1970s to today's global parts of the world, laws and management conservation action over the past century, network and presents some basic facts measures remain weak, poorly cannot succeed without equal attention to about the nature and extent of trade in wild communicated and just as poorly the human needs, economic incentives and animals and plants and its relationship implemented and enforced. The glob- consumer perceptions that influence with the conservation of nature. The alisation of world trade, creation of supply, demand and society's commitment anniversary also presents a good oppor- common markets and advances in to pursuing conservation goals. tunity to look to the future. technology all add further complications TRAFFIC will continue work with a At sustainable levels and sensitive to to this already difficult task. wide range of collaborators to inform, the integrity of ecological systems, Looking ahead, two important obser- support and promote actions to address wildlife trade can make a significant vations play a prominent role in shaping wildlife trade concerns. Fundamentally, contribution to human needs, support local TRAFFIC's future response to this the success of such actions will depend on and national economies and help to challenge. First, it is clear that inter- the involvement of people with a vested motivate commitments to the conservation national wildlife trade is only a small interest, whether those communities local of wild species and their habitats. percentage of the world's commercial to any particular resource, regulators, However, although there is no doubt that consumptive use of wild animals and businesses, or final consumers of wildlife significant financial benefit currently plants. The majority of the wildlife goods goods. This task remains formidable, not derives from this multi-billion dollar trade, produced are consumed in the country least because it vies for attention in a it is also undeniable that its historical where they originate, as food, medicine, labyrinth of environmental, development conservation impacts have been chiefly industrial materials and for ornamental and security challenges faced by societies negative. This complex and evolving purposes. Even for products such as today. Nevertheless, solutions are within trade still poses a major challenge to mahogany and caviar, national con- reach and TRAFFIC is committed to conservation of biological diversity today, sumption within some producer countries building on its experience so far to play a directly, through over-exploitation or far exceeds the more visible export trade. strong role in ensuring that wildlife trade indirectly, through impacts such as by- Second, the regulatory response to wildlife 25 years from now is not as great a catch of non-target species and trade problems that has dominated conservation concern as it is today.

INSIDE: • TRAFFIC around the world TRAFFIC TRAFFIC East Asia • Directing TRAFFIC TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa TRAFFIC Europe • Some milestones over the years TRAFFIC India TRAFFIC Oceania • What is Wildlife trade? An Introduction TRAFFIC North America TRAFFIC South America • Thanking our supporters TRAFFIC Southeast Asia TRAFFIC staff at the 17th Network meeting in May 2001, Hong Kong. DIRECTING TRAFFIC

To help meet the clear need to monitor wildlife trade, especially following the founding of CITES, the IUCN Survival Service Commission (SSC) established in 1976 a UK-based IUCN/SSC TRAFFIC group of volunteer experts to gather and analyse wildlife trade data Sara Oldfield and identify illegal trade. John Burton was appointed its chairman and realising that the monitoring of trade in wildlife needed more than part-time research, John set about raising funds and assembling staff. After its first two to three years’ in operation, TRAFFIC described itself as “gradually becoming known [having] dealt with a number of enquiries from both government agencies and NGOs from various parts of the world.” It regarded itself “primarily as a data bank” without the facilities to follow up its research, but the present-day close relationship between TRAFFIC and CITES had already been established. In 1979, to distinguish the headquarters from other offices in the emergent TRAFFIC John A. Burton, off network, the original TRAFFIC office now took on the name TRAFFIC International and duty, around 1981/82. Tim Inskipp briefly became the Director. In 1980 the office moved to Cambridge and the following year TRAFFIC International changed its name again, this time to the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit (WTMU), working as part of the emerging IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre. TRAFFIC’s overall operating budget was now more than ten times the humble £2500 five years previously. Shortly after the move to Cambridge, John Burton resigned as Chairman of the IUCN/SSC TRAFFIC Group, which as a result ceased to function. The post of head of WTMU, until this point never officially designated was filled in May 1982 by Chris Huxley. Chris stayed just over a year with WTMU before moving to CITES Secretariat. He was succeeded by Jonathan Barzdo, who by now had a seven-year association with TRAFFIC. During Jonathan’s tenure (1983-90), the network and the demands on its co-ordinating office grew. The number of full-time WTMU staff almost doubled within the first year of Jonathan’s arrival. Managing and co-ordinating the network became a full-time occupation in its own right, so the name and function of “TRAFFIC International” was formally reinstated in WTMU in the late 1980s. When Jørgen Thomsen took up the job of Director of TRAFFIC International in 1990, TRAFFIC began to operate independently of WTMU. For the first time in years, the Director of TRAFFIC International could concentrate solely on TRAFFIC matters. During the six years of Jørgen’s directorship, the network again expanded both geographically and in terms of the range of work it undertook. Reflecting this, TRAFFIC’s purpose had been re-evaluated and redefined as part of a thorough review of TRAFFIC’s aims and structure undertaken in 1993. No longer “primarily a data bank”, its objective was now much more ambitious - “To help ensure that wildlife trade is at sustainable levels and in accordance TRAFFIC International with domestic and international laws and agreements”. With this in mind, TRAFFIC’s launched the TRAFFIC activities diversified to address such complex resource issues as medicinal trade in wildlife, Network website in timber trade and fisheries. November 1997. Today, an average of Fortunately for TRAFFIC, Jørgen had a natural successor in the person of Steven Broad 12,000 visitors per day who has been with TRAFFIC almost continuously since September 1983. A living visit www.traffic.org. repositary of TRAFFIC-related knowledge, Steven stepped into the role of directorship in 1996 and now leads a Network of over 90 members of staff working in 22 countries. TRAFFIC International, and therefore TRAFFIC as a whole, has seen enormous and continual changes in the course of the past 25 years. Plus ça change, one might say - In July 1999, TRAFFIC TRAFFIC was, and still is, a group of specialists in wildlife trade. Its official statement of International became purpose has been redrafted following each of three major strategic planning exercises a UK Registered Charity. (1987, 1993 and 2000) to maintain accuracy and effectiveness, while re-evaluation of This gives the office a strong legal base in the activities and goals take place on a continual basis. What has never changed is it’s focus UK and allows on ensuring that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC International In short, the foresight, wisdom and energy of TRAFFIC’s founders and of those responsible to seek funds from a for it since have ensured that TRAFFIC’s relevance has never subsided. range of new sources.

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 18 November 2001 SOME MILESTONES OVER THE YEARS

TRAFFIC Bulletin, the only international In 1985, the TRAFFIC Committee as the journal devoted exclusively to the wildlife network’s governing body is established trade issues, is launched in January and its first meeting is held in Argentina. 1970s 1979. *

TRAFFIC is established as a specialist In 1986 all baleen whales are listed in group of the IUCN Species Survival CITES Appendix I ( exempt are West Commission in 1976 chaired from the Greenland population of the Minke UK. THe first TRAFFIC International 1980s Whale and the Sperm Whale). office and TRAFFIC USA are established in 1979. From 1986-88 an extensive review of the implementation of EU wildlife trade * TRAFFIC offices established: UK (1980), regulation is undertaken by TRAFFIC. East Africa (1980-82), Germany (1981), This leads ultimately to the emergence of In 1977, the entire Rhinocerotidae Japan (1982), Australia (1984), a new EU law which is considered one of family, all Caribbean Marine Turtles Netherlands (1984), Belgium (1984), the most comprehensive in the world. species and all subspecies of Tiger are Austria (1986-1990), Italy (1986) and included in CITES Appendix I with the France (1987), TRAFFIC South America 1986-88 Major areas of research for the exception of Siberian Tiger which is regional office established in 1985 and TRAFFIC network included trade in included ten years later, in 1987. TRAFFIC Oceania established in 1987. elephant ivory, live birds, spotted cat skins, reptile skins, cacti and marine turtle * products. In 1982, International Whaling In 1978 TRAFFIC completes a major Commission (IWC) adopts a moratorium In 1987, the TRAFFIC Committee agrees study of trade in seal products. on commercial whaling. the TRAFFIC Network’s first strategic plan, setting ambitious goals for Concerns from a series of “tests” of * development of new regional programmes. wildlife trade controls at UK ports of entry are presented. In 1983-84 TRAFFIC Bulletin includes * results of major studies on Indian bird * trade; elephant ivory trade, European seal In 1989 the African Elephant Loxodonta skin trade and reptile skin trade, produced africana is listed in CITES Appendix I. In 1979, Musk deer Moschus by the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit moschiferus populations of Afghanistan, (WTMU), then the co-ordinating office of * Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan are the TRAFFIC network. included in Appendix I of CITES. All other populations of musk deer are listed * in CITES Appendix II. TRAFFIC research results on trade in 1990s skins of wild cats provoke intense discussions at the 2nd meeting of the CITES Parties in Costa Rica. TRAFFIC offices established: TRAFFIC Europe (1990), TRAFFIC Southeast Asia International trade in shahtoosh is (1991), TRAFFIC India (1991), South prohibited under CITES. Domestic trade Africa (1992), Taipei (1992), Tanzania is also banned within many countries, (1992), Kenya (1996), TRAFFIC East Asia (1994), Russia (1995), Canada including China and India. The notable Simon Milledge / TRAFFIC exception is the Indian state of Jammu (1998), TRAFFIC South America (1999). and Kashmir, which is where chiru wool TRAFFIC North America evolves into is woven into shahtoosh shawls and regional TRAFFIC North America office scarves. (1998), TRAFFIC South America re- opens after a four year closure 1999). TRAFFIC staff compile a first comprehensive overview of research and In 1992, TRAFFIC develops the Bad experience to date in “International trade Ivory Database System (BIDS) to hold in wildlife” by Tim Inskipp and Sue records of ivory seizures and Wells, published by Earthscan in 1979. confiscations that have occurred

Vincent Y. Chen / TRAFFIC Y. Vincent anywhere in the world since 1989.

Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 1992- A comprehensive report on This initiative is in response to an international live bird trade (Perceptions, undercover TRAFFIC investigation on Agarwood incense sticks conservation and management of wild the illegal trade in these medicines in birds in trade) plays a major role in 1994. shaping major producer and consumer government policies through 1990s. Following research on Agarwood trade by TRAFFIC India, A. malaccensis is * listed in CITES Appendix II. Michael Song / TRAFFIC In 1993, TRAFFIC’s second strategic Costa Rica lists Big-leafed mahogany in plan is introduced, providing a new CITES Appendix III. Honduran and governance system and new organisat- Caribbean Mahogany are already dealer is fined with the highest financial ional goals. considered commercially extinct. penalty ever for a single charge of violating Hong Kong's Animal and Plants Publication of a review of European TRAFFIC co-hosts a ground-breaking Ordinance. This case sets an important medicinal plant trade heralds a new trend forum between traditional Chinese precedent in Hong Kong as this is the first of TRAFFIC turning its attention to the medicine user groups and wildlife successful prosecution based on the use “tiger” of the plant world and launches a conservationists in Hong Kong to discuss of forensic identification techniques to series of medicinal plant projects to the use of endangered species in TCM. prove the wool in question came from the assess the impact of this trade on both Tibetan Antelope - a method recognized wild plant populations and local health * as reliable by the court. care systems. In 1996, the TRAFFIC network’s The African Elephant populations of The largest seizure of Tiger bones ever comprehensive research on shark Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe are recorded is made in India, following an fisheries and trade around the world is downlisted to Appendix II and allowing a investigation by TRAFFIC. Authorities published in a report, An Overview of one-off experimental trade of ivory, seize 283kg Tiger bones, 8 Tiger skins and World Trade in Sharks and Other which takes place in 1999. 60 Leopard Panthera pardus skins from a Cartilaginous Fisheries. Tibetan refugee, who had been allegedly * smuggling wildlife articles, including Tiger TRAFFIC researchers in India assist in bones, to Tibet for many years. investigations that lead to arrests and two In 1998, a refined version of BIDS is seizures of ivory and shahtoosh shawls, developed into ETIS (Elephant Trade TRAFFIC surveys on trade in Southeast the shahtoosh seizure being the first of its Information System) which is the Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles kind in India. designated system in CITES to monitor are initiated, later revealing that the illegal trade in ivory and elephant pattern of exploitation has shifted from TRAFFIC publishes a comprehensive products. domestic consumption to international review of the caviar trade from the trade, primarily to East Asia. Caspian Sea leading to listing of all * sturgeon species in the CITES Following TRAFFIC research on * Appendices a year later. medicines claiming to contain Tiger and rhinoceros ingredients that are readily In 1994 a TRAFFIC report 'Killed For A * available for sale in Canada and the USA, Cure: A Review of the Worldwide Trade the US Congress passes Rhino and Tiger in Tiger Bone', becomes the leading In 1997, TRAFFIC adopts a new Product Labeling Act. reference for those in the conservation programme strategy for 1997-2000, community seeking to understand the focusing its work on fisheries, medicinals Network-wide medicinal plant work is trade in tigers. and timber trade together with support to initiated through a grant from Germany's effective implementation of CITES. Federal Ministry for Economic The CITES Parties recognise TRAFFIC's Cooperation and Development. BIDS as "the appropriate instrument for TRAFFIC reviews rhinoceros trade measuring the pattern and scale of illegal control legislation, and related During the same year two comprehensive trade in ivory and other elephant products". conservation activities in 14 range States reports on medicinal wildlife resources in and 18 consumer States presenting the Europe and East/Southern Africa are * results to CITES CoP10. published.

In 1995, the London Metropolitan Police TRAFFIC hosts an international TRAFFIC releases a study on Ginseng seizes several hundred traditional symposium on traditional Chinese that reveals that America’s favourite Chinese medicines purporting to contain medicine in Australia, and another “pick-me-up” herb, could quickly endangered species (such as tiger bone, symposium later the same year on the use become over-picked. rhinoceros horn, Saiga Antelope horn, of substitutes for Tiger bone and musk pangolin and tortoise shell) from a deer in traditional East Asian medicine in By Hook or By Crook, the definitive warehouse in west London. The UK Hong Kong. reference manual on illegal wildlife trade seizure is part of an ongoing, multi- and prosecution in the UK is published, agency initiative, code named Operation Following a tip-off from TRAFFIC, law with assistance from TRAFFIC Charm, to stop the trade in medicines enforcement officials seize 140 shawls in International. containing endangered species in the UK one of Hong Kong's top hotels. The

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC reports that Sea cucumbers in In 2001, a report by TRAFFIC North the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador America, 'Swimming Against The Tide,' continue to be illegally fished, posing a reviews the exploitation, trade and threat to local sea cucumber populations management of marine turtles in 11 and threatening to affect the unique countries and territories in the Northern ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. Caribbean. The report is released on the eve of the First CITES Wider Caribbean TRAFFIC, WWF and The Wildlife Hawksbill Turtle Dialogue Meeting. Conservation Society (WCS), bring Crawford Allan / TRAFFIC together 40 regional turtle experts from A report on monitoring progress in 16 countries, primarily within East Norway's development of a DNA register The same year a report on consumer Southeast Asia, to discuss the problem of for its domestic management system for attitudes toward traditional Chinese trade in Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles whale meat is published, together with a medicine and endangered species in Hong in Asia at a workshop held in Cambodia. survey of the commercial trade in whale Kong and the United States is jointly meat products in Japan carried out the published by TRAFFIC East Asia and * previous year; and with a survey of whale North America. meat markets along South Korea's coast also undertaken the previous year. Explosive growth in US live reptile trade becomes evident through studies carried A study on Musk farming in China is out by TRAFFIC. The study shows that completed by TRAFFIC showing that at between 1983 and 1992, US trade in live present, captive breeding of musk deer is reptiles increased nearly twentyfold. 2000 not viable means of meeting China’s demand for musk but that captive * breeding operations could serve as a TRAFFIC offices established: Mexico ‘genetic’ safety net for wild poulations In 1999, celebrities join in call to end (2000), Viet Nam office evolves into a providing that illegal hunting is also shahtoosh trade as TRAFFIC releases a sub-regional Indochina office (2001). brought under control. report entitled Fashion Statement Spells Death for Tibetan Antelope. The report In 2000, TRAFFIC’s strategic plan for A review of Big-leafed Mahogany summarizes the latest information about an 2000-2010 is adopted by the TRAFFIC Appendix III implementation is illicit trade that drives large-scale poaching Committee, establishing new programme undertaken by TRAFFIC at the request of on the high-desert plateaux of China to prioritites addressing trade in threatened the CITES Secretariat, the results of supply the finest of wools to the rich, species, priority ecoregions, resource which are tabled during the October 2001 famous and fashionable around the world. security and supporting international co- meeting of the CITES Mahogany TRAFFIC's informants say that socialites in operation efforts. Working Group. The Group is also France, Italy, Spain and Hong Kong are directed to report on its findings and to among the most voracious consumers. TRAFFIC releases a report Heart of the provide recommendations for matter: Agarwood Use and Trade and consideration at CoP 12 taking place in A report Conserving Musk Deer - The CITES Implementation for Aquilaria 2002 in Santiago, Chile. Uses of Musk and Europe's Role in its malaccensis after being contracted by the Trade by TRAFFIC Europe, documents CITES Secretariat to undertake a review The conservation status of the Patagonian how 52 countries participate in the trade. of the species. and Antarctic Toothfish come under Russia acts as a major world supplier of scrutiny by TRAFFIC and concerns are raw musk, while European countries such In March 2000 the Species in Danger raised as to the adequacy of management as France, Germany and Switzerland are report Far From A Cure: The Tiger Trade of these species. There are concerns significant importers. Germany and Revisited examines the tiger trade in the regarding the status of Patagonian Switzerland are suppliers of raw musk late 1990s and reveales that tiger parts in Toothfish stocks due to the level of mainly from the former Soviet Union and traditional Asian medicine continues to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) Russia to Hong Kong, South Korea and be a threat to wild tigers. fishing in recent years. Also, other destinations. inconsistencies in the reporting of trade in The importance of effective enforcement Antarctic Toothfish were found, The Third International Symposium on is highlighted when one of the largest suggesting that actual catches are well in Trade in Bear Parts is co-organised by seizures in recent times, a raid at Khaga, excess of the recorded catch by the TRAFFIC in South Korea. More than 100 in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Commission for the Conservation of stakeholders come together and conclude results in the recovery of four tiger, 70 Antarctic Marine Living Resources that Asian bear species are still in serious leopard and 221 blackbuck skins, and (CCAMLR). trouble in the wild, demand for gall 18,000 leopard nails. The seizure and bladders of wild bears for use as medicine subsequent arrests are the result of the remains a threat to the survival of Asian support provided through the informer *** bear species, and all sides - including network set up by TRAFFIC India's traditional medicine communities - wish to Enforcement Assistance Unit. work together to solve these problems and conserve bears in the wild. The proceedings of the symposium are published by All species of Asian box turtles Cuora TRAFFIC in 2001. spp. are listed in CITES Appendix II.

Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 TRAFFIC thank our supporters for their contributions to our work in the past 25 years

1970’s 1990’s Donors during July - November 2001:

Action Aid Malawi AGF Management Limited TRAFFIC’s funding history has The 1990’s saw the whole Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong always been diverse - a sure sign of the conservation movement mature and Association of Korean Oriental Medicine AusAID strength of feeling about the need for expand quite considerably. Government Australian Fisheries Management Authority Belgian Government proactive monitoring of wildlife trade. investment in conservation efforts Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany At TRAFFIC’s founding in the late increased: UK and Taiwan invested Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), Germany 1970’s, it was the RSPCA, the World considerably in TRAFFIC’s work to Caviar Petrossian CITES Secretariat Federation for the Protection of Animals support regulation and enforcement. For The Commemorative Association for the Japan World Exposition (WFPA) and the Fauna Protection TRAFFIC’s offices around the world, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Dept. of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi Society (FPS) who supported the first this move was echoed, as other Dieckmann & Hansen Caviar, GmbH Endangered Wildlife Trust TRAFFIC office in London and WWF- developed world governments invested European Commission, Directorates General VIII & XI US who began to fund TRAFFIC work in in TRAFFIC’s work in developing EU Yan Sang Limited, Hong Kong Exxon Corporation the USA. In these early days the annual regions such as East/Southern Africa, Mr James Fairfax Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation budget of TRAFFIC International was Oceania and India. Green Trust less than £2,500, but the challenge to TRAFFIC began to build Ion Fund IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office raise funds was as critical as it is today. partnerships with new donor groups, IUCN - The World Conservation Union IUCN Mozambique Country Office including foundations, companies and IUCN - Species Survival Commission individuals. Over the course of the IUCN/SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group 1980’s The John Ellerman Foundation 1990’s, TRAFFIC’s annual income grew Johnson & Johnson to a great deal more than the level of Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden TRAFFIC’s funding developed Kenya Wildlife Service those early years, amounting to CHF7.4 Leuser Development Programme considerably on several fronts. At the Margaret Cullinan Wray and Charitable Lead Annuity Trust million (USD 4.9 million) in FY1998-99. Marine Leadership Council start of the decade, the CITES Secretariat Mazda Wildlife Fund provided support, as TRAFFIC worked to Ministerium fu Umwelt und Forsten - Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry of Environment & Forests, India assist the implementation of the 2000 and beyond Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea Ministry of Tourism and National Parks, Malawi Convention. In the mid 1980’s, to reflect National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA the considerable growth of TRAFFIC National Geographic Channel Asia The TRAFFIC Network now Natural Heritage Trust during these years, WWF and IUCN receives financial support from a wide Nautilus TV Netherlands Government came together to form the TRAFFIC range of sources. Our relationship with New Horizons Computer Learning Centre Committee. This led to both Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation (NORAD) WWF and IUCN continues to be Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew organisations supporting TRAFFIC flexible, responding to conservation The Rufford Foundation SADC Wildlife Technical Coordinating Unit financially and since then, WWF and needs. Similarly, we still work closely Save the Tiger Fund, USA IUCN have been two of TRAFFIC’s main Society for Wildlife and Nature with the CITES Secretariat providing Southern Africa Wildlife College donors, and have regularly invested in Stevens Sharkey technical expertise on a range of priority Taiwan Council of Agriculture TRAFFIC’s work, through both core and issues. A funding development strategy Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation project funds. Tiger's Eye Retail has been engaged to guide future efforts UK Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions During the 1980’s TRAFFIC’s multi- UK Department for International Development, Botswana Office to increase support to the programme and UNESCO faceted role began to emerge and so too, to maximise the efficiency of fund United World Chinese Commercial Bank US Agency for International Development TRAFFIC’s funding base began to management. These new directions have US Fish & Wildlife Service diversify, with new donors such as US Information Service Programme, Development Office, already seen considerable success, with South Africa Greenpeace funding an investigations TRAFFIC receiving funding for multi- US National Marine Fisheries Service US State Department project, the Fund for Animals Australia regional programmes and not just The Walt Disney Company Foundation funding TRAFFIC Australia, Peoples Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa individual projects. These recent WWF Australia Trust for Endangered Species funding the relationships include BMZ WWF Belgium WWF Biodiversity Support Programme TRAFFIC Bulletin and the European (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche WWF Canada Commission supporting work by WWF Coordination Office-Zambia Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung) WWF East African Marine Ecoregion Programme TRAFFIC Europe. funds for medicinal plants work and a WWF East Africa Regional Programme Office WWF Endangered Seas Campaign grant from The David and Lucile WWF France WWF Gabon Programme Packard Foundation for international WWF Germany fisheries work. WWF Hong Kong A TRAFFIC online WWF International TRAFIC’s overall programme WWF Italy donation facility WWF Japan growth continues, but it still faces serious WWF Large Herbivore Initiative for Europe has been launched on challenges in striving to secure reliable WWF Latin America-Caribbean Programme WWF Netherlands the 27th of November as sources of the flexible funds that are WWF New Zealand WWF South Africa a part of the 25th Anniversary essential for risk management and WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme Office maintaining strategic programme WWF Sweden Special Section at WWF Switzerland direction. WWF Tanzania Programme Office www.traffic.org WWF Tiger Conservation Programme WWF-UK WWF-US

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC East Asia

TRAFFIC Taipei office, a report on the following year the the summary report on trade in rhinoceros horn, in Taiwan area was Tibetan Antelope saw the daylight. published in 1992, followed by a study on Throughout the years, TRAFFIC has rhinoceros horn trade in South Korea in assisted governments in identifying and 1994. The same year, the Species in Danger implementing adequate controls on wildlife report on worldwide trade in tiger bone trade in the region and. provided technical became the leading reference for those in expertise to the governments during the David Lawson / WWF-UK the conservation community seeking to strengthening of national wildlife legislation The TRAFFIC East Asia regional office understand the trade in tigers. Another in Japan and Taiwan. was established in 1994 in Hong Kong. The report on Tigers followed in 2000, and The development of a registration first Regional Director based in Hong Kong examined the tiger trade in the late 1990s. system for slipper orchid nurseries was was Judy Mills, followed by a period in The use of bears in medicinal products established in Taiwan in the recent years 2000 with Marcus Phipps as Acting was studied in 1995 and in 1999 TRAFFIC with assistance from TRAFFIC, allowing Director. Today, lead by Craig Kirkpatrick, East Asia co-hosted The Third International for the verification of orchids as being TRAFFIC East Asia, with 12 members of Symposium on the Trade of Bear Parts in artificially-propagated and nurseries to be staff, and offices in place also in Japan and the Republic of South Korea. inspected. It was modelled on an effective Taipei, covers eight countries and territories In 1997, TRAFFIC East Asia produced system in place in Thailand. in the region. a review of the current ivory trade in the Since 1995, TRAFFIC East Asia has TRAFFIC Japan was the first office to region documenting serious weaknesses been actively contributing to traditional be established in the region in 1982. Led by that persist in the domestic ivory trade medicine-related activities in a number of Tom Milliken until 1991, it undertook controls of several Asian countries and roles. Today, TRAFFIC East Asia seeks not numerous studies in Japan and the Asia territories, including Japan. Similarly, only to maintain its existing co-operative region such as Japan's trade in psittacines, inadequacies have been highlighted with relationship with the traditional medicine Asian arowana, bears, cactus, and live respect to the regulation of whale meat trade communities, but also to move this reptiles to name a few. Field research in East Asia. relationship to an even higher level. The outside of Japan produced studies such as In 1998 a report on consumers attitudes aim of outreach activities is to engage the the South Korean rhino horn trade and the toward Traditional Chinese Medicine and traditional medicine community in the Indonesian sea turtle trade in 1988. endangered species in Hong Kong and the dialogue over conservation issues Coinciding with the establishment of the United States were published and the surrounding wildlife used in medicines.

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa

and the Rhino Horn and Product Database Africa struggling for survival amidst currently stores stock information from a endemic poverty and frequent famine. total of 54 countries. In 1997, as a major contribution to the African Elephants, perhaps the broader TRAFFIC Network initiative to continent’s most charismatic flagship assess the growing global trade in sharks, species, have always been an important TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa docu- focus of TRAFFIC's work in Africa. mented the status of shark fisheries in the M Rautkari / WWF-UK TRAFFIC’s expertise on elephant trade region. TRAFFIC has examined the trade in TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa was issues has resulted in it playing a leading role other valuable marine taxa, completing an established in 1991 with the opening of a in various initiatives under the CITES assessment of the trade in sea cucumbers, regional office in Malawi by its first - and Secretariat, the IUCN/SSC African Elephant lobsters and shells, as well as Bluefin Tuna. current - director Tom Milliken. This move Specialist Group, the European Union and More recently, TRAFFIC has received funds effectively re-established a full-time others to find solutions to many divisive to undertake a major review of swordfish TRAFFIC presence on the African continent issues. In 1992, TRAFFIC created the Bad fisheries in the region. after a decade’s absence. (As early as 1980, Ivory Database System (BIDS) to hold TRAFFIC staff have played vital roles in a TRAFFIC office had briefly opened in records of ivory seizures which have helping national governments and law Nairobi but, sadly, closed after the death of occurred anywhere in the world since 1989. enforcement authorities to become more its director, Ted Norris.) The TRAFFIC Today BIDS has evolved into the Elephant effective in the fight against illegal wildlife programme covers 18 countries in the Trade Information System (ETIS). The first trade. region. By 1995, the regional programme major analytical report from ETIS will be Overall, TRAFFIC has charted ten years office was supported by three other offices in ready for consideration at COP12 in 2002. of dynamic progress in the region and, with a Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. The trade in medicinal plants and dedicated staff and a clear programmatic TRAFFIC's first major work in Africa in animals has also been an important focus of vision, there is certainly more success to come. 1993 looked at the decline of the Black TRAFFIC's work, as most Africans rely on To give Africa the full treatment it deserves, Rhino in Zimbabwe and its implications for traditional medicines as their primary source however, the challenge remains to establish a future rhino conservation. Since 1998, of health care. Another natural resource, complementary TRAFFIC programme for TESA started to document worldwide legal wild meat, is also a valuable source of Western and Central Africa. stocks of rhinoceros horn and other products, protein and income for many people in

Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 TRAFFIC Europe

TRAFFIC Europe, under Tom De majority still taken directly from the wild. implementing CITES. Meulenaer, was formed in 1990 but evolved Recognising the problem of TRAFFIC Europe participated in the from several earlier national offices. uncontrolled wildlife trade in the former drafting of new EU wildlife trade legislation TRAFFIC UK (1980, closed in 1982); Soviet Union resulting from the political which came into force in 1997. Today, the TRAFFIC Germany (1981); TRAFFIC changes of the 1980s, TRAFFIC Europe wildlife trade regulation represent some of Netherlands (1984); TRAFFIC Belgium, carried out a survey of this trade from 1994- the most comprehensive wildlife trade (1984); TRAFFIC Austria, (1986, closed in 1995. Since then, TRAFFIC work in the legislation in existence to implement CITES. 1990); TRAFFIC Italy (1986) and region has looked at trade in Saiga Antelope, Fisheries is another important TRAFFIC France (1987). After the hunting trophies, wild sheep and goats, component of TRAFFIC Europe's work and establishment of TRAFFIC Europe, a caviar, birds of prey and fisheries. Russia is it conducted a review of shark fisheries of Russian National office was established in also a major supplier of musk and a the north-east Atlantic and the Moscow in 1995. These offices had worked TRAFFIC Europe-Germany report on Musk Mediterranean, trade in sharks and shark collaboratively on projects such as the ivory Deer documented how 52 countries products in Europe and related European trade in Europe and an assessment in the participate in the trade. regulations. More recent work examined mid-1980s of CITES implementation in In the area of EU legislation, TRAFFIC bluefin tuna and Swordfish catches in the what is now th European Union. had been aware for years of the inadequate North Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as TRAFFIC Europe's first regional implementation of CITES by some Member the fishing industry in the Russian part of the projects concentrated on the plant trade; the States of the EU. In 1990, it examined three Bering Sea. tropical timber trade; eastern Europe; of the most serious offenders - Italy, Spain Similarly, TRAFFIC Europe's sturgeon legislation; and the reptile skin trade. and Greece. A study on Greece documented conservation efforts have been widely Several of these remain important themes of widespread unregulated trade, including recognised and assisted in the adoption of TRAFFIC Europe's work. sales of cat furs, ivory and sea turtle items, CITES trade controls for all sturgeons and One of its first plant trade studies and helped bring about Greece's accession to their products in international trade in 1988. investigated wild plants traded in European CITES in 1993. Italy's inadequate With sturgeon coming under CITES horticultural outlets. This was followed by a implementation led to CITES recom- Appendix II in 1997, TRAFFIC is working survey of Europe's medicinal and aromatic mending Parties to cease wildlife trade with with governments, the caviar industry, plants in 1996, which identified between Italy in 1992. TRAFFIC Europe assisted the consumers and specialists to ensure the 1200-1300 native medicinal and aromatic Government of Italy in overhauling its effectiveness of the controls now in place. plants used commercially, with the vast structures, legislation and penalties for

TRAFFIC India

threatened by trade, as well as the laws, Trade monitoring on key species has regulations and treaties that protect this also been a priority. In 1994, TRAFFIC resource. A practical guide to wildlife trade India used the findings of research on the monitoring, it proved to be a useful resource trade in Agarwood to assist the Indian for wildlife and non-wildlife agencies in Government draft a successful proposal for training and re-orientating new officers. international trade in Agarwood to be TRAFFIC India played a key role in the regulated under CITES the next year. George Schaller George setting up the National Co-ordination Attention was also turned to the Greater TRAFFIC India was established in Committee of Enforcement Agencies for One-horned Rhinoceros, among the most 1992, with Ashok Kumar as its first Director greater interaction and better exchange of endangered of India's wild species, with and Manoj Misra succeeding him in 1996. information among the different agencies. numbers remaining in the wild totalling less Its broad goal was to monitor wildlife trade Under its auspices, thirteen training than estimates for either tigers or elephants. and other forms of utilisation of animals and workshops for staff of enforcement agencies Sharks were the focus of a number of plants and their derivatives in India. were facilitated between 1996-1997 alone. studies, with a preliminary survey in Trade At the time TRAFFIC India was During that same period, TRAFFIC India in Sharks and Shark Products in India being established, no single agency had overall also assisted in numerous court cases conducted in 1997 and, more recently, a responsibility for monitoring wildlife trade involving illegal wildlife trade and report on India's Whale Shark Fishery, and enforcement in India. One of contributed to the seizure of eight which was published in 2001. TRAFFIC's first tasks was to assist in that consignments of illegal wildlife. Creating awareness among decision- co-ordination and help develop and maintain Also, a national network of informers in makers and enforcement officers of the computerized databases of wildlife trade- India has been established in recent years by nature of the trade and the need for CITES related statistics. Today the computerised TRAFFIC, to support investigations and enforcement has always been important in library of facts and figures is used to cross- provide valuable intelligence information to India. TRAFFIC India was at the forefront reference wildlife trade activities, with the the authorities. This also illustrates how of an international campaign launched by database on permits issued for wildlife trade government agencies can develop a working TRAFFIC, WWF and the government of alone including more than 10 000 entries. relationship of trust with NGOs, working in India in 1999, to raise awareness of the In 1994, TRAFFIC India published a close collaboration on sensitive issues as problems of illegal trade in shahtoosh wildlife trade handbook for enforcement intelligence exchange and criminal shawls, made from the wool of the highly staff on the entire range of wildlife activities. endangered Tibetan Antelope.

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC North America

Canadian and US trade of American Black world live reptile trade urged for research to Bear. TRAFFIC USA also co-hosted two be stepped up and action taken to address a international symposia on the trade of bear trade that is impacting some of the world's parts, in 1994 and 1997. wild reptile populations. Traditional Chinese medicine is another Due to declines of sturgeon elsewhere important focus of TRAFFIC North America's caviar from sturgeon and paddlefish species work. In 1994 a report Prescription for in North America is increasingly entering Mary Rae/WWF-UK Extinction: Endangered Species and Patented world markets today. On this note, TRAFFIC The TRAFFIC North America regional Oriental Medicines in Trade, quickly became North America co-hosted a symposium on its programme was established in 1998. an important reference work on patented harvest and trade in 1998 and following on However, its predecessor, the TRAFFIC USA Oriental medicines. the results of that meeting, TRAFFIC North national office was opened in 1979 as a In 1998, TRAFFIC found that certain America will soon be releasing a report on the programme office of WWF-US - making it TCM products were more readily available in harvest, trade and management of paddlefish the second oldest office in the TRAFFIC North America than in China. Later that year, and sturgeon. Network. Today, national offices in Canada the US Congress passed the Rhino and Tiger TRAFFIC North America also produced and Mexico provide additional support to the Product Labelling Act, significantly assisting a compilation of shark fisheries and trade data regional programme. Former directors of enforcement authorities in taking action and information in the Americas and in 1998, TRAFFIC USA, in chronological order, have against the continuing US trade in tiger and released the first volume of TRAFFIC's been Nicole Duplaix, Linda McMahan, rhinoceros products, such as medicines. global study of shark fisheries and trade. Kathryn Fuller, Ginette Hemley and Gina TRAFFIC North America and WWF US had A report on the trade in big-leafed DeFerrari. Under its current director, Simon been working with Congress for nearly two mahogany in 2000 included an exhaustive Habel, TRAFFIC North America now covers years to pass the Act. Furthermore, in 1998 analysis of global trade data along with a a region that includes Canada, Mexico, TRAFFIC North America (jointly with survey of mahogany importers, indicating the United States, as well as the US Territories of TRAFFIC East Asia) released a report major role US plays as an importer of the Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. featuring research into the attitudes of species. Earlier this year, a report by TRAFFIC has over the years undertaken consumers toward traditional Chinese TRAFFIC North America reviewed the a number of projects to assess the impacts of medicine. exploitation, trade and management of marine trade on native North American species that The USA is one of the world's largest turtles in 11 countries and territories in the enter world markets. For example, TRAFFIC traders of live reptiles and in 1996 a Northern Caribbean. USA conducted extensive research on the TRAFFIC report on the role of the US in the TRAFFIC Oceania

Pacific in 1995. TRAFFIC Oceania is world’s threatened trees. Over 200 are continuing to work on this issue and plans to critically endangered and endangered tree complement its existing work with a focus on species, and 11 species have already become giant clams and corals in the near future. extinct. Many endemic timber species in In the Australian and New Zealand Oceania have a range smaller than 26 square context, TRAFFIC Oceania is recognised as kilometres and so are easily threatened by IUCN Shark Specialist Group a leading conservation voice on fisheries timber extraction. TRAFFIC Oceania was initially issues and has been consistently invited to TRAFFIC Oceania’s recent pioneering established as TRAFFIC Australia in 1984, participate in high-level policy development initiative to work on Agarwood with WWF’s expanding to become the regional office, and management forums over the years. South Pacific Programme in Papua New TRAFFIC Oceania, in 1987. The first In relation to offshore fisheries, TRAFFIC Guinea (PNG) has built effective links with regional director was Frank Antram followed Oceania has produced a number of significant government authorities that are involved in by Debra Callister in 1989 and Simon Habel reports including those on Southern bluefin regulating not only Agarwood but also other in 1994. Today, TRAFFIC Oceania is led by tuna in 1997 and, more recently, on threatened species of flora and fauna in PNG. Glenn Sant, covering an area of responsibility Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. The issue of traditional Chinese of 24 countries and territories in the Pacific. TRAFFIC Oceania hosted one of the co- medicines in trade was the focus of symposia TRAFFIC Oceania's earlier studies ordinators of the TRAFFIC network's organised by TRAFFIC Oceania in August included a review on the collection and trade worldwide review on shark fisheries and as 1997 in Sydney and March 1999 in of Australian insects to Europe in the late part of it, produced an overview of the Melbourne. More recently, TRAFFIC 1980s. In 1991, an international trade review Oceania region's harvest, trade and Oceania co-conducted a review of Australia's on Australian parrots was published, followed management of sharks and other cartilaginous Environment Protection and Biodiversity by a timber trade overview in 1992 of the fish in 1996. Conservation Amendment (Wildlife Illegal Tropical Timber Trade in the Asia- Alongside fisheries, timber is another Protection) Bill 2001. Pacific. In the mid-1990s Australia's native important area of work for TRAFFIC In the future, TRAFFIC Oceania intends wildlife trade, its scale, trends and impacts Oceania. The Oceania region has a to continue its focus on fisheries and timber was examined. disproportionate share of the world’s work in support of the key wildlife trade One of TRAFFIC Oceania’s first major threatened tree species. While containing less issues facing the region and is hoping to marine studies was an examination of the than three percent of the world’s forests, expand its ability to provide assistance at a trade in Marine Invertebrates of the South Oceania holds over nine percent of the national level to Pacific island countries.

Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 TRAFFIC South America

that led to several seizures of illegal wildlife patterns, trade legislation in the region and shipments. recommendations for future developments. Major recent work in TRAFFIC South Various activities have recently been America has examined the trade in Big- undertaken, including studies on harvest, use leafed Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla. of and trade in medicinal plants in selection Today it is one of the most valuable tropical of countries in the region. TRAFFIC has hardwoods in the international timber trade. also organised workshops on medicinal plants WWF / Andre Bartschi At the CITES Mahogany Working Group and trade, with scientific experts, local TRAFFIC South America was first meeting this year, TRAFFIC South America communities, traders private companies as established in Uruguay. Led by Juan presented briefings that review legislation well as the governmental sector participating. Villalba-Macias, the office started its and harvest and trade controls in three key A study on the Galapagos sea cucumber operation in 1985. In 1991 a national office countries, as well as the role of CITES. fishery carried out in 1999 revealed that the was opened in Argentina, but closed soon TRAFFIC will continue to be an integral harvesting of sea cucumbers is lucrative again in 1993 after facing financial part of the dialogue and exchange of business and that local authorities are difficulties. The same met the regional information between CITES authorities and constantly under pressure from fishermen to office in 1995. Work on plant trade issues other stakeholders to ensure better keep fishing seasons open. The report continued from 1996 in a project office implementation of CITES in the future for encourages the search for mechanisms that hosted byIUCN, Quito. In 1999 the South the species. allow the use of the resource without leading America regional office was re-opened at Medicinal plants is another important to its extinction and the degradation of the same location. Led by Bernardo Ortiz, area of work for TRAFFIC South America. precious ecosystem of the Galapagos. TRAFFIC South America today has four With many local communities depending Recently, TRAFFIC South America also staff members and operates through a upon these plants for their healthcare, conducted research on the status of the trade network of consultants covering 12 increasing harvest from the wild and current in Patagaonian toothfish in Chile, as part of countries. trade patterns of these resources can create a a larger study carried out by the network. The early work of South America negative impact that threatens not only the TRAFFIC South America works closely examined the trade in psittacines (parrots sustainability of the species but also the with key institutions, and governments in its and parakeets) and reptile skins, looked at health of the population. In order to address aims to ensure the continued existence of the management of the wildlife resources in this challenge, TRAFFIC South America biological diversity and its productivity - Argentina and assisted in enforcement work has been examining the harvest and trade now and for future generations.

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia

and the Trade in Sharks and Shark Products Cambodia becoming members of this of Southeast Asia in 1996 and the trade in Convention in 1997. live coral fish for food in 1997. In addition, TRAFFIC and Viet Nam’s Freshwater turtles were also an Government signed a Memorandum of important area of study, and in 1999; Understanding in 2000. A CITES TRAFFIC co-organised a workshop held in Legislation Working Group was established Cambodia, bringing together experts from in Viet Nam and TRAFFIC was invited to Peter Paul van Dijk / TRAFFIC 16 countries. The recommendations from provide technical assistance to the group. In TRAFFIC Southeast Asia was the workshop were adopted almost wholly early April 2001, draft CITES legislation established in 1991 based in Malaysia. A by CITES at the 11th COP the next year. was completed. After ratification, the Viet Nam office first set up in 1999, became Over the last few years, TRAFFIC has legislation will provide for better a sub-regional office for Indochina in 2001. been researching the Jamu medicine system implementation of CITES in the country. The first regional director of TRAFFIC in Malaysia and Indonesia. Some rare All the countries in Southeast Asia still Southeast Asia was Stephen Nash, species were found to be in use as need to strictly enforce trade controls, followed by Steven Broad in 1993 and ingredients, without any management improve anti-poaching capacity, develop Chen Hin Keong in 1995. The TRAFFIC systems in place to ensure their specialised enforcement units for Southeast Asia programme covers eleven sustainability. undercover investigations and provide countries in the region. Another important research in the incentives against unsustainable trade and Its first studies in 1992 looked at the region is the fragrant wood, agarwood. In harvest of their natural resources. Major songbird trade in Southeast Asia, as well as August 2000, a report Heart of the Matter illegal supplying markets still operate the Red and Blue Lory in 1993. Three revealed that over 700 tonnes of agarwood openly in many Southeast Asian countries. heavily traded bird species were was reported in international trade in 1997, Much work has been done but the challenge subsequently listed under CITES Appendix and the survival of the species is being of effective implementation remains II as a result of the former work in 1997 and increasingly threatened by over-harvesting. daunting. Only through international co- the latter was listed in appendix I in 1994. Progress has been made in CITES operation can Southeast Asia conserve its Marine species also received attention implementation in the region and continued unique natural heritage for future early on, with a study on Coral Trade in dialogue with governments of these generations. 1992, Hawksbill Turtle trade in Viet Nam countries have led to the accession of two years later, a study on Shark Fisheries Vietnam to CITES in 1994, Myanmar and

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC STAFF NEWS ON THE HORIZON

The Twelfth Meeting of the New post to boost timber Welcome Conference of the Parties to CITES work in the Network (COP12) takes place in November next year, in Santiago Chile. Much Chen Hin Keong has taken up a new role Shoko Kameoka joined TRAFFIC East remains to be done to build upon within TRAFFIC as a Senior Forest Asia-Japan office as Programme Officer the successes of the last meeting Trade Advisor, the global focal point for in July 2001. in Nairobi in 2000, with many activities related to trade in timber and many problems remaining other wood products. He will remain * unresolved and new challenges based in Malaysia though working as a having emerged. part of TRAFFIC International team. Karin Burkhardt started her work as the From November 2001, the post of During 2002, TRAFFIC also Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in Research Officer at TRAFFIC Europe in hopes to produce a new and which Chen provided leadership to the July 2001. regional programme for six years, is comprehensive overview of global vacant. * wildlife trade trends, including coverage of key commodities such Suon Phalla joined TRAFFIC Southeast as timber, fisheries, medicinal Other changes Asia - Indochina sub-regional office as products, wild meat, live animals, the Cambodia based Programme Officer ornamental plants and non-wood Craig Hoover from TRAFFIC North in August 2001. forest products. America has been promoted from Senior Programme Officer to Deputy Director in * October 2001. Monica Anton joined TRAFFIC Europe Simon Milledge from TRAFFIC to undertake work related to European East/Southern Africa-Tanzania office: Union Wildlife Trade Regulation in Senior Programme Officer. August 2001. TRAFFIC Dispatches 219c Huntingdon Road Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL Christopher Robbins from TRAFFIC * Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 North America: Senior Programme Fax. +44 (0)1223 277237 Officer. Dang Linh Huong started her work as the E-mail: [email protected] Administrative Assistant at TRAFFIC Web site: www.traffic.org Sue Vivian from TRAFFIC International: Southeast Asia Indochina office in Information & Publications Officer. November 2001. Editor: Maija Sirola Special thanks to contributors from Joyce Wu from TRAFFIC East Asia- * TRAFFIC International and Taipei: Research Officer. the regional offices whom made this special issue possible. Annick De Beukelaer joined TRAFFIC Office moves Europe regional office as the © TRAFFIC International 2001 Administrative Officer in November TRAFFIC Southeast Asia moved offices 2001. TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade in September 2001. The new address is monitoring network, works to ensure that Unit 9-3A, 3rd Floor, Jalan SS23/11, Taman trade in wild plants and animals is not a SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Goodbye threat to the conservation of nature. Malaysia. TRAFFIC Dispatches is published Tel: (603) 7880 3940 Marie-Veronique Ninassi left her position to keep partners and supporters informed Fax: (603) 7882 0171 as the TRAFFIC Europe-France about our activities and accomplishments. E-mail: [email protected] representative in July 2001. TRAFFIC works in co-operation with the Secretariat of the Convention on TRAFFIC Europe moved offices in * October 2001. The new address is Bd. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Emile Jacqmain 90, B-1000 Brussels, Irene Bronlet, Administrative and Belgium. Communications Officer left TRAFFIC Tel: (32) 2 343 8258 Europe in October 2001. Fax: (32) 2 343 2565 E-mail: [email protected] * is a joint programme of

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Viet Nam Holly Reed, Senior Administrative office became a sub-regional office for Assistant left TRAFFIC North America Indochina in November 2001. in October 2001.

* *

Number 18 November 2001 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

TRAFFIC International Lregional TRAFFIC office znational TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC Europe - Regional Office TRAFFIC North America - Mexico 219c Huntingdon Rd, Cambridge, Bd. Emile Jacqmain 90, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium c/o WWF Mexico Programme Office CB3 ODL, UK Tel: (32) 2 343 8258; Fax: (32) 2 343 2565 Ave. Mexico No. 51, Col. Hipodromo Condesa Tel: (44)1223 277427; Fax: (44)1223 277237 E-mail: [email protected] 06100 Mexico, D.F., Mexico E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (525) 286 5631/34; Fax: (525) 286 5637 TRAFFIC Europe - France c/o WWF France E-mail: [email protected] 188, rue de la Roquette, F 75011 Paris, France Tel: (33) 1 55 25 84 43; Fax: (33) 1 55 25 84 74 TRAFFIC East Asia - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] Room 2001, Double Building, TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong TRAFFIC Europe - Germany GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Tel: (852) 2 530 0587; Fax (852) 2 530 0864 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, Germany Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180; Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg., TRAFFIC Europe - Italy 3-1-14, Shiba, Minato-ku, 105-0014 Tokyo, Japan c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c, 00198 Rome, Italy TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716; Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304 Tel: (39) 06 84497357; Fax: (39) 06 84497356 c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Atahualpa 955 y Republica, Website: www.twics.com/~trafficj Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, TRAFFIC Europe - Netherlands PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei PO Box 7, 3700 AA Zeist, The Netherlands Tel: (593) 2 246-6622/623; 226-1075/7/8 PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (31) 30 6937307; Fax: (31) 30 6912064 (ext.400) Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787; Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (593) 2 246-6624 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw TRAFFIC Europe - Russia c/o WWF Russia Programme Office PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia Tel: (007) 095 727 09 39; Fax: (007) 095 727 09 38 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] Unit 9-3A, 3rd Floor, Jalan SS23/11, Taman SEA c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia, PO Box CY 1409 Tel: (603) 7880 3940 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe Fax: (603) 7882 0171 Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534; TRAFFIC India - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (263) 4 703902 c/o WWF India Secretariat E-mail: [email protected] 172 B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Indochina Tel: (91) 11 4698578 c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (91) 11 462837/4691226 53 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, IPO Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Kenya Website: [email protected] Box:151, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 Tel: (84) 4 733 8387 & (84) 4 733 8386 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (84) 4 822 0642 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa TRAFFIC North America - Regional Office c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag x11, 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington DC 20037, USA Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: (1) 202 293 4800; Fax: (1) 202 775 8287 Tel: (27) 11 486 1102; Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC North America - Canada TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Tanzania c/o WWF Canada c/o WWF Programme Office 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410, Toronto, PO Box 63117, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Ontario, Canada M4P 3J1 Tel: (255) 22 2700077 / 272455 / 2775346 Tel: (1) 416 489 4567 (ext.259) Fax: (255) 22 2775535 Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHES Number 19 March 2002

Good management practices sought for Queen Conch fishery by Stephanie Theile, Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe

RAFFIC Europe has completed the species’ large, brightly-coloured shells are first phase of a CITES Secretariat also used as curios and in jewellery, Tproject that aims to develop a though this use is of secondary importance model management strategy for the Queen and generally considered a by-product of Conch Strombus gigas, an edible marine the meat trade. The Queen conch fishery gastropod of the Caribbean region that has has a long tradition in the region, but it been listed in Appendix II of CITES since was not until the late 1970s that the fishery Stephanie Theile / TRAFFIC Europe 1992. saw a drastic increase. The expansion of The study found that the species the commercial harvest was largely to continues to be one of the most important supply growing local populations, the fishery resources in the wider Caribbean expanding tourism industry and the region, both with regard to annual landings increasing demand for the species’ meat in and socio-economic value. Records foreign markets. available for the second half of the 1990s In 1995, the species was introduced indicate that a total of up to 6300t of Queen into the CITES Significant Trade Review Conch meat were landed annually; worth process following concerns about large The Queen Conch Strombus gigas an estimated USD 60 million. This is volumes of meat reported in international has been valued for its tasty meat equivalent to some 50 million individual trade and the insufficient implementation for centuries. animals, making Strombus gigas one of the and enforcement of CITES by several most traded CITES species in terms of range States. The review was undertaken number in specimens. The overall harvest by TRAFFIC and IUCN-SSC and it develop a regional management strategy is likely to be significantly higher showed that several populations were for the species. considering the large levels of illegal and severely affected by over-harvest for trade In several countries, such as Jamaica, unreported fishing. in meat. It was concluded that, although Honduras and the Dominican Republic, In the first phase of the project, the overall survival of the species was not the Queen conch fishery has expanded TRAFFIC Europe examined the current considered to be at risk, local Queen over the past ten years and even developed status of the Queen Conch fishery in order Conch populations and hence the into a large-scale commercial fishery with to identify good management practices, commercial fisheries were certainly almost industrial characteristics. and to assess the feasibility of threatened. These results and the evidence Jamaica, Honduras and the Dominican implementing such practices in place in of illegal trade in Queen Conch products Republic are the largest producers of other countries. demonstrated the need for more effective Queen Conch meat, each country landing The Queen Conch occurs on sandy sea management programmes and trade up to 1,000t of meat annually in the late floors in clean, shallow waters throughout controls. Consequently, one of the CITES 1990s. In general, the majority of these the wider Caribbean. It has been valued Animals Committee’s primary recom- landings is destined for export, but local for its tasty meat for centuries. The mendation was to undertake efforts to consumption can also be significant. The ...continued on page 6

INSIDE: • Workshop on wildlife trade regulations in EU Silvia Marina Ribeiro Silva • Medicinal plants in Brazil • Securing the future of medicinal plants • Trophy hunting workshop held in Zimbabwe • Tiger protection gets boost in Indochina • Identification Guide to Traditional Asian Medicine • Study on American black bear completed

• Forest programme to boost timber work • TRAFFIC 25th Anniversary celebration Special section: Securing the future • Harmonizing fisheries catch certification • Thanking donors of medicinal plant resources Brazil’s medicinal plant trade - Silvia Marina Ribeiro Silva largely undocumented and unregulated

any plant species valued in medicines reported 119 species of native and exotic identify the full scale of the medicinal plant Mare facing increasing pressure from medicinal plants used and traded within and trade in the country. unsustainable harvest in Brazil. According from Brazil and that to date only some 70 The states of Paraná and São Paulo to a study released last month by TRAFFIC companies and individuals have registered stand out as the largest exporters of and Brazilian Institute for the Environment with IBAMA as required in order to trade medicinal plant materials, while the United and Renewable Natural Resources legally in the country. "This number is very States, followed by Germany are the largest (IBAMA) and carried out with support few considering the growing population importers of medicinal plants from Brazil. from BMZ (for full name see page 7), that depends heavily on medicinal plants The study recommends increased infor- undocumented and therefore unregulated for primary healthcare”, said Ximena mation exchange between IBAMA offices medicinal plant trade prevails throughout Buitrón, Programme Officer of TRAFFIC and other government offices. More Brazil. Medicinal plants are highly valued South America and co-author of the report. research is also needed on trade dynamics in healthcare and used widely for “Observations in local markets and stores and implementation of related laws and therapeutic and religious purposes. show that many more species are traded on regulations in order to promote better The study published in the joint report daily basis than those recorded officially." management of trade and conservation of Plantas Medicinais do Brasil: Aspectos More clarity in the legal instruments medicinal plants resources. Gerais sobre Legislação e Comércio and recording systems for regulating (Medicinal Plants of Brazil: General harvest and trade in the medicinal plants is For more information, please contact Aspects of Legislation and Trade), needed. The study is calling for better co- TRAFFIC South America (contact details available in Spanish and Portuguese, ordination and implementation of control on page 16) or vist the TRAFFIC website at shows that IBAMA has identified and systems by the authorities in order to www.traffic.org.

Staff News Welcome TRAFFIC Dispatches Professor Xu Hongfa commenced his 219c Huntingdon Road Appointment work as the new China Wildlife Trade Cambridge UK, CB3 ODL Programme Co-ordinator in TRAFFIC Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 Fax +44 (0)1223 277237 Caroline Raymakers was appointed the East Asia based in Beijing (within WWF E-mail: [email protected] new Director of TRAFFIC Europe in China office) in February 2002. Before Web site: www.traffic.org February 2002 having held this post for joining TRAFFIC Professor Xu was the the past year. Before joining TRAFFIC Dean of Chemistry and Life Science Editor: Maija Sirola Europe in 1996, Caroline worked for FAO College at East China Normal University and various NGOs, including WWF, in Shanghai and currently maintains his © TRAFFIC International 2002 particularly on marine conservation issues position as Director of the Shanghai in Indonesia. Wildlife Forensic Laboratory. TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that *** Mary Hansford returned to TRAFFIC trade in wild plants and animals is not a International to take over the position of threat to the conservation of nature. A new staff location Office Manager after Kelly Trentham’s within TESA-ZA departure in January 2002. TRAFFIC Dispatches is published to keep partners and supporters informed Tammy Tam started in her role as about our activities and accomplishments. Programme Officer Markus Burgener of Accounts Officer at TRAFFIC TRAFFIC works in co-operation with East/Southern Africa - South Africa office International in January 2002. the Secretariat of the Convention on (TESA-ZA) has relocated to Cape Town in International Trade in Endangered Species January 2002. Strategically, this move Leigh Henry joined TRAFFIC North of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). has been made as the city contains a broad America as the new Programme Officer in spectrum of governmental and non- December 2001. governmental institutions and individuals working on national and regional marine Kim Davis started her job as the Fisheries issues. Cape Town is strategically also Officer of TRAFFIC North America in important for lobbying at the parlia- November 2001. mentary level on South African wildlife is a joint programme of trade issues. Imel Adam started her work as the Admistration Officer of TRAFFIC Europe *** in December 2001.

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Workshop to boost development of ‘best-practices’ guidelines to sport hunting industry in the SADC region by Claire Patterson, Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-South Africa

‘The sport hunting industry faces many pressing issues, such as the withdrawal of Rob Barnett/TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-Kenya predator control quotas, the possible transference of management structures to community-based institutions, land tenure issues, and continuing problems with monitoring, administration and quota setting. Many countries are struggling with these issues in isolation but, in many Stakeholders from seven southern African countries participated in the workshop convened by TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa. cases, neighbouring countries have already found An overview of the status of the on the key challenges. They asked for solutions which could be industry in Namibia, Botswana, South TRAFFIC to play role of a facilitator in successfully implemented Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique the adoption of a regional sport hunting and Tanzania was presented. This was protocol, which would include ‘best elsewhere’. followed by technical presentations on practices’, guidelines and a regional pertinent issues such as information standard of excellence. Following on The above was the premise on which a management; quota setting as a strategic from the workshop, TESA has received wide range of stakeholders from seven tool; trophy quality monitoring; invitations from government authorities in southern African countries came together conservation and CBNRM; revenue Mozambique and Zambia to assist with the for a three-day workshop in Harare, optimization; hunt packaging; and, the development of sport hunting policies in Zimbabwe, in October 2001. Policies role of sport hunting associations. those countries and to build capacity for relating to trophy hunting (the hunting of The workshop culminated in the proper implementation. animals for their trophies by foreign identification of common challenges and hunters), or lack of them, is of great priorities. It was recognized that capacity TRAFFIC will produce a report later interest in the region as many southern building at the local level is essential, in 2002 detailing the way forward through African countries generate considerable particularly at community level. The the use of a ‘best-practices’ guideline income from sport or trophy hunting. This empowerment of communities through model. To obtain a copy of the report, income is often the primary source of wildlife ownership and use rights would please contact TRAFFIC East/Southern financial support for community-based assist in increasing true community Africa regional office (contact details on natural resource management (CBNRM) involvement and confidence in sustainable page 16), or visit the TRAFFIC website for programmes. use initiatives. The workshop strove to future updates. TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa ensure that issues such as the issuance of convened the workshop under the auspices permits, tender processes, access to of the USAID-funded, IUCN Regional information, monitoring, quota setting, Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) ethics and commitment to conservation managed Networking and Capacity are all addressed in a transparent and Building Programme (NETCAB). accountable manner. Revenue maxi- The aims of the workshop were to: i) mization through professional marketing assess the industry from a regional and diversification should also be perspective; ii) provide a forum for investigated and implemented to support stakeholders to share their regional reinvestment in the management of the experiences; and, iii) develop ‘best- region’s wildlife resources. Correction practices’ guidelines to assist in The delegates agreed that it is vital for Images illustrating the article published in Dispatches developing a transparent and fully the industry to establish ‘one-voice’ for Number 16 titled “South Pacific medicinal plants accountable sport hunting industry in the the region. This is important for exposed to bio-prospecting” by James Compton were Southern African Development effectively dealing with the concerns of incorrectly credited. The correct credit for these Community (SADC) region. the anti-hunting lobbies and for working images is “WWF South Pacific”.

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 Identifying the problem: A new guide to help law enforcers check trade in traditional Asian medicines

Crawford Allan, Global Enforcement Assistance Co-ordinator. TRAFFIC International

You are a Customs Officer. You are inspecting the regular import shipments of Asian foods and goods at the docks. Quite often, you will find a ship container filled with dried seeds, herbs and packets of traditional medicines. You know that these commodities could include parts and derivatives of species that are regulated or prohibited from import under international wildlife trade laws, such as Tiger bone, rhino horn, bear bile or musk. How do you find out if, amongst the dozens of boxes, there are any items that may need CITES papers or are not permitted at all? You have no expertise in identifying these products and you cannot read the language on the packaging. Even worse, you do not have the budget to regularly have an expert or translator standing by, and you do not know of anyone locally who could assist. You have a few options:

a. call in an expert (expensive – they may charge for their time and never want to arrive at the docks in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures); b. contact your colleague at another port who has some good experience of this for advice (impractical - she is three hundred miles away and is on holiday); c. do not inspect the shipment (unsatisfactory – you need to ensure that illegal items are not entering the country and inspections increase the detection rate); or d. attempt to sift through the items yourself (difficult - but there is an easy to use visual reference material that you can use as a guide).

If you are reading this you may not be try to help law enforcers tackle the medicine includes a written description a Customs Officer but putting ourselves in problem. Fortunately WWF UK, the that explains the alleged contents of the this scenario helps us realise the dilemmas CITES Secretariat, the UK Partnership for medicine. The medicines are indexed for that wildlife trade law enforcers face, Action against Wildlife Crime and Taiwan quick reference, by key identifiers that are particularly when attempting to inspect Council of Agriculture also recognised the easy to recognise for the law enforcer. shipments of traditional Asian medicines. need and value in this guide and provided There is also an explanation of how to Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, funds for its printing costs. ‘read’ the packaging and identify CITES Enforcement Team at Heathrow The guide includes approximately 430 controlled species from the ingredients Airport in partnership with TRAFFIC full colour images of traditional Asian list. The guide is looseleaf (170 pages), International have spent many years medicines that, according to their for easier revision, addition of the developing a “Traditional Asian Medicine packaging, may contain species that are enforcer’s own notes, and is designed to be Identification Guide for Law Enforcers” to controlled in international trade. Each photocopied for wider and cheaper distribution. The main audience for the guide is law enforcers based in countries outside of Asia, which may have to deal with inspecting imports or domestic sale of traditional Asian medicines. It cannot replace the need for an expert in every case, but it certainly can assist in flagging potential problem shipments that may need more detailed inspection and allow other shipments to be cleared more quickly. As the example above illustrates, the role of law enforcers in monitoring and enforcing trade laws is not straight- forward. It is hoped that this guide will help enforcers to learn some identification skills and to make the inspection process easier. Ultimately, this will improve detection of illegal shipments containing endangered species utilised in traditional Asian medicines containing endangered species. The Identification Guide will be out later this month. For more information, contact TRAFFIC International.

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Forest trade programme to boost timber work

by Chen Hin Keong, Senior Forest Trade Advisor, TRAFFIC International

The rate of deforestation globally leading the global forest and timber trade example, Ramin (Gonystylus spp.) is continues to decline by somewhere related work in the network has been already in Appendix III). between 50,000 to 170,000 km2 a year established (Senior Forest Trade Advisor). The forestry strategy cannot be according to FAO. Human population and TRAFFIC now faces many challenges in developed in a vacuum and closer links to economic pressures are exerted throughout developing its distinctive vision of the World Bank-WWF Forest Alliance and much of the forest lands. Various factors sustainable forest trade that contributes to the IUCN Forest Conservation Advisory such as subsistence agriculture, plantation conservation efforts with a special Group has been initiated and other links are agriculture, large-scale cattle ranching, consideration also to human aspirations and being explored. infrastructure development including needs. Gaining greater knowledge of different hydroelectric power and road construction, In 1992 TRAFFIC published its programmatic approaches and activities of industrialisation and human settlement seminal report on Illegal Tropical Timber such partner organisations is vital in contribute to deforestation. The remaining Trade in Asia-Pacific. Since then, TRAFFIC’s efforts to develop a network- forests need to be managed sustainably and TRAFFIC regions have been working on wide strategy for a forestry programme that effectively to meet the demands placed on forest-related activities over the years, is based on cooperation and collaboration them. playing a key role in species work like the with others working on forest conservation. Trade is a vital issue in the utilisation of mahogany and livelihood issues like the At the moment, funding is being sought our forest resources and plays a significant charcoal trade and the wood carving trade for the global coordination and specific part in transferring and retaining the in East Africa. Currently forestry work is projects. Once the funding has been benefits from forest utilisation at local, underway in Malaysia in a project that is set secured, TRAFFIC will be in an excellent national or international level. The out to evaluate the Malaysian forestry position to meet its objective of ensuring dynamics of trade have to be understood sector and its success rate in implementing that trade in wild plants is not a threat to the and strategies to ensure sustainable comparable systems in the country to that conservation of forests. utilisation of forests adopted accordingly. of CITES. This is valuable work in the For more information, please contact Timber trade is a priority issue in CITES context if timber species gets listed Senior Forest Trade Advisor c/o TRAFFIC

Chen Hin Keong / TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC and to this end, a new post under the Appendices in the future. (For Southeast Asia (contact details on page 16).

Towards harmonizing fisheries catch certification

by Anna Willock, Senior Fisheries Advisor, TRAFFIC Oceania

Early in 2002, TRAFFIC attended the products through international trade, ratifying and acceding countries not to 'Expert Consultation of the Regional thereby enabling the origin of the fish to undermine conservation measures Fisheries Management Bodies on the be identified. In some cases, catches are established by RFMOs, due to the fact that Harmonization of Catch Certification' as certified from the point of harvest to the only just in excess of thirty countries have one of five independent experts. The point of final importation while in others a ratified that Agreement. Catch meeting was hosted by the Inter-American document is only issued if and when the certification and documentation schemes Tropical Tuna Commission in fish enters international trade. One of the also begin to address the increasing collaboration with the Food and key differences in the breadth of schemes requirements of countries to identify the Agriculture Organization of the United adopted is that while some provide a basis origins of food products because of Nations (FAO) and attended by for accepting or rejecting fish upon concerns over both the quality of those representatives of a number of regional landing, others are implemented as an products and their sustainability. fisheries management organisations information-gathering exercise on which From TRAFFIC's perspective, the (RFMOs). to base other measures for combating IUU Expert Consultation provided an excellent The purpose of the meeting was to fishing. opportunity to engage more closely with examine the objectives and characteristics The growth in the use of catch RFMOs on the trade-related measures of the various catch certification and certification and documentation schemes being developed for fisheries and provide documentation schemes that RFMOs have is an interesting phenomenon in fisheries input to the further development of such introduced over the past eight years and conservation and management. It reflects measures. consider ways in which these could be the almost impossible task of monitoring The recommendations of the Expert harmonised. catches at sea and the limited scope under Consultation were presented to the Eighth The common objective of all of the international fisheries law to prevent Session of the FAO Committee on schemes implemented by RFMOs is to fishing to continue outside the regulations Fisheries' Sub-Committee on Fish Trade in combat illegal, unregulated and established by RFMOs. This latter mid-February, which TRAFFIC attended unreported (IUU) fishing activity for problem continues despite the entry into as part of the IUCN delegation, and will be species under their mandate by requiring force last December of the United Nations passed on to the FAO Committee on documentation to accompany the fish Fish Stocks Agreement, which obligates Fisheries meeting in early 2003.

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 A boost to improve application of wildlife trade laws in EU

Processing of freshly n November 2001, for the first time since the European Union (EU) adopted its landed I common regulation on wildlife trade in Queen 1997, representatives of wildlife trade Conch meat regulatory agencies, public prosecutors and in Jamaica. NGOs, met to develop recommendations Experienced for improving its implementation. cutters A two-day workshop convened by can cut up IUCN Environmental Law Centre and to 400kg TRAFFIC Europe brought together of meat representatives of 12 EU member countries and 3 EU candidate countries to discuss per day. Stepahnie Theile / TRAFFIC Europe legal and other obstacles to effective All Queen enforcement and implementation of Conch meat legislation related to illegal trade in processed endangered wildlife species in the region. at this The workshop concluded with the plant is development of preliminary recommen- destined dations by which EU Member Countries for export. can move forward and tackle problems as well as challenges that lie before them, e.g. the establishment of enforcement networks and improved co-operation in the EU. All 15 EU Member States have adopted ...continued from page 1 legislation to implement the EU wildlife USA is the largest market for Queen In addition, the non-harmonisation of trade regulation and have varying levels of Conch meat, importing between 2,000 to specific regulations (such as closed experience in enforcing these laws. 2,500t per year, followed by the European seasons), at least at sub-regional level, Co-ordination among agencies within a Union, and, in particular, the French creates difficulties, particularly in areas country, among EU Member States, and Overseas departments of Martinique and where poaching (especially by vessels in also between EU countries and others, was Guadeloupe. waters under the jurisdiction of other one of the meeting's strongest recommen- Today, the ongoing exploitation has nations) is widespread. dations. The other was improving aware- led to local stock declines and population Several regional institutions, and other ness of the importance of wildlife trade depletions, especially in shallow water regional bodies and experts such as the controls, and their value in achieving stocks. In some areas harvest consists Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, environmental goals. largely of juveniles. In addition, new have undertaken significant efforts over Penalties which are a primary fishing grounds have been exploited at the recent years to improve the mechanisms by which wildlife trade can be even faster rates and greater depths management of the species and to efficiently enforced - for violations of through the expanded use of modern dive harmonise existing management measures individual wildlife trade laws vary gear. High levels of illegal fishing and at regional level. It is hoped that efforts considerably among the 15 Member States poaching are becoming a growing concern will continue and that they will be making the illegal trade of wildlife in the and seriously undermine management supported not only by range States, but EU a calculable risk for a potential efforts at national and regional level. also at the international level. offender. In some Member States illegal The study describes the efforts that a TRAFFIC will be undertaking a trade in wildlife is not even considered a number of range States have undertaken to Significant Trade Review of the species in criminal offence and is treated under improve the species management in the the coming months, following the decision administrative law. Also, for example, in region and to enhance trade controls of the CITES Animal Committee at its the UK wildlife smugglers can face seven during the recent years. 17th meeting in August 2001 to years imprisonment whereas in Belgium For example, several range States reintroduce the species into the process. the maximum penalty for infringement of implemented management plans that TRAFFIC will closely collaborate with CITES is three months. Earlier this year included the use of harvest and export IUCN-SSC, CITES and Fisheries ...continued on page 11 quotas, established no-take zones and authorities as well as relevant closed seasons. However, such regulations organisations in the region in this effort. It often lack effective enforcement or a is hoped that the results of this review will sound biological basis. further help range States to ensure that In several countries the persistent need commercial harvest and trade in Queen for scientific data on the exploited stocks Conch products is maintained at and lack of monitoring of population sustainable levels, benefiting the peoples’ trends and fishing impacts, is of great livelihoods as well as ensuring survival of concern, especially in some of the large the species. TRAFFIC exporting countries.

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Securing the future of medicinal plant resources Looking to the future

Countless plant species are relied upon as a primary source of The conservation of culturally and medicine across the developing world, with traditional medicines economically significant medicinal plant species, and their contribution to made from wild species used as remedies for everything from the human health and rural development, is common cold to cancer. Industrial pharmaceuticals similarly depend enhanced through effective in part on wild plants, as does the growing market for “natural management measures at the local, national and international levels. medicines” and ‘herbal products’ in Europe and North America. Global reliance on medicinal plants drives a massive harvest and trade in wild TRAFFIC staff working on medicinal plant materials, providing an important source of income as well as plant issues met in May 2001 to assess the network’s progress thus medicines. Over-harvest in the face of increasing demand and far and to chart a course for future declining habitats is threatening species, healthcare practices and action. It was agreed that work on the incomes. TRAFFIC has therefore placed a priority on documenting medicinal plant trade should remain a high priority for TRAFFIC. A medicinal and addressing conservation and development concerns associated plant ‘target’, above, and related with the medicinal plant trade since the mid-1990s. TRAFFIC’s outputs, below, were established to efforts received a major boost in 1998, thanks to a grant from the guide TRAFFIC’s work through 2005. Further funding support and Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und partnerships are being sought to Entwicklung, BMZ (Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Co- enable TRAFFIC to achieve these operation and Development) through a Funds in Trust agreement important objectives. with WWF International. BMZ funds supported work in East Asia, Priorities include: the Indian Subcontinent, South America and internationally from 1998-2001, achieving important results and providing a strong further use of stakeholder foundation for further work during 2002 and beyond. dialogue processes to identify and seek support for implementing workable solutions to conservation, livelihood and Building bridges healthcare concerns associated range of stakeholders concerned with the and engaging stakeholders with the medicinal plant trade; medicinal plant trade, facilitating the exchange of information and providing an improvements in regulation and environment where problem areas could The importance of medicinal plants to enforcement practices to support healthcare is increasingly acknowledged. be identified and possible solutions sustainable management of Unfortunately, very little is actually addressed. medicinal plant populations; known regarding the species used, where The results of TRAFFIC’s medicinal they originate, where they go, what plant work have also been communicated increasing understanding of the volumes they are traded in, or whether more widely, in order to raise the profile of potential role of voluntary they are being used sustainably. The medicinal plant related issues, share certification schemes to achieve various medicinal plant ‘stakeholders’, research results and encourage inter- conservation and development may have partial knowledge of the status national responses that complement objectives related to the use of or trade of a particular species, but are emerging local and national initiatives. wild medicinal plants; unlikely to understand the complete Key results from BMZ-funded work in picture. This lack of knowledge is a East Asia, India and South America are expanding knowledge of the inter- potential ‘prescription for extinction’, to highlighted in the following pages, as are relationships between existing use a term previously applied to the use of plans for future medicinal plant work medicinal plant supplies, endangered species in traditional East based on the experience and knowledge regulatory and market Asian medicine. Not only the plant gained. structures, benefit flows and species themselves are at risk, but also the incentives for wild harvest and livelihoods and healthcare options of those For more information, please visit cultivation in order to design that depend on them. www.traffic.org or e-mail Teresa Mulliken measures aimed at achieving both BMZ funding of TRAFFIC’s work at [email protected]. conservation and development has directly contributed to reducing this objectives knowledge gap. BMZ funds supported both field research and communication of research findings via reports, articles, convening and participation in conferences and workshops, and liaison with the media. Equally important, these funds

enabled TRAFFIC to bring together a Zhong-Kai Yan TRAFFIC India Carlos Ceron

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Conservation of plant resources traded for traditional medicine in East Asia

For many years now TRAFFIC East Asia (TEAS) has been actively contributing to traditional medicine-related activities in a number of roles. Through the BMZ project a need to expand the knowledge of the plants traded for medicinal purposes was endorsed and an array of activities initiated in 1998 and the following two years. The interest towards the medicinal plant trade in East Asia comes not as a surprise, considering that as many as 1,000 plant species are estimated to be in common use for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and that 80% of them are wild harvested in the People's Republic of China alone. Estimates also suggest that the traditional medicine industry in China uses as much as several hundred thousands tonnes of plant material annually.

In 1998, under the auspices of BMZ These databases have proven useful Looking to the future in East Asia project TEAS set out to collect baseline tools in responding to requests for information on both the trade and trade information regarding the status and trade TEAS has been invited to present its controls for medicinal plants used in East of species within East Asia, including, for findings of the studies carried out in the Asia. Specific attention was paid to example, with regard to species proposals International Conference on Science and collecting information on the trade in submitted to the COP11 in April 2000 and Technology in Conservation of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, three of analyses of CITES 'significant trade Biodiversity of Medicinal Plant and the main markets, and, in the case of species'. They have also proven useful in Sustainable Utilisation in the coming China, sources of medicinal plants used in responding to inquiries about medicinal months. Participation in policy processes Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). plants from researchers and and dialogue with individual stakeholders Additional information was collected on representatives of pharmaceutical will continue, especially as TEAS has the trade in Japan and South Korea and companies within Asia and elsewhere in established itself as a reliable source of market surveys were also conducted in the world. information and advice amongst gov- Taipei and Kao Hsiung in 1999. Through the BMZ funds two Chinese ernment, traditional medicine practitioners Unpublished information on the range of language reports, namely Medicinal Plant and industry alike. medicinal materials of plant origins Trade in Hong Kong and Traditional The potential to increase access to maintained by trader associations was Chinese Medicine and the Medicinal Plant information included in the two databases obtained in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Trade in Taiwan have been published. will be explored further, including South Korea and Taiwan. Information Also an English-language report providing the TEMPT database in English was also collected through interviews with Medicinal Plant Trade in East Asia as well as Chinese. Completion of the members of the TCM communities in outlining the key findings of the research CITES TCM database within Taiwan will Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. to non-Chinese speaking audiences will be be an important step in this regard. To assist in identifying accurately the published this year. A Chinese-language Further assistance will also be provided to range of species declared as traded in Guide to CITES Plants and Trade government authorities with respect to domestic and international markets, TEAS published last year incorporates research implementing trade controls for CITES- developed the Chinese-language TRAFFIC funded by BMZ and was published with listed species. East Asia Medicinal Plants in Trade funding from Taiwan's Council of Resources are being sought to (TEMPT) database. Agriculture. It is designed to assist CITES undertake more detailed research Today TEMPT includes records for implementation and enforcement capacity regarding medicinal plant markets in order approximately 1600 trade names for in the region. (For more information see to establish trade volumes and trends for medicinal plants. Also, it has been Dispatches #17). priority species. Experience with surveys expanded to identify CITES-listed species TEAS staff has participated in and undertaken revealed that such research is and to provide information on the parts in made presentations to a variety of not only critical but also extremely trade, national protection and conservation meetings, organised and contributed to difficult owing to the reticence on the part status and applicable national import and numerous workshops held looking at the of traders to reveal the source or volumes export controls in China, the major different aspects of medicinal plant trade of items in trade. Alternative research supplier of medicinal plants to the region. in the region and initiated collaboration strategies will be developed in order to The TEMPT database also provided a between different stakeholders in a spirit build on information collected thus far. platform for producing an English- of "seeking collaboration not language database on species in confrontation". international trade within the region. Approximately 970 species are included in this database, 200 of which are covered by some form of conservation or trade controls and of potential conservation concern, and 37 of which were identified as being of specific concern based on their conservation status and trade for

traditional medicine in the region. TRAFFIC

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Motivating actions to sustain the medicinal plant resources of the Indian subcontinent

India is home to close to one billion people and a variety of traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Tibetan and numerous local and folk medicine practices. Healthcare in India is heavily reliant on native medicinal plants as well as the import of hundreds of tonnes of medicinal plant materials from other countries. Demand for medicinal plants drives large scale harvests and trade both within this densely populated country and in neighbouring countries such as Nepal.

The importance of medicinal plants publication, Cultivation of Medicinal and training materials regarding India’s and concerns regarding overexploitation Plants in India: A Reference Book, trade controls, including CITES Listed were already relatively well-established in contains information on approximately Medicinal Plants of India: An India at the time TRAFFIC India initiated 1700 publications, research and Identification Manual. Support was also its programme of BMZ-funded work. government institutes, gardens, herbaria provided for a pilot project to promote What was missing, however, was an and nurseries, medicinal plant growers, ‘Cultivation of Medicinal Plants with understanding of medicinal plant markets and trade and industry contacts within Community Participation’ in a small and trade, regulatory and market India. Dehradun village. A nursery was mechanisms geared toward addressing With individual States rather than the developed and farmers were encouraged concerns identified, and a willingness national government having primary to cultivate 13 medicinal plant species in among stakeholders to work together to authority over native plant harvests, marginal lands, a buy-back arrangement secure both wild medicinal plant TRAFFIC India set out to document having been agreed with traders for populations and supplies. TRAFFIC India harvest and trade controls at the state level products produced. The pilot project is therefore adopted a multi-faceted and published a report Regulation of now being expanded (For more approach in order to address these gaps, Collection, Transit and Trade of Medicinal information on this project, see Dispatches combining research, communication of Plants and other Non-Timber Forest #16). research results and stakeholder dialogues. Products in India in 2000. TRAFFIC India’s research focused on TRAFFIC India organised and Looking to the future in India several areas: trade volumes and trends; convened a series of stakeholder cultivation; and trade controls. Initial workshops throughout of the project TRAFFIC is now recognised within research was aimed at documenting trade period. They involved representatives India both as a source of expert advice on volumes and patterns of approximately 20 from key stakeholder groups including the medicinal plant trade and as an ‘honest species identified as being important to indigenous medicine manufacturers, broker with respect to encouraging cross- Indian medicinal systems and of potential wholesale traders, exporters, NGOs, stakeholder collaboration. There is a conservation concern. Thirteen medicinal medical practitioners, researchers and strong and continuing demand for plant markets across India were selected various government departments. The TRAFFIC’s input into policy processes as for market surveys, and data received were workshops succeeded in forging a shared well as for convening further stakeholder analysed. The initial results were commitment to working together toward dialogues. As one example, the Director presented to a stakeholders’ meeting for addressing concerns related to conser- of the Wildlife Institute of India has review and discussion. individual species. vation and quality control. TRAFFIC staff offered to host a stakeholder meeting on Further analysis is being undertaken, with also convened and participated in medicinal plant conservation in the results to be published later in 2002. numerous smaller meetings with industry, Uttaranchal in order to maintain the Following the recommendation of a promoters of traditional medicine momentum built up by the pilot cul- December 1999 stakeholders’ meeting practices in India, government agencies tivation project undertaken there. Funding regarding the poor availability of and international organisations. has been secured from the Rufford information on medicinal plant cul- TRAFFIC was also active ‘on the Foundation to undertake a review of the tivation, TRAFFIC undertook to produce a ground’, providing training to Customs potential to use voluntary certification as a reference guide to increase knowledge of border personnel charged with means to better ensure that medicinal and access to a variety of relevant implementing both CITES and national plants in trade are produced in a information sources. The resulting export controls , and producing a guide sustainable and equitable manner. Home to a wide variety of medicinal systems, a large and growing population dependent upon them, and in many cases a dwindling supply of medicinal plants, ‘Cultivation India remains a high priority for further of Medicinal work related to medicinal plant use and Plants with trade. Additional resources are being sought to allow TRAFFIC India to

Community TRAFFIC India Participation' continue building on work undertaken thus meeting in far including multi-stakeholder processes and support for implementation of recom- progress. mended policy and market reforms.

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 Support for more effective management of the trade in South America's medicinal plants

Unlike in East Asia and India, use of medicinal plants in South America is not characterised by widespread common medicinal systems, but instead by a wide variety of more localised practices. The approach used to promote more effective management of the trade is therefore approached in South America at a local rather than regional level. Although South America's rainforests are often cited as the source of pharmaceuticals, little work had been done to document the scale of the trade in medicinal plants.

Work initiated by TRAFFIC in the mid Setting the stage for policy reform within the Institute and as a result of the 1990s had begun to document this trade, Brazil study, established a working group to BMZ funding allowing this work to expand TRAFFIC's work in Ecuador, develop an Action Plan for the conservation in scope, and, in the case of Ecuador, to be Colombia and Brazil demonstrated the need of medicinal plants. undertaken in more detail. for development of comprehensive national In Ecuador, where research was already policies and programmes addressing the Looking to the future in South America well-advanced, TRAFFIC published the use of medicinal plant resources in the report Ecuador - Uso y Comercio de context of both conservation and In response to work in Ecuador, Plantas Medicinales (Ecuador: use and development, including healthcare and TRAFFIC South America has been invited trade of medicinal plants). This report quality control. to participate in the Iberoamerican Group highlighted species for which harvest levels TRAFFIC's work on medicinal plants for Fair Trade in Medicinal Plants and the appeared unsustainable, problems with in Ecuador influenced discussions and WIEGO Initiative (Women in Informal quality control in the manufacture and use policy development. The Ministry of Employment, Globalizing and Organizing). of medicinal-plant based medicines. Environment staff co-ordinating WIEGO, which has a programme on Release of the report also coincided development of the National Biodiversity medicinal plants, has developed a regional with the convening of a medicinal plant Strategy asked TRAFFIC to assist in proposal to undertake case studies in stakeholders workshop in Quito in developing a National Action Plan for Mexico, Argentina and Ecuador examining September 1999. Later TRAFFIC produced Medicinal Plants. TRAFFIC was also the situation of women working with proceedings from the workshop and invited to join and continues to participate medicinal plants and their role in the global circulated these to participants and other in the Legislation Sub-group of Ecuador´s marketplace. TRAFFIC has been asked to interested parties. National Working Group on Biodiversity. help develop and participate in the case In Colombia, an effort was made not Reflecting increased understanding of study for Ecuador. only to communicate the results of the need to conserve medicinal plants As a result of TRAFFIC's work within TRAFFIC's own research, but also to important to healthcare, regulations being Ecuador and Colombia, TRAFFIC was provide a platform for others working on developed within the Ministry of Health are contracted by the Biotrade Initiative of the medicinal plant issues to present their addressing environmental as well as health UN Centre for Trade and Development to findings and views. issues. ‘Good manufacturing practices' assess the potential role of sustainable use To this end, TRAFFIC, co-organised a have also been developed and are of Ecuador's biological resources in workshop with the Ministry of scheduled to be implemented in 2002. supporting this country's further devel- Environment and von Humboldt Institute. Results from the Colombia workshop opment, and co-organise a national The main results of the workshop were were used as a basis from which to develop workshop to discuss both documents. presented during the EXPONAT 2000 the National Medicinal Plants Action Plan. TRAFFIC has established a working Natural Products Fair, held in Bogota in The funding is now being sought for its link with Export and Investment Promotion September 2000, where TRAFFIC was implementation. The Colombian Government Corporation, which has invited TRAFFIC invited to participate. is also analysing the need and potential to to participate in various events, and has Research findings from work in Brazil develop a law specific to medicinal plants, agreed to collaborate in information have been published as a joint TRAFFIC- and to make more effective use of 'good exchange and analysis. TRAFFIC has also IBAMA report Plantas Medicinales de manufacturing practices'. been invited to participate in meetings of Brasil: Aspectos Generales Sobre Discussions are ongoing within Brazil the Centre for the Promotion of Imports Legislación y Comercio (Medicinal Plants with regard to changes needed in Brazil's from Developing Countries (CBI). of Brazil: General Aspects of Legislation medicinal plant policy and priorities for There are requests to undertake work And Trade) in February 2002. (See page 2) conservation action. An indication of the on medicinal plants within Paraguay and A central component of TRAFFIC's increased prominence of medicinal plants Argentina which would provide TRAFFIC work was to engage representatives from in this country is provided by the fact that the opportunity to extend its work to the all those sectors concerned with the use and the President of IBAMA has established a Southern Cone of South America. trade of medicinal plants in processes to Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants address related conservation, health care and other development concerns. Cross- sector collaboration is ongoing and Carlos Ceron TRAFFIC is recognised within the region for its 'convening' power, and is receiving requests to continue to play such a role.

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Tiger protection gets a boost in Central Indochina by Julie Thomson, Representative, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia-Indochina

In early December 2001, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Indochina undertook a CITES and wildlife law enforcement workshop for enforcement officials working in and around the tri-border area of Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam. Encompassing some of the most intact contiguous forest blocks in Central Indochina, this area is of international importance for the conservation of Tigers. It is also an area where high levels of illegal cross-border trade in wild species have been recorded. To help promote collaboration amongst the wildlife officials working in the tri-border area, TRAFFIC and Viet Nam's CITES Management Authority held a 2-day workshop on wildlife trade controls, attracting 37 wildlife enforcement officials representing five provinces in the three countries. The workshop included sessions on border trade controls and international cooperation, domestic legislation, CITES, and TRAFFIC's staff in Cambodia. A "Now I know who to contact on the other and the identification of Tiger products in total of 2,400 posters were handed out to side of the border!" Participants asked trade - given by Viet Nam's foremost Tiger participants to distribute at key border that the workshop be made into an annual expert. Workshop participants were also checkpoints, rural towns and villages. event, with alternating country locations. provided with Tiger posters with the In light of historical and present-day TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Indochina message, "Don't lose your last Tiger", complexities in the sub-region, organizing gratefully acknowledges the generous support printed in Khmer, Lao, and Vietnamese. the workshop and producing culturally of the Tiger Conservation Programme of The poster was produced in collaboration appropriate awareness materials did not WWF US and the Tiger Information Centre at with Viet Nam's Forest Protection come without challenges or without the Minnesota Zoo for their kind donation of Department, Laos' Department of Forestry rewards - as one participant remarked, the Tiger image used in the posters.

...continued from page 6 the highest ever sentence was imposed on a warnings. For example, in the UK a trader framework on how countries can improve wildlife smuggler in UK, when a UK offering many shahtoosh shawls was fined the effectiveness of their awareness in national was sentenced to six and a half only £UK1,500 for shawls that were worth protected or threatened species. years in prison for smuggling CITES-listed around £UK353,000. Workshop participants also offered birds, setting a precedent that such gross The lack of such coordination and several examples of international violation of wildlife laws can be dealt with awareness in the past has been a factor cooperation, where the same type of the utmost strictness in the future too. allowing some of the most extreme violations have been successfully stopped In Germany, smuggling of wildlife can criminal violators to go unpunished. The and the violators penalized. Three result up to five years of imprisonment and workshop offered examples of such cases, examples of developing specialised pros- a fine of DM100,000. In a major wildlife where non-citizen smugglers managed to ecutors for environmental crime were trade case in December 2000, a German evade punishment. These examples highlighted, showing the value of having a national was sentenced to three years' seriously undermine international efforts to centre of expertise for dealing with these imprisonment for smuggling CITES combat illegal wildlife trade. The EU, as specialised cases. The participants focused protected live animals for zoos and wildlife one of the largest marketplaces for wild on the need for EU members to recognize parks. However, even though prosecution animals and plants, should acknowledge its and learn from these examples, and to stated this case involved organised criminal responsibility and ensure that wildlife trade develop co-operation mechanisms as a activity, the prosecution charges on crime is adequately prosecuted and more permanent part of the arsenal for organised crime were dismissed. penalties fit the seriousness of the crime. combating illegal wildlife trade. In this Another widespread problem identified Recognizing that penalties are an way, the EU can take its place as an at the workshop is that violations of the EU important part of the equation, the example of the next steps in the evolution Wildlife Trade Regulations are often workshop highlighted recently designed of international wildlife protection. deemed insignificant and therefore the national programs for calculating monetary The proceedings of the workshop will appropriate application of the law is only and other penalties. These mechanisms be available in April 2002. For more rarely used. Too often illegal wildlife trade could form the basis of the sentencing information, please contact Monika Anton is only considered a petty crime and guidelines (depending on national law) and at TRAFFIC Europe. For contact details smugglers get away with just minor also form a part of a more general see page 16.

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 In the black: Study on American black bear completed

A TRAFFIC North America report titled “In the Black: Status, Management, and Trade of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) in North America” will be released later this month. This will complete TRAFFIC North America’s nearly 10-year effort to examine conservation issues surrounding the American black bear. Today, the American Black Bear is the only bear species out of the eight worldwide that is thriving throughout most of its range. Nevertheless, interest towards the species continues to be a priority issue among conservationists. Chief among the concerns was that North America’s black bear population could come under increased pressure from poachers to replace the dwindling supply of parts available from other species. Because most Asian bear populations are now endangered, a new source for the continuing demand for bear parts, primarily for use in traditional Asian medicines, might be the American Black Bear.

In the early 1990s, apprehension that regulations, annual harvests, the killed. In the 1996 survey the figure bear parts from protected Asian bears were significance and trends of black bear trade, showed an increase of approximately entering trade falsely labeled as and the effectiveness or perceived effec- 10,000 bears per year, which is consistent unprotected American Black Bears led to tiveness of law enforcement in addressing with the estimated increase in population national and international action to illegal trade of black bear parts. over that time period. prevent this practice. In 1992, the CITES The information gathered from the The 1996 study showed that an parties agreed to list the American black questionnaire revealed an encouraging average of more than 2,000 black bears bear on CITES Appendix II. The listing picture of the status of the American black per year were killed through nuisance came under the “look-alike” provision of bear in the United States and Canada. But animal control, road kills, poaching, and the Convention, which imposes docu- the study also suggests some specific areas other human-caused mortality. The mentation requirements for export and where actions should be taken to further majority of states, provinces, and reexport of all bears and their parts so that the cause of conserving North America’s territories require a specific license or tag trade in Asian bear parts could not occur black bears. The report focuses on four to hunt black bears. Only 15 U.S. states under the guise of mislabeling the parts as major issues: the status of the species; prohibit the killing of black bears under derived from the American black bear. American black bear management; trade almost all circumstances, and two of those in bears and bear parts; and poaching, law have recently considered opening hunting The 1996 Black Bear Questionnaire enforcement, and penalties.

TRAFFIC North America’s first study Status that compiled results of surveys carried out in 1989 to monitor black bear The estimates of black bear population American Black Bear populations, regulations on legal harvest, in the USA were higher in 1996 survey (Ursus Americanus) and information about legal and illegal (735,000-941,000) than they were in 1988 trade in North America was followed by a (625,000-757,500). During the same second survey in 1992 covering the period, Canada’s black bear population species status in the United States, estimate rose from 372,500-382,500 to Canada, and Mexico. These two surveys 396,000-476,000. together with the latest survey, ‘the 1996 Little information is available Black Bear Questionnaire’, provide regarding the status of the black bear in comprehensive data and information over Mexico. In 2000, however, Mexico an extended period on the status and trade established a committee to study of the species. protection, conservation, and recovery The 1996 Questionnaire was sent to issues of the American black bear. This state, provincial, and territorial wildlife may serve as a vehicle to address the management agencies in July 1997 and current lack of data. responses were received from a total of 46 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces and Management territories. The requested information covered the years 1992 to 1995 and The information provided to TRAFFIC included questions on population status TRAFFIC indicates that in 1992 and trends, legal status and hunting approximately 40,000 bears per year were

12 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Number 19March2002 control salewithinthosejurisdictions. while state,provincial,andterritoriallaws interterritorial, andinternationaltrade, laws controlinterstate,interprovincial, black bearsandbearparts.Federal displays. wildlife parks,andothercollectionsor ceremonies. Livebearsareusedinzoos, taxidermy, andNativeAmerican souvenirs orcurios,jewelry, trophies and traditional Asianmedicine,food, groups forvariouspurposes,including parts areusedbyanumberofdifferent Seized bear parts. helping tocombatillegaltrade. regarding thelegalbeartradewhile could provideusefulinformation marking ofpartsinaconsistentaway requirements andrequiresealingor met. determine whenhuntingquotashavebeen research andmanagementpurposesorto record theageandsexofanimalsfor utilize reportingrequirementssimplyto be enteringtrade.Mostjurisdictions parts fromlegallyharvestedbearsmight extent towhichgallbladdersandother process ineithercountrytodeterminethe is madeduringtheobligatoryreporting Canada. TRAFFICfoundthatlittleeffort mandatory reportingislessprevalentin to reportthetakeofblackbears,while conservation. can contributesignificantlytoblackbear number ofjurisdictions.Theserevenues generated significantrevenuefora populations. Saleofblackbearlicenses seasons becauseofthegrowththeirbear A rangeoflawsgovernthetradein Black beargallbladdersandother Trade An effort toharmonizereporting All butoneU.S.staterequireshunters enforce suchaban coulddetractfromthe expending thenecessaryresources to addition, TRAFFICisconcerned that stimulating poachingandillegal trade.In in theunderground marketandperhaps unintended consequenceofraising prices closing legalmarketsmay have the currently unnecessary. Concernsexistthat or otherpartsatthenationallevelare laws banningalltradeinbeargallbladders bear trade. to understandthepricedynamicsof authorities andlawenforcementagencies needs tobedonebywildlifemanagement TRAFFIC believesthatfurtherwork difficult tofirmlyestablishaprice. Because tradeisillegalinmostplaces,it retailers fromUSD250toUSD1,000. ranged fromUSD20toUSD300,andfor received byhuntersforgallbladders example, intheUSAestimatedprices prices alsovariedconsiderably. For remained relativelystable.Reported those reportedin1992,whileothers reported inthe1996surveyincreasedfrom for teeth,20claws,and8livebears. gallbladders, 14forpaws,19skulls,17 Twelve jurisdictionsreportedmarketsfor markets werereportedin24jurisdictions. were carcassesandhides,forwhichlocal their parts.Themostwidelyusedparts reported localmarketsforblackbearsand Canadian provincesandterritories for partsbesidesgallbladders. territories alsoreportedexternalmarkets Varying numbersofstates,provinces,and in AsiancommunitiesNorthAmerica. some oftheseinAsiaandothersprimarily external marketsforgallbladders,with provinces reportedtheexistenceof Nine U.S.statesandfourCanadian parts existinNorthAmericaandoverseas. should beremedied. North AmericathatTRAFFICbelieves gap intheoveralllegalframework destination forblackbearparts.Thisisa jurisdictions reportedIllinoisasa the USA,Illinois,reportedtrade,andother trade. that theymaystillhaveinvolvementinthe populations, TRAFFICremainsconcerned jurisdictions havenoblackbear governing thebeartrade.Thoughthese Canadian provincehavenolaws restrictive. FourU.S.statesandone regarding saleofhidesarefarless prohibit saleofclawsandteeth.Laws The majorityofjurisdictionsoverallalso illegal inthevastmajorityofjurisdictions. parts. Saleofgallbladdersandpawsis banning thesaleofgallbladdersandother recent years,withagrowingnumber moved totightenrestrictionsontradein TRAFFIC alsoconcludedthatfurther Prices forsomeblackbearparts Twenty-one U.S.statesand7 Markets forblackbearsandbear For example,oneofthefourstatesin States, provinces,andterritorieshave penalties TRAFFIC website atwww.traffic.org for (contact detailsonpage16) orvisit please contactTRAFFICNorth America, species. measures tomaintaintheabundance ofthe black bear, andtoadvocateonbehalfof management, andtradeoftheAmerican continue tocloselymonitorthestatus, trade. serve astruedeterrentstoillegaltakeand the lawstoimposepenaltiesthatactually prosecutors andjudicialauthoritiestouse they areweak,andtoencourage possible penaltiesinjurisdictionswhere that aneffort shouldbemadetoincrease penalties setatall.TRAFFICconcluded some jurisdictionshavenolawsor maximum allowedunderthelaw, and given tooffenders oftenfell farbelowthe overgeneralize acomplexsubject. the endresultofpoaching,isto pressure, orthatillegaltradeisnecessarily poaching istheresultofillegaltrade But todrawtheconclusionthatbear investigations intootherswereongoing. also exposedduringthesurveyperiod,and trade. Commercialpoachingringswere obtain thoseparts,inalllikelihoodfor which suggeststhatthemotivewasto only thepawsandgallbladderremoved, provinces ofcarcassesbeingfoundwith incidents inanumberofstatesand be learnedaboutthissubject. numbers werefairlysmall,moreneedsto most ofthereportingjurisdictions taken illegallyinagivenyear. Whilein firm estimatesofhowmanybearsare information wasavailabletodrawany cases involveblackbears.Notenough determine howmanyreportedpoaching makes itdifficult orimpossibleto from thoseinvolvingotherspecies,which bear poachingarenotrecordedseparately parts. Insomecasesincidentsofblack convictions, andseizuresofblackbear maintaining carefulrecordsofarrests, documented, withsomejurisdictionsnot acceptable substitutesforbearparts. the availabilityandefficacy ofmedicinally impacts oftradeonbearpopulations,and regard totradeinbearparts,thepotential abroad aboutwhatislegalandillegalwith awareness withinNorthAmericaand increase efforts toheightenconsumer agencies andprivateorganizations should for otherreasons. more endangeredorthreatenedbytrade conservation ofotherspeciesthatarefar For thereport andrecommendations, TRAFFIC NorthAmericawill TRAFFIC foundthatactualpenalties TRAFFIC’s 1996surveyfound Illegal huntingremainspoorly and enforcement, law Poaching, TRAFFIC believesthatpublic TRAFFIC Dispatches 13 TRAFFIC celebrates 25 years of conservation action

A gathering marking TRAFFIC’s 25th anniversary was held at London Zoo, on the 27th of November 2002 almost exactly on the site where TRAFFIC occupied its first “official” deskspace in 1976. The event was attended by nearly 100 representatives from government agencies, conservation organisations, foundations, donor institutions, WWF, IUCN and other partner organisations. The Minister for the Environment, the Rt Hon Michael Meacher MP, delivered a keynote praising TRAFFIC’s efforts in assisting in CITES implementation internationally since its establishment. “The support you have given countries to help them reduce the threat that trade poses to wildlife species is widely recognised and much appreciated,” Meacher said. “Your professional and impartial analyses of trade patterns and your assessments of the Left (top): the Rt Hon Michael Meacher MP; WWF impact of that trade on particular species Programme Director Christopher Hails, has been invaluable.” Meacher added Right (top): Director-General of IUCN Achim Steiner; TRAFFIC Executive Director Steven Broad that he was also impressed by and his predecessor, Senior Vice President of TRAFFIC’s efforts to promote dialogue Conservation International Jorgen Thomsen; between conservationists and wildlife Right: First Regional Director of TRAFFIC Oceania Frank Antram, CITES Deputy Secretary General Jim retailers and consumers. Armstrong and TRAFFIC Funding Development At the event Meacher announced a Officer Elizabeth Scoggins; number of actions to boost enforcement Below: TRAFFIC alumni, staff from past and present of wildlife trade regulations in the country. Among these was also funding support for TRAFFIC's enforcement work carried out in UK, and progress in the establishment of the National Wildlife Crime Unit. Also present at the event was Mr Achim Steiner, Director-General of IUCN and Dr Christopher Hails, Programme Director of WWF. Hails said that TRAFFIC’s work has gone well beyond just addressing smuggling. “It is engaging important areas right at the interface where humans interact with nature.” Steiner said that TRAFFIC’s most On the date TRAFFIC launched a impressive success was how it has special website looking at 25 years of become a voice for rational dialogue and TRAFFIC’s work across the globe, systematic action. “TRAFFIC’s work is featuring also an on-line donation not only about preventing trade but also facility that can be located at enabling trade.” www.traffic.org. TRAFFIC Executive Director Steven TRAFFIC publications and posters Broad concluded by stressing that were displayed at the event and an TRAFFIC is committed to building on anniversary issue of Dispatches was its experience so far to play a strong made available marking the passing of role in ensuring that wildlife trade 25 25 years of conservation action of years from now is not as great a TRAFFIC. conservation concern as it is today.

14 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 19 March 2002 Road to CoP12 Santiago, Chile

2002

8-12 April 18th meeting of the Animals Committee of CITES, San José, Costa Rica

6 May TRAFFIC CoP12 Conference Room launched at www.traffic.org

13-17 May 12th meeting of the Plants Committee of CITES, Leiden, the Netherlands

6 June Deadline for submission of amendment proposals, draft resolutions and other documents for consideration at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES

9 September IUCN/SSC and TRAFFIC Analyses of Proposals to Amend the CITES Appendices published in English on the IUCN website (www.iucn.org)

13 September TRAFFIC Recommendations on Proposals to Amend the Appendices published in English on the TRAFFIC website (www.traffic.org)

3-15 November 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, Santiago, Chile

***

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during December 2001 - February 2002:

21st Century Tiger Ministry of Environment & Forests, WWF Canada AGF Management Limited India WWF China Programme Agriculture, Fisheries and Ministry of Environment, Republic of WWF East Africa Regional Programme Conservation Dept., Hong Kong Korea Office Alberta Energy Company Mr James Fairfax WWF East African Marine Ecoregion Anna Strastbourg/Marilyn Monroe Ms. Shu-Jiuan Lu Programme Auction Natural Heritage Trust WWF France Arundel Estate Project Seahorse WWF Hong Kong Association of Korean Oriental Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF Indochina Medicine The David and Lucile Packard WWF International Australian Fisheries Management Foundation WWF Italy Authority The John Ellerman Foundation WWF Japan BfN (German Federal Agency for The Rufford Foundation WWF Malaysia NatureConservation - Bundesamt für The Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF Netherlands Naturschutz) The Walt Disney Company Foundation WWF New Zealand CITES Secretariat Tiger's Eye Retail WWF South Africa DANIDA (Danish Aid Agency) Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF South Pacific Programme Endangered Wildlife Trust UK Department for International WWF Southern Africa Regional European Commission, Environment Development (via IIED) Programme Office DG UK Department of Environment, Food WWF Suriname International Institute of Environment and Rural Affairs WWF Sweden and Development UK Embassy, Vietnam WWF Switzerland IUCN - The World Conservation Union United Nations Programme for WWF Tanzania Programme Office IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office Development WWF Tiger Conservation Programme IUCN South America US State Department (via IUCN) WWF-UK Jane Henrickson Trust Wildlife and Environment Society of WWF-US Johnson and Johnson (via WWFUS) South Africa Zoological Society of London Malaysian UK High Commission WWF Australia Mazda Wildlife Fund WWF Belgium

Number 19 March 2002 TRAFFIC Dispatches 15 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

TRAFFIC International Lregional TRAFFIC office znational TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Tanzania TRAFFIC North America - Regional Office 219c Huntingdon Rd, c/o WWF Programme Office 1250 24th Street, NW Cambridge, CB3 ODL, UK PO Box 63117, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Washington DC 20037, USA Tel: (44) 1223 277427 Tel: (255) 22 2700077 / 272455 / 2775346 Tel: (1) 202 293 4800 Fax: (44) 1223 277237 Fax: (255) 22 2775535 Fax: (1) 202 775 8287 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC North America - Canada TRAFFIC East Asia - Regional Office TRAFFIC Europe - Regional Office c/o WWF Canada Room 2001, Double Building, Waterloosteenweg, 608 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410 22 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 3J1 Tel: (852) 2 530 0587 Tel: (32) 2 343 8258 Tel: (1) 416 489 4567 (ext.259) Fax (852) 2 530 0864 Fax: (32) 2 343 2565 Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei TRAFFIC Europe - Germany TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office PO Box 7-476, Taipei, Taiwan c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787 Rebstöcker Str. 55, D 60326 Frankfurt, GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 Germany Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (49) 69 79144 180 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw Fax: (49) 69 617221 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - TRAFFIC Europe - Italy c/o IUCN Regional Office for South America Regional Office c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c Av. Atahualpa 955 y República, c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional 00198 Rome, Italy Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso, Programme Office Tel: (39) 06 8449735 PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia Fax: (39) 06 84497356 Tel: (593) 2 466622/23, 261075/7/8 ext.400 PO Box CY 1409 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (593) 2 466624 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534 TRAFFIC Europe - Russia Fax: (263) 4 703902 c/o WWF Russia Programme Office TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia Tel: (007) 095 7270939 M19B 2nd. Floor, Jalan Pasar (1/21) TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Kenya Fax: (007) 095 7270938 46000 PJ Old Town, c/o Ngong Racecourse E-mail: [email protected] Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Ngong Road, PO Box 68200, Nairobi, Website: www.deol.ru/nature/protect Tel: (603) 77817284 & (603) 77822704; Kenya Fax: (603) 77847220 Tel/Fax: (254) 2 577943 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC India - Regional Office E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF India Secretariat TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Indochina 172 B Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office, Tel: (91) 11 4698578 c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag 53 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Fax: (91) 11 4626837/4691226 x11, Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South PO Box 151, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail: [email protected] Africa Tel: (84) 4 733 8387 / 733 8386 Tel: (27) 11 486 1102 Fax: (84) 4 733 8388 Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] DISPATCHES Number 20 February 2003 Hot trade in cool creatures: Live reptile trade in the European Union by Karin Berkhoudt, Research Officer, TRAFFIC Europe

ive chameleons, snakes and other IUCN Red List (2002), such as the reptiles have become increasingly Cyclades Blunt-nosed Viper Macrovipera Lfashionable as pets. They are schweizeri and Roti Island Snake-necked caught in tropical and temperate countries, Turtle Chelodina mccordi. and traded to shops worldwide. The On average, more than 130 000 live European Union (EU) is the second- CITES-listed reptiles were imported largest market after the USA and hence annually to the EU from 1990 to 1999. European hobbyists may have an impact During this period demand boomed and on populations of reptiles in the wild. EU imports increased by over 300%, from To gain better understanding of the about 60 000 specimens in 1990 to live reptile trade in the EU, TRAFFIC 225 000 in 1999. Shipments contained a Reptile trade fair, Nimwegen, Germany; Europe examined the trade over a period range of 273 species from 22 different left Chameleon melleri of five years by collecting information reptile families. Around 45% of the through market surveys, visits to trade specimens were declared captive-bred. fairs, interviews and literature research, as The Green Iguana Iguana iguana import live reptiles illegally. Unscrupulous well as an analysis of trade data available comprised 45% of all imports, of which traders that wish to abuse customs controls from 1990s. The study, which covers trade 85% were reported captive-bred speci- can use the confusion around reptile in non-CITES as well as CITES-listed mens from Colombia, El Salvador, taxonomy as an excuse for mis-declared species, is now nearing completion and its Guatemala and Nicaragua. The most specimens. results will be published later this spring. significant supplier countries of wild- According to CITES trade data The EU market for live reptiles is caught specimens such as geckos, between 1990 and 1999, 10 128 specimens diverse and trends can change quickly. For chameleons, pythons and monitor lizards were seized by EU Member States upon example, the demand for commercially were Madagascar, Ghana and Togo. The importation. Levels of penalty currently in produced colour morphs, especially main EU importers were Spain and place in some EU Member States in case snakes and geckos, has increased over the Germany, each importing a total of around of violation of wildlife trade regulations last decade and this is likely to have 300 000 specimens between 1990 and are insufficient to deter these illegal reduced the pressure on wild populations. 1999, followed by the Netherlands, activities effectively. Enhanced co- Owing to a lack of comprehensive France, the UK and Belgium, each operation between stakeholders, including trade data it is difficult to assess the extent importing around 150 000 specimens. governments and commercial partners in of the trade in non-CITES species. Based In general, CITES-listed species were the EU and range States, is essential to on data collected by TRAFFIC, it is found to be more expensive than non- promote sustainable levels of collection estimated that the ratio of CITES-listed to CITES species, the highest price observed and discourage illegal trade practices. non-CITES species in trade in the EU is was for one Angolan Python Python around 3:7. Among the non-CITES anchieta (EUR10 226). High prices and For future updates on the report, see species in trade in the EU were species the increasing demand of wide variety of www.traffic.org. classified as critically endangered by the species in trade are strong incentives to

INSIDE: • TRAFFIC network news • Enforcement support training workshop • Timber: In harmony with CITES? • WWF-UK / TRAFFIC wildlife trade campaign • CITES CoP12 • Searching for a sustainable alternative to charcoal • Towards sustainable development • Cacti trade in the Chihuahuan desert • Madagascar Significant Trade project • Management of coral reef resources • Patagonian Toothfish in South America • TRAFFIC Online Report Series • TRAFFIC East Asia: A quarter of the world • Funding news and thanks • Trade of Whale Sharks in Taiwan • TRAFFIC network contact details Special section: TRAFFIC East Asia Julie Thomson, the Representative for Goodbye Ashish Bodasing Indochina has been appointed the new Deputy Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Josephine Mremi, Programme Officer, left Asia in October 2002. TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-Tanzania TRAFFIC is greatly saddened in June 2002. by the untimely loss of Ashish Bodasing on 15 January 2003 at the Rob Parry-Jones started his work as the age of 35. He died of heart failure at Co-ordinator of a TRAFFIC Oceania Christopher Robbins, Senior Programme his home in Johannesburg, South CITES Capacity Building project based in Officer, left TRAFFIC North America in Africa. Nearly 11 years ago, Ashish Suva, Fiji in January 2003. Prior to this June 2002. joined TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa post, Rob worked in TRAFFIC East Asia and, at the time of his death, was a Regional Office as the Senior Programme Elizabeth Scoggins, Funding Development Senior Programme officer. Ashish's Officer. Officer, left TRAFFIC International in career, while short, was nonetheless July 2002. remarkable for its achievement. Ashish Alexandre Affre, Research Officer, moved will undoubtedly be best remembered from TRAFFIC Europe-France to Janet Ong, Office Administrator, left for his lead role in capacity building TRAFFIC Europe Regional Office in TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in September and training initiatives within Africa Brussels in February 2003. 2002. and beyond. In this regard, he was instrumental in setting up the ivory Welcome Peter Paul van Dijk, Senior Programme stock management programmes in Officer, left TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in Botswana and Zimbabwe, wildlife June 2002 October 2002. permit databases in South Africa and Pavel Fomenko started his work as part- Tanzania, and law enforcement time Russian Far East Representative of Lorena Hidalgo, Administrative Assistant, assistance initiatives in Zambia, TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. left TRAFFIC South America in Djibouti, and Laos. Ashish brought December 2002. innovation, technology and humanistic Mats Forslund started his work as values to all of his work and he was at Programme Officer in TRAFFIC Europe’s Fumihito Muto, Regional Fisheries the forefront of many of TRAFFIC's new national office in Sweden. Officer, left TRAFFIC East Asia-Japan in greatest successes. February 2003. Ashish, your colleagues at TRAFFIC Nicholas Phoon joined TRAFFIC Oceania salute you at this moment of passing. as a new Programme Officer. *

August 2002 Megan Whelan joined TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa-South Africa as the Staff news Assistant Research Officer. TRAFFIC Dispatches 219a Huntingdon Road Director of Operations starts at September 2002 Cambridge UK, CB3 0DL TRAFFIC International Zeenith Md. Abdullah started as Finance Tel. +44 (0)1223 277427 and Administration Officer at TRAFFIC Fax +44 (0)1223 277237 Marcus Phipps joined TRAFFIC Southeast Asia. E-mail: [email protected] International as the network’s new Web site: www.traffic.org Director of Operations in mid-August Alexandre Shestakov commenced his work 2002. Marcus joined TRAFFIC at the Editor: Maija Sirola as National Representative of TRAFFIC © TRAFFIC International 2003 beginning of 1995 as head of the Taiwan Europe-Russia Programme. office of TRAFFIC East Asia . He became TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade Deputy Director of TRAFFIC East Asia in October 2002 monitoring network, works to ensure that 1998, worked as Acting Regional Director Attila Steiner started as Co-ordinator and trade in wild plants and animals is not a during 2000 and again as Deputy Director Katalin Kecse-Nagy as Assistant of the in Hong Kong, while helping TRAFFIC new TRAFFIC Europe Candidate threat to the conservation of nature. International with the network finance Countries Programme. systems capacity-building project. TRAFFICDispatches is published Marcus’s new role covers a range of Sware Semesi started as a Research Officer to keep partners and supporters informed financial and administrative management of TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa- about our activities and accomplishments. issues; a new post at TRAFFIC Tanzania office. TRAFFIC works in co-operation with International that greatly strengthens the the Secretariat of the Convention on network’s institutional capacity. Tina Leonard joined TRAFFIC North International Trade in Endangered Species America as the Senior Administrative of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). James Compton started as Director at Assistant. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in mid-July 2002. James joined TRAFFIC in January Verity Saunders joined TRAFFIC 1999 as head of the Indochina office of International as the Accounts Officer to TRAFFIC Southeast Asia after a previous cover Tammy Tam’s maternity leave. is a joint programme of career in journalism. He then worked as Senior Programme Officer at TRAFFIC January 2003 Oceania from April 2000 until Wolfgang Kathe joined TRAFFIC Europe commencing in his current post. Regional Office as a Senior Research Officer.

2 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 new TRAFFIC office in Stockholm TRAFFIC Europe expands programme Awas opened in October 2002 and is hosted by WWF-Sweden. The office is led in Hungary and Sweden by Mats Forslund, who has, since the late 1980s, been investigating the illegal wildlife trade in Sweden, particularly the wild bird trade. Mats will now spend 80% n the first of October 2002, Attila support and expertise among other tasks to of his time for TRAFFIC examining trade OSteiner started his work as Co- ensure that the candidate countries are concerns in Sweden and in other Nordic ordinator of the new TRAFFIC Europe adequately assisted in their efforts to countries. Candidate Countries Programme. The new reduce illegal wildlife trade along their This development is linked to a new programme office is hosted by WWF borders, soon to become those of EU. funding arrangement affecting TRAFFIC Hungary in Budapest and will focus its Prior to joining TRAFFIC, Attila as a whole. Through the hard work of work on five countries that are soon to worked for the WWF Hungary WWF Sweden, TRAFFIC has been accede to the European Union: the Czech Programme Office where he was included as one of the beneficiaries of a Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and designing a number of nature conservation new three-year funding package to WWF Slovakia. projects focusing on river and forest from the Swedish International The office will assist relevant management. Development Cooperation Agency - authorities in their CITES implementation The establishment of the new office has SIDA. Together with a new pledge of and enforcement efforts as well as in the been made possible through the financial additional direct support from WWF preparation of the EU accession. To this support of the Austrian Government, Sweden over the next three years, the end, the office will provide technical WWF Austria and TRAFFIC Europe. SIDA money will provide over one million Swedish Krona (USD107 000) a year to support general programme funds of TRAFFIC Europe-Candidate TRAFFIC offices in Southeast Asia, East Countries Programme Office Asia, East/Southern Africa and Sweden. opening ceremony was held on 22 October, 2002. From left: Attila Steiner, TRAFFIC; -- Laurie Kint, Communications and Katalin Rodics, CITES Management Administration Officer, Authority, Hungary; Marcus Ferenc, TRAFFIC Europe WWF-Hungary

Timber: In harmony with CITES?

TRAFFIC report titled In harmony Agriculture, Department of Forests in all TRAFFIC is calling for the Ministry with CITES released in October the States, Malaysian Timber Industry of Science, Technology and Environment, A2002 focuses on Malaysia as a Board, Sarawak Timber Industry the only CITES Scientific Authority in case study to review the challenges to Development Corporation, Customs, and Malaysia, to co-ordinate these efforts with effective implementation of a CITES Wildlife Departments. the relevant agencies and organisations in timber listing and recommend approaches Such co-ordination is vital in the country. to overcome the constraints, both enhancing enforcement efforts for timber The report identifies a number of steps perceived and actual, that were found. For species and ensuring that the relevant forward that would help countries to put to example, the report identified a number of agencies, such as Customs, can improve rest the misconception that CITES is just legal issues that need to be addressed and their ability to control and prosecute an international trade ban. When is calling for new regulations that will timber-related crimes, both within the implemented effectively, CITES can help address the appointment of relevant country and internationally. Efforts to facilitate the controls, processes and tools CITES agencies, and administration, monitor timber trade data also need to be that will assist countries in managing their management and enforcement for CITES co-ordinated so that it can be put to much timber resources so that species' species greater use in, for example, detecting populations do not reach the point where The report also identifies the great instances of illegal timber harvest and trade bans may be the only conservation need for co-ordination between agencies trade. option left. that are implementing CITES timber More research is needed to gather For full copy of the report, visit species, as well as those with the potential information that can help determine www.traffic.org. A Spanish version of the or expertise to assist in implementing whether trade in CITES-listed species is report will be available later this month. It CITES. These include the Department of detrimental to the survival of species. will be distributed to South America Current research plans for forest species in region, to support among others imple- Malaysia need to devote efforts towards mentation efforts of a recent inclusion of research on tree species found in Malaysia Big-leaf Mahogany to CITES Appendix II that can benefit from using some form of (see page 4). The report was generously eco-labelling, including the possible use of supported by Environment Fund of UK CITES Appendix II listing. Foreign and Commonwealth office.

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 3 Significant progress made for timber and fisheries conservation at CITES CoP12

Landmark decisions to regulate international timber and marine fisheries trades under the auspices of CITES were endorsed at the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP12) held in Santiago, Chile in November 2002. CITES proved once and for all to be a key tool to complement other conservation and management measures, both at national and international level, for commercially important wildlife resources.

Acceptance of the proposal to list Big-leaf commercially exploited marine fish. The first analytical report on the Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla in Despite the withdrawal of a proposal Elephant Trade Information System Appendix II, first attempted ten years ago, to list highly valuable and threatened (ETIS), the other of the two CITES was a major step towards sustainable Patagonian Toothfish in Appendix II of the monitoring mechanisms set up to guide management of this valuable tropical Convention, the Parties endorsed a decisions relevant to trade in elephant timber species. It is hoped that resolution aimed to boost efforts to control products, was presented to the Parties by implementation efforts resulted from the trade in Patagonian Toothfish and support TRAFFIC. The results showed an increase listing will greatly support efforts to the Commission for the Conservation of in ivory seizures since 1998, linking it to reduce unsustainable and illegal logging in Antarctic Marine Living Resources demand of ivory in China among other the range states of South and Central (CCAMLR) in its efforts to eliminate factors. The report also identified number America. The challenge now is to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing of other countries of concern and the demonstrate that CITES Appendix II can (IUU). While welcoming these steps taken Parties agreed a formal mechanism to help to prevent Big-leaf Mahogany by CITES, concern remains whether this assess control measures applied in these suffering the same fate met by other collaboration can move forward rapidly countries. Further analysis of ETIS will be American mahoganies (Swietenia humilis and effectively enough to address the reported back to the Parties at CoP13. and S. mahagoni), which reached imminent threat this commercially The listing of 26 Asian species of commercial extinction levels some years valuable species is facing from illegal tortoises and freshwater turtles on ago. fishing. Appendix II marked also significant Appendix II listings of the world's two Thirty-two species of seahorse that are progress made in species conservation largest fish species, whale sharks and threatened by demand for traditional efforts to date. A resolution on Asian big basking sharks, together with support medicines, curios and the aquarium trade cats was also accepted, calling for better given for international efforts to improve were also approved for Appendix II protection and further action by the Parties management of sharks and develop listing. to control poaching and illegal trade of complementary ways of action to assist the At CoP12, elephants proved once Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded implementation of the FAO International more to be a controversial issue. In the Leopard. Plan of Action (IPOA) strengthened global end, a proposal was accepted by the In total, 49 species proposals were commitment to find long-term conser- Parties allowing for controlled one-off considered and about 100 species added to vation solutions for sharks fisheries. sales of existing ivory stocks from the CITES Appendices at CoP12. Now the Parties directed the CITES Animals Botswana, Namibia and South Africa (20, challenge for CITES is to implement Committee to review in the future progress 20 and 30 tonnes of ivory respectively). effectively the decisions taken by Parties towards IPOA implementation with also a These sales are strictly conditional and through stronger international collab- request for the Management Authorities of will go ahead earliest in May 2004 and oration and sound conservation and CITES to collaborate with their national only once monitoring baselines have been economic strategies reflecting wider customs authorities. established under MIKE - Monitoring the sustainable development goals and socio- For the first time, Parties to CITES Illegal Killing of Elephants - in both economic factors. TRAFFIC will con- also committed to action on a large-scale African and Asian elephant range states. tinue to build on these successes and seek long-term conservation solutions for commercially exploited wildlife resources.

A full TRAFFIC report on CoP12 will be published in TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol.19 No.3 later this year. To learn more about TRAFFIC's efforts on key issues highlighted above, see briefing documents and other TRAFFIC documents available at www.traffic.org/cop12. TRAFFIC CoP12 communications work was generously supported by The Rufford Foundation and WWF Species Target Driven Programme.

4 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 Working towards Madagascar: sustainable development Increasing knowledge - decreasing detriment by Teresa Mulliken, Research and Policy Co-ordinator, TRAFFIC International

lthough better known for its livelihood impacts of wildlife trade RAFFIC International is leading a efforts to stem illegal and controls, including those used under the new programme in Madagascar Aunsustainable wildlife trade, Convention on International Trade in Taimed to help government authori- TRAFFIC has an equally important Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and ties improve the country's management of programme of work aimed at addressing Flora (CITES). The resulting report, wildlife trade. The work is being carried wildlife trade within the wider context of Making a Killing or Making a Living? out on behalf of the CITES Secretariat and sustainable development. This includes Wildlife Trade, Trade Controls and Rural with additional funding support from the increasing understanding of the Livelihoods, was released in mid-2002, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. socioeconomic forces underlying the and its findings presented at a workshop at Madagascar is a key centre of wildlife trade, researching the role wildlife the World Summit on Sustainable biodiversity: 80% of its 10 000-12 000 trade plays in supporting rural livelihoods, Development in August 2002. Among the plant species are endemic, as are 46% of and examining how market-based tools reports conclusions was identification of a its birds, 91% of reptiles, 99% of such as product certification schemes can need for stronger linkages between the amphibians and 67% of its mammals. be used to benefit both wildlife and implementation of CITES, with its strong The value of this unique flora and fauna people. conservation mandate, and the Convention presents both opportunities and risks in Much of TRAFFIC’s work on on Biological Diversity, with its wider terms of wildlife trade. Over recent years, resource security thus far has been linked focus on linking biodiversity use to scrutiny of Madagascar's substantial to the use of wild species for medicine and achieving sustainable development. wildlife exports under the CITES food. TRAFFIC’s work on the medicinal As part of the follow-up to this report, Significant Trade Project revealed that all plant trade documented the importance TRAFFIC has been working with IUCN, too often, exports of individual species that wild plants play in traditional and ResourceAfrica and Fauna & Flora were being permitted in the absence of western healthcare systems. Based on this International (FFI) to build support for a clear evidence about possible conservation research, TRAFFIC staff in East Asia, workshop seeking greater CITES-CBD impacts. Attempts to introduce better Europe, India and South America have linkages. A similar partnership also controls have been badly undermined by convened stakeholder dialogues involving involving IIED is working to bring greater illegal trade. representatives from governments, attention to the issue of economic Launched officially in mid-February conservation, healthcare, development and incentives within CITES decision-making. 2003 during a visit to Madagascar by the other organizations to identify means of This group has offered to assist the CITES CITES Secretary General and TRAFFIC's securing the future of both wild plants and Secretariat in responding to the decision Executive Director, the new programme the healthcare practices dependent on agreed at the most recent CITES meeting takes a comprehensive approach to them (see Dispatches No19). Work in (CoP12) calling for a workshop to develop management of Madagascar's exports of East/Southern Africa has demonstrated the a research methodology to examine the CITES-listed species - the first time that critical role that wild animal species play interaction of incentives and policy, and such a country-level approach has been in the diets of both rural and urban the subsequent impact on conservation employed under the auspices of the CITES dwellers, expanding understanding of the and livelihoods. Animals and Plants Committees. The ‘bushmeat crisis’ as a human as well as a Another key task in the coming year programme was welcomed by the new conservation concern. TRAFFIC has been will be to strengthen the capacity of the Minister of Environment, Water and collaborating with IUCN–The World TRAFFIC network to understand the Forests, M. Sylvian Rabotoarison, and Conservation Union and the Food and economic aspects of the trade in wildlife will begin with a comprehensive situation Agriculture Organization of the United resources critical to human needs. analysis followed by a workshop in May Nations (FAO) to bring this message to a TRAFFIC will continue to seek support 2003 where a strategy will be agreed to wider group of stakeholders. for this and other work related to define remedial actions and elaborate More recently, TRAFFIC has been sustainable development through resource needs. TRAFFIC is committed working in partnership with the partnerships with governments, NGOs and to assisting the implementation process International Institute for Environment others. that will follow. and Development (IIED) to examine the

A Note of Precaution Ninety-one per cent of TRAFFIC has also teamed up with IUCN, Madacasgar’s FFI and Resource Africa to examine the reptiles are application of the ‘precautionary principle’ endemic. to the use, trade and management of wild Here a species. The initial project, made possible juvenile by a grant from IUCN’s IIIC Fund, looks Chameleon Medicinal set to lead to a larger programme of work, Calumna plants including a broad ‘situation analysis’, case globifer, sold in studies in developing countries and which is listed Bogota, regional workshops. in CITES Colombia. Appendix II.

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 5 South America's role in the global catch and trade of Patagonian Toothfish

A lack of co-ordination of fishing activities between South American countries targeting highly valuable Patagonian Toothfish could be contributing to the severe pressure the species faces globally from unregulated fishing. A new TRAFFIC South America study examines the fisheries activities and trade in the region and calls for urgent dialogue between South American countries to develop much needed management measures to achieve sustainable-use goals for the fishery and trade of the species in the region.

A report titled Fishery Activities and countries included in this study, Brazil and Antarctic Marine Living Resources Trade of Patagonian Toothfish in South Peru, have not engaged in extensive (CCAMLR).” America: A Regional Perspective analyses commercial fishing for Patagonian A major step towards more effective information for each of the five countries Toothfish to date, however both have management of Patagonian Toothfish in the region engaged in the catch and/or plans to expand into the fishery in the near fisheries was achieved last November, trade of toothfish: Argentina, Brazil, future. when the 160 Parties to the Convention on Chile, Peru and Uruguay. “We have found two main weaknesses the International Trade in Endangered Chile is the world’s largest producer of in the management of the Patagonian Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) toothfish products, with the majority of the Toothfish resource in the South American agreed to co-operate with CCAMLR to catch taken from within its national region” said Anita Sancho, co-author of strengthen controls over international waters. Around 80% of Chile’s toothfish the report from TRAFFIC South America. trade in toothfish products. As over 90% catch is exported to Japan and the USA “First, at the national level, the regulatory of toothfish products enter into and is worth USD90 million per year. response of governments has often international trade such co-operation will Eighty-five per cent of Argentina’s struggled to keep pace with the rapid assist to reduce the significant threat posed toothfish product is exported to Japan and expansion of the commercial fishery to the species from illegal, unreported and the USA, and toothfish products provide targeting this valuable resource, leading to unregulated fishing. All five South earnings of USD30-36 million per year. conflict between fishing sectors and American countries included in the new Uruguay has significantly increased declining catch rates. Second, at the study are parties to both CITES and capture of the species over the past five regional level, there is no co-ordinated CCAMLR (see page 4). years with catches climbing from 163 approach to the conservation and As in the case of earlier TRAFFIC 1997 to 5 000 t in 2001. Almost all of that sustainable use of Patagonian Toothfish in studies on Patagonian and Antarctic catch is taken in high sea areas beyond waters beyond those governed by the Toothfish, the South American study Uruguay’s national waters. The other two Commission for the Conservation of concludes that there remain uncertainties surrounding catch and trade information for toothfish and makes a number of recommendations to address this problem and to strengthen decisions on management measures for the species. Regardless of the information gaps that still exist, there is little doubt that Patagonian Toothfish stocks are rapidly declining and urgent action is needed to ensure the sustainability of this vulnerable species and to secure the future of the legitimate industry that depends on it. Recommendations contained in the report are aimed to support efforts in South America to develop regional management measures as well as strengthen national ones. For more information on the study contact TRAFFIC South America, or visit http://www.traffic.org/news/press- Patagonian releases/toothfish1.pdf. for a full copy of toothfish the report. The production of this report processing was supported by David and Lucile plant in Peru. Packard Foundation.

6 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 East Asia: A quarter of the world

The Challenge Our role With a population of over 1.5 billion, East wildlife. The "Tiger economies" of South TRAFFIC East Asia is Asia is home to a quarter of the world’s Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are heavy part of the global TRAFFIC people. It holds a quarter of the world's consumers as well. network with offices in 23 economic power, as well. By helping to China supplies many of the wildlife countries and territories. solve conservation challenges in East products used in East Asia and throughout TRAFFIC works to ensure Asia, we help ensure sustainable use of a the world. It is the world's largest significant portion of the world's natural harvester of fish and the largest exporter of that trade in wild plants and resources. plant medicines. China also is a growing animals is not a threat to East Asia draws in a wide variety of consumer, with increased wealth leading the conservation of nature. products derived from wild plants and to greater use of both commodities and animals, particularly from its neighbours luxuries. Four approaches guide in Southeast Asia and the Russian Far Since opening our first office in the TRAFFIC East Asia's work: East. This wildlife ranges from Tiger to region in 1982, TRAFFIC East Asia has • Producing objective musk deer and seahorse, to wild ginseng, worked with local and international information for a scientific orchids, and timber. partners to address the challenge of approach to conservation. East Asia's people need basic keeping this trade sustainable. There is • Providing tools and training commodities such as timber for housing still much to do, however. Policy-makers to wildlife regulators through and fish for food. They also have the and frontline enforcement officers need collaboration with frontline economic power to buy luxuries, such as more information to stop unsustainable enforcement officers. ivory and marine turtle shell. The and illegal trade. And consumers - as well challenge is to keep this trade in wildlife as the industries that serve them - must • Working with industry for sustainable. learn that their purchasing decisions can voluntary measures to Japan is the world's second-largest decide the continued survival, or increase sustainability. economy and a major consumer of extinction, of endangered species. • Helping consumers know the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

The key to TRAFFIC East Asia's success is partnerships. We work with many groups, including government, industry, and consumers. Together, we make a difference.

The TRAFFIC East Asia regional office is in Hong Kong, with additional offices in Beijing, Taipei and Tokyo. TRAFFIC East Asia works to ensure the sustainability of trade in wildlife. In the following pages,

One of our specialities is conservation of species used in traditional medicines. Over we highlight recent achievements and 80% of the world's traditional medicine comes from plants. ongoing initiatives Here, plants collected in the wild are sold in Yunnan, China. in the region.

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 7 Working with practitioners of traditional medicine

raditional medicines are used now entered dialogues with industry Talongside "western" medicines in East about international issues in conservation Asia. Traditional medicines often use and sustainability. plants and animals harvested from the With funding of over USD200 000 from wild, and sometimes these are endangered. the pharmaceutical company Johnson & TRAFFIC's recent survey of traditional Johnson and WWF, we are now expanding medicine doctors in South Korea shows this work in China. A new Traditional the effectiveness of consumer and industry Medicine Advisory Group, for example, awareness. Since TRAFFIC's initial work aims to lead policy discussions about in South Korea, use of species such as sustainability in China's use of traditional tiger and rhinoceros has gone down. medicines. Members are drawn from Doctors will prescribe substitutes if they across China's traditional medicine are proven effective. This has led to community. TRAFFIC's work to find substitutes for TRAFFIC East Asia continually finds endangered species used as medicine. that the conservation community and the Eighty per cent of the world's traditional traditional medicine community share a medicines are plants - with 40% of the mutual goal: to keep the wildlife resources world's exports coming from China, and of traditional medicine available for future 40% of the imports going to South Korea, generations. Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. TRAFFIC recently produced East Asia's Tiger bone medicines are now less prevalent in East Asia than a decade ago. first overview of this massive trade and, This success has shown that East Asia's consumers can change, through both Chinese language and if given information and approached in the right way, Korean language newsletters, we have respectful of the region’s cultures and traditions.

Achieving sustainable fisheries

ast Asia is both a major consumer and effective conservation actions. With support from the Packard Eproducer of fish. The world's fish Our current work has broadened to Foundation, TRAFFIC recently began a stocks have declined dramatically in include issues as diverse as East Asia's review of the illegal, unreported, and recent decades. Therefore, East Asia is trade in eels, China's sturgeon fisheries, unregulated (IUU) trade in tuna. By essential to sustainability in the world's Hong Kong’s seahorse trade, and Taiwan's describing IUU trade in tuna, we help fish trade. impact on whale shark populations. regional fisheries organizations better Early work by TRAFFIC East Asia Funding partnerships have included The regulate this resource. Finding centered on the trade in live reef fish for David and Lucile Packard Foundation, complementary approaches to support food. Our analysis of the trade in Hong Project Seahorse, and Taiwan’s Council of regional fisheries organizations continues Kong, and review of aquaculture in Agriculture. to be a key element in all TRAFFIC’s Taiwan, allowed for better regulation and fisheries work.

World volume of fish catch East Asia is both the leading producer World value of fish imports

and consumer of the world's fish China 18% Japan 22% products. To resolve global issues of

Rest of Rest of fishery decline, East Asia must be East Asia 9% East Asia 9% Rest of the world 73% Rest of the world 69% involved - particularly China and

Japan. [Data from FAO, 1999]

8 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 Providing tools for regulators of wildlife trade

he Convention on International Trade in collaboration with the State Forestry System, funded by a generous grant of Tin Endangered Species of Wild Fauna Administration. The initial focus is on USD30 000 from the Rufford Foundation. and Flora (CITES) is the principal guide training packages for the CITES- Furthermore, TRAFFIC East Asia is for regulating trade in endangered species. sponsored Elephant Trade Information regularly invited to give training to All the countries and territories of East Customs officers in Japan. Asia have legislation to implement Recent publications include the Chinese- CITES, with the exception of North A trainer’s perspective of a CITES language Guide to CITES Plants in Trade Korea. workshop held in Taipei in 2000: for use by Customs officials and a CITES TRAFFIC works with CITES “From the high-level discussions Checklist to find species' scientific names Management Authorities in the region to that took place with Deputy from their Chinese common names. develop jointly the tools they need, such as Director General of Customs, TRAFFIC also works with government up-to-date training and good identification Chen Mao-ting, there was a officials and academic specialists to find manuals. In partnership with the CITES definite willingness shown to have proper controls for wildlife trade. In Japan Secretariat, TRAFFIC continues to a closer working relationship with and Taiwan, we have provided expertise develop strategies for CITES capacity- TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei. when wildlife laws need to be This can only bode well building worldwide. In East Asia this is strengthened. Currently, we are for the future.” most clearly seen in China and Taiwan. researching the implications for wildlife Sponsored by Taiwan's Council of Charles Mackay MBE trade of China's accession to WTO, the Agriculture, we are developing a Senior Officer World Trade Organization. In this way, comprehensive training package for CITES Enforcement Team TRAFFIC East Asia helps develop enforcers of Taiwan's wildlife trade laws. Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise policies for the sustainable use of wildlife. A similar initiative is underway in China, Heathrow Airport, UK.

Applying the ecoregional approach

ildlife species do not pay attention bordering China and the Korean programme for the China/Indochina Wto national borders. The borders of Peninsula. As wild fish stocks decrease, border. This will help regulators in both "ecoregions," which are collections of aquaculture increases. Aquaculture leads China and Indochina prevent illegal and ecosystems, bind them instead. to habitat loss and the introduction of non- unsustainable trade in wildlife from the The use of these biological units, rather native species. Our analysis aims to find Indo-Burma Hotspot. The ecoregion than administrative units, to guide policy changes and positive economic holds threatened species as varied as resource management is an exciting new incentives to protect and restore native elephants, orchids, and turtles. For approach to conservation. TRAFFIC East species. example, three quarters of Asia's species Asia uses this new approach to monitor In the Mountains of Southwest China, of freshwater turtles are threatened, trade's impact in ecoregions such as the TRAFFIC works with WWF and the including critically endangered species Yellow Sea, the Mountains of Southwest Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. We like the Arakan Forest Turtle, the Painted China, and the Indo-Burma “Hotspot”. are building a conservation alliance to Terrapin, and the Burmese Star Tortoise, In partnership with WWF, TRAFFIC protect traded species, such as traditional all native to this region. According to East Asia has begun a socio-economic medicines and wild fungi. IUCN, the primary threat is trade. analysis of fisheries in the Yellow Sea, We are also planning a monitoring

The Mountains of Southwest China ecoregion is home to the most diverse temperate biodiversity in the world. Zhong Tai, the science officer for Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve, works with local villagers to develop easy methods to ensure sustainable collection of economic threatened species such as pine mushroom and “worm grass”. Partnerships throughout the trade chain - from local villagers and reserve officials all the way to end consumers - are the best way to protect this ecoregion.

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 9 Get the word out!

Information is not meaningful unless it conservation and sustainable use. is understood and used. Communication Our websites, in Japanese and is therefore key to success. TRAFFIC East Chinese, tell the public - East Asia's Asia is committed to getting information consumers - about issues of wildlife trade. to the consumers, producers, and The general public is also the target government officials whose day-to-day audience for TRAFFIC East Asia’s actions can help - or harm - species in the Japanese-language newsletter. wild. These various tools have a single We do this through several channels. purpose: to build constructive dialogues Our research reports and professional between all stakeholders in the manuals are targeted at government conservation and sustainable use for wildlife resources. We already have officials for use in policy and For more information, please visit: management. much information to allow for effective TRAFFIC in Japanese: Our newsletters, particularly those in conservation. We must make sure that www.twics.com/~trafficj Korean and Chinese, are targeted at the information is widely available and in the TRAFFIC in Chinese: traditional medicine community, giving language of the people who will make the www.wow.org.tw and www.wwfchina.org/traffic easy access to international trends in difference. TRAFFIC in English: www.traffic.org

Recent publications

A Survey of the Rhinoceros Beetle and Stag Beetle Market in Japan. Shoko Kameoka and Hisako Kiyono. 2003 (in press). (English and Japanese.)

A Question of Attitude: South Korea's Traditional Medicine Practitioners and Wildlife Conservation. Sue Kang and Marcus Phipps. 2003 (in press). (English and Korean.)

Taiwan Whale Shark Management and Trade. Vincent Chen and Marcus Phipps. 2002. 23 pp. (English and Chinese.)

Japan’s Trade in Ivory after the Tenth Conferrence of the Parties to CITES. Hisako Kiyono. 2002. TRAFFIC Online Report No.6, 29pp. (English, Japanese language version in press.)

An Investigation of the Ivory Market in Taiwan. Joyce Wu and Marcus Phipps. 2002. TRAFFIC Online Report No.4, 31pp. (English and Chinese.)

An Assessment of China's Management of Trade in Elephants and Elephant Products Caitlin O’Connel-Rodwell and Rob Parry-Jones. 2002. TRAFFIC Online Report No.3, 67pp. (English and Chinese.)

The Guide to CITES Plants in Trade. Vincent Chen and Michael Song. 2001. 116pp. (Chinese.)

Musk Deer Farming as a Conservation Tool in China. Rob Parry-Jones and Joyce Wu. 2001. 34 pp. (English and Chinese.)

Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Endangered Species Used in Traditional East Asian Medicine: Substitutes for Tiger Bone and Musk Sean Lam, Rita Chang, and Michael Song (eds.). 2001. 101 pp. (Chinese.)

For more information contact TRAFFIC East Asia Regional Office or the office nearest you:

TRAFFIC East Asia - Regional Office TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan Room 2001, Double Building, 22 Stanley Street, Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg 6/F, Central, Hong Kong 3-1-14 Shiba, Minato-ku Tel: (852) 2530 0587; Fax: (852) 2530 0864; Tokyo 105-0014 Japan E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716; Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304; E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.twics.com/~trafficj TRAFFIC East Asia - China is a joint programme of c/o WWF China Programme Office, 9th Floor, The Gateway TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei No. 10 Yabao Road, Chaoyang District, P.O. Box 7-476, Taipei 106, Taiwan Beijing 100020, China Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787; Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799; Tel: (86) 10 8563 6538; Fax: (86) 10 6591 5731 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wow.org.tw Website: www.wwfchina.org/traffic

10 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 Management and trade of Whale Sharks in Taiwan by Marcus Phipps, Director of Operations, TRAFFIC International and Vincent Y. Chen, Senior Programme Officer, TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei

Taiwan is implementing the world's first Whale Shark harvest and trade monitoring system - an innovative and important step in the sustainable management of the fisheries resource. Despite these efforts, catch data from the Whale Shark Harvest Reporting System and market information from research released in a new TRAFFIC report titled Management and Trade of Whale Sharks in Taiwan raises the possibility of unreported or under-reported catches taking place or significant amounts of Whale Shark meat entering Taiwan’s market through unofficial channels. The species is currently listed in the 'Vulnerable' category of the IUCN's 2002 Red List of Threatened Species and since last November, in Appendix II of CITES.

The Whale Shark Rhincodon typus is international and domestic trade data were manage the Whale Shark trade better. the largest fish on earth. The species is reviewed. A total of 1659 retail stalls Taiwan currently implements the world's widely distributed in all tropical and warm selling fresh fish at 85 markets in larger first Whale Shark harvest and trade temperate seas, but little is known of its urban areas and around recreational monitoring system - an innovative and biology, ecology or its life history. The fishery harbours were surveyed as were important step in the sustainable species is currently listed in the 290 restaurants island-wide. management of the fisheries resource. 'Vulnerable' category of the IUCN's 2002 Preliminary results of the Taiwan Taiwan’s Fisheries Administration has set Red List of Threatened Species and since survey were presented to a number of up the species-specific, monitoring system last November, also in Appendix II of forums including an international for catch and trade of Whale Shark in CITES (see page 4). conference, the Shark Conference- order to provide information to underpin a Use of the Whale Shark for food is Sustainable utilisation and conservation Whale Shark management system. In July mainly for its meat and has been of sharks in May 2002. 2001 the Taiwan government introduced a documented in Taiwan, India, and the The report shows a discrepancy Whale Shark Harvest Reporting System Philippines. Work carried out by between catch data from the Harvest and in March 2001 established commodity TRAFFIC in co-operation with Reporting System and the large quantity of codes specific to Whale Shark to monitor researchers at National Taiwan Ocean Whale Shark products on the market. This Taiwan's trade in this species. In July University in 1996-1997 identified Taiwan raises the possibility of unreported or 2002, a catch limit of 80 Whale Sharks in as a major, and possibly the largest, market under-reported catches taking place or 2002/03 was introduced. for Whale Shark meat. significant amounts of Whale Shark meat TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei's work As might be expected given its overall entering Taiwan’s market through since 1996 has been instrumental in size, the Whale Shark has particularly unofficial channels. bringing the need for a management large fins, but the fins are not considered In its recommendations, the report system to the attention of the authorities to be good quality shark fin and there is encourages Taiwan's authorities to and continues to support the efforts little demand in the food trade for this strengthen its reporting system further towards improved management systems of product in Taiwan. Trade is supplied both with comprehensive catch and trade data. Whale Sharks in Taiwan. by Taiwan’s harvest and imports from The report also concludes that special other countries. attention needs now to be given to For the report and full recommendations, In 2001-2002, TRAFFIC East Asia- development of an action plan for sharks contact TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei or see Taipei carried out a comprehensive survey in Taiwan. www.traffic.org/news/press-releases/ of Taiwan’s Whale Shark trade and The recommendations of the report taiwan_whale.html. markets with funding from the Taiwan build on Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to Council of Agriculture's Fishery Administration and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. TRAFFIC East Asia-Taipei's aim was to contribute to a better understanding of Whale Shark trade dynamics, facilitate domestic conservation efforts, and encourage the Taiwan authorities to develop and implement appropriate fishery and trade management regimes for the species. The project involved market and trade surveys of Whale Shark meat in 14 Whale Shark counties and cities around Taiwan. Rhincodon Harvest data as well as available typus

Number 20 Febryary 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 11 Black Gold: Searching for a sustainable alternative to charcoal by Rob Barnett, Senior Programme Officer and Daniel Ndanyi, Research Officer, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa

Charcoal is a major source of fuel in East and Southern Africa, but its production is largely unsustainable. Ten tonnes of wood produces just one tonne of charcoal. Its production is ranked among the major forest depletion activities in the region. However, efforts to regulate production of charcoal or promote alternative sources of fuel seem to have failed. Four decades after independence 82% of Kenya’s urban population still depends largely on charcoal.

Although regulatory legislation and a alternative potential for formal employ- into charcoal briquettes could substan- presidential ban on charcoal production in ment exists. Profits involved are substantially contribute to replacing unsustainable Kenya exists, the trade continues unabated tial, with transporters often making a net lump wood charcoal. – operating informally, underground and profit of some KSH47 250 (USD605) per In collaboration with an implementing largely unmonitored. In the light of this trip, a medium sized wholesale depot partner, Chardust Ltd., TRAFFIC set out information void and the critical nature of KSH50 000 (USD641) per month, and to determine the viability of producing current exploitation, TRAFFIC East/ individual street vendors KSH13 500 briquetted charcoal fuel from 27 potential Southern Africa initiated a project in (USD173) per month. In contrast to wastes. A ranking system based primarily Kenya to document the extent of charcoal national average wages of KSH3 400 on availability and accessibility resulted in use in its capital city, Nairobi, and to (USD44) per month, charcoal represents eight wastes being selected for full assess the feasibility of using biomass an extremely important income earner, production trails using an open pit wastes to produce charcoal briquettes as a that after agriculture is the second highest downdraught type carbonizer and screw substitute for wild-produced lumpwood contributor to the country’s Gross extrusion equipment. The final part of the charcoal. The project was generously National Product. study comprised fuel quality testing, supported by The Rufford Foundation. Charcoal is in such high demand from a during which the strength, heat output, ash Baseline surveys revealed that Nairobi diverse range of consumers from content, and other performance charac- consumes approximately 91 250 t of households to food kiosks and hotels teristics of the various fuels were charcoal annually, equating to the because it is the cheapest and most reliable determined. destruction of over 900 000 t of green form of energy available in Kenya. Price The study’s conclusion was that three wood each year. Owing to the informal is the single most important determining biomass wastes, namely sawdust, bagasse and underground nature of the trade, factor, with alternative energy sources and coffee husk had genuine potential for around 70% of charcoal is transported at such as electricity, gas, and kerosene being commercial fuel production. Indeed night in order to avoid forest guard and prohibitively expensive and largely following the assessment, the UK police personnel, as well as the unavailable to most. Department for International requirement to bribe them. Whilst the survey found that some Development has funded a project based at The trade chain from rural producer to progress in promoting the sustainability of the Chemelil Sugar Cane Factory in end market involves many players, each the industry has been achieved, with 70% western Kenya, aimed at establishing a taking a substantial cut of the profit. Rural of respondents in three Nairobi survey plant to convert waste bagasse into producers sell to transporters at KSH100 areas using fuel-efficient stoves, little charcoal briquettes thereby contributing to (USD1.3) per bag (approximately 40 kg other substantial and lasting progress has the overall sustainability of the charcoal per bag). Transporters then sell in Nairobi been made. An assessment of past industry. to wholesale charcoal depots for about projects, programmes and initiatives For more information on the study, KSH235 (USD3.01). These depots then aimed at solving the charcoal issue over contact TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa. sell to end market retail outlets (usually the past thirty years found that little scope street vendors) for about KSH350 for lasting success could be found from (USD4.49) per bag. Such outlets only sell alternative energies (solar, wind, bio-gas) in larger quantities, whereas end market and substitute energies (gas, kerosene, retail outlets sell to consumers in small woodlots) in the present Kenyan socio- four-litre tins for approximately KSH20 economic climate. (USD0.25) per tin resulting in the sale of one bag of charcoal for around KSH800 Biomass waste a sustainable alternative (USD10.25). to lump wood charcoal? As such, charcoal typically passes The assessment revealed that new through four middlemen before being carbonizing technology for converting consumed, and is responsible for ensuring biomass waste such as sugar cane bagasse, the livelihoods of many, where little rice and coffee husks, and maize stover

12 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 Enforcement support training by Justice Wildlife trade Institute of British Columbia campaign in UK by Ernie Cooper, National Representative, TRAFFIC North America-Canada

n the past 25 years TRAFFIC has encryption and covert photography. n February 2002, WWF-UK in Ideveloped its work on support to law Attendees were exposed to enforcement Ipartnership with TRAFFIC launched a enforcement. In this role, TRAFFIC officers' points of view and were able to campaign on wildlife trade in the UK. The gathers information to help enforcement learn enforcement approaches and goal of the campaign were set to through a variety of means, including field techniques, so that these efforts can be effectively reduce and deter illegal based research as well as desk-based better supported by TRAFFIC. In addition, wildlife trade in endangered species by investigations, assesses information for its TRAFFIC staff were able to review and ensuring that adequate enforcement intelligence value, trains and liaises with help each other in development of their actions and penalties in the UK are in law enforcers, and provides tools and regional enforcement strategies. place. Raising awareness of the impact of guidance on policy and other matters One of the most important elements was the UK wildlife trade through the actions related to wildlife trade. From time to the ability of the Justice Institute to guide of traders and consumers, was the second time TRAFFIC needs to review and revise TRAFFIC in its approaches to law goal of the campaign. its capacity to ensure that it can meet the enforcement and the development of A year later, the campaign has reached needs of enforcement of wildlife trade methods and protocols based upon decision-makers and consumers alike and laws. enforcement techniques. This has greatly made a difference in raising awareness as A unique opportunity arose to further enhanced our capacity to deal with well as impelled change in a number of enhance TRAFFIC's enforcement support enforcement agencies in a professional initiatives undertaken. Especially note- capacity with an offer from the Justice way that is easy for them to relate to. As worthy is the engagement in efforts to Institute of British Columbia* to host a illegal wildlife trade constantly evolves, support a change in the regulation that week-long workshop in Vancouver, also resources are more stretched and implements CITES in the UK [Control of Canada in late June, 2002. The workshop increasing demands are made for Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) provided a catalytic opportunity to information, training and support. With Regulation 1997 (COTES)] by lobbying develop and improve TRAFFIC's enforce- the training and accreditation now for an increase in the maximum penalty ment support strategy, policies and received, TRAFFIC can further its work for wildlife trade crimes from two to five operational guidelines, as well as train on ensuring that governments, particularly years thereby making these offences TRAFFIC staff in the typical enforcement in the developing world, are able to arrestable in the UK. support role. This intensive course was the perform their enforcement roles An Early Day Motion in the Houses of first time an environmental non- effectively and that the wildlife trade is Parliament in support of the campaign governmental organisation received conducted legally and in a manner that goals was signed by 342 Members of accredited enforcement support training does not compromise the sustainability of Parliament. Over 100 000 people also from the Police Academy at the Justice wild resources. signed the Campaign’s petition asking for Institute. a change in law and stiffer penalties on During the workshop, the Justice The workshop was generously wildlife crime. It is hoped that these Institute of British Columbia led a series supported by The Rufford Foundation and developments will result in an appropriate of demanding training sessions. A training TRAFFIC North America. amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill in programme was developed specifically for Parliament later this year. TRAFFIC. Sixteen TRAFFIC staff In the coming months the campaign participated from around the world. * The Justice Institute of British Columbia is a post- will be focusing on its second goal, secondary educational institution that provides Training sessions included managing enforcement training in Canada and in a number of building awareness of the UK’s impact on investigations, analysing intelligence countries around the world. wildlife through trade. A report, which is information, communications and liaison nearing completion and will be published with enforcement agencies, computer later this spring, examines how UK consumers can use wildlife and wildlife products sustainably and at the same time minimize the negative impact of the UK wildlife trade. Without realizing the consequences of our actions, we may be buying wildlife and wildlife products that are contributing to over-exploitation of species and habitats and as a result are sometimes threatening rural livelihoods and economies dependent on the wildlife trade. To date the campaign has released a number of reports highlighting the UK role in wildlife trade, the legal framework, For more information visit the illegal aspects of the trade and links to campaign website at organized crime as well as examining http://www.wwf.org.uk/wildlifetrade wildlife trade routes into the UK markets or contact TRAFFIC International. and the European Union.

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 13 Cactus poaching, legal harvesting: A growing threat to Chihuahuan Desert Cacti

emand for wild cactus and rare rely on desert plants for food or shelter. So to begin work on a programme to establish plants by landscapers and plant in some situations, removing the cactus can a community-based nursery industry to Dcollectors may soon surpass supply be as disruptive to the ecosystem as clear- grow native desert plants with seeds in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and cutting a forest. harvested from the wild. The program the USA, according to a new study from In recent years, Europe and Japan have would also promote nature-based tourism TRAFFIC North America titled Prickly been popular destinations for smuggled in west Texas, a biologically rich region Trade: Trade and Conservation of plants, seeds and fruits of rare and valuable with high unemployment. Chihuahuan Desert Cacti. cacti originating from the USA and For further information on the report, The study, the largest-ever analysis of Mexico. The UK is the second largest contact TRAFFIC North America or see trade in Chihuahuan Desert cactus, found market after the USA for Chihuahuan http://www.traffic.org/news/press- that unsustainable trade could endanger Desert Species, followed by Germany, releases/prickly_trade.html certain populations of cacti if measures are Sweden and Spain, Mexico, Italy and not taken to regulate their harvesting. The Canada. Nearly 200 species of Chihuahuan Chihuahuan Desert is home to almost a Desert cactus were identified on the UK quarter of the 1,500 cactus species known market alone. Many consumers and tourists to science, and booming desert landscaping are unaware they may be breaking the law trend, combined with poor regulation of when they collect, purchase or export legal plant harvesting, is putting pressure cactus from countries that restrict these on many species. Use of cactus for low- activities. According to the report, Mexican water landscaping and demand for rare and authorities seized nearly 800 cactus newly discovered specimens by specimens from travelers entering or “cactophiles” is resulting in the heavy and passing through the USA from Mexico in illegal harvest of desirable species, which is 1998. likely a multimillion-dollar-a-year industry. The report recommends better If the demand for wild plants is not monitoring of the cactus trade, reduced rapidly, especially cacti, from the strengthening protection for the species that Chihuahuan Desert, we run the risk of are under the most pressure from destabilizing populations and losing exploitation and developing community- species. based programmes to harvest common A whole range of desert dwellers – species and commercially cultivate slow- from hummingbirds to mountain lions – growing species. The report has led WWF

Working on import restrictions to better manage coral reef resources by Caroline Raymakers, Director, TRAFFIC Europe

nternational trade in live corals rapidly beauty of their shell (curio), colour of their Their fragile balance will be preserved Igrew during the past decade to supply mantle (aquarium) and taste of their only through a variety of actions, from the expanding marine tropical aquarium muscle. TRAFFIC engaged in a project better resource management, to global market. In 1998, concerned about the with Indo-Pacific countries where high climate change campaigns. increase of export quotas for certain levels of trade could endanger the status of species set by Indonesia, the world largest certain giant clam populations. For more information, contact supplier of live corals, the European Late maturity and dependence on TRAFFIC Europe Regional Office. Union (EU) decided to suspend imports of sunlight are among biological parameters a number of corals until it is clear that the that render those species particularly level of export will not harm the status of vulnerable to overexploitation but few their populations in the wild. TRAFFIC range States have set fisheries or trade Europe has since worked with partners in limitations. The result of TRAFFIC's work Indonesia to design a mechanism for better will encourage the adoption of measures monitoring of the collection of those such as fishing licences, closed seasons species. A similar approach was initiated and export quotas, keeping in mind the by TRAFFIC Oceania in Fiji in 2002. In role of giant clams in coastal villagers' both countries these efforts influenced the subsistence. setting of reduced export quotas and the Coral reefs are complex and poorly adoption of a zero quota for certain taxa. known ecosystems where each type of Giant clams (Tridacnidae) are also organism, ranging from hard corals and Giant found on coral reefs and traded giant clams to fish and queen conch (see clam internationally as well as locally for the Dispatches No19), has its role to play. stocks.

14 TRAFFIC Dispatches Number 20 February 2003 A boost for TRAFFIC’s New TRAFFIC On-line Series hosted at fisheries and ETIS work www.traffic.org

In December 2002, TRAFFIC received a In May 2002, TRAFFIC launched a new Reports released in the series to date are: generous support of USD200 000 from TRAFFIC Online Report Series. It hosts The David and Lucile Packard reports published primarily in a PDF file CITES Appendix III implementation for Foundation for its fisheries programme, format on TRAFFIC website. Reports in Big-leafed Mahogany Swietenia allowing TRAFFIC to continue the the series feature new research results and Macrophylla. Report No.1, May 2002. momentum of its ambitious fisheries policy analyses for priority issues programme in 2003 with a full range of TRAFFIC is working on as part of its An assessment of the illegal trade in activities, aimed to support long-term ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife elephants and elephant products in conservation efforts in marine trade is not a threat to the conservation of Viet Nam. Report No.2, July 2002. environment. nature. An assessment of China's Management of * Trade in Elephants and Elephant In January 2003, the UK Government Products. Report No.3, July 2002. confirmed its support of GBP60 000 to TRAFFIC’s work on the Elephant Trade An Investigation of the Ivory Market in Information System (ETIS), one of the Taiwan, Report No.4, August 2002 two monitoring systems operating under the auspices of CITES. Managed by An assessment of the illegal trade in TRAFFIC, ETIS now consists of nearly elephants and elephant products in 8 000 records of elephant product seizures, Myanmar. Report No.5, August 2002. which have taken place throughout the world since 1989. The funds received now Japan’s Trade in Ivory after the Tenth will secure continuation of efforts to stamp Conference of the Parties to CITES. out the continuing illegal trade in ivory Report No.6, September 2002. and other elephant products. * *

TRAFFIC staff thank the following supporters for their contributions to our work during April 2002 - February 2003:

21st Century Tiger Ministry of Environment & Forests, WWF African Marine Ecoregion AGF Management Limited India Programme Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Ministry of Environment, Republic of WWF Australia Dept., Hong Kong Korea WWF Belgium Alberta Energy Company Mr James Fairfax WWF Canada Anna Strastbourg/Marilyn Monroe Ms. Shu-Jiuan Lu WWF China Programme Auction Natural Heritage Trust WWF East Africa Regional Programme Arundel Estate Project Seahorse Office Association of Korean Oriental Society for Wildlife and Nature WWF France Medicine The David and Lucile Packard WWF Germany Australian Fisheries Management Foundation WWF Hong Kong Authority The Ernest Kleinworth Charitable Trust WWF Indochina BfN (German Federal Agency for The Rufford Foundation WWF International NatureConservation - Bundesamt für The Taiwan Council of Agriculture WWF Italy Naturschutz) The Walt Disney Company Foundation WWF Japan CITES Secretariat Tiger's Eye Retail WWF Malaysia Conservation International Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation WWF Netherlands DANIDA (Danish Aid Agency) UK Department for International WWF New Zealand Endangered Wildlife Trust Development (via IIED) WWF South Africa European Commission, Environment UK Department of Environment, Food WWF South Pacific Programme DG and Rural Affairs WWF Southern Africa Regional International Institute of Environment UK Embassy, Vietnam Programme Office and Development UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office WWF Suriname IUCN - The World Conservation Union United Nations Programme for WWF Sweden IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office Development WWF Switzerland IUCN South America Uppingham School, Rutland, UK WWF Tanzania Programme Office Jane Henrickson Trust US State Department (via IUCN) WWF Tiger Conservation Programme Johnson and Johnson (via WWFUS) Wildlife and Environment Society of WWF-UK Malaysian UK High Commission South Africa WWF-US Mazda Wildlife Fund Zoological Society of London

Number 20 February 2003 TRAFFIC Dispatches 15 Web site: http://www.traffic.org

TRAFFIC International regional TRAFFIC office other TRAFFIC office

TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC Europe - Regional Office TRAFFIC North America - Mexico 219a Huntingdon Rd Bd. Emile Jacqmain 90 c/o WWF Mexico Programme Office Cambridge, CB3 ODL, UK B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Ave. Mexico No. 51 Tel: (44) 1223 277427; Fax: (44) 1223 277237 Tel: (32) 2 343 8258; Fax: (32) 2 343 2565 Col. Hipodromo Condesa E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 06100 Mexico, D.F., Mexico Tel: (525) 286 5631/34; Fax: (525) 286 5637 TRAFFIC Europe - Candidate Countries E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF-Hungary, Németvölgyi út 78/b TRAFFIC East Asia - Regional Office 1124 Budapest, Hungary Room 2001, Double Building, 22 Stanley Street Tel: (36) 1 214 5554; Fax: (36) 1 212 9353 Central, Hong Kong E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC Oceania - Regional Office Tel: (852) 2 530 0587; Fax (852) 2 530 0864 GPO Box 528 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC Europe - France Sydney NSW 2001, Australia c/o WWF France Tel: (61) 2 9280 1671; Fax: (61) 2 9212 1794 TRAFFIC East Asia - China 188, rue de la Roquette, F 75011 Paris, France E-mail: [email protected] c/o WWF China Programme Office Tel: (33) 1 55 25 84 84; Fax: (33) 1 55 25 84 74 9th Floor, The Gateway E-mail: [email protected] No. 10 Yabao Road, Chaoyang District Beijing 100020 China TRAFFIC Europe - Germany TRAFFIC South America - Regional Office Tel: (86) 10 8563 6538; Fax: (86) 10 6591 5731 c/o Umweltstiftung WWF Germany Atahualpa 955 y Republica E-mail: [email protected] Rebstöcker Str. 55 Edificio Digicom, 7mo piso 60326 Frankfurt a.M., Germany PO Box 17-17-626, Quito, Ecuador TRAFFIC East Asia - Japan Tel: (49) 69 79144 180; Fax: (49) 69 617221 Tel: (593) 2 246-6622/623; 6th Fl. Nihonseimei Akabanebashi Bldg. E-mail: [email protected] 226-1075/7/8 (ext.400) 3-1-14, Shiba, Minato-ku Fax: (593) 2 246-6624 105-0014 Tokyo, Japan TRAFFIC Europe - Italy E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (81) 3 3769 1716; Fax: (81) 3 3769 1304 c/o WWF Italia, Via Po, 25/c E-mail: [email protected] 00198 Rome, Italy Tel: (39) 06 84497357; Fax: (39) 06 84497356 TRAFFIC East Asia - Taipei E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Regional Office PO Box 7-476 Unit 9-3A, 3rd Floor, Taipei, Taiwan TRAFFIC Europe - Russia Jalan SS23/11, Taman SEA Tel: (886) 2 2362 9787; Fax: (886) 2 2362 9799 c/o WWF Russia Programme Office 47400 Petaling Jaya E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 3, 109240 Moscow, Russia Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (007) 095 727 09 39; Tel: (603) 7880 3940; Fax: (603) 7882 0171 Fax: (007) 095 727 09 38 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Regional TRAFFIC Southeast Asia - Indochina Office TRAFFIC Europe - Sweden c/o WWF Indochina Programme Office c/o WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme c/o WWF-Sweden, Ulriksdals Slott 53 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District 10, Lanark Road, Belgravia, PO Box CY 1409 S-17081 Solna, Sweden IPO Box:151 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: (46) 8 624 7400; Fax: (46) 8 85 1329 Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (263) 4 252533/ 252534; Fax: (263) 4 703902 Email: [email protected] Tel: (84) 4 733 8387 & (84) 4 733 8386 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (84) 4 822 0642 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - South Africa c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag x11 TRAFFIC North America - Regional Office Parkview 2122, Johannesburg, South Africa 1250 24th Street, NW Tel: (27) 11 486 1102; Fax: (27) 11 486 1506 Washington DC 20037, USA E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (1) 202 293 4800; Fax: (1) 202 775 8287 E-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa - Tanzania PO Box 106060, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania TRAFFIC North America - Canada Tel: (255-22) 2701676 / 2700077 / 272455 c/o WWF Canada Fax: (255-22) 2775535 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410 E-mail: [email protected] Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 3J1 Tel: (1) 416 489 4567; Fax: (1) 416 489 3611 E-mail: [email protected]