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CITES prohibits trade in four Asian pangolin species

Xinhua, September 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on Wednesday unanimously agreed to transfer all four Asian pangolin species to Appendix I.

The species on Appendix I are the most endangered, threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial but for other reason like scientific research.

Pangolins are exploited in Asia and Africa for trade as medicine, food, skin and tonics.

The World Wide Fund for Nature welcomed the transfer of the four pangolin species to Appendix 1 saying that would give them full protection against international trade.

Ginette Hemley, WWF head of delegation to CITES CoP17 said, "This is a huge win and rare piece of good news for some of the world's most trafficked and endangered animals. Giving Asian pangolins full protection under CITES will eliminate any question about legality of trade, making it harder for criminals to traffic them and increasing the consequences for those who do."

The proponents of the Indian Pangolin were Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the US. Philippine pangolin were proposed by the Philippines and US. Viet Nam and the US were also the proponents of Sunda pangolin and Chinese pangolin. There is a demand for pangolin and increase in its poaching.

Hemley said, "This fight doesn't end here. The parties must move swiftly to implement the decision. Illegal trade will continue to threaten pangolins as long as demand for their meat and scales persists."

She called for strengthened anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts and continue to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products in countries like Vietnam.

She said moving the four Asian pangolin species is a major step forward for conservation.

Hemley called on the concerned countries to stop international trade in pangolins.

Another conservation organization, Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) also welcomed the move to up list the four pangolin species.

Kennedy Wekesa, senior relations manager said due to marked decline in pangolin population sizes, patterns of exploitation and vulnerability it was necessary for CITES to protect the species. Endit