— “we know that many emerging infectious diseases in recent times have originated in wild animals. many of them were not considered illegally-traded cites-listed species. however, illegal wildlife trade flows will only make these episodes worse, by degrading or bringing people too close to animal habitats, and therefore contributing to the spread of diseases.” read : there are no winners in the illegal trade in wildlife
art ecology science & animals
Tagged CITES
VALUABLE WILD SEEDS
— the study covered a wide range of hong kong supermarkets and convenience stores across all districts. surprisingly, almost 50% of the eel products surveyed were determined to be european eel. the results from this study suggested that large scale smuggling networks trafficking european eels are interwoven with local supplier chains, resulting in endangered species ending up on supermarket shelves. read : endangered species on supermarket shelves
INCORPORATE BEHAVIOR
— when we here the term “migratory,” we tend to think of the seasonal migrations we see on tv like the wildebeests crossing the serengeti ecosystem between tanzania and kenya or monarch butterflies making their ways north from their winter breeding grounds in mexico. but “migratory” under this treaty, now ratified by 130 countries, means much more. read : towards a global endangered species act more : convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals
BACKFIRE
— investors are buying endangered species not to use and own, but in anticipation that their prices will rise. this shift explains why international trade restrictions often do not protect endangered species. read : restricting trade in endangered species can backfire, triggering market booms
THE YOUNG, TECH-SAVVY, URBAN GENERATION OF AFRICA
— the continent now has the youngest and fastest-growing human population in the world. cities are expanding. international agencies and companies are seeking a massive expansion in african agriculture. long overdue infrastructure, including ports, highways and railways, is being built. but all of that comes with a potential conservation price. so is all lost? read article : africa must not become one big game park
KEEP TABS ON PROCEEDINGS
— even for experienced eyes, sifting through 200 documents to be considered at the upcoming convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) conference is a challenge. here is a sneak peak! read article : what to expect at CITES more : CITES cop17
APPENDIX I
— animals and plants on appendix I are considered the rarest of the rare and generally banned from international trade. in the case of the asian arowana, however, the listing seemed to backfire, propelling the species into the spotlight as a limited edition. read article : endangered species laws may endanger species
worldsendangeredspecies 