Skip to content

Conservation

Trade in snakes, macaques, sharks out of control, CITES affirms

by Melanie J. Martin 25 Jul 2011
Trade in snakes, macaques, sharks out of control, CITES affirms

The Animals Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) met in Geneva on July 22 to discuss how to control the booming - and at times illegal - wildlife trade. Delegates from 50 countries focused on the effects of trade on 3 snake species and 20 other at-risk species, and made recommendations for monitoring their trade.

Unsustainable wildlife trade not only devastates local ecosystems, it also causes great suffering to individual animals and can introduce invasive species that damage ecosystems abroad. Further, it can deprive local people of their natural resources.

The 3 snake species of primary concern included the oriental rat snake, the reticulated python, and the Indonesian cobra, all used in luxury products like handbags and boots, according to CITES. The disappearance of these snakes from their native habitats brings dramatic social as well as environmental consequences. Snakes prey on animals that eat crops, so as snakes disappear, the agricultural industry and economy would suffer along with the ecosystem. The committee supported heightened control of snake breeding establishments and closer monitoring of the skin trade supply chain.

In addition to snakes, long-tailed macaques - the most frequently traded species in live form - and sharks raised particular concern. The long-tailed macaque is often traded for biomedical research. The practice of shark finning has seriously threatened shark populations over the past decade, due to increased demand for shark fin soup. Experts supported a review of the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to ensure accurate assessments and management of shark populations. Chameleons and frogs from Madagascar and seahorses from Southeast Asia held priority as well. The CITES committee focusing on animals also requested an assessment of sturgeon and paddlefish populations in the Caspian Sea.

Many at-risk species hailed from Southeast Asia, due to the high level of biodiversity in the region. China, southeast Africa, and the eastern European Union remain wildlife trade hubs as well. Disadvantaged people sometimes trade wildlife to meet their short-term needs when they seem to have no better alternative. Larger traders import greater quantities of live or dead animals to wealthier nations for a much higher profit.

Administered by the United Nations Environmental Program, CITES is an international agreement to monitor the status of wildlife worldwide.

Top Image Credit: Reticulated Python © Fivespots


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping