Wildlife Trade Flashcards
Why is wildlife trade so bad?
Illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to the survival of some of the worlds rarest species. In fact, illegal wildlife trade is second only to habitat destruction as a cause of species loss and potential extinction.
What is the current situation in the EU regarding wildlife trade?
Millions of live animals and plants are imported into the EU each year. This is in addition to significant amounts of animal products
Is all wildlife trade illegal?
No, much of it is legitimate and some species are subject to strict legal measures
What additional pressure is put on wildlife because of trade?
Over exploitation, pollution, deforestation
How is wildlife traded?
Wildlife is often traded in Asia in open markets!
Why is wildlife sold?
Souvenirs, food, pets, medicine
What levels of legislation is there for wildlife trade?
There are international agreements
European directives
National law
Give an example of a key international agreement
CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
What is the purpose of CITES? and when did it come into force?
Came into force in 1975. It aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Give an example of a European Directive related to Wildlife trade
EC Wildlife trade regulation
What is the purpose of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulation
Enforces legislation CITES outlines within the European Union.
What does CAWT stand for? and where is it in force?
Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (NATIONAL)
What does NWCU stand for?
National Wildlife Crime Unit
What is the WCA (1981)
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
What is the purpose of CAWT?
raises the political profile of illegal wildlife trade
What is the purpose of NWCU?
assist in the prevention and detection of wildlife trade crimes and collaborates with international partners on the promotion of improved enforcement on trade
What is the purpose of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981?
Protection of UK flora and fauna
How are species covered in CITES?
Species are split into three appendices depending on the level of protection they require
Describe appendix 1
Species in this appendix include species that are threatened with extinction. Therefore trade in these species is only permitted in exceptional circumstances
Describe appendix 2
Species in this appendix include species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade should be controlled as it may threaten their survival
Describe appendix 3
Species in this appendix consist of species that are protected in at least one country.
How many species are there covered within appendix 1 (both plant and animal)
892 species
How many species are there covered within appendix 2 (both plant and animal)
33,033 species
How many species are there covered within appendix 3 (both plant and animal)
161 species
What is the internal structure of CITES?
Standing committee
Conference of the Parties (CoP)
CITES Secretariat
Animal and Plant committees
What is the Conference of the Parties?
Collaboration of member states that meet every 2-3 years to review the progress of the conservation of species and considered amendments to appendixes
What is the role of the CITES secretariat?
Arranges the meeting of the CoP and distributes information
What is the role of the standing committee?
Provides policy guidance to the secretariat. Manages budget. Carries out work by the CoP
What is the role of the animal and plant committees?
They provide scientific evidence, periodically review species and recommend action for unsustainable trade
What does the WCMC stand for?
World Conservation Monitoring Centre
What is the purpose of WCMC?
To promote conservation, protection, enhancement, and the support of nature and natural resources
Monitoring
What is TRAFFIC?
the wildlife trade monitoring network
TRAFFIC is a joint programme by which two organisations?
WWF and IUCN
What is the purpose of TRAFFIC?
It is an international organisation that ensures the trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to conservation
What does TRAFFIC primarily work with?
The trade of ivory and animal skins
What does the IUCN stand for?
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
What is the purpose of the IUCN?
Their purpose is to influence, encourage and assist societies worldwide in order to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature, and to use natural resources in a ecologically sustainable manner
The EC Wildlife Trade Regulations have four Annexes, what are they? (IT’S AS EASY AS…..)
A, B, C, D
What do A, B, C correspond with?
Appendix 1, 2, 3 of CITES
What is the purpose of Annex D then?
Annex D is a monitoring list to determine the level of trade and the potential threat to those species caused by the trade
How did the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) become implemented?
It came into force as a result of the Bern convention
What two EU Directives does the WCA implement?
Conservation of wild birds
Natural habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna
What four parts are there to the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)?
Part 1 is wildlife
Part 2 is Nature Conservation, the countryside and national parks
Part 3 is Public rights of way
Part 4 is Miscellaneous
What does SSN stand for?
Species Survival Network
What does the SSN aim to implement?
The prevention of over exploitation due to trade, and to provide education and scientific and legal research
Why can’t wildlife trade be banned?
Trade provides income for local communities
Banning trade may move the market underground and may actually get worse
How can sustainable trade contribute to survival of species?
Provides value and economic incentives to local people and government
Although CITES poses an international agreement it requires what?
international cooperation by governments
