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CITES bans lead to subsequent improvements in mammalian species’ IUCN status, relative to species in which trade was not banned

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) bans international trade in species threatened with extinction. We investigate the effects of these bans on species’ endangerment, as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Our analysis exploits changes in CITES bans between 1979 and 2017. We find that CITES bans lead to subsequent improvements in mammalian species’ IUCN status, relative to species in which trade was not banned. These effects are primarily due to improvements in the status of commercially targeted species. On the other hand, CITES bans lead to deteriorations in reptilian species’ IUCN status. We find that major spikes in trade volume occurred in anticipation of the bans on reptilian species but not in anticipation of those on mammalian species.

 

Vietnamese rhino horn traffickers charged in South Africa

Two Vietnamese nationals in South Africa have been charged with the illegal possession of 41kg (90lbs) of rhino horn, police have told the BBC. Officials say it is the largest amount of black market rhino horn to be seized in South Africa. The men, believed to be linked to an international poaching ring, had been under surveillance before their arrest at a Johannesburg airport, police say. Nearly 900 rhino have been killed in South Africa since January. Rhino horn can sell for up to $65,000 (£47,500) per kg - which is nearly double the price of gold - with China and Vietnam being the largest markets. Police say the illegal haul was found by a dog that specialises in sniffing out rhino horn at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday. 'National crisis' Paul Ramaloko, spokesperson for South Africa's organised crime fighting unit, told the BBC it was equivalent of 20 rhino horns with an estimated value of $358,000. Some South Africans have staged protests calling for more action against poaching. "Rhino poaching is regarded as a national crisis - for this reason those found guilty of the crime are dealt with harshly," he said. It is believed that the horns were most likely to have been removed from animals in South Africa's Kruger National Park, but tests need to be done to determine their origin, officials say.

Wildlife Crime Threatens Species and Nations

Wildlife crime profound threat to nations, says report

 

Tiger cub
 
A tiger cub rescued from smugglers in Thailand en route to China
 

The global illegal trade in wildlife

is worth $19bn (£12bn) a year and is threatening the stability of some governments according to new research. Carried out for conservation group WWF, a report highlights a "new wave" of organised wildlife crime by armed groups operating across borders. It says funds from trafficking are being used to finance civil conflicts. The study comes as Malaysian officials captured about 20 tonnes of ivory in one of the biggest seizures ever made.

 

“The bloody ivory trade has reached new heights of destruction and depravity in 2012”

 

Will Travers Born Free Foundation

According to Jim Leape, WWF International director

Global alliance aims to tackle forest crime - illegal logging and timber trafficking

Global alliance aims to tackle forest crime

 AP)

 

Illegal logging damages biodiversity and undermines people's livelihoods.

 

Interpol and the United Nations have joined forces to launch an initiative to tackle global forest crime.

Brazils Congress approves controversial forest law

 
A\member of Congress protests as the Chamber of Deputies holds a plenary vote on the forest code 25 April 2012
 
Wednesday's vote capped months   of bitter political argument  
 

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has

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