UK Government takes over CAWT chair

Left to right Huw Irranca-Davies, UK Minister for Marine and Natural Environment; Will Pryor, Assistant Private Secretary; Lynn Beaufort, Defra CITES Policy Advisor; and Christine Dawson, US Department of State Click photo to enlarge © Defra London, UK—On the 20th July 2009 the United Kingdom formally accepted the chair of the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) from the United States. CAWT is a global coalition of six Governments and thirteen international business and conservation organisations, working together to support each other’s efforts to end the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

CAWT is a partnership of like-minded governments and organisations who are willing to make a political commitment to end wildlife trafficking. When taking on the role of chair the UK pledged to continue the good work already done by the US by building on the initiatives already underway and encouraging new members from key countries and industries to join the coalition.

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Crocodile hides in inspectors’ sights

Crocodile skin handbag: can you tell if it's fake or real? Click photo to enlarge © TRAFFIC Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, 21 August 2009—wildlife trade inspectors from Mexico’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA)are being taught how to identify reptile skins and the products made out of them as part of a project that aims to improve the conservation of natural resources and ensure sustainable use.

“The international trade in reptile skins is an attractive business that generates high profits but has the potential to severely impact the conservation of the species involved,” says Adrian Reuter, TRAFFIC North America’s Mexico Representative.

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New hunting law passed in Russia

Siberian Musk Deer: the Russian parliament has passed new legislation on wildlife hunting and conservation of hunting resources Click photo to enlarge © Grigori MAZMANYANTS / WWF-CanonMoscow, Russia, 21 July 2009—In an historic move, the Russian parliament has passed new legislation on wildlife hunting and conservation of hunting resources.

Russia’s only previous hunting law was signed by Emperor Alexander III in 1892, but repealed in 1917 following the Russian Revolution.

Since then, hunting in Russia has been governed by a series of decrees and court orders.

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Ha Noi’s Environmental Police seize frozen Tiger and Tiger bones

Police experts inspect the latest Tiger seizure in Ha Noi—the third there this year Click photo to enlarge © Tran Quang Cuong / Hanoi Environmental Police  Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 17 July 2009—Ha Noi’s Environmental Police have seized a frozen Tiger and more than 11 kg of Tiger bones that had been transported from Thanh Hoa Province to Ha Noi via taxi.

Headed by Tran Quang Cuong, the Ha Noi Environmental Police stopped a suspicious looking taxi at the Hoang Cau Stadium in Dong Da District of Ha Noi at 6am on Thursday 16th July.

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