The daily dose of bad news about poaching, wildlife and environmental crimes from around the world
in the spotlight today ……………………starting with two news reports that are unlikely to appear on the CITES web site.
A ravenous market for wildlife parts is pushing Earth’s biota to the brink. LOS ANGELES TIMES. EXTRACT: China is the world’s most ravenous market for wildlife parts http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-debuys-wildlife-trafficking-southeast-asia-20150313-story.html#page=1
Rampant poaching of Indian rhinos. EXTRACT: China had won approval of the Convention on Illegal Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and yet being the biggest importer of ivory it never demonstrated adequate commitment towards ending illegal ivory trade. China is the largest importer of illegal rhino horns as well and is likely to show the same lack of commitment for controlling their illegal imports once the trade is legalised. http://groundreport.com/rampant-poaching-of-indian-rhinos/
PRO-CHINA CITES ISN’T WORKING – IS IT?
If CITES won’t sanction China, how can there be justification for sanctioning any country? Which means – a ‘free for all’ – much as it is now with 100% no fear of sanctions.
– more of this –
– and this
WHY is there no enforcement by CITES (UNEP)?
WHO SHOULD WE HOLD ACCOUNTABLE?
Regardless of how many animals are slaughtered, regardless of how many times the convention is brazenly broken, CITES/UNEP officials get paid the same.
Does not rocking the boat help career advancement?
Is failure rewarded? What do you think?
You could always ask this man: 
Achim Steiner UNEP Achim.Steiner
No 358 Wildlife Trade News 16th March 2015
Dubai Police hand over ivory seized at airport to ministry. EXTRACT: The seized ivory is said to have been smuggled in from an African country with its destination being somewhere in East Asia. (NA COMMENT: In other words, CHINA.) https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/dubai-police-hand-over-ivory-seized-airport-ministry-055144515.html
As price of illicit tusks and rhino horn trumps gold, Africa needs to go to war for its wildlife http://mgafrica.com/article/2015-03-13-as-price-of-illicit-tusks-and-rhino-trumps-gold-africa-needs-to-go-to-war-for-its-wildlife
Voracious Asian appetite killing off turtles. SABAH/MALAYSIA. extract: The immediate reaction then to such senseless killing of our marine life is that the enforcement authorities must come down hard on the perpetrators, irrespective whether they are locals or foreigners.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/292137
KP govt lifts ban on crane hunting http://nation.com.pk/national/16-Mar-2015/kp-govt-lifts-ban-on-crane-hunting
Canned lion hunting: ‘Cruel and barbaric’, says Australia
Two pangolins rescued in City
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/465858/two-pangolins-rescued-city.html
Fighting for Lions in Zimbabwe http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/fighting-for-lion-in-zimbaawe/2678007.html
The devastating effect humans are having on the planet laid bare by these shocking before and after pictures compiled by NASA
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2996485/The-devastating-effect-humans-having-planet-laid-bare-stunning-pictures.html#ixzz3UWryo6H6
CHINA – PLEASE NOTE
Vietnam Promotes Fight Against Trafficking of Endangered Species http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3622221&Itemid=1
Zero-deforestation pledges and palm oil: a conversation http://blog.cifor.org/27203/zero-deforestation-pledges-palm-oil-conversation#.VQZ2WuHJIsc
Promises to keep: Can private sector ensure success of zero-deforestation pledges? http://blog.cifor.org/27200/zero-deforestation-pledge-new-york-declaration-on-forests-deforestation-oil-palm#.VQZ2peHJIsc
British tree surgeons to teach Sumatran orangutan rescuers how to climb trees http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11473477/British-tree-surgeons-to-teach-Sumatran-orangutan-rescuers-how-to-climb-trees.html
Controversial palm oil project sparks arguments. MYANMAR http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Controversial-palm-oil-project-sparks-arguments-30256025.html
Forces identify poaching network, hunt for leaders http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=78400
Nigeria: Wild Animals On the Streets http://allafrica.com/stories/201503160007.html
Nine Poachers Nabbed from Satkosia http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Nine-Poachers-Nabbed-from-Satkosia/2015/03/16/article2715750.ece
Does Destroying Ivory Really Save Elephants? http://www.newsweek.com/does-destroying-ivory-really-save-elephants-313840
Poaching ongoing near Tsavo Park in Kenya http://www.eturbonews.com/56522/poaching-ongoing-near-tsavo-park-kenya
CBI nabs tiger poachers from Rajnandgaon http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/CBI-nabs-tiger-poachers-from-Rajnandgaon/articleshow/46569248.cms
Mozambique: Journalists Held Captive By Rhino Poachers http://allafrica.com/stories/201503150383.html
Charcoal trade unlawful: NGO. Cambodia
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/charcoal-trade-unlawful-ngo
Gorillas vs oil: DR Congo seeking way to explore at Virunga park https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gorillas-vs-oil-dr-congo-seeking-way-explore-163949549.html#ZsGsrfz
Kenya: Illegal Settlers Destroying Mau Forest – Agency http://allafrica.com/stories/201503150204.html
