Posted on 19 January
2014 | Singapore: WWF-Singapore and TRAFFIC
in Southeast Asia applaud the vigilant work
of Singapore Customs in seizing more than
$1.5 million worth of smuggled black rhinoceros
horn from a man’s checked baggage at Changi
Airport on Thursday.
“While it is heartbreaking to learn of such
a large amount of poached black rhino horn,
the vigilance shown by Singapore’s customs
officials is extremely encouraging as WWF
and TRAFFIC continue their global missions
to stop poaching, increase rhino populations,
improve law enforcement, and tackle the
illegal trade of endangered species,” said
Elaine Tan, CEO of WWF-Singapore.
Reports indicate that
the eight pieces of black rhino horn, with
a combined weight of almost 22kg, were discovered
while the passenger accused of carrying
the cache was in transit back to his native
Vietnam. New research conducted by both
WWF and TRAFFIC has identified that rhino
horn consumption is on the rise in Asia.
Singapore is a critical centre of both regional
and global transport and trade, and this
has been exploited by a variety of individuals
and criminal organisations engaged in the
illegal trafficking of endangered species.
Singapore is a significant hub for smuggling
illegal wildlife. In 2002, the world’s largest
seizure of illegal ivory occurred in Singapore,
when more than six tonnes of raw tusks and
cut ivory pieces were intercepted.
Black Rhinos are Critically Endangered.
Already, the Western Black Rhino subspecies
is extinct, and all remaining populations
are precariously close to the same fate.
“All five of the world’s rhino species are
in crisis” said Dr Chris R. Shepherd, Regional
Director of TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia. “More
than 1000 Rhinos were poached in South Africa
in 2013 alone.”
“It is absolutely essential that steps are
taken immediately to reduce demand for rhino
horn in Asia.”
Governments need to recognize the urgency
and importance of ending the illegal trade
in rhino horns, and to ensure enforcement
efforts greatly increased.
WWF and TRAFFIC have previously taken part
in a joint global campaign calling for governments
around the world to strengthen legislation
and law enforcement efforts working against
illegal wildlife trade, and for consumers
to play their critical part in reducing
the demand for illegal wildlife products,
like black rhino horn.
Rhino horn is a highly prized component
of traditional Asian medicine, it is most
commonly used after being ground into a
fine powder, or manufactured into tablet
form, after which it is believed to treat
a variety of illnesses. In Vietnam however,
recent TRAFFIC research has identified that
it is frequently used as a status symbol.
“The continuing increase
in rhinoceros poaching is directly linked
to increased demand for rhinoceros horn
in Asia, where recent consumer research
conducted by TRAFFIC has shown the main
driver of consumption is perceived prestige
and status,” said Dr Shepherd.
“Poaching and the illegal trade in endangered
species have a devastating impact on our
natural environment, which in turn directly
affects all of us in a negative way. Singaporeans
can play a crucial role in stamping out
the trade of illegal wildlife by spreading
the word that buying products made from
endangered species is wrong. Increasing
community awareness is the first step toward
positive change,” said Elaine Tan.
Just last week the South African government
revealed that a record 1004 rhinos were
killed by poachers during 2013 across the
country, the equivalent of nearly three
animals a day. World famous safari destination
Kruger National Park continues to be the
hardest hit with 606 rhino deaths.
+ More
Critically endangered
turtle makes surprise appearance
Posted on 22 January
2014 | Karachi, Pakistan -- A hawksbill
sea turtle has been recorded for the first
time in the waters of Pakistan. The turtle
was found entangled in a net by local fishermen
and was later confirmed to be a hawksbill
by WWF-Pakistan.
It is estimated that
there are less than 50,000 hawksbill turtles
remaining worldwide. The global population
has declined 80% over the last century and
the IUCN Red List classifies the species
as critically endangered.
“The confirmation of
a hawksbill turtle in Pakistan is a new
addition to the diversified marine fauna
of the country,” said Rab Nawaz, director
of WWF-Pakistan. “This finding is good news
for the species.”
The rescue demonstrates
the positive impact that the training of
ship's crews can have on the protection
of marine diversity. WWF has run a program
to train marine monitors in Pakistan since
2012.
The crew carefully removed
the hawksbill from the net, photographed
the individual and successfully released
it back to sea unharmed.
“After 18 years of working
these waters, finding the hawksbill was
the most exciting catch I’ve ever made,”
said boat captain Shah Zamin, “I am glad
that we had the awareness raising from WWF
to record the find and save the turtle.”
The turtle measured
47 cm and is estimated to be a juvenile.
Adult hawksbills can reach one meter in
length and weight up to 80kg. The species
is easily distinguished from other sea turtles
by its sharp, curved beak and the saw-like
appearance of its shell.
