Latest news with #ConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesofWildFaunaandFlora
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Croc menace: From near extinction to overpopulation
Photo published by The Borneo Post earlier this year shows a group of friends with a 10-foot crocodile caught in Kampung Dagang in Miri. ACCORDING to a recent statement by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the estimated crocodile population in Sarawak stands at approximately 25,000, based on extensive habitat surveys and ongoing monitoring efforts. These reptiles are found in waterways throughout the state's 4,500km of river systems and 40 river basins, which means there is an average of more than five crocodiles per kilometre of river in Sarawak. This alarmingly high density of inevitably led to an increase in human-crocodile conflicts. Based on SFC press releases and media reports, between 2020 and 2023 there were 108 complaints of close encounters with these predators, including five attacks resulting in four fatalities. This year will go down as the worst year of crocodile fatal attacks in recent memories as it began ominously with one of a fisherman at Pulau Bruit in Matu-Daro District. Then in March, a man collecting clams along a riverbank in Simunjan was killed by a crocodile. Another tragedy struck on June 27 when a man fishing in Matang was dragged into the river. Parts of his body were found on several locations on the riverbank a few days later. Eleven days later, on July 8, another fatal attack on a man occurred at Kampung Pandam in Limbang. Then on July 12, a man escaped from the jaws of a crocodile after he was dragged into the water by poking the eye of the reptile at Loagan Tebabui, Kuala Tutoh Marudi. Ironically, the proliferation of crocodiles in the state's waterways is a result of measures taken to protect them from humans. In the 1980s, crocodile numbers in Sarawak plummeted, raising concerns that they might disappear entirely from the state's waterways. The reasons expounded for its drastic drop was loss of habitat due to human encroachment into its breeding area and over hunting. As a result, crocodiles were listed under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and subsequently included under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)—a treaty to which Malaysia is a signatory. Initially, crocodiles were placed under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits hunting for commercial trade. Ostensibly this ban led to a population rebound and by 2014, their numbers had grown to 13,500. Consequently, in 2016, the status was downgraded to CITES Appendix II, allowing for regulated trade and controlled culling in high-risk areas like Batang Lupar and Batang Samarahan under SFC permits. However, it is doubtful that the drop of crocodile population in the 1980s was due to overhunting as local taboos among indigenous people of Sarawak, especially the Ibans, the Melanaus and the Malays who live by the rivers and sea, regard them with reverence and fear. They believe that these predators would attack anyone who kill one of them, or exact revenge on their descendants. There was also minimal hunting the reptiles for trade as the skin of adult crocodiles in the wild is of little value because it is too coarse. Loss of habitat was the main reason for the drastic decline of crocodiles in the 1980s as before the massive development of road infrastructure in the state, river travel was the only mode of transportation for riverine towns, settlements and longhouses. Every day, the water in the rivers were churned up by the wakes of ships, launches, barges, ferries and boats powered by outboard engines transporting good and passengers, making it difficult for crocodiles to nest and breed. Former Saratok assemblyman Datuk Peter Nyarok observed that once roads were built connecting longhouses and settlements to the state's main truck road, river transport was abandoned. As a result, people living upriver of the Krian River in his constituency stopped using it to go to town and the river, which was once a hive of activities, was left undisturbed—making it an ideal breeding ground for crocodiles. In a twist of fate, improved infrastructure inadvertently created the perfect conditions for crocodile resurgence, creating a growing crisis that would demand urgent action. One of SFC's strategies is to relocate captured crocodiles to sanctuaries such as Pulau Seduku in the Batang Lupar and the Rajang Mangrove National Park. However, relocation is challenging due to the elusive nature of crocodiles and low success rates in capturing them. High crocodile concentrations at a specific area can also cause territorial disputes and food scarcity, prompting some to migrate to new areas, defeating the purpose of relocation. The obvious solution is culling but with an estimated 25,000 crocodiles spread across 4,500km of rivers and 40 river basins, culling is a monumental task that cannot be undertaken by SFC alone. Public cooperation and inter-agency collaboration are crucial. SFC has formed a SWAT team to respond to crocodile attacks and conduct follow up operation to hunt the crocodile. Despite their best efforts, the corporation sometimes faces criticism as grieving relatives and locals complain about the response from the SWAT team coming only after a tragedy has occurred. To be fair to the SWAT team, crocodiles are sighted daily in rivers and sometimes even in drains within a housing area throughout the state and most of the time, these sightings are not reported until tragedy strikes. A notable step taken by SFC is erecting warning signs at locations with frequent crocodile sightings, especially where human activity overlaps with crocodile habitats. Early this month, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh urged the public to download the 'Sarawak CrocWatch' app set up by SFC to report crocodile sightings, to help SFC identify high-risk areas and gather data. Whatever measures taken now, the population of crocodiles in Sarawak waterways will remain at the present worrying level in the foreseeable future, so the best option is to take the pragmatic step of raising public caution and vigilance. crocodile extinction overpopulation
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- General
- Bangkok Post
'Absolute madness': Thailand's pet lion problem
CHIANG MAI — Behind a car repair business on a nondescript Thai street are the cherished pets of a rising TikTok animal influencer: two lions and a 200-kilogramme lion-tiger hybrid called "Big George." Lion ownership is legal in Thailand, and Tharnuwarht Plengkemratch is an enthusiastic advocate, posting updates on his feline companions to nearly three million followers. "They're playful and affectionate, just like dogs or cats," he told Agence France-Presse (AFP) from inside their cage complex at his home in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Thailand's captive lion population has exploded in recent years, with nearly 500 registered in zoos, breeding farms, petting cafes and homes. Experts warn the trend endangers animals and humans, stretches authorities and likely fuels illicit trade domestically and abroad. "It's absolute madness," said Tom Taylor, chief operating officer of conservation group Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand. "It's terrifying to imagine, if the laws aren't changed, what the situation is going to be in 10 years." The boom is fuelled by social media, where owners like Mr Tharnuwarht post light-hearted content and glamour shots with lions. "I wanted to show people... that lions can actually bond well with humans," he said, insisting he plays regularly with his pets. He entered Big George's enclosure tentatively though, spending just a few minutes being batted by the tawny striped liger's hefty paws before retreating behind a fence. Since 2022, Thai law has required owners to register and microchip lions, and inform authorities before moving them. But there are no breeding caps, few enclosure or welfare requirements, and no controls on liger or tigon hybrids. Births of protected native species like tigers must be reported within 24 hours. Lion owners have 60 days. "That is a huge window," said Taylor. "What could be done with a litter of cubs in those 60 days? Anything." Illicit trade Taylor and his colleagues have tracked the rise in lion ownership with on-site visits and by trawling social media. They recorded around 130 in 2018, and nearly 450 by 2024. But nearly 350 more lions they encountered were "lost to follow-up" after their whereabouts could not be confirmed for a year. That could indicate unreported deaths, an animal removed from display or "worst-case scenarios", said Taylor. "We have interviewed traders (in the region) who have given us prices for live and dead lions and have told us they can take them over the border." As a vulnerable species, lions and their parts can only be sold internationally with so-called Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) permits. But there is circumstantial evidence of illicit trade, several experts told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid angering authorities. Media reports and social media have documented lions, including cubs, in Cambodia multiple times in recent years, though Cites shows no registered imports since 2003. There is also growing evidence that captive lion numbers in Laos exceed Cites import licences. In Thailand, meanwhile, imports of lion parts like bones, skins and teeth have dropped in recent years, though demand remains, raising questions about how parts are now being sourced. Thai trader Pathamawadee Janpithak started in the crocodile business, but pivoted to lions as prices for the reptiles declined. "It gradually became a full-fledged business that I couldn't step away from," the gregarious 32-year-old told AFP in front of a row of caged cubs. She sells one-month-olds for around 500,000 baht (US$15,500), down from a peak of 800,000 baht as breeding operations like hers increase supply. Captive lions are generally fed around two kilogrammes (4.4 pounds) of chicken carcasses a day, and can produce litters of two to six cubs, once or twice a year. Ms Pathamawadee's three facilities house around 80 lions, from a stately full-maned nine-year-old to a sickly pair of eight-day-olds being bottle-fed around the clock. They are white because of a genetic mutation, and the smaller pool of white lions means inbreeding and sickness are common. Sometimes wrongly considered a "threatened" subspecies, they are popular in Thailand, but a month-old white cub being reared alongside the newborns has been sick almost since birth. It has attracted no buyers so far and will be unbreedable, Pathamawadee said. She lamented the increasing difficulty of finding buyers willing to comply with ownership rules. "In the past, people could just put down money and walk away with a lion... Everything has become more complicated." Legal review Ms Pathamawadee sells around half of the 90 cubs she breeds each year, often to other breeders, who are increasingly opening "lion cafes" where customers pose with and pet young lions. Outside Chiang Mai, a handler roused a cub from a nap to play with a group of squealing Chinese tourists. Staff let AFP film the interaction, but like all lion cafes contacted, declined interviews. Pathamawadee no longer sells to cafes, which tend to offload cubs within weeks as they grow. She said several were returned to her traumatised and no longer suitable for breeding. The growing lion population is a problem for Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), admitted wildlife protection director Sadudee Punpugdee. "But private ownership has existed for a long time... so we're taking a gradual approach," he told AFP. That includes limiting lion imports so breeders are forced to rely on the domestic population. "With inbreeding on the rise, the quality of the lions is also declining and we believe that demand will decrease as a result," Mr Sadudee said. Already stretched authorities face difficult choices on enforcing regulations, as confiscated animals become their responsibility, said Penthai Siriwat, illegal wildlife trade specialist at WWF Thailand. "There is a great deal of deliberation before intervening... considering the substantial costs," she told AFP. Owners like Tharnuwarht often evoke conservation to justify their pets, but Thailand's captive lions will never live in the wild. Two-year-olds Khanom and Khanun live in a DNP sanctuary after being confiscated from a cafe and private owner over improper paperwork. They could survive another decade or more, and require specialised keepers, food and care. Sanctuary chief vet Natanon Panpeth treads carefully while discussing the lion trade, warning only that the "well-being of the animals should always come first". Big cat ownership has been banned in the United States (US) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in recent years, and Thailand's wildlife rules are soon up for review. Mr Sadudee is hopeful some provisions may be tightened, though a ban is unlikely for now. He has his own advice for would-be owners: "Wild animals belong in the wild. There are plenty of other animals we can keep as pets."
The Mainichi
5 days ago
- The Mainichi
View of 'flowing otter' returns to delight visitors at zoo near Tokyo
ICHIKAWA, Chiba -- The popular "flowing otter" attraction has made a comeback at a local zoo here to the delight of visitors. The scenes of otters playing in slidelike water channels once disappeared at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, but can be seen again this year. Visitors let out exclamations of "cute" and "looks refreshing" as they watched an otter splashing and gliding down the channels into its pool. The zoo has installed half-pipe water channels in the Asian small-clawed otter enclosure. The otter appears to float along with the flowing water, reminiscent of the Japanese summer tradition of "nagashi somen" (flowing noodles), so this has been called "nagashi kawauso" (flowing otter) at the zoo. A zookeeper devised this attraction in 2012 to alleviate stress for the otters while also entertaining visitors. Otters have a habit of running around narrow waterways. By creating a gentle slope and T-shaped waterway with steps, the curious otters began to play frequently. However, otters have their preferences. About two years ago, when one otter that enjoyed the waterway passed away, the others showed little interest, ending the "flowing otter" era. In February to March this year, two new otters joined the zoo for breeding purposes. One of them, Tsutsuji, a 5-year-old female borrowed from Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, took a liking to the waterway and has been playing in it frequently since about a month ago, as the weather became hot. The opportunity to see the "flowing otter" depends on the animal's mood. Zookeeper Shumpei Miyakoshi, 33, noted, "Usually, feeding time is around 1:30 p.m., and she often runs around before and after that, which is a good chance to see the 'flowing otter.'" Asian small-clawed otters, measuring 40 to 60 centimeters in length, inhabit river regions in Southeast Asia and southern China. They feed on crustaceans, frogs and fish, living in family-centered groups. They are listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They are also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention, prohibiting their export and import for nonscientific purposes. Ichikawa City Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on Mondays. Admission is 440 yen (about $3) for adults, 110 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschoolers. For inquiries, contact the zoo at 047-338-1960 (in Japanese). (Japanese original by Takashi Ishizuka, Chiba Bureau)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Authorities confiscate over $600,000 worth of goods after cracking down on massive black market operation — here's what's happening
Authorities confiscate over $600,000 worth of goods after cracking down on massive black market operation — here's what's happening An international wildlife trafficking organization in Peru was brought to a halt after authorities broke up the operation, arresting a dozen conspirators and confiscating several animals. What's happening? According to Noticias Ambientales (Environmental News), a joint venture by the National Police of Peru and the Public Ministry put an end to the illicit operation. Two Spanish citizens were among the 12 arrested, and animals with a street value of over $600,000 were seized. Officials reported the animals were being illegally trafficked to multiple countries, including China, Russia, Thailand, and the United States. Among them were endangered species protected under environmental laws. While the arrests were a welcome development in protecting threatened species, the black market for illegal wildlife trade is just too lucrative to stop for long. Why is animal trafficking such a concern? Poaching is one of the biggest threats to endangered species. Whether it's for an exotic pet or an ingredient for traditional medicines, the result of removing an animal from the ecosystem is the same. It disrupts the delicate balance of an area's biodiversity. Big cats, such as leopards and tigers, which unscrupulous collectors commonly target, play a vital role in the ecosystem as apex predators. Removing them from an area will have catastrophic consequences, upsetting the food web and allowing their prey populations to grow out of control. Given the clandestine nature of the crime, it's difficult to calculate precisely how much revenue it generates; however, the Global Environment Facility estimates the figure to be between $7 billion and $23 billion annually. What's being done about the illegal wildlife trade? An international crime ultimately requires international coordination to prevent. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty signed by 185 countries. It's been in effect for 50 years and has achieved some significant milestones (like reduced elephant killings). However, there's still much more to be done, and its terms need to be strictly enforced. The responsibility of curbing illegal animal trade also falls on the individual. Consumers have a responsibility to make informed choices about the brands they support. Additionally, it's important to be wary of companies that claim their green credentials without substantiating them. Do you think we should be trying to pull pollution out of the atmosphere? Absolutely I need to know more In some situations No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
‘42 pieces of Hatha Jodi, knife and cash': 3 arrested for smuggling monitor lizard parts in Madhya Pradesh
Representative Image (AI) INDORE: In a major action against illegal wildlife trade, the forest department arrested three individuals on Sunday for smuggling body parts of the monitor lizard, locally known as "Hatha Jodi", from the forest range of Bhanpura under the Mandsaur forest division. Divisional Forest Officer, Mandsaur Sanjay Raykhare said they received a tip-off that some individuals were attempting to sell parts of the monitor lizard. Acting swiftly, the forest team deployed an undercover staffer as a customer to meet the suspects. On a pre-decided signal, the forest personnel moved in and detained two suspects on the spot. A search of the accused led to the recovery of 42 pieces of Hatha Jodi, a knife, and some cash. The arrested individuals have been identified as Vijay, son of Ramesh, a resident of Torniya Nahargarh village, Bhanpura, district Mandsaur; and Samarthnath, son of Singhanath, a resident of Hanumantiya village, Kukdeshwar tehsil, district Neemuch. Following their interrogation, another accused, Karan alias Dharma Harijan, resident of Kukdeshwar in Neemuch, was also taken into custody. The monitor lizard is listed as a protected species under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade in these animals or their body parts. A formal case has been registered against the accused and further legal proceedings and investigation are underway.
