WWF/TRAFFIC: Illegal tiger trade conviction and fine sets important precedent – Should help deter use of endangered species in traditional Chinese medicine
“This conviction sets an important precedent for the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act – the Canadian law that restricts the trade in endangered species”, said Ernie Cooper, WWF-Canada Director, TRAFFIC & Wildlife Trade. “Given that the court chose to impose a $45,000 penalty for this first time offence when the maximum it could have imposed was $50,000 shows how serious the court takes the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking. Hopefully this conviction will help deter those who are involved in similar illegal activities.”
As part of its decision, the court chose to give $40,000 of the imposed fine to TRAFFIC to help further its efforts to ensure that wildlife trade is not detrimental to the conservation of nature.
Environment Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate, as well as other international enforcement agencies, often call upon TRAFFIC to help identify seized wildlife or products and provide accurate and reliable information on the international trade in wildlife and the impact it has on global species conservation.
Globally it is estimated that illegal wildlife trade generates $10-20 billion and impacts millions of individual plants and animals from tens of thousands of species annually.
“The trade in tigers and other endangered species is a global issue and I would like to thank the court for choosing to help fund efforts to curb this illegal activity,” continued Cooper. “While it is terrific that a conviction was secured this week, it is important to remember that the activities of Canadians create a demand for these products and impact the conservation of species around the world. Canadians have a responsibility to avoid purchasing products made from illegal wildlife products either while travelling abroad or here at home.”
TRAFFIC is a joint program of WWF and the IUCN—the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A central aim of TRAFFIC’s activities is to contribute to the wildlife trade-related priorities of these partners. TRAFFIC also works in close co-operation with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
–30–
For further information:
WWF-Canada: Kyle Ferguson, Manager, Communications, (w) 416-484-7732 (c) 416-819-5631 eml [email protected]