African forest hornbills gain new protections from unsustainable trade

Mongabay
Mongabay
7d ago • 8 views
CITES negotiators have agreed to regulate trade in seven species of African forest hornbills, addressing concerns over unsustainable hunting and habitat loss.
African forest hornbills gain new protections from unsustainable trade
A What happened
During the CITES summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, negotiators reached a consensus to regulate the trade of seven species of African forest hornbills by listing them in Appendix II. This listing allows for international trade under strict oversight, including the requirement of permits for import and export. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over unsustainable hunting and habitat loss, which have severely impacted hornbill populations in countries like Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria. The proposal was backed by eight West and Central African nations and received support from various countries, including the EU and the U.S. Conservationists emphasize that this is a crucial step towards ensuring the survival of these birds in their natural habitats.
★

Key insights

  • 1

    Unanimous Support: No country objected to the proposal at the CITES summit.

  • 2

    Regulated Trade: The listing allows for controlled international trade under strict oversight.

  • 3

    Conservation Efforts: This decision aims to protect hornbills from unsustainable hunting.

  • 4

    Ongoing Challenges: Further research is needed to understand the supply and demand for hornbill parts.

Takeaways

The decision to regulate the trade of African forest hornbills marks a significant step in wildlife conservation efforts, aiming to protect these species from unsustainable practices and ensure their survival in the wild.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation