Peregrine falcons retain trade protections, despite downlisting bid by Canada and US

Mongabay
Mongabay
1w ago • 14 views
CITES delegates voted against a proposal by the U.S. and Canada to downlist peregrine falcons, maintaining their trade protections. This decision is crucial for the conservation of the species amid ongoing threats.
Peregrine falcons retain trade protections, despite downlisting bid by Canada and US
A What happened
During the CITES summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, delegates voted against a proposal from the U.S. and Canada to downlist peregrine falcons from Appendix I to Appendix II. This would have allowed regulated international trade. The falcons, once on the brink of extinction due to pesticide use, have recovered but still face threats. Scientists argue that many subspecies are understudied, and recent declines have been noted in some regions. The proposal was supported by countries with falconry traditions, but many others opposed it due to concerns about avian influenza and illegal trade. Ultimately, the proposal was rejected with 61 votes in favor and 74 against, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass. Conservationists welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for continued protection and research.
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Key insights

  • 1

    CITES Decision: The vote maintained strict protections for peregrine falcons.

  • 2

    Concerns Over Subspecies: Many subspecies remain understudied, raising conservation concerns.

  • 3

    Impact of Avian Influenza: Bird flu is suspected to affect falcon populations.

Takeaways

The decision to retain trade protections for peregrine falcons underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need for further research on the species' various subspecies.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation