BIO-ENGINEERED rhino horn could be on the market within two years, undercutting the illegal trade in rhino horn that is decimating the species.However, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is meeting in Sandton this week could still stymie trade in bio-engineered horn.A number of companies in the US are attempting to produce bio-engineered rhino horn and other products of endangered animals like tiger bones. These products would be genetically the same as the type found in the wild.On Monday the US called for a review of the CITES policy on bio-engineered animal products.Craig Hoover, a member of th US delegation, said the convention allows for the regulation of "readily recognisable part(s) or derivatives" of listed animals but there needs to be a review on how this is interpreted when it comes to bio-engineered products.He said there was need for more clarity on how countries should apply the rules when it came to bio-en...
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