Asian pangolins, the world’s most wanted mammals, get better protection at CITES
Countries at COP17 voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning all international trade in the animals hunted for their meat and scales
ASIAN pangolins, which have the dubious distinction of being the world’s most trafficked mammal, have been given beefed-up security at CITES.The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is holding its 17th conference of the parties (COP17) in Johannesburg, voted on Wednesday to move all species of Asian pangolin to appendix I from appendix II.A listing on appendix I means an animal cannot be traded internationally at all.Only Indonesia voted against the move, while five countries abstained and 114 voted for the listing.The Indonesian delegate said that while Indonesia believed something should be done to save the species, it did not agree with the method proposed.The reclusive animal is being hunted due to the increased demand, principally from Asia, for its scales and meat.Leigh Henry, senior policy adviser for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said: "Today’s decision by CITES shows their commitment to the conservation of pangolin...
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