To gain a better understanding of the presence and potential sources of Southern Bluefish Tuna traded and/or consumed in mainland China, desk-based research and a market survey “snapshot” were carried out.
Hong Kong was once a prominent trading centre for ivory in the 1970s and 1980s, but the industry contracted considerably following the implementation of CITES trade restrictions in 1990, and waning demand from traditional overseas consumers. However, resurgence in international ivory trade activity in the past decade, both legal and illegal, have also reinvigorated Hong Kong’s local ivory market. This has led many conservation advocates to campaign for a ban on ivory trade in Hong Kong.
The Humphead Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus is a naturally rare coral reef fish species. This study was designed to understand further the regulations in Hong Kong and mainland China, both major consumer markets, for HHW import, re-export and domestic sale; as well as the level of implementation of national laws, including inspection and enforcement practices for shipments made between Hong Kong and mainland China.
This report is the third in an annual series on emerging trends in Chinas wildlife trade. that aim to highlight wildlife trade trends in threatened and at-risk wildlife, with an emphasis on the impact of Chinas trade on globally important biodiversity hotspots. These hotspots have a crucial influence on the survival of endangered species, where conservation action to reduce wildlife trade threats can bring about the greatest benefit. While these hotspots might be problem areas at present, they offer great opportunities for conservation success if action is effective.
TRAFFIC's findings in this report provide strong evidence that China's trade ban has been effective at reducing the market for Tiger products, particularly traditional medicines. Still, illegal trade remains a threat. China's progress in Tiger conservation, especially Tiger trade, would almost certainly be undone if China's market for Tiger products were re-opened.
