Species in danger

Overview of the findings of regional TRAFFIC studies in Europe, India, East and Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Oceania and North and South America. It highlights the fisheries, shark products in trade, and the processing, preparation and use of these products in domestic and international markets. It also discusses the management and conservation implications.

The findings from investigations of sturgeon fisheries, and information from caviar importers in consuming countries, sturgeon specialists and fisheries agencies are presented. The exploitation of Caspian sturgeons is assessed, as is Caspian caviar production, its regulation or lack thereof, and its impact upon the number of sturgeons remaining. International trade is aslo analysed.

The trade in seahorses, both dead and alive, includes many millions of seahorses each year and involves at least 32 countries and territories. This report provides a global overview of the trade, with particular emphasis on mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis, is found only in nine protected areas in Nepal and India. Fewer that 2,000 continue to exist in the wild. This report presents information on the status of this rhinoceros in India, documenting populations, poaching, and the trade in and use of rhinoceros horn.

The international trade in trochus, pearl oyster, bêche-de-mer and giant clam of the South Pacific is examined. Lack of effective measures to ensure sustainable harvest of these near-shore marine resources is documented and needed actions are recommended.

In recent years the trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles of Southeast Asia has escalated and changed dramatically to meet international demand. This report documents the change, examining the status, distribution and exploitation of 41 species in seven Southeast Asian countries.