31 Oct 2016

Botswana, as member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), has contributed to finding solutions to wildlife trade and conservation snags, especially the illegal trade on vultures.

Director at BirdLife Botswana, Dr Kabelo Senyatso, who was also member of the delegation that represented Botswana at the just ended CITES CoP 17 in South Africa, said proposals that Botswana had tabled and supported, were accepted.

“I’m certain that Botswana has demonstrated a clear, positive stance regarding protection and conservation of wildlife fauna and flora.  Although a discussion on illegal trade of vultures was not included in the formal agenda of CITES CoP 17 agenda, we managed to raise the issue and demanded that it should be included in the next CITES CoP meeting agenda,” he said.

He said vultures were not classified under any annexure therefore Botswana advocated for these endangered species to be categorised in annexure one, which dictated prohibition of such.

Dr Senyatso outlined that Botswana supported a number of proposals of direct interest on species such as lions, elephants, rhinos, pangoline, African grey parrot and peregrine falcon.

He said CITES CoP 17 uplifted the African grey parrot to be listed in annexure one from annexure two.

“This now means that illegal trade of African grey parrot is prohibited by law. Therefore anyone who owns an African grey parrot cannot make an international sale of the bird” he advised.

He said the African grey parrot was largely used in pet trade due to its attractive character and ability to learn to speak and imitate humans.

CITES came to this conclusion after realisation that these birds were ill-treated and many of them died during captivity from the forest.
They were mostly found in Central Africa region.

“Research estimates show that for every 100 African grey parrots captured, only 20 make it to the market while 80 die of mishandling behavior,” he said.

He divulged that another proposal that fell through was that of moving peregrine falcon from annexure one to annexure two.

“This means, international trading of peregrine falcon can take place but under strict supervision and authorisation is required,” he outlined.

Dr Senyatso further indicated that peregrine falcon is widely used in Asia to make artifacts similar to those made from elephant ivory. He said Botswana was against proposals by other countries that suggested classification of lions, elephants and rhinos to be moved from annexure one to annexure two, to allow for trading of such, but CITES rejected the motions.

Botswana has recently abolished illegal hunting; a move which shows that the country doesn’t support illegal trade of wildlife fauna and flora.

CITES CoP 17 as a government to government dialogue recently congregated 183 parties to discuss 120 documents and 62 proposals in a period of two weeks. Botswana delegation was led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Mr Ellias Magosi. ENDS