Guest guest Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 TEMPERING THE TURTLE TRADE (Bangkok, Thailand - 12 October 2004) - Asian Freshwater Turtles will receive greater protection from growing trade threatening their survival following decisions made at an international convention in Bangkok today. Parties at the 13th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), approved proposals from the United States and Indonesia to include many of the remaining unlisted species of Asian Freshwater Turtles on CITES Appendix II. ¡°Several million turtles are traded each year for food and medicine and the demand is growing,¡± said Aster Zhang, Director, IFAW China. ¡°Turtles are a highly sought-after food item as they are thought to bring long life to those that consume them. Demand is being driven by increased prosperity in China - many individuals are now able to purchase luxury products that were previously unattainable. ¡°This decision is critical to save several species of Asian Freshwater turtles that have been pushed to the very brink of extinction.¡± Asian freshwater turtles also face habitat loss from encroaching human populations and a growing popularity in the international pet trade. Species which will receive greater protection from the Appendix II listing include the Malayan snail-eating turtle, the Malayan flat-shelled turtle, the Southeast Asian softshell turtle, the Pig-nosed turtle and the Roti snake-necked turtle. ¡°CITES parties joined together to help address the grave situation facing Asian Freshwater Turtles and should be congratulated for voting for conservation not exploitation,¡± said Mr Zhang. Over the years IFAW has supported regional cooperation to protect Asian turtles and improve enforcement to combat wildlife crime. About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Founded in 1969, IFAW works to protect animals and their habitats. With offices in 15 countries around the world, IFAW works to protect whales, elephants, great apes, big cats, dogs and cats, seals, and other animals. To learn how to help animals, please visit www.ifaw.org. ### Contact: Erica Martin (IFAW) - Tel: (669) 40 42 645; Email: emartin Aster Zhang Tel (669) 40 42 408 Editors: For more information visit www.ifaw.org 150ÍòÇúMP3·è¿ñËÑ£¬´øÄú´³ÈëÒôÀÖµîÌà ÃÀÅ®Ã÷ÐÇÓ¦Óо¡ÓУ¬ËѱéÃÀͼ¡¢ÑÞͼºÍ¿áͼ 1G¾ÍÊÇ1000Õ×£¬ÑÅ»¢µçÓÊ×ÔÖúÀ©ÈÝ£¡ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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