Red list changes highlight threats from over-exploitation (Via Herp Digest)

Red list changes highlight threats from over-exploitation
The latest IUCN Red List finds an alarming 40% of Madagascar's terrestrial reptiles are threatened with extinction

Gland, Switzerland, 11/10/11-the latest update of the world's list of threatened animals and plant species-the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species-carried out by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) reveals mixed fortunes for many species.

"This update offers both good and bad news on the status of many species around the world," says Jane Smart, Director, IUCN Global Species Programme.

"We have the knowledge that conservation works if executed in a timely manner, yet, without strong political will in combination with targeted efforts and resources, the wonders of nature and the services it provides can be lost forever."

The revised list finds an alarming 40% of Madagascar's terrestrial reptiles are threatened. TRAFFIC has drawn attention to the rampant illegal trade in many of the country's threatened reptile species, which unless addressed will undermine the laudable creation of conservation areas to protect species like Tarzan's Chameleon Calumma tarzan, Bizarre-nosed Chameleon Calumma hafahafa and Limbless Skink Paracontias fasika.

Although the number of plant species assessed remains relatively low, some have deteriorated in status, like Taxus contorta, which has declined from Vulnerable to Endangered because of over-harvesting. In 2007, TRAFFIC documented China's role in the continuing and unsustainable trade in wild Yew trees in the Genus Taxus, whose bark and needles are harvested for the production of anti-cancer medicines.
Others, like the Coco de Mer from the Seychelles-known for its supposed aphrodisiac properties-have declined partly because although all collection and sale of its seed is highly regulated, there is thought to be a significant black market trade in its seed kernels.

The assessment of the world's tuna species is particularly serious, with five of the eight tuna species in the threatened or Near Threatened categories. TRAFFIC has highlighted the over-fishing of some tuna species, which is placing them at risk of extinction.

26 recently discovered amphibian species have been assessed for the first time, including two-the Blessed Poison Frog Ranitomeya benedicta and Summers' Poison Frog Ranitomeya summersi that are classified as Vulnerable and Endangered respectively. Both are threatened through a combination of habitat loss and harvesting for the international pet trade.

The ongoing poaching of rhinos is also reflected in the revised Red List, with the status of a number of subspecies deteriorating. It includes formal confirmation of the extinction of the Western Black Rhino Diceros bicornis longipes.

"Even a quick perusal of the threats facing the world's wild plants and animals identified through the IUCN Red List process reveal the problems caused by unsustainble trade and the danger it poses as a major driver of extinction," said Steven Broad, Executive Director of TRAFFIC.

Pictures: Hundreds of Rare Gibbons Found in Vietnam

A male northern white-cheeked gibbon (left) and a mother carrying her baby hang out in a treetop in Vietnam's Pu Mat National Park in a recent picture.

The animals are part of a newfound population of more than 400 of the gibbons, which are deemed critically endangered in Vietnam and Laos by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The gibbons, which have declined due to widespread hunting and logging of their habitat, are likely extinct in China.

Conservation International had been searching for the rare primates since 2008, finding only a few scattered groups—until now. New auditory sampling surveys—during which researchers record the calls of gibbon "families"—have revealed that Pu Mat is home to 130 gibbon groups, for an overall population of roughly 455 individuals.

The discovery of such a large gibbon population may mean the species has a better chance of long-term survival, the scientists say.

Rachel Kaufman
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/07/pictures/110721-rare-gibbon-species-population-found-vietnam/

Kruger rhino massacre continues

Rhino poaching surge continues in 2011

June 2011. Nearly 200 rhinos have been killed in South Africa during the first half the year, according to statistics from the national parks department. The rate of poaching, if not curbed, could exceed 2010 levels when a record 333 rhinos were killed in the country.

Despite the army deploying, Rhino poaching is getting worse.Images courtesy of Pro Track Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa .

193 rhinos killed in 2011 so far - 126 in the Kruger alone
South Africa has lost at least 193 rhinos during the first six months of 2011 with Kruger National Park continuing to be hardest hit. The world famous safari destination has already lost 126 rhinos to poaching this year in addition to 146 killed there in 2010.

"Poaching is being undertaken almost without exception by sophisticated criminals, sometimes hunting from helicopters and using automatic weapons," says Dr. Joseph Okori, WWF's African Rhino Programme Coordinator. "South Africa is fighting a war against organized crime that risks reversing the outstanding conservation gains it made over the past century."

South Africa is home to the largest populations of African rhinos, including white rhinos and critically endangered black rhinos.

Arrests and convictions
In response to the recent poaching crisis, law enforcement measures have been increased resulting in 123 arrests and six successful convictions so far in 2011. Last year South African authorities arrested a total of 165 suspected poachers and convicted four. Judicial proceedings are ongoing for many of the suspects.

"We are pleased to see more successful convictions of poachers," said Dr. Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa. "Applying strict penalties for wildlife crimes such as rhino poaching will demonstrate the South African government's commitment to maintaining this important part of the country's heritage."

Swaziland
In June, neighbouring Swaziland lost its first rhino to poaching in nearly 20 years sparking fears that the crime wave could be spreading. Authorities in Swaziland arrested three suspects within days of the killing, but have since released them on bail.

WWF opposes the granting of bail to poaching suspects due to the gravity of their crimes and their high flight risk. Suspects at large continue to pose a threat to rhinos and can cause delays to judicial proceedings.

"We cannot allow poaching to proliferate across rhino range countries," Dr. Okori says. "Swift prosecutions of wildlife crimes and strict sentences for perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. Poachers should be shown no leniency."

‘Traditional medicine'
Rhino poaching is being fuelled by demand for horns in Asia, where they are highly valued for traditional medicine, although rhino horn has no scientifically proven healing properties.

"The poaching surge shows no sign of abating," says Tom Milliken, Elephant & Rhino Programme Coordinator with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring group. "Only a concerted international enforcement pincer movement, at both ends of the supply and demand chain, can hope to nip this rhino poaching crisis in the bud."

WWF and TRAFFIC provide technical assistance to wildlife management authorities and support greater inter-agency law enforcement cooperation. In May WWF financed the purchase of an ultralight aircraft for rangers patrolling against poachers in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province.

TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF and IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kruger-rhino011.html#cr