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News - Research Projects Conference of Parties | Standing Committee | Plants Committee | Animals Committee | EC CITES Committee | EC CITES Scientific Review Group | CITES notifications | SUN meetings | Link meetings | Other news | Research projects | Parliamentary Questions | Biennial Report JNCC CITES Research Programme 2001/2002
Defra CITES Research Programme 2001/2002 The following programmes of research have been approved by Ministers. For further information on any of these projects, please click on the appropriate link.
Defra/Former DETR CITES Research Programme 2000/2001
For full details on Defra's Wildlife and Countryside Research programme and to express an interest in any of the 2001/2002 projects, please. click herePlease note, following the general election in the UK in June 2001, the Global Wildlife Division of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) responsible for implementing CITES in the UK was transferred to the newly created Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Description and Purpose of Project JNCC have commissioned UNEP-WCMC to revise the four JNCC checklists that provide a full listing of all species listed on the CITES appendices and on the annexes of the EC CITES regulations. The checklists deal separately with mammals, birds, herpetofauna and fish & invertebrates and provide information on the countries in which each species occurs, synonyms, common names in English, French and Spanish, references and CITES identification guide references. The project has also enabled references to be added to the EU Wildlife Trade Reference Database. The project is due for completion in July 2001. It is anticipated that the revised checklists will be distributed to the scientific Authorities of all CITES Parties and will be available on this web site. Distinguishing between fossilised and non-fossilised coral rock in trade Description and Purpose of Project Whilst all stony corals are listed on Appendix II of
CITES, fossilised corals are exempt from the provisions of the Convention. However, it is
not clear how a fossilised coral is defined nor how specimens of fossilised coral,
especially coral rock, can be distinguished from non-fossilised coral. JNCC have
commissioned Dr Martin le Tissier (University of Newcastle) and Dr Terry Scoffin
(University of Edinburgh) to address this issue both by providing a working definition of
what constitutes a fossilised coral and by determining a practical way by which such
specimens can be identified in trade by non-specialists. The work is one of a number of
tasks that have been assigned by the CITES Animals Committee to its working group on trade
in corals (chaired by JNCC). This report Exploitation of Marine Turtles in UK Overseas Territories (2001/2002) This research project has now been let to the Marine Turtle Research Group (University of Wales, Swansea). The project started in October 2001 and will last for three years. Interim results will inform the UK's position at the next CITES Conference of Parties in Chile, in November 2002. Description and Purpose of Project The purpose of the project is to assess the impact of harvesting on marine turtle populations in UK Overseas Territories (OTs). Marine turtles are currently listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), effectively banning international trade. Cuba has twice failed in its attempts at recent CITES Conferences (the last in April 2000) to downlist the populations of Hawksbill Turtles that inhabit Caribbean waters from Appendix I to Appendix II to enable controlled trade in turtle shell stocks. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected It is certain that further downlisting proposals will be put to the next Conference (CoP12 in 2002). There is no current data on the sustainable use of marine turtles in UK OTs. Therefore, in order to properly inform our position at CoP12 it will be necessary to assemble a properly researched body of data on this. This project will look at existing ranching operations in the region, assess markets and trade levels and consider the extent and impact of by-catch and illegal offtake. UK Trade in Chinese Non-CITES Plants for the Horticultural Trade (2001/2002) It is expected that this project will be let by single tender. Description and Purpose of Project There is a growing trade in the UK of wild-collected plants from China. Recent concern and trade surveys have concentrated on the medicinal plant trade but have ignored the trade in new species for horticulture. The UK is a significant market for these species due to the large number of Alpine garden enthusiasts with an interest in the plants concerned. The Chinese authorities have expressed concern about the implications for these plants in trade but have no mechanism for control of these exports, and have indicated that they would value assistance in assessing the scale of the problem. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected This project would undertake a survey of the trade to assess the species involved, and gather information on their conservation status, taxonomic status, possible propagation and natural distribution in China. It would identify potential detrimental trade; and the European and global trade in these species would be overviewed to place the UK trade in context and assess the global threat to the species concerned. Recommendations would include the actions required to prevent the need for possible listing on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), together with a range of options including possible listing on Annex D of the EC Regulations. Basking Shark Population Assessments This project has been let to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sites, Lowestoft. The project started in February 2001 and will last for three years. Interim results will inform the UK's proposal to list the basking shark on Appendix II of CITES at the next CITES Conference of Parties in Chile, in November 2002. Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) The UK proposed to the 11th CITES Conference that basking sharks should be listed on Appendix II of CITES. Although the proposal achieved a simple majority of the votes it just failed to reach the two-thirds majority required. The basking shark is protected in UK waters and it has now been listed on Appendix III of CITES. Although basking sharks are globally threatened, the UK listing proposal relied heavily on the precautionary principle as there are clear gaps in scientific knowledge. For instance, there are few detailed stock assessments. FAO Fisheries technical papers state that lack of information has made it impossible to assess any shark species as a whole and are seeking further data. In particular very little is known about the relationship between regional population declines and global trends and whether populations of basking sharks are discrete or not. The proposal is for a scientific assessment of the population structure of basking sharks, by DNA analysis and satellite tagging, in order to contribute towards their future sustainable management. In order to tie in with the EU shark plan the project would focus on the NE Atlantic population. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The 1998 FAO ‘International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks’ which requires all states (or the EU in our case) to produce a ‘shark plan’. Plans must ensure catches are sustainable, assess threats to shark populations and identify vulnerable stocks. We also hope that the results can be fed into any debate about basking sharks and CITES in the future. Click here to visit the Project Website
Assessment of the solution-orientated research needed to promote a more sustainable bushmeat trade in Central and West Africa This research project was carried out by a consortium of the Natural Resources Institute, the Overseas Development Institute and Fauna and Flora International. The project is now complete and the consortium's report examines the bushmeat trade in terms of institutions, policies, biodiversity and livelihoods and sets out principles and recommendations for further action in promoting a more sustainable trade in central and West Africa. A presentation on the report's findings (Word™ file 584KB) (PDF file 517KB), and discussion on subsequent actions, will take place at the next meeting of the CITES Bushmeat Working Group. Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) There is growing concern amongst the international community at increasing escalation in the commercial trade in bushmeat (the meat of wild animals). A wide range of endangered species - including gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants and leopards - are believed to be at growing risk from this trade. A UK Discussion Paper put to the last CITES Conference which was held in Nairobi, in April 2000 was unanimously agreed along with the decision to: a) set up a working group of range and donor states to look at how to manage the bushmeat trade on a national level as a sustainable resource; and b) seek the involvement of other interested organisations such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the International Tropical Timber Organisation in addressing the issue. This research project was intended to look at the feasibility of assembling a properly researched body of scientific data to: properly determine the scale and nature of the problem; examine regional socio-economic conditions impacting on the bushmeat trade; assess population densities, reproductive potential and potential levels of sustainable off-take of bushmeat species in their main habitats; and evaluate potential for alternative ways in which to meet the dietary/cultural needs of the human population. The research concentrated on the Central and West African countries where the bushmeat trade mainly occurs. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The results of this project will be used to inform the UK’s position in promoting sustainable trade in bushmeat, and to further considered debate on this issue within CITES and other relevant fora. Rapid Species Determination Utilising DNA Technology Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) CITES controls have been developed to monitor and control trade involving certain threatened wildlife species, including their parts and derivatives. Many products are traded illegally in a form which disguises their origin from CITES-listed protected species. Examples include ground Rhino horn, Bear gall bladders, caviar, Shark fin soup, Orchid corms, shahtoosh wool, etc. All these products are considered likely to retain detectable amounts of DNA which could be used to identify the species of origin. Recent advances in DNA technology offer the possibility of rapid, cost effective species-specific tests. Using similar basic methodologies, a range of tests would be developed to target 50 species considered to be of highest conservation priority. The research would involve: the acquisition of control samples from the chosen target species and their close relatives via zoos, research institutes and private keepers; the identification of DNA sequences which are unique to a given species; and, the design and validation of a test which recognises the presence of the species-specific tag. Validation would involve the use of blind trials of processed and other derivative material. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The availability of such a battery of tests would provide a significant step forward in assisting the statutory enforcement authorities (HM Customs and the Police) to enforce CITES controls more effectively. Such tests could also be offered to other countries to combat global illegal trade. Furthermore, these tests would provide a basis for the future development of a species ‘DNA chip’ which would carry out all stages of the test automatically within a single piece of equipment, thereby raising the possibility of on-site testing at ports of entry and other premises, and so negate the need to impound goods for prolonged periods. Plant Substances as Alternatives for Animal Products used in Traditional Medicine This research project has now been let to Dr Henry Lee, Head of Chinese Medicine Development at Middlesex University, and Dr John Langley, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Biology at Middlesex University. The project started in November 2000 and will last for three years, reporting in February 2004. It is being co-funded by Defra and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) The use of traditional medicine (TM) containing a range of "natural" ingredients obtained from animals and plants is gaining in popularity throughout the World. However, TM poses a major threat to the survival of many critically endangered species. Most TM "consumer" countries (such as China, Japan, the UK and USA) are Parties to CITES, which bans international trade in the most endangered animals and plants and controls it in certain others. However, demand for TM’s containing endangered species continues and with it illegal trade in parts and derivatives for the TM market. A UK discussion paper on TM and endangered species was endorsed by the 10th CITES Conference, in 1997. This included a Resolution calling for - amongst other things - more educational initiatives to be undertaken amongst the TM community, and for more research into substitutes for endangered species in TMs. The UK has been very active with publicity and education projects but it is clear that TM users and practitioners must be offered acceptable TM alternatives if demand is to be reduced. The findings of the recent CITES Technical Tiger Mission to range and consumer states indicated that the TM community – especially in the West – is fully aware of the need to protect endangered species and would be happy to use suitable alternatives if they could be found. This proposal is for research to identify plant substances that could be used as viable alternatives for four endangered mammals pre-eminently used in TM: all species of tigers; the Asiatic Black Bear; and the Black and White Rhino (all listed on CITES); plus the North Atlantic Seal which, although not listed on CITES, is nevertheless hunted in vast numbers (an estimated 30,000 a year) for the TM trade. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The results of the research will be shared with others carrying out similar research in China and used to facilitate the substitution of animal with plants species, contributing to the conservation of endangered species, aiding the implementation of CITES in respect of the animal species concerned and contributing to progress in implementing the CITES Resolution agreed at the 10th Conference (Resolution 10.19). Conservation of/Trade in Musk Deer Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) At present, the musk deer populations of Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan are on Appendix I of CITES (effectively banning international trade). All other populations are on Appendix II, which allows trade subject to import/export notification and certification. The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has published a report into the trade in musk in China and the Russian Far East which points to over-exploitation of Appendix II musk deer for both the traditional medicine (TM) and perfumery trades. India, Nepal and the US put a proposal to the recent CITES Conference in Nairobi to uplist to Appendix I all Musk Deer populations currently on Appendix II - on the basis, amongst other things, of the species’ decline due to high demand for trade. However, some CITES Parties had doubts about the basis of the population estimates used, and hence the declines identified. This contributed to the withdrawal of their proposal by India, Nepal and the US, who tabled instead a draft Decision and draft Resolution aimed at improving and strengthening enforcement and controlling illegal trade without transferring all populations to Appendix I. This was adopted by the Conference. In addition the CITES Animals Committee has included Moschus species in its ongoing Significant Trade Review (a systematic examination of biological and trade data to identify problems and recommend solutions) and will make recommendations on the species before the next Conference in 2002. To contribute to this process, aid proper scientific assessment of the conservation status of Musk Deer and help inform future management decisions, the UK believes it important to undertake further research building on the investigations already undertaken by WWF. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected International trade in musk will again be under discussion at the next Conference of CITES Parties (CoP12) in 2002. This research will be used to further considered debate on this issue within CITES and contribute to the Significant Trade Review. Assessment of the Scale of Trade in Tortoises in the UK Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) CITES controls the import and export of endangered tortoises. This research project will review the current UK trade in CITES-listed tortoises, provide an assessment of the scale of the trade and identify the key species involved. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The results will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the CITES import/export permitting system and the UK’s internal sales controls for this group of species. DNA Profiling of Birds of Prey (Phase 6) - Fluorescent multiplexing Description and Purpose of Project (2001-2002) The theft of birds of prey from the wild for trade and falconry remains a serious threat to their natural populations both in the UK and internationally. DNA profiling methods based upon minisatellite single locus probes were developed under previous research and has proved critical in securing convictions in more than 15 court cases against raptor keepers who had illegally attempted to ‘launder’ wild birds into the captive population in Britain. Under a project funded by the then DETR, sets of microsatellite DNA markers have been isolated which should enable DNA evidence to be obtained from feathers (as opposed to blood samples). However, to take full advantage of these newly-developed markers they need to be used simultaneously in a ‘fluorescent multiplex’. Development and implementation of such a system would allow the rapid construction of databases and enable automatic comparisons between any sampled individuals avoiding the need to re-test. The research would involve: the acquisition of control samples from the chosen target species and their close relatives via zoos, research institutes and private keepers; the identification of DNA sequences which are unique to a given species; and, the design and validation of a test which recognises the presence of the species-specific tag. Validation would involve the use of blind trials of processed and other derivative material. DNA profiling using fluorescent multiplexing is already widely used in human forensics. The development of similar protocols for use with birds of prey should enable profiling to be undertaken much faster and more economically. It will also allow the rapid construction of databases to drastically reduce the time taken to compare the results obtained from different samples. Whilst the technique itself will need to be carried out in a specialist DNA laboratory, the benefits will be reaped directly by both the enforcement authorities (Police and Customs), the Department's Wildlife Inspectorate and the keepers/traders themselves. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The availability of such a battery of tests would provide a significant step forward in assisting the statutory enforcement authorities (HM Customs and the Police) to enforce CITES controls more effectively. Such tests could also be offered to other countries to combat global illegal trade. Furthermore, these tests would provide a basis for the future development of a species ‘DNA chip’ which would carry out all stages of the test automatically within a single piece of equipment, thereby raising the possibility of on-site testing at ports of entry and other premises, and so negate the need to impound goods for prolonged periods. Description and Purpose of Project 2001-2002 This project will help to build capacity within the CITES community, improving training and awareness of the Convention with respect to plants (of which over 20,000 are listed in the Appendices) by developing and publishing a series of multi-lingual volumes providing comprehensive training, information and resource materials to CITES Parties. The first such Pack was produced in 1999 and updated in September 2002. The training packs are primarily for use by and for those with a specific, technical interest in the Convention – i.e. CITES Management Authorities, Scientific Authorities, enforcement officers (e.g. Customs and Excise and the police), scientists, members of specialist groups and botanic gardens staff. However, they could also be adapted for use by representatives of the above as an educational tool for use in schools, colleges etc. Each pack, produced in the three languages of the Convention (English, French and Spanish) will contain colour slides and accompanying notes, with detailed instructions on their use; the text of the Convention; a current copy of the Appendices; lists of Parties and non-Parties; and useful addresses and references. How the results will be used and what benefits are expected The need for this training aid has been widely recognised internationally, and has been noted by the CITES Secretariat and at meetings of European Region CITES authorities. The CITES Plants Committee has strongly endorsed the development of standard CITES slide sets. In the 25 years since CITES came into being no training materials specifically targeting plant issues have been produced. This project fills that gap and will significantly aid implementation of the Convention around the world, including in the UK.
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