Wildlife trade dwindling, says report
Apr 16, 2008
Continued destruction of the environment is threatening the existence of some wild birds and reptiles, a study has shown. It has also limited their export.
By Gerald Tenywa
Continued destruction of the environment is threatening the existence of some wild birds and reptiles, a study has shown. It has also limited their export.
“Destruction of the tortoise and turtle habitat ecological systems such as wetlands and forests, which are increasingly converted into settlement and farmlands, largely account for the dwindling numbers of these species,†said a report published by the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment, an NGO.
The report also blamed the threat of extinction to climate change and poaching.
The study noted that with the threat of extinction of these rare species, authorities had halted their exportation.
It observes that exports in lizards, skinks and geckos were active in 2000 and 2001 but came to a halt between 2002 and 2005 during which no animals were licensed for export.
“The common house gecko species was the only species licensed and exported in 2006. Cessation in the exportation of turtles was largely due to the dwindling populations of the species.â€
The research also discovered that no snake was exported in 2004, while very few were shipped out in 2005 and 2006.
However, the trade in insects was more active, according to the findings. Between 2003 and 2006, a total of 78,880 butterflies were exported.
The National Environment Management Authority commissioned the report.
To date, there are six known wildlife exporters in Uganda, generating estimated revenue of $3m per year.
Uganda has no record of trade in ornamental fish, animal fur.
Continued destruction of the environment is threatening the existence of some wild birds and reptiles, a study has shown. It has also limited their export.
“Destruction of the tortoise and turtle habitat ecological systems such as wetlands and forests, which are increasingly converted into settlement and farmlands, largely account for the dwindling numbers of these species,†said a report published by the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment, an NGO.
The report also blamed the threat of extinction to climate change and poaching.
The study noted that with the threat of extinction of these rare species, authorities had halted their exportation.
It observes that exports in lizards, skinks and geckos were active in 2000 and 2001 but came to a halt between 2002 and 2005 during which no animals were licensed for export.
“The common house gecko species was the only species licensed and exported in 2006. Cessation in the exportation of turtles was largely due to the dwindling populations of the species.â€
The research also discovered that no snake was exported in 2004, while very few were shipped out in 2005 and 2006.
However, the trade in insects was more active, according to the findings. Between 2003 and 2006, a total of 78,880 butterflies were exported.
The National Environment Management Authority commissioned the report.
To date, there are six known wildlife exporters in Uganda, generating estimated revenue of $3m per year.
Uganda has no record of trade in ornamental fish, animal fur.