1 CHALLENGES OF ILLEGAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE IN EASTERN AFRICA REGION DR. HELIDA OYIEKE Collins Handa Bernard Agwanda NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA APRIL 2006

2 Introduction The conservation of endangered fauna and flora species is of global concern Illegal trade in wildlife is presently the third largest contraband business (after trade in illegal drugs and weapons) and worth an average of $10 billion per annum. Some contributing factors Policy issues International demands 1. Game trophies 2. Pets 3. Medicine

3 Animals and Plants Exploited

4 Common Animals from Region Group/SpeciesPart/FormDestination ElephantTusks Asian continent RhinohornsAsia LeopardSkin/pet Asia/Europe/US/Mid East CheetahSkin/pet Asia/Europe/US/Mid Eas SnakesPet/poisonEurope/US ChameleonpetEurope/US Pancake tortoise petEurope/US Mt bush viper petEurope/US Reed Frogs petEurope/US

5 Plants common in the trade Species/grouppartdestination Aloesleaves Europe/middle East Prunus africana barkLocal/Europe Camphortimberlocal Podocarpustimberlocal

6 Locally traded wildlife/consumed illegally) Species/groupPart Sold to conventional butcheries BuffalomeatLocal/Tanzania Antelope (impala duikers, etc meatTanzania/Local ZebrameatTanzania/local CrocodileMeat/skin Middle East/Local

7 World Trends in Ivory consumption

8 % occurrence of bushmeat in sampled Nairobi butcheries

9 Impacts of Illegal trade Species loss with adverse ripple effects Reducing key wildlife population Loss of revenue due to reduced tourist attraction Loss of revenue due to reduced tourist attraction Health risks arising from zoonotic diseases Economic costs due to surveillance, policing & legal battles Loss of life during poaching

10 Present Monitoring & Detection systems in Kenya Management & monitoring services: KWS, FD, KEPHIS, Customs dept. KWS, FD, KEPHIS, Customs dept. MOH-Public health dept. MOH-Public health dept. Scientific Authorities NMK, KARI, KFRI, Govg. Chemists NMK, KARI, KFRI, Govg. Chemists Law Enforcement: Police Wildlife Rangers

11 Linkages between law enforcement and Science Scientists confirm identity and submit technical report to law enforcers for prosecution

12 Challenges in the System Insufficient technical capacity at identification. Taxonomists are becoming less and less (regional) Policy conflicts within the region (e.g Kenya vs. Tanzania). In 2005, 70% poachers in Mara were from TZ! In 2005, 70% poachers in Mara were from TZ! Civil strife Armed poachers from neighboring countries Insecurity Insecurity Human wildlife conflicts Reason to poach Reason to poach Inadequate facilities and human capacity for prevention, monitoring and detection

13 Current identification services rely on: Skills & experience of taxonomists at NMK and other scientific institutions Diverse and well curated taxonomic reference collection at NMK

14 Identification Techniques Morphometrics Identification to species level (mainly by NMK) Identification to species level (mainly by NMK) Ouchterlony Immunodiffusion tests used to distinguish bushmeat from domestic meat used to distinguish bushmeat from domestic meat also identifies specimens to species using their antiserum. also identifies specimens to species using their antiserum. Molecular and DNA techniques Mainly used in human cases and not wildlife Mainly used in human cases and not wildlife

15 Weaknesses of Identification Techniques in use Ouchterlony Immunodiffusion tests (not commonly used) Works for flesh specimens but not other trophies NMK identification method relies on morphometrics of species which has its own challenges esp. in dealing with similar looking species

16 DNA Barcoding as forensic technique DNA Barcoding is a technique that uses a short gene sequence from a standardized region of the genome as a diagnostic “biomarker” for species. DNA Barcoding is a technique that uses a short gene sequence from a standardized region of the genome as a diagnostic “biomarker” for species. Different species have different DNA barcodes, making it possible to use barcodes to: identify specimens identify specimens discover possible new species, and discover possible new species, and to make taxonomy more effective to make taxonomy more effective Has a high potential for use in monitoring illegal trade Has a high potential for use in monitoring illegal trade

17 Recommendation Harmonized policies on wildlife trade nationally & regionally nationally & regionally Proper coordination Scientific and legal authorities Scientific and legal authorities Provision of adequate and efficient monitoring & detection equipment/facility Build capacity in molecular techniques Establishing and strengthening DNA Barcoding facilities and human capacity Establishing and strengthening DNA Barcoding facilities and human capacity Data basing and documentation Data basing and documentation

18 Elephant turks elephant rhino Hippo Warthog Some of the confiscated trophies housed at NMK

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20 Some of the confiscated trophies housed at NMK Cont. Leopard skins Rhino horns

21 Ivory products common in Asian Markets

22 Leopard Leopard skin

23 Cheeter skin

24 Serval cat skin