From: TButynski@aol.com
Date: 2014-07-12 22:12
Subject: Re: [tanzaniabirds] bird trade - BOPs & Vuls
What I cannot understand, is:
 
'Why are CITES export and import permits confidential?' 
 
'Why aren't these permits available for viewing by the public?'  
 
'Why would CITES allow for this?' 
 
Seems to me that if you want to export or import a species, you either do so will full transparency...or not at all!  This secrecy hampers conservation, breeds distrust and, some would say, promotes corruption.
 
See the following article:
 
http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0709-sri-stiles-cites-commentary.html
 
I am told that fraudulent CITES permits are also used to transfer birds...perhaps, particularly, Grey Parrots.
 
Regards,
 
Tom
 
In a message dated 7/12/2014 5:08:47 P.M. E. Africa Standard Time, tanzaniabirds@yahoogroups.com writes:
 

This statement from an INFREQUENT VISITOR TO ARUSHA in response to a question abt the bird trade in raptors from Tanzania. Any comments ? the bold type is mine.

Neil

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 Re live bird export from tZ and Uganda
I was in tz in Feb and spoke to UK expats in Arusha.
They are obliged to have a Tanzanian investment certificate to run their small safari business.
They were surprised to learn that the small print allows them to export birds.
They have no wish to, but it does seem that the regs are conducive.
I do not know if all export has ceased.
Bird selling was a cottage industry in tz until 2009. It was possible to buy peregrines and taitas, from a couple of dealers. The nests were well known.
You could buy paper bags filled with pygmy falcons, or tawny eagles on the side of the road in Arusha.
About ten years ago I was surprised to hear that a shipment of martials got to the uae. Some nine birds. Given mortality rates in the 1970s was some 90% and that martials use 90 to 300 square km this alone (if adults) removed a fair chuck of any Nations pop. But I guess someone figures out the sustainable harvest despite none knowing it.
Nb middle east had no interest in the birds. They were on to UK as far as we know.
All of African eagles are on show at village church fetes this days. (Though I suspect Cameroon Senegal and Niger as major contributors)
Back then Munir and I heard of massive breeding centres in Uganda where mArtials among many other raptors were being bred. Evidently all above board. Pity these skills Are not used for restoring condors and Philippine eagles I thought.
We asked for info in tz and Uganda. Asked TRAFFIC too. But we had a resounding silence.
The whole matter is conducted with confidentiality between all parties. While CITES and TRAFFIC may occasionally cooperate with figures it is seldom prior to the export. Usually the request    and outcome is between client and governments.
A global network of private concerned people may get on top of it by cross referencing what they see. But cites and traffic have got to take the lead and step out of the confines of bureaucracy into the field.
Of course any investigation will backlash on legitimate areas in conservation. Export of samples for pesticides or DNA or medical care or legit captive breeding is hammered and stifled most successfully whereas export of adult eagles to church fetes (if the presence of african eagles in uk, europe, thailand is and indication )continues.