By Azlan Othman
Elephant tusks and Lantudon helmeted hornbill which were
confiscated.
Dozens of animals in Brunei are protected under the Animal Protection
Act 1978. Twenty-three of them are categorised under the CITES (Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species on Wild Flora and Fauna)
appendixes.
These animals include Proboscis Monkey (Bangkatan), Orang Utan (Mayas),
Dugong, Monitor Lizard, Rhinoceros (Badak Kerbau), Slow Loris (Kukang),
Hornbill and various species of turtles.
The public can learn more about this topic at an exhibition on CITES
and Pelong Rock which has been held at the airport since March 3.
CITES is an international treaty that seeks to ensure a rational and
sustainable utilisation of the earth's living resources. Signatories of
the treaty agree that international trade of wildlife products should be
monitored and regulated.
Examples of products on display at the exhibition which have been
commercialised from wildlife species and confiscated in Brunei include
Lantudon helmeted hornbill, deer horn and elephant tusks.
Appendix I of CITES states that trading is strictly prohibited. Permit
will only be issued for certain reasons such as for research or breeding
as long as it did not affect the existence of such species. Among the
animals in this category found in Brunei are Bangkatan, Orang Utan, Dugong
and species of turtles. There are around 890 species that fall under this
category worldwide.
Appendix II of CITES covers species that may be extinct if the trading
is not monitored. International trading is only allowed if the management
authority confirms that such species is not affected by extinction. Export
and import permit is required. Species found in Brunei under this category
include Tampalilih, Kukang, Lantudon, Merak and Helang Laut. There are
around 29,000 species under this category.
Appendix III covers species that need to be protected by the CITES
member whereby cooperation from other countries is greatly appreciated to
control the trade of the animals. Export permit is needed from the country
where the animals originate.
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