ARTICLES
The Illicit Trade on Megavertebrates of Asia
By Prasanna Yonzon
The complexity of poaching of megavertebrates of Asia and burgeoning markets, reveal that south Asia is at peril. Status of wildlife trade in recent times in India, Nepal and China are explored, with considerations to assess poaching-related damages to the tigers and rhinos. Recent market studies suggest that the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, has become the centerfold for tiger skin and bones. The tigers in India, are persecuted for skin trades in China. Nepal is also under heavy duress both as transit point and also a source for poaching. The findings indicate a strong need for a regional cooperation through a tripartite agreement. Such will also, bolster the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Also, trade in these countries warrant special attention from the judicial and law enforcement agencies to arrest wildlife crimes within and outside the country through law enforcement, information-sharing and cooperation.
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Mongoose Trade in Nepal
By Prasanna Yonzon
The mongoose lives in a diverse habitat which ranges from forest to open woodland, savannah, semi-desert to desert. It belongs to the Order Carnivora, Family Herpestidae and there are 35 species, 2 sub-families and 17 genera. A few are arboreal and semi-aquatic. Mongooses are close evolutionary relatives to the civet and genet family of Viverridae (MacDonald, 2001).
Mongooses have strong family bonds and a well developed hierarchical system. They are agile and resilient carnivores. In appearance, the mongoose has a long pointed face with small rounded ears and a tubular body with short legs and a tapering bushy tail. The coat color varies from species to species, e.g. dark grey, brown, yellowish, reddish brown...
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Plugging Poacher's Heaven
By Prasanna Yonzon
The global trade in wild animals and plants legal and illegal is worth billions of dollars which includes hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens, and a large variety of products derived from them. Trafficking of wildlife and its body part is the second largest illicit trade beside narcotics. South Asia is a fertile ground for trafficking of wildlife products, as there is limited monitoring and people are not aware of the implication of the trade. Therefore, illegal trafficking of wildlife could do an irreversible damage to Nepal's natural heritage. Nepal has an open border with India on the south and the Autonomous Region of Tibet, China on the north, which has been the gateway for such thriving illegal activities.
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