M'sia Ranks 5th Among 17 Countries, Asian Territories For Trafficking In Bear, Bear Parts

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has to bear being ranked fifth out of 17 countries and territories across Asia for trafficking in bear and bear parts for use in traditional medicinal practices. During a 12-year period beginning 2000, a total of 38 cases were recorded for trafficking in bear and bear parts, according to a report. Titled, 'Brought to Bear: an Analysis of Seizures across Asia', the report details how bears and bear body parts were recovered during the 12-year period. The findings, which were published last Thursday, said Cambodia led the region with 190 cases, followed by China (145) and Vietnam (102). Other countries with major seizures included Russia (59), Thailand (29), Laos (29) and India (23), according to a report by Traffic, an international wildlife trade monitoring network. At least 2,801 individual bears were traded for a wide range of reasons, including live bears, to stock bile farms, and for the pet or dancing bear trade, said Dr Chris R. Shepherd, the regional director of Traffic in South-East Asia. He said bears were also trafficked for their parts, meat, skins and used as trophies (displayed in homes by hunters) while their gall bladder and bile were used to manufacture traditional medicines to meet demand. "A staggering illegal trade in bears and their parts persists in the region which sounds the alarm on Asia’s ongoing widespread bear trade and the need for immediate international action," he added. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), all international commerce in bear parts and products are illegal. The report recommended that authorities concerned and parties to the Cites closely examine the latest findings and take appropriate steps to assist countries where required. -- BERNAMA