Congressional Hearing on Wildlife Trade

On March 5 the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the impact of wildlife trade. You can read the transcripts of the meeting by visiting http://tinyurl.com/yu3pb9 and clicking on the names of the speakers. One speaker was Steve Galster, Director of Field Operations for Wildlife Alliance Thailand, a Clouded Leopard Project partner. He provided passionate testimony about the effects of organized illegal wildlife traffickers wrecking havoc on ecosystems throughout Asia, endangering wildlife officials, and making a mockery of wildlife protection laws. Steve advocates for the U.S. government taking a leading role in the fight against these international criminals by committing security resources and expertise to aid global law enforcement efforts. I strongly urge you to read his testimony and that of other experts for their views on combating these crimes against nature.

Deadly Trade

For those of us who work in the conservation arena, having an optimistic outlook is essential. Without keeping the faith that there is hope in our efforts to save endangered species and habitats, success will never be possible. However, maintaining optimism despite the daunting challenges facing wildlife can be difficult. This is perhaps best illustrated by the torrent of disturbing reports of wildlife trade that continue to flow from Southeast Asia. On a nearly daily basis reports from the region catalog the consumption of wildlife ranging from seahorses, snakes, and pangolins to bears, primates, and some of the earth's rarest big cats.

One recent report from a National Geographic journalist illustrates the extent of the problem. In just one town on the Burma-China border, illegal trade takes place openly through the brutal exploitation of living wildlife as well as through the sale of every wildlife body part imaginable. Read the story here: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080228-wildlife-trade.html

Clouded leopard are being increasingly affected by trade. Now that larger cats, such as tigers and leopards, have been hunted out of most of their range, clouded leopards are increasingly targets for traders in pelts and bones. The rapidly rising standard of living in China has resulted in millions of people with new discretionary income for the purchase of luxury items such as furs or traditional tonics made from wildlife body parts. Stemming this trade will require a phenomenal effort bringing international commitment to law enforcement, education, and providing alternative economic opportunities to impoverished communities sharing space with wildlife.

Clouded Leopard Support from Two Amazing Girls

Thanks to Jacqueline Windh for sharing this CBC radio story of two amazing girls in Port Alberni, British Columbia, who have traded in their birthday presents for a chance to help save the endangered clouded leopard.


Cassia and Annika have already devoted a significant portion of their young lives to working towards clouded leopard conservation. Through amazing efforts such as theirs, the clouded leopard will be assured a secure future. The Clouded Leopard Project is extremely grateful for their continued support!

To listen to the CBC story, click on this link: Clouded_Leopard_Girls.mp3 (3.23 mb)