What Should be Done to Stem the Bear Bile Trade in Asia? Highlights from TRAFFIC's Recent Investigation (2010-2011)

摘要

It is well established that illegal hunting and trade threaten wild Asian bear populations (Kemf et al. 1999, Shepherd 2007, Williamson 2007). This pressure is acute in Asia where,a market for the pet and meat trade exist in combination with a heavy demand for traditional medicine (TM). The demand for bear products perpetuated by the TM market appears to have steadily increased over the past several years, creating a trade that is not only unsustainable, but has potentially significant consequences for the survival of Asiatic black bears and sun bears (Garshelis and Steinmetz 2005, 2008). Despite international trade agreements protecting these species (both are listed in CITES Appendix I), the use of bear bile remains popular throughout the region and is legal for domestic use in China and Japan. Neverthe-less, all international trade of bear products is prohibited by national CITES implementing legislation, which regulates imports and exports of CITES-listed species as well as their parts and derivatives.