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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th May 2015
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Illegal Wildlife Trade Review launched in Malawi
African elephant
Wild animals in Malawi are significantly affected by poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Review to aid Illegal Wildlife Trade Action Plan

A technical review on illegal wildlife trade has been launched in Malawi.

According to the Born Free Foundation, the review will be used as a framework for the development of the Malawi government's Illegal Wildlife Trade Action Plan.

Investigations, research and interviews engaging all key government agencies and NGOs were key to the assessment.

The project team also carried out a review of the National Parks and Wildlife Act of Malawi. They have presented recommendations for a Parliamentary Review that will ensure that the law is strengthened and more compliant with the CITES Legislation Project.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Hon Kondwani Nankhumwa, information, tourism and culture minister, said: "Wildlife crime is high on the agenda in Malawi as we are well aware of the impact it it having on our wildlife, which is extremely valuable to us, not just in terms of it contribution to tourism and the economy but also to biodiversity.

"Thanks to this report we now know the full extent of the challenge and will be able to respond accordingly."

Recommendations in the report cover legislation, data collection, law enforcement and prosecution. It is hoped that the key actions highlighted in the assessment will help to combat illegal wildlife trade throughout the chain.

Adam Roberts, CEO of the Born Free Foundation, said: "Wild animals in Malawi - elephants, hippo, turtles and many other species - are significantly affected by poaching and illegal wildlife trade. I hope that the recommendations in this comprehensive and detailed report will enable national decision-makers in the country to tackle this trade, benefitting Wildlife in Malawi and throughout the region."

The report was produced on behalf of Department of National Parks & Wildlife by GIZ, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, the Born Free Foundation and the International Environmental Law Project. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.