Unique species to be safeguarded

Press, 26 June 1987, Page 5

Unique species to be safeguarded

PA Wellington Unique New Zealand native species such as the tuatara will be safeguarded against illegal collection and sale, said the Minister of Conservation, Mr Marshall. “The illegal collection and sale of already endangered plants and animals is increasing the risk that many of these species will become extinct,” he said. Safeguarding would come with New Zealand’s signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species which sets up world-wide controls on the import and export of endangered

wildlife and products, such as ivory, gained from them. The convention would also provide a global checking system to show where wildlife was being imported and exported, Mr Marshall said. Imports and exports of listed endangered species would only be allowed by special Convention permits issued by the Conservation Department. “It is a logical and very positive step to join the international community in an agreement to pre-, vent the illegal exploitation of endangered animals and plants worldwide,” Mr Marshall said.