Global News - May 2008

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Nepal 'is becoming a hub for illegal animal traders'

Wed 21 May 2008 17:00 UK — Asia,Big Cats,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

Experts are becoming increasingly concerned that Nepal is turning into an international transit point for illegal wildlife goods.

The BBC reported that the nation has long been held as a shining example of conservation success and that 20 per cent of the country is given over to national parks.

However, the broadcaster added that conservationists are starting to worry that the nation is acting as an important transit point for the illegal animal trade between India and China.

One local expert, Prasanna Yonjan, told the BBC: "The amount of wildlife goods seized in the recent past really tells us that Nepal is indeed a transit point.

"We know Nepal is a conduit for the international market, particularly the Orient. Most of the goods seized here are not products from Nepal but from down south, particularly India, Bangladesh and perhaps also from Bhutan."

The report noted that elephant tusks, tiger and leopard bones, and rhino horns had all recently been seized in the country. One police officer, Devendra Subedi, said that organised gangs were now involved in the trade.

He told the BBC: "There are several layers involved and the people in it are found to be [involved] in other crimes like drug trafficking as well."

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