Zimbabwe Hippos may be Downgraded to CITES Appendix I

Date: 14 March 2002

Source: The Herald (Zim)

Author: Anon

Following percptions that Zimbabwe's controversial land reform and resettlement programs may be having adverse impacts on the nation's wildlife, non-government organizations are initiating proposals to the 154-nation strong Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) to downgrade Zimbabwe's populations of elephants, hippos, lions, and cheetahs to Appendix I. Under an Appendix I listing, the export of a species or products derived from a species is prohibited.

Mr. George Pangeti, chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Association of Tour and Safari Operators said some of these proposals threatened to kill the local hunting industry. Such a step was claimed to make it impossible for Zimbabwe to benefit from its game. In previous years, various animal rights groups have also come into conflict with the wildlife policies of Zimbabwe. Mr. Vitalis Chadenga, deputy director (research) of the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said his organization would carry out surveys to show these species were not endangered in his country.