IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Min, S.; D'Cruze, N.; MacDonald, D.W. | |
| A note on felid trade at local markets in Myanmar | |
| 2018 Cat News (67): 39-42 | |
With its biogeographic position, its multiple international borders and changing political circumstances, Myanmar is a country of on-going felid conservation priority. To complement pre-existing longer term illegal wildlife trade studies, we initiated a short scoping survey focused on five study sites including those located in the interior of Myanmar (Kyaiktiyo, Mandalay and Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw) and along the Thailand border (Myawaddy and Tachileik). We confirm notable ongoing open trade in at least six species of Asian felids (jungle cat _Felis chaus_, clouded leopard _Neofelis nebulosa_, leopard _Panthera pardus_, tiger _Panthera tigris_, Asiatic golden cat _Catopuma temminckii_ and leopard cat _Prionailurus bengalensis_) at three of these study sites (Kyaiktiyo, Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw and Tachileik). With regard to field skins, we found tiger to be the most expensive (1,100 $USD) and jungle cat to be the cheapest species available (11 $USD). However, full felid skins (and full skulls) derived from clouded leopard were most commonly observed, supporting pre-existing concerns that this species is under particular pressure from poaching in Myanmar. Based on our findings, we support calls for increased donor support for research into illegal felid trade dynamics in Myanmar and for improved cooperation between national and international enforcement agencies on CITES to help conserve remaining wild populations. |
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