[enviro-vlc] Weekly news bulletin E434

Thu Sep 15 22:07:10 EST 2011

E434 September 15, 2011

Top News

 A full version of each story can be obtained by accessing links provided on
our website:

http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_434/E_434.html

Binh Dinh: Settlement of 102 confiscated marine turtles in question
As reported previously by ENV, on July 31, Binh Dinh province Market
Management authorities and police seized 102 marine turtles that were being
illegally transported in a car. The turtles, which -were Hawksbill sea
turtles, are listed as a rare and endangered species in CITES, IUCN Red List
and the Vietnamese Red List 2007. The turtles had died before being
transferred to Binh Dinh province Market Management facilities for storage.

However, it remains unclear how local authorities have since dealt with the
turtle evidence. Conservationists and scientists strongly suggest that the
turtles must be incinerated or transferred to an organization working purely
for scientific or educational purposes, and must not be auctioned off. 

Vietnamese version:

http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=607> &id=607

Dak Lak: Gaurs' habitat threatened 

According to Dan Viet online newspaper, the habitats of gaurs, bison and
other rare animals in Vietnam's forests are in danger. The Project
Management unit of Ea So Nature Reserve (Dak Lak Province) reported that a
large quantity of guns, hunting tools, timber, explosives and bullets have
been seized from the area. From 2009 to the present, the Forest Management
Department has seized 1,300 traps around Ea So special-use forest.
Scientists have also said that three gaurs and five bison have been killed
in Ea So Nature Reserve.   

Vietnamese version:

http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=600> &id=600

Beelzebub, a 'demon' bat species discovered 
An international team of biologists from the Hungarian Natural History
Museum and Fauna and Flora International (FFI) have discovered three new bat
species in the Southeast Asia region, including one - called Beelzebub -
that has only been found in Vietnam. Beelzebub has distinctive features such
as a hairy head, black back and white hairy belly. It is described as
diminutive, timid but demonic-looking. 

Vietnamese version:
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=598> &id=598

Kien Giang: Protection and restoration of dugong populations
On September 12, Thiennhien.net online newspaper reported that a program for
the protection and restoration of dugong populations had been launched in
Kien Giang province. The program includes surveys of dugong populations and
activities to raise public awareness and capacity to preserve marine
ecosystems, particularly those containing dugong populations. 

Dugongs are ranked by IUCN as a 'vulnerable species' because of degradation
of seagrass beds (their food source) caused by pollution, illegal fishing
and and urban development. According to scientists, there are only 100,000
dugongs living in the world, of which there are only 100 living in Phu Quoc
(Kien Giang). 

Vietnamese version:
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=597> &id=597

Vinh Phuc: Bear preservation hopes and challenges

After more than four years, the Bear Rescue Center in Vinh Phuc Province has
rescued some dozens of bears from captivity. Although a number of rescued
bears are still too small to release, Center staff hope to rescue, treat and
release more bears back to their natural forest habitat.  

At the Center, bears are raised under good conditions, and provided with
medical treatment and care. Leanne Clark, a psychologist at the Center
expressed her love of bears and enthusiasm for her work. In Vietnam, the
number of bears being hunted and the illegal trade in bear bile are
increasing annually. Hundreds of bears are illegally held in private cages.
These issues highlight the need to maintain and develop bear preservation
throughout Vietnam.

Vietnamese version:
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=603> &id=603

International News

Thailand: Over 3000 animals confiscated from Thai smuggling operation
On September 9, Thai police and wildlife control authorities, seized over
3000 rare animals in the biggest wildlife trafficking case this year. Police
confiscated 2721 monitor lizards, 717 turtles, 44 civets and 20 snakes. The
animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species, of which Thailand is a member.

Vietnamese version: 
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView
<http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=newsView&id=606> &id=606

ENV's Activities

Nam Dinh: Three Asiatic black bears rescued

On 4 April 2008, ENV received a hotline call from a student that three
Asiatic black bears had been sold to a resident, for the purpose of bile
extraction. ENV immediately transferred this case to Nam Dinh provincial
authorities. FDP checked and discovered three Asiatic black bears (Ursus
tibetanus) at Tran Van Lai, Hai Ninh commune, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh
province. 

In an ongoing process, ENV has urged Nam Dinh authorities to confiscate the
Asiatic black bears, transfer them to a rescue center and fine the subject.
On September 15 2011, the bears were rescued and transferred to the Bear
Rescue Center in Vinh Phuc province, after the subject volunteered to
transfer them to avoid being fined.

(Case Ref. 1134/ENV)

Quang Tri: Two rhesus macaques released
On September 12, 2011, ENV received a report from a volunteer that two
macaques were being kept at a residence in Quang Tri town, Quang Tri
province. ENV immediately asked the chief of Quang Tri town FPD to
investigate the case. 

According to the chief, FPD checked the site and confirmed that there were
two rhesus macaques (Macaca mulattas) being kept at the restaurant. The
restaurant owner said that the macaques were hurt when she found them, so
she took care of them for a long time and was not aware that her actions
were illegal. Following her explanation, FPD only sought to raise her
awareness about wildlife protection and asked her to release the macaques.

(Case Ref. 3674/ENV)

Ho Chi Minh City: Eagle confiscated from a shop
On September 5, Economic Police in HCM City confiscated an eagle being kept
at a shop. After receiving a report about the eagle via email, ENV
immediatey contacted HCM authorities with the information. Economic Police
then coordinated with HCM FPD and encouraged the owner to hand over the
eagle. As a result, the eagle was transferred to Cu Chi Rescue Center and it
is planned to be released back into the wild if it adapts to its new living
conditions.

The eagle was identified as a sea eagle.

(Case Ref. 3648/ENV)

Stay up to date with ENV on Facebook

The ENV team regularly updates our Facebook fan page with wildlife crime
news, interesting cases and information about our other work. Click on this
link to join us and help save Vietnam's wildlife:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-for-Nature-Vietnam/135213259857607

Please note:  Past bulletins can be found on ENV's website
<http://www.envietnam.org/> www.envietnam.org

Communication and Public Awareness Department 

Education for Nature - Vietnam 

No. 5, Lane 192 Thai Thinh, Dong Da District

Hanoi, Vietnam 

Phone/fax: +84 4 35148850 - ext: 201, 202

E-mail:   <mailto:communication.env at gmail.com> communication.env at gmail.com

              <mailto:communication.env at fpt.vn> communication.env at fpt.vn

Website:  <http://www.envietnam.org/> www.envietnam.org  (English) 

   <http://www.thiennhien.org/> www.thiennhien.org  (Vietnamese) 

   <http://www.savingvietnamswildlife.org/> www.savingvietnamswildlife.org
(English wildlife trade website) 

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