Wildlife Groups ask Countries to Propose Halt to Polar Bear Trade

In 2008, the United States listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This ended the importation to the United States of trophies of polar bears killed by American sport hunters. Although hunters from other countries can still import trophies, the United States was by far the largest importer and American trophy hunters had driven this large-scale commercial killing. Most polar bear trophies imported to the U.S. were from Canada.

The proposal would transfer the polar bear from CITES Appendix II, which allows regulated international commercial trade, to Appendix I, which prohibits all international commercial trade in the listed species. The purpose of CITES is to prevent over-exploitation of species through international trade.

The Appendix I designation would mean that countries agree to prohibit international trade for primarily commercial purposes and thus ensure that international trade will not contribute to the ongoing decrease in polar bear numbers. Appendix I listing will not affect native subsistence hunting or use of polar bears.

The countries must submit the proposal to the CITES Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, by Oct. 14, 2009.

“The scientific community has told us that polar bears are in trouble. This is an opportunity for the countries where these iconic animals live to address one of the threats to their existence.  The needless commercial trade of in polar bears and their body parts needs to come to an end.”  Lesley O’Donnell, EU Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare.  

"We are calling on the countries where polar bears live to lead the way in saving this magnificent species from extinction by proposing increased protection under CITES. International trade in polar bear parts and products is exacerbating the devastating impact that climate change is already having on the polar bear. We should not be making rugs out of polar bears at a time when they are threatened with extinction." Teresa M. Telecky, Ph.D., Director of Wildlife for Humane Society International.

“As its habitat melts away it is imperative that these countries take the lead in reducing threats to the survival of this magnificent species.  A CITES Appendix I listing is essential if the polar bear is to have any chance of surviving in the wild.”  D.J. Schubert, Wildlife Biologist, Animal Welfare Institute.

As one of the world's leading animal welfare organization, IFAW works from its global headquarters in the United States and 16 country offices to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW works both on the ground and in the halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. To learn how you can help, please visit ifaw.org.

Humane Society International and its affiliate organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations — backed by 11 million people. HSI is creating a better future for animals and people through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — On the web at hsi.org.

The Animal Welfare Institute is one of America’s oldest animal advocacy organization.  Founded in 1951, AWI is dedicated to alleviating suffering inflicted on animals by humans.  For more information, visit awionline.org.