91999E0613

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0613/99

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: The Tibetan Antelope - extinction and fur trade

The Tibetan Antelope has been included on the list of species for which trade is strictly forbidden under CITES since 1979, as it is under threat of extinction.

Despite this ban, the animal's fur, known as Shahtoosh, became very popular in the 1980s and is, according to Friends of Nature, available for sale in a number of markets throughout the European Union, including London.

Given this situation, and the fact that the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has pledged to raise this issue with the relevant UK and European Union authorities, what action has the Commission taken to put an end to this trade, being a clear breach of the CITES ban?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 1999)

The Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), is strictly implemented in the Community with Council Regulation (EC) 338/97(1) and Commission Regulation (EC) 939/97(2).

Shawls containing the hair of the Tibetan antelope have indeed been on sale within Europe despite a total ban on imports and sale under the regulations concerned. The Commission is not aware of this being a recent problem but will raise the matter again in the committee on wild fauna and flora established with the above Council Regulation and will urge Member States to take the necessary measures to avoid this kind of trade taking place.

(1) OJ 61 of 3.3.1997.

(2) OJ 140 of 30.5.1997.