TNAG-1716-FCO40-2396-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 31

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WILDLIFE PRESERVATION IN HONG KONG AND CHINA

HONG KONG

General

Hong Kong is party to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Import, export and preservation of rare and endangered species of animals and plants are controlled by law in Hong Kong and their import for use as food is prohibited there.

Hong Kong authorities do all they can to control movement of rare species at border crossings as well as making spot checks at

markets and restaurants in Hong Kong.

Seizures

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In 1987 150 seizures made as a result of checks by government officials at points of entry in Hong Kong and in markets and

restaurants.

Seizures in 1987 included 135 birds of prey, 21 pangolins, 40 giant salamanders, 142.5 kilogrammes of pangolin and giant salamander meat, and 12 bear paws. All seizures resulted in

prosecution.

In addition to staff at entry points, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department employ five field officers on enforcement

duties in Hong Kong.

Review

We have asked Hong Kong to review their efforts to see whether they can be stepped up or made more effective, and to consider addressing problem through measures aimed at educating the problem.

Hong Kong Government already considering proposals to strengthen the Agriculture and Fisheries Department inspection arrangements. New draft anti-rabies legislation will lead to introduction of

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