Conservation body votes to protect timber species
World conservation body agrees to regulate international trade of vulnerable timber species
BANGKOK (AP) -- A global wildlife conference has agreed to regulate international trade of several timber species threatened by illegal logging.
Ebony from Madagascar and rosewood from Brazil, Thailand and Central America used in high-end furniture are among the woods gaining protection.
Thai wildlife official Theerapat Prayurasiddhi said Wednesday that the action would help combat the poaching of Thailand rosewood, even though its export is already banned under the laws of Thailand and neighboring countries.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species on Flora and Fauna meets every three years to discuss how to ensure the survival of more than 35,000 species. The meeting agreed Tuesday to adopt a U.S. proposal to issue passports for musical instruments that legally contain endangered wildlife products such as exotic hardwoods, ivory or tortoise shell.
