full article

AY 2002-2003
Volume 1, Issue 1
1st Semester
ekolohiya
research articles
A report on the investigation
into the illegal trade of
endangered species in
Metro Manila
A report on the investigation into the illegal trade of endangered
species in Metro Manila
ABSTRACT
This report is the result of an investigation, conducted between July 2002 and October 2002, into the illegal
trade of endangered species in Metro Manila. Of particular interest are the near threatened and critically endangered
animals sold in Cartimar such as the myna (Gracula; Basilornis; Acridotheres), talking lory (Trichoglossus johnstoniae),
cockatoo (Cacatua), squirrel (Sundasciurus), and Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). Smuggled exotic species
such as the African lovebird (Agapornis), blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna), white cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
and arapaima (Arapaima) were also included in the survey. This form of trade continues to do well in spite of the
implementation of the laws and of all the campaigns concerned with the protection of these animals. At present, the
extensiveness of illegal animal trade in Metro Manila is uncharacterized, except in already defined places such as the
Aranque Market and Cartimar. Knowledge on the vulnerable, nearly threatened and critically endangered species
remains incomprehensive and kept in low profile. Groups working toward the protection of these animals include
the PAWB monitoring team and the DENR staff deployed at strategic entry points. Non-government organizations
and other conservationist groups such as Haribon aid in the propagation of the public’s awareness with regard to
this problem.
A report on the investigation into the illegal trade of endangered
species in Metro Manila
By
Mary Jo A. Baula, Clara Patricia L. Salonga, Miafelia B. Tolentino, Jo Ann C. Vivar, and Ily Kristine T. Yumul
INTRODUCTION
At present, some of the animals involved in
the pet trade business belong to exotic and
An alarming increase in the number of wild
species sold as pets has been observed in the recent
decades. This can be attributed to a more rapid means
of both domestic and international transportation,
leading to greater availability and variety of wildlife
for trade. In addition, complex supply and demand
mechanisms have driven trade trends for particular
species. Consequently, trade of these wild species has
become one of the major causes of the loss of
biodiversity not only in the Philippines and adjacent
Asian countries, but in other parts of the world as
endangered species. Much of this illegal pet trade is
dominated by reptiles and birds, with live reptile and
amphibian trade largely unregulated (TRAFFIC
North America Report, 1998). These are often
smuggled out of their countries of origin to be sold at
commanding prices in the international market. This
unsustainable use and illegal trade of animals causes
imbalances in ecosystems to which they belong.
In spite of the abovementioned dangers
brought about by the over-exploitation of wild
species, many pet stores still have a substantial
amount of floor space for these animals. Stress which
well.
Although habitat destruction poses the
greatest threat to most species, over-exploitation of
wildlife plays an important part in driving the
extinction crisis as well. According to a report by
England’s Canterbury Animal Respect Network for a
Green Environment (CARNAGE), between 8 million
and 20 million exotic birds are trapped in the wild
each year and out of these, up to 4 out of 5 die before
they even reach the pet shops. Harding (1993)
pointed out that the simple act of removing the
animals from their habitats and transporting them is
inevitably stressful and inherently harmful.
may have been incurred during transport and may
lead to the animal’s demise only become apparent
after it has been sold to the unsuspecting customer
(Vinke, C.M. and B.M. Spruijt, 1999)
This investigation presents the demographics
of pet trade in Metro Manila, specifically which of the
species usually sold to buyers of exotic pets are
already considered endangered. It is our aim to
increase public awareness regarding the occurrence of
such abuses to the natural fauna of the country by
providing a closer look at the actual state of our
countries exotic species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Scope and Limitations
The initially planned references / resources
for this study were random shops and individuals
within Metro Manila that are involved in the pet
selling business. However, during the middle course
of the study, the feasibility of such an extensive data
Figure A. Location of PAWB.
gathering was doubted. This is by reason that the twomonth period was not sufficient for the completion
The Haribon Foundation
of data concerning a large locality. It was therefore
decided to shift the focus of the study on areas
The Haribon Foundation, recognized for its
already characterized by rampant trade of illegal
conservation efforts, gave materials on similar studies
animals. This is in addition to the existing and
conducted in other parts of the country. One of their
acquired information from resource institutions and
immediate projects is also aimed at an information
individuals.
campaign towards awareness on the illegal pet trade in
the Philippines.
Data Acquisition
Cartimar
Protected Animal Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) under the
Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
(DENR)
Between the streets of Leveriza and Taft
Avenue in Pasay City lie a shopping complex known
to many as “Cartimar”, housing different food,
The Wildlife Division of DENR’s Protected
clothing and business establishments (Appendix 2). It
Animal Wildlife Bureau (PAWB-DENR) provided
is best identified for the pet shops which openly sells
resource materials on illegal trade of endangered
and deals with the trade of illegally obtained and
animals, and articles on the laws being implemented
endangered animals.
(Figure A). The group also visited the Wildlife Rescue
Field surveys were conducted in order to
Center within the DENR compound, a depository of
gather information on the animals, their prices, the
the animals sequestered by the PAWB monitoring
current demand and supply, and the ports of origin.
team. Mr. Antonio Alberto, acting team leader of the
The group posed as buyers while interviewing stall
monitoring team, was interviewed regarding the
owners, their customers and bystanders.
current status of illegal animal trade, as well as the
improvements in their operations.
DISCUSSION
Most of the illegal animals were claimed to
come from other Asian countries such as Indonesia,
Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand, and are brought into
the southern Philippines primarily through the
General Santos City route (Tabaranza, B. R. and M. V
Lepiten-Tabao, 2002). Majority of the bird species
such as the cockatoos, mynas, parakeets, and parrots
are acquired from Palawan. A major consideration for
the choice of the routes is lesser possibilities for
arrests and confiscations. Another point of concern is
the animals that are under extensive campaigns
Figure B. Location of Cartimar
against illegal trade and endangered status. The
Philippine monkey-eating eagle for example, has not
been seen in trade by the PAWB monitoring team
because of the aforementioned campaigns. The
animals are then sold to middle men or are brought
Field Interviews
straight to Metro Manila through routes such as that
of the North Harbor pier. Pet shop owners or direct
Acquaintances of the group who have
buyers acquire their goods at this point, to be sold in
experiences with the illegal pet selling business were
places such as the Aranque Market and Cartimar. It
also interviewed. To establish uniformity, a set of
was noted that imported animals are favored over
working questions were formulated to elicit desired
local ones.
information (condition, demand, price, source).
The PAWB monitoring team is mandated
regarding the guidelines and policies concerning the
RESULTS
illegal animal trade, but they can not fully implement
the law. At present, the laws prior to the Wildlife Act
Visits to Cartimar, PAWB-DENR and the
Haribon Foundation and random sightings around
Metro Manila yielded a variety of animals, which are
comprised of those illegally obtained from the wild
(Table 1). Confiscated animals kept at PAWB’s
Wildlife Rescue Center were also noted (Table 2).
of 2000 / RA 9147 such as the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act or RA 7586
serve as the key reference for the team.
The Wildlife Resources Conservation and
Protection Act or RA 9147 was passed by the Senate
and the Congress last March 19, 2001. At present, it is
still under public hearings and therefore is not
Animal
African gray
African lovebird
Genus
(and species if
applicable)
Psittacus erathacus
Agapornis
Price
(PhP)
Distrubution
(taken from where)
BIRDS (figure 1)
35,000
Africa; breeders
2,5000
Africa; breeders
/pair
American fantail
Black pam
Blue and gold macaw
Ara ararauna
55,000
65,000
Blue and red macaw
Ara chloroptera
50,000
Cockatoo
Cacatua
20,00030,000
Myna
Gracula;
Basilornis;
Acridotheres
6,000
Moluccan
Cacatua
moluccensis
Tanygnathus
18,000
Talking Lory
Trichoglossus
johnstoniae
1,400
Papua New Guinea
White cockatoo
Cacatua alba
7,500
Taiwan
White cockatiel
Nymphicus
hollandicus
25,000
Indonesia
Alligator gar
Arapaima
Lepisosteus
spatula
Arapaima
Butterfly fish
Parrot
Why is it illegal?
Smuggled
Smuggled
Cartimar
Cartimar
Smuggled
Cartimar
Cartimar
Cartimar
South America
(tropics); breeders
South America
(tropics); breeders
Smuggled
Throughout the
Philippines except
N. Luzon and
Batanes
Palawan;
Mindanao mainland;
Luzon and Negros
Critically
endangered
( IUCN red list
and CITES)
Captured from the
wild; Near
threatened;
National and
international trade
is prohibited
(CITESII)
Smuggled
Indonesia
Throughout the
Philippines
National and
international trade
is strictly regulated
(CITESII)
Near threatened;
National and
international trade
is strictly regulated
(CITESII)
Critically
endangered
(IUCN red list
and CITES)
Amazon; bred in
Bulacan
Ferocious
Pterois volitans
20
Philippine waters
Piranha
Serrasalmus
nattereri
250-2,000
Shark
Eulamia
spallanzani
7,00010,000
Amazon and
Orinoco Basin;
breeders
Batangas;
Pangasinan
Captured from the
wild
Ferocious
Corals
Meandrina;
Fungia;
Herpolita;
Pocillopora;
Tridacna
Mindoro
Cartimar and
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Cartimar
Cartimar
Cartimar
Cartimar
Cartimar
3,0004,000
Giant clam
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Cartimar
FISH (figure 2)
7,500
Mexico
INVERTEBRATES (figure 3)
40-60
Mindoro and other
parts of the
Philippines
Sighted at
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Cartimar
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Protected
Cartimar
Protected
Cartimar
Sea anemone
Metridium
Palm civet (musang)
Sea Horse
Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus
Hippocampus
Squirrel
30-50
Mindoro and other
parts of the
Philippines
MAMMALS (figure 4)
2,500
Palawan
50
Philippine waters
Sundasciurus
3,500/pair
Palawan and
Indonesia
Iguana
Iguana iguana
REPTILES (figure 5)
700-5,000
Philippine Crocodile
Crocodylus
mindorensis
5,000
Python (reticulated)
Python reticulatus
4,0008,000
Throughout the
Philippines
Table 1. Illegal animal species seen in Metro Manila.
Scientific name
Ardea purpurea
Bubo philippensis
Common name
BIRDS
Purple heron; dugwak
Philippine eagle owl; kuwago
Gracula sp.
Haliastur Indus
Hill myna
Brahminy kite; lawin
Lorius garrullus
Milvus migrans
Chattering lorry
Black kite
Nymphicus hollandicus
Tyto capensis
Cockatiel
Grass owl; ngiwngiw
Arctictis binturong
Cercopithecus aethiops
Sundasciurus sp.
MAMMALS
Binturong
African green monkey
Palawan squirrel
Caiman crocodylus
Crocodylus mindorensis
Yellow baboon
Silver fox
REPTILES
Caiman crocodile
Freshwater crocodile; buwaya
Iguana iguana
Python reticulates
Green iguana
Reticulated python; sawang bitin
Papio cynocephalus
Vulpes vulpes
Cartimar
Captured in the
wild
Captured in the
wild
Vulnerable; Near
threatened (IUCN
red list and
CITES)
Critically
endangered
National and
international trade
is strictly
prohibited
(CITESII)
Table 2. Animal species seen at PAWB-DENR’s Wildlife Rescue Center.
Paranaque and
Cartimar
Cartimar
Cartimar
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Quezon City
(near SM
North)
Why is it illegal?
Lower risk (IUCN red list and CITES)
Vulnerable; National and international
trade is strictly regulated (CITESII)
National and international trade is
strictly regulated (CITESII)
National and international trade is
strictly regulated (CITESII)
National and international trade is
strictly regulated (CITESII)
Vulnerable (IUCN red list and CITES)
Endangered; vulnerable (IUCN red list
and CITES)
Critically endangered (IUCN red list and
CITES)
National and international trade is
strictly regulated (CITESII)
currently being implemented. Key sections include
main reference was the Statistics on Philippine
Section 7 and Section 13 which state that the
Protected Areas and Wildlife Resources for the year
collection of wildlife will be allowed only upon the
2000 from PAWB, which also contained references to
issuance of proper permits and provided that the
the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of
animals are not threatened and primarily will not be
Nature and Natural Resources) red list and CITES
used for trade. Exotic species or animals which do
(Convention on International Trade in Endangered
not naturally occur in the country are also prohibited
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). In addition,
to be introduced without the proper clearances and
predicaments arise when some employees within the
studies prior to it.
different divisions of the DENR are themselves
The PAWB monitoring team conduct random
involved in the illegal pet trade. Nevertheless,
and target inspections for ambulant peddlers and pet
DENR’s Office of the Secretary continues dialogues
shops, respectively. Surveillance is first done, after
with various groups to facilitate a continuous
which strategies for sequestration are assessed.
dissemination of information about the problem.
Illegality is characterized by ownership without
Staff members continue to be deployed in strategic
permits, even though the animals of concern are not
entry points such as the airports and piers, so as to
in the list. Seizure receipts are issued and the
check the legality and regulate the entry of these
corresponding violation charges are filed. The
goods.
confiscated animals are quarantined at the Wildlife
The acquired interest in the plight of the
Rescue Center, either to be released back into their
animals, especially the endangered ones, is slowly
natural habitats or to be put up for adoption /
spreading throughout society and is creating an
scientific programs. Court hearings are arranged
awareness that should have been developed long
should the owners demand to get their goods back,
before many endemic species have died out. Too
but the possibilities of reacquisition are very slim.
often this practice has become a source of income for
Major problems and concerns which arise
those without any alternatives. Sadly, if no control is
from the present system with regard to the illegal
exercised, more animals will be put in unnecessary
animal trade are the absence of up-to-date master
risk and the ecological balance in nature would be
lists, widespread corruption among government
challenged. As a start, information campaigns would
officials and employees, and the lack of information
further raise this initial awareness. With the aid of
dissemination regarding the conservation status of all
more people working towards this common cause,
endemic and exotic animals in the Philippines. In the
only then may the more aggressive measures be taken
process of gathering background information about
without falling into another impaired cycle. Coupled
the current condition of illegal pet trade in Metro
with the proper implementation of already existing
Manila, the group was unable to find updated master
laws, illegal pet trade can effectively be lessened and
lists of threatened, endangered or even endemic
hopefully stopped in the succeeding years.
species. The latest list that was obtained and used as a
A
B
D
E
G
H
C
F
I
Figure 1. Illegal bird species. A. African Gray - Psittacus erithacus; B. African Lovebird –
Agapornis; C. American Fantail; D. Blue and Gold Macaw - Ara ararauna; E. Cockatoo –
Cacatua; F. Myna - Gracula religiosa; G. Moluccan Parrot - Cacatua moluccensis; H. White
Cockatoo - Cacatua alba; I. White Cockatiel - Nymphicus hollandicus
A
B
D
C
E
Figure 2. Illegal fish species. A. Alligator Gar - Lepisosteus spatula; B. Arapaima - Arapaima gigas;
C. Butterfly Fish - Pterois volitans; D. Piranha - Serrasalmus nattereri; E. Black Tip Shark - Eulamia
spallanzani
C
A
B
D
E
Figure 3. Illegal coral species. A. Fungia; B. Meandrina; C. Pocillopora; D. Giant clam – Tridacna;
E. Sea anemone – Metridium
B
A
Figure 4. Illegal mammal species. A. Palm Civet (Musang) - Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus; B. Sea horse - Hippocampus
B
A
C
Figure 5. Illegal reptile species. A. Philippine Crocodile- Crocodylus mindorensis; B. Iguana- Iguana
iguana; C. Python (reticulated)- Python reticulatus
REFERENCES
Republic Act No. 9147. 2001. Eleventh Congress,
Fifth Special Session, Congress of the
Philippines, Republic of the Philippines.
Tabaranza, Jr., B. R. and M. V. Lepitan-Tabao. 2002.
A report on the investigation into the trade in
cockatoos and other parrots from North
Moluccas, Indonesia to the Philippines.
Haring Ibon 8:22-23.
The U.S. Role in the International Live Reptile
Trade:Amazon Tree Boas to Zululand Dwarf
Chameleons. 1998. Traffic North America
Report.
Retrieved
from
http://www.traffic.org/reptiles/executivesummary.html
Vinke C.M., and B.M. Spruijt. 1999. Exotic animals in
the animal business and husbandry: poultry in
view
of
welfare
and
health.
Tijdschr
Diergeneeskd 124(17):503-9.
2000 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas and
Wildlife Resources. Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau, Department of Environment
and Natural Resources.