Well here's the first of my (many!!) open questions in order to collect
info for the CP Action Plan that's now in preparation. I know I have
asked several individuals these questions already so forgive the
repetition, but I'd appreciate as wide a response as possible.
1. What are the main species in trade worldwide? I shall be putting
together trade data for CITES-listed species, but I'd appreciate any
background info or up-to-date info on non-CITES species (e.g. Pings,
Utrics), especially with regard to the following topics: a. What are the
main species traded? b. What type of plants are most popular -
micropropagated versus wild versus artificially prop.??? c. Are many
plants taken from the wild then grown on in nurseries? d. What are the
price ranges for many plants?
2. What are the main markets for cps worldwide? a.Are hobbyist groups
the main market? What type of plants do they sell - seed/tc
plants/wild/art. prop.? b.How big is the nursery trade in cps? Are
most nurseries concentrating only on cps or do they usually have to grow
other plants to supplement their income? c. How are the majority of
plants sold - as seed, tc plants, mixed pots containing several
different genera/species
3. Trade Legislation a. Do most cp'ers follow/agree with international
(CITES) and national trade/conservation (e.g. Lacey Act, USA)laws? b.
What are the major problems with/gaps in these laws and their
enforcement? c. How can any of these problems be solved (e.g. better
processing of licenses, better enforcement,etc) d. Do most people
know/understand the workings of CITES?
I'd appreciate any info on national legislation from as many countries
as possible. For example, are there any national laws governing
collecting wild plants from private versus public land in UK, USA,
Mexico, Malaysia, etc, etc? Are there export bans on cp seeds/plants
from certain countries?
4. Illegal trade Some people have suggested that wild-collected cps are
not popular amongst cp'ers and cp nurseries. Do you agree?
Wild-collected plants are still sold, but are they mainly Drosera, Utri
and Pings and not CITES-listed Nepenthes/ Sarracenia? a. How big would
you put the illegal trade in cps? b. What are the main species
illegally traded and are there any main countries particularly known for
illegal trade? c. Are they sold onto nurseries and later sold as art.
prop. plants or sold to private collectors? d. What sort of prices can
plants fetch?
I realise taht many of you out there are very familair with trade and
legislation issues, but there are gaps in the info I have collected for
the Action Plan. Therefore don't be shy in responding as the situation
in your country might not be fully known to others. There are
particular regions in which my knowledge is hazy e.g. Central and South
America, Africa and many of the Asian countries. I would really
appreciate responses to these questions by the end of October, 1996 and
thank you in advance for any info you send me.
Best wishes.
Mad
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Madeleine Groves IUCN/SSC Carnivorous Plant Specialist Group (CPSG) c/o
Conventions and Policy Unit Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, Surrey
TW9 3AE UK Tel:+44-(0)181-332-5743 Fax:+44-(0)181-332-5757 Email:
M.Groves@rbgkew.org.uk