Global summit backs protections to curb hornbill trade
Delegates at the CITES summit in Samarkand have agreed by consensus to list seven species of African forest hornbills – from the genera Ceratogymna and Bycanistes – on Appendix II. Tabled by eight West and Central African countries, the move allows commercial trade under permit and oversight requirements, aiming to curb unsustainable offtake. The decision is expected to bolster protections for biodiversity across West and Central Africa – important for wildlife tourism experiences and destination credibility.
The listing follows concerns over rising demand for hornbill parts, including dried heads with casques, with research indicating an average of around 100 birds entering the US annually between 1999 and 2024 and demand growing by about 3% a year. Pressures from hunting and habitat loss have driven declines in countries such as Togo, Ghana and Nigeria, with recent trade largely sourced from Cameroon and the DRC. The proposal drew support from the EU, Japan, Brazil, Singapore and the US, and conservationists say effective monitoring and enforcement will be key for lasting impact.
Source: News Mongabay
