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Following the wonderful news that Linda McAvan (Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber) lodged a written question to the European Commission about the threats facing the African lion, we can now report that following discussions with LionAid, another MEP, Catherine Bearder  (Lib Dem MEP, South East England) has lodged a second question about lions to the European Commission.

Her question relates to the provision in the current EU Wildlife Trade Regulations that allow lion trophies to be imported under the “personal and household effects” derogation (a derogation is a partial repeal of a law).

This provision has attracted widespread criticism from many quarters due to its possible detrimental effect on conservation efforts. The derogation is at variance with import restrictions imposed by the Scientific Working Group which establishes that trophy hunting of Annex A species should be part of careful management plans which fulfil the following conditions:

 The collection of sound biological data, demonstrably sustainable harvest levels, monitoring by professional biologists and significant and tangible conservation benefits for the species. None of these conditions are met in the case of the African Lion. Lions are not yet on Annex A, but should be a species of considerable conservation concern.
Her question therefore is as follows:

“Will the Commission consider removing this derogation for those species that clearly deserve special conservation measures, such as the African lion and other 'trophy' animals?

Will the Commission consider applying more stringent measures in order to verify the sustainability of trophy hunting for species on conservation watch?

Does the Commission have plans to enforce stricter screening at all EU ports of entry to ensure that the importation of wild animal parts do not contravene the limited protection afforded by the Wildlife and Trade Regulation?”

We now await the response to both these questions from the Commission and would hope it leads to further investigation of the catastrophic declines of African Lions. We trust  that, at minimum, it will lead to much greater awareness of the conservation status of Lions in Government circles, lead to further questions to range state Governments about their Lion management and conservation initiatives, and focus attention on an activity that benefits few besides hunting operators and their accomplices.

We will continue to work with Catherine, Linda and Keith Taylor (the UK Green Party MEP) who have all promised to assist in keeping Lions on the EU Agenda.

We still would like more MPS and MEPs to add their voices to this cause and YOU can help by sending our template letter to your local MP and to your local MEP.

THANK YOU!

Picture credit :

: http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/16/eu-directive-idUSLNE59F00Y20091016