PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
RHINOCEROS CONSERVATION (28 April 1999)

That this House recognises with concern the perilous status of rhino species in the wild and the impact on those species that poaching for the illegal trade in rhino horn and products, coupled with a lack of resources, has on these species; applauds the Government's recent extra commitment to the conservation of tigers through the provision of additional resources for tiger protection; notes the United States Government's support for tigers and rhino through the Rhino and Tiger Conservation Act and further recognises that the British public wish to see urgent steps taken to allow rhino numbers to recover in their natural habitat and to end the illegal trade; calls upon the Government to continue and increase its efforts with regard to conservation of all rhino species, provide encouragement and support to wildlife conservation authorities and non-governmental organisations concerned with the in-situ conservation of rhinos, offer British technical assistance to customs and law enforcement agencies in those countries with wild rhino populations and those countries where the illegal trade in rhino products persists and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships to stamp out the trade; commends the members of the UK Rhino Group, a coalition of 26 UK based rhino conservation organisations, for organising Rhino May Day on 8th May 1999; and encourages the Government and the public to support this Group in their efforts on behalf of the world's rhino species.

Sponsored by:
Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews (Labour)