*Ø* Stronger curbs on trafficking in rare animals needed

"An international conference on wildlife trade has opened in Thailand with calls for stronger curbs on illegal trafficking in rare animals and plants.

"In his opening speech, the Thai prime minister urged states to fight criminal gangs said to be involved in the trade.

"The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites) is holding its bi-annual meeting in Asia for the first time ...

"The trade in wildlife is worth billions of dollars a year and the Cites meetings are usually marked by a clash of interests, ideologies and cultures."
Full text at the BBC