Local MP Alan Campbell has been thanked by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) after he signed a pledge calling for action to end the demand for big cat products which continues to threaten the survival of wild tigers, leopards and other big cats.

EIA attended the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in August and reported that there was strong support at the meeting for India’s proposals for urgent, time-bound actions to tackle killing and trade of big cats.

There was support on the floor from other Asian big cat range states, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Russia and Israel, as well as the US and the EU. Proposals were further supported by Niger, Ethiopia, Bolivia and Brazil, who noted that demand for big cat products, primarily from Asian consumers, is impacting on jaguars and African lions and leopards. The UK delegation played a crucial role in coordinating with EU member states and other Parties to secure adoption of strong decisions and recommendations at the meeting.

Alan said “I know that many people in my constituency are concerned about this issue. I am pleased that key decisions adopted included recommendations to take the actions urged in the pledge. It’s now important the pressure is kept up to ensure that the recommendations are translated into legislation.”