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More endangered species will be put on the protection list under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance starting today (May 20).
Newly-listed species include Kaiser's spotted newt, Red-eyed tree frog, Satanas beetle and Seychelles sea coconut, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, except with exemptions, the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea and possession of the controlled species, including their parts and derivatives, are subject to licensing controls.
"Inclusion of the newly-listed species will bring Hong Kong in line with the latest revisions to the list of controlled species in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)," the spokesman said.
The import and export requirements will take effect from today. However, a grace period of three months is provided for the possession of newly listed species that were in possession before the commencement of the legislative amendment. The grace period will end on August 19, 2011.
The spokesman reminded traders of Kaiser's spotted newts, Red-eyed tree frogs and Satanas beetles to register their existing stocks with the Department within the grace period.
As Seychelles sea coconuts are considered less endangered, the possession or control of the species is not subject to the licensing requirements.
"Nevertheless, the import and export of such species will still require licences issued in advance by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation," the spokesman said.
Any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens.
For details, please call 1823 Call Centre or visit the website, www.cites.org.hk.
Ends/Friday, May 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:07
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