Now you can trade Owls, Deers, Monkeys online!

TDT | Manama

Bahrain has launched a new electronic service for trading endangered species like Falcons, Owls, Deer, Monkeys, Flamingos, Ostriches, Tauraco, Bustards, Cockatoos, Grey Parrot, Amazona, Macaws, and some rare Lovebirds.

The service launched by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) says the platform is also for trading “some large mammals such as Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Tiger, Fox and Wolf etc.., even if they are mummified or in the form of fur, or some parts of them such as the jaw, canine, or claws.”

Turtles, Lizards The tradable list also includes rare reptiles such as Turtles, Iguanas, Monitors, Lizards, Crocodiles or large Snakes, even if in the form of raw skins or product such as shoes, bags, or belts. Dugongs, Dolphins Marine species like Seahorses, Dugongs, Dolphins, and Sharks included, even if they are only in the form of fins. Corals and caviar extracted from the rare sturgeon are also allowed.

Cactus, Cycas palms When it comes to plants, the allowed list includes Cactus, Cycas palms, Orchids, Red sandalwood, and Agarwood in many forms ( chips, Oud oil, etc.) The Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) service is for “importing, exporting and re-exporting all endangered species, listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora services,” SCE Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak bin Daina, said.

Cows and chickens, However, for trading domesticated and domestic animals like cows and chickens, those interested should approach Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs at the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning. The move is in light of the exceptional circumstances resulting from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Daina said.

A detailed list of CITES species is available at http://www.speciesplus.net To avail the service log on to https://www.sce.gov.bh/ and fill in the application form by attaching the required documents. “The Kingdom ratified the CITES Convention in 2012, and is keen to put in place the necessary guarantees to ensure the protection and sustainability of endangered species,” said Dr. Mohammed Mubarak bin Daina Oud oil, Agarwood There are also some mandatory norms to be followed to avail of the service.

One amongst them says the trade in live species for personal purposes should not exceed two specimens. For agarwood, the SCE said, “Personal import or export is excluded from CITES certificate if it does not exceed 1 kg.” Trade-in for Oud oil is for 24 ml. Participants are also required to procure a health import permit issued by the Veterinary Department of Agriculture and Marine Resources. Shipments will follow the laws of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).