Science Writers in NY

SWINY EVENT

January 24, 2000

From Habitat to Handbag: Uncovering the Secrets of the Illegal Wildlife Trade

Faux or for real? It's hard to tell the difference between a bag made from an endangered animal or one raised on a farm--illegal importers are banking on it. New York City is a prime hot spot for illegal importing. Crocodilian specialist and former head curator of the Central Park Zoo, Peter Brazaitis, and Paul Cerniglia of the US Fish & Wildlife Service will lead a discussion ofthe far-reaching impact of these illegal activities on wildlife conservation efforts.

The speakers will describe how the fashion world fuels the exotic skin trade and how laws are supposed to prevent this exploitation of wildlife. Using the South American caiman as an example, we'll follow the trail of animals illicitly captured in their native habitat and sold in the illegal skin trade for tanning and processing for handbags. This contraband eventually arrives at the port of New York, destined for retail markets and boutique shops.

We'll learn about the economics and incentives behind the illegal skin trade, how experts develop forensic proof to support the identification of endangered species, and the difficulty presented by the vast numbers of wildlife shipments entering and leaving the port of New York.

Light buffet dinner begins at 6 p.m.

Place:
The Central Park Zoo, Education Auditorium (to right of Arsenal Bldg.)
5th Avenue at 64th Street

Cost:
$18 for SWINY members; $20 for nonmembers; $12 for students (must show current student ID).SWINY membership is $15 (join and get the members' rate).

RSVP:
Julia Schulhof at j.schulhof@natureny.com
Please note: Indicate if you would like a vegetarian dinner.
If you RSVP and do not attend, you are expected to please pay anyway.

Directions:
Map available at www.wcs.org

By Subway:
BMT N or R train to 5th Avenue, walk north 4 blocks to 64th Street.
IRT 6 train to 68th Street/Hunter College, walk west 3 blocks to 5th Avenue, then 4 blocks south.

By Bus:
M1,2,3,4 on 5th Avenue to 64th Street.

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