U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe issued the following statement today:

“On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I commend the United Nations General Assembly for adopting such an important resolution on illegal wildlife trafficking. This action underscores the global commitment to the fight against the growing illegal wildlife trade and those who threaten the future of many of our planet’s species. As a world leader in wildlife and natural resources conservation, the Service is committed to working with others to reducing illegal demand, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that wildlife thrives for future generations.

Wildlife trafficking is a global problem that demands a global solution, and we need to act now if we are going to save elephants, rhinos, tigers, pangolins and other iconic species. The Service is proud to work with foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, community leaders, and concerned citizens to achieve this goal. This resolution will serve as a valuable catalyst for strengthened actions across the globe to put an end to the poaching crisis.”

More information on the United Nations resolution to combat illegal wildlife trafficking can be found here: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=51536#.Vbu_UvlVg1Z. More information on the Service’s International Affairs program can be found here: http://www.fws.gov/international/. 

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