Overexploitation The researchers analyzed DNA to test eel products, including grilled eel and sushi, sold in restaurants. The results recorded that nearly 50% of the samples were identified as European eels (Anguilla anguilla) on the endangered animal list. This species is threatened by overexploitation due to increased consumer demand from Asia, especially China and Japan. These two countries consider eel a delicacy and aphrodisiac. Critically endangered and endangered eels are being sold in sushi restaurants in Hong Kong. Photo: South China Morning Post. European eels are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites). The Ordinance for the Protection of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora requires an export permit and inspection of the species upon arrival in Hong Kong. Of the 80 samples, 36 were confirmed as critically endangered European eels, 29 were American eels, and 5 were Japanese eels. Critically endangered European eel is sold in 45% of the 80 sushi restaurants surveyed in Hong Kong. Photo: South China Morning Post. Gap The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said the results showed the animals were illegally existing in Hong Kong’s eel supply chain. The organization calls for urgent action to stop the illegal wildlife trade. To this day, Hong Kong remains one of the biggest hubs for the illegal wildlife industry, with a record number of wildlife seizures. In February, HKU published a study showing that thousands of species are legally trafficked through Hong Kong with inadequate traceability. At the heart of the problem lies a vague code system that customs officials around the world use to classify species. “The codes used for the eel trade are too general and only list products that are goods of the Anguilla species. However, those codes do not distinguish between different Anguilla species and their life stages,” said Jovy Chan, wildlife conservation manager at WWF. “Complete, specific and accurate commercial data are important to facilitate the implementation of conservation policies for eel species. In addition to European eels managed by Cites, some parts of Asia, for example the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, have bans on the trade in European eels. Customs codes have a key role to play on issues of legality, traceability and sustainability of eels,” added Ms Jovy. David Baker, staff member of HKU’s Conservation Forensic laboratory and who led the eel study, said the results reflect the vulnerability of the retail market. “Our hope is to partner with WWF. This enhances surveillance at distribution points to prevent illegal seafood products from entering the market,” Mr. Baker said. A fisherman releases a Japanese eel in the Enshu Sea off Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Photo: South China Morning Post. In 2020, HKU published a study showing that nearly half of eel products retailed in supermarkets and convenience stores in Hong Kong are endangered European eels. Based on DNA testing, the study found that nearly half (45%) of retail eel products originate from critically endangered European eel species. Products are only labeled as “eels”. “Consumers have the right to know where their food comes from and whether it is sourced in ethical and sustainable ways. This problem is not limited to eels,” Mr. Baker said.

Bright Side brings together 10 rare creatures that are on the brink of extinction. Global mountain gorilla Currently the mountain gorilla has increased to about 1,063. They can only be found in protected forests. This is evidence that conservation efforts can bring a species back on the brink of extinction. However, illegal human hunting remains a major threat to the fauna of Bwindi-Sarambwe. Sao la The saola species was discovered in the Annamite forests of Vietnam. The main threat to saola is hunting activities and environmental climate impacts. That is why many conservation organizations have collaborated to create a safe environment for them in nature. Animal with dunnart bag This tiny creature can only be found on Australia’s Kangaroo Island, with an estimated population of less than 500. The widespread cleaning of the vegetation by humans has put the dunnart in a very dangerous situation. In addition, wildfires in Australia in 2019 and 2020 have burned 95% of the species. That is why a closed sanctuary was created to keep dunnart and other endangered species safe. Iberian lynx This rare species can only be found in the jungles of southwest Spain. From 1985 to 2001, their population decreased by 87%; So far, there are about 400 lynx in the wild. Their natural habitat continues to be destroyed by new highways and cut down trees. Black-footed ferret While people thought they were extinct, tiny creatures have proven to still exist. However, their population is rapidly declining due to disease and the loss of their natural habitat. Their total population is estimated at around 370 in the wild. Massive restoration efforts by many federal agencies and zoos have provided space for the weasels to survive. Gharial crocodile In 2010, only 15 crocodiles were found in the Gandak River in Bihar. That’s why in 2014, a conservation initiative freed 30 crocodiles from captivity and returned them to the river, and their population began to increase. Kakapo For the first time in 70 years, the kakapo population is increasing with about 213 species of birds existing. Only during the 2018-2019 breeding season, 71 young survived, which is a record number for this species. The recovery team tries to make sure the birds stay healthy and protected from infection. Their next goal is to find a good habitat for the birds as disease is their main threat. Canadian harbor seals Found in Quebec, this is the only species of its kind that can only survive in fresh water thanks to fish. To date, only more than 100 live in the area. The cause can be attributed to human hunting. Also, in many cases, seals get trapped in their gears and cannot free themselves. Leopard Amur This leopard has found a way to survive in the jungle in the Russian Far East. They live up to 15 years in the wild and more than 20 years in captivity. They have an amazing ability to run very fast and jump high. However, the loss of habitat and human activity has reduced their number to about 84 individuals. Vaquita dolphin This very rare marine mammal was discovered only in 1958. However, in recent years, vaquitas dolphins have been victims of illegal fishing activities. They are often trapped in fishing nets. That is why their population is only about 10 in the Gulf of Mexico. They can be found in shallow water but will quickly swim away if a boat approaches them.