564 



in developing programs to prevent foreign fish and wildlife from becoming 

 extinct. 



We also hope to help increase foreign exi)ertise in the fields of fish and wild- 

 life management. When there is si)ace available, foreign students are welcome 

 at schools operated by the Bureau of Sjwrt Fisheries and Wildlife for its own i)er- 

 sonnel. Here they can take on-the-job training in fish and wildlife management 

 at Bureau installations and accompany biologists in the field to learn more about 

 wildlife management. 



Finally, the new act directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the 

 Interior to encourage the signing of an international convention which would 

 regulate the trade in wildlife. Without such an agreement and international 

 cooperation, the efforts of a single country can only delay, not .stop, the loss of 

 wildlife. We believe that the recently signed African Convention on Con.servation 

 of Nature and Natural Resources is a step toward actually halting wildlife los.ses. 



Fortunately the United States is not alone in its desire to restrict trade in 

 endangered wildlife. Britain now controls importation of certain live wild ani- 

 mals and limits ports of entry. The Endangered Species Conservation Act directs 

 that we encourage other countries to sign conventions regarding the importa- 

 tion of waldlife. The lUCN is circulating a draft "Convention on the Import, Ex- 

 port and Tran.sit of Certain Species" under which signatory nations agree to 

 limit the export or import of listed species and adopt uniform documentation for 

 international wildlife shipments. Reportedly, Canada and Germany have com- 

 mitted themselves to signing. Some of the former British Ea.st African nations 

 plan to regulate the importation of hides from adjoining areas in order to assist 

 each other to stop smuggling. Progress is being made. 



At a time when an expanding human population throughout the world appears 

 inevitable, we shall have to redouble our efforts to protect our wildlife. Coupled 

 with rapid economic growth and technological development, this expanding popu- 

 lation will bring changes to our environment. These changes do not need to com- 

 pound the problem of needless extinction of wildlife species. We are hopeful about 

 the future. 



International Conservation of the Polar Bear : A Report on Progress 



(By Richard A. Cooley) 



Scientists from five Arctic nations met at the lUCN in Morges, in February 

 1970, to exchange information and coordinate research programs on the polar 

 bear. This was the second such meeting sponsored by lUCN, the first being held 

 at Morges in January 1963. See lUCN Bulletin, April- June 1968, Vol. 2, No. 7. 



At the 1968 meeting the scientists expressed a deep concern for the future 

 of the Polar Bear, which is presently listed as an endangered species. They 

 noted an urgent need for more precise information al)out population, regional 

 distributions, migration patterns and the dynamics of reproduction. The meet- 

 ing also revealed disagreements as to the actual status of the species which 

 have led to international controversy over issues of national conservation policy. 

 The delegates to the first meeting agreed on the great need for continuing scientific 

 communication and international collaboration in research, and voted unani- 

 mously to request establishment of an "international polar bear ground" under 

 lUCN's Survival Service Commission. This proposal was subsequently approved 

 with the principal objectives being (1) to expedite the collection of scientific 

 data as a basis for future management and conservation; (2) to identify the 

 scientific problems and geographical regions in which international research 

 is desirable; (3) to determine research priorities and stimulate national action 

 toward common goals; and (4) to serve as a general forum for exchange of 

 ideas and information on this and other problems concerning high Arctic fauna. 

 Dr. S. M. Uspensky, U.S.S.R., was unanimously elected first chairman of the new 

 group. 



The February 1970 meeting was held to determine progress toward these 

 goals. Attending were working scientists from the five circumpolar nations: 

 A. H. Macpherson, C. F. Jonkel and J. S. Tener, from Canada ; Christian Vibe 

 from Denmarii ; T. Larsen and M. Norderhaug from Norway, J. W. Lentfer and 

 J. W. Brooks from U.S.A., and S. M. Uspensky and A. A. Kistschinsky from 

 U.S.S.R. ; R. A. Cooley, U.S.A.. served as technical secretary and rapporteur; 

 lUCN staff members also were present. The meeting was chaired by J.S. Tener of 

 Canada. 



