Russia to combat illicit trade in wild flora and fauna

Russia is stepping up activity to fight illicit trade in species of wild flora and fauna.

A government session on Tuesday focused its attention on Russia's effort to fulfil the Convention of International Trade in Wild Flora and Fauna on the Brink of Extinction.

Addressing a session of the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov cited the Interpol as estimating the volume of illicit trade in wild flora and fauna at 5 billion dollars.

"The problem has a wide public response," said the premier. "Russia closely watches it too." According to his words, the country is going to take measures "to combat this tendency."