1973 iucn yearbook

of an adequate system of sanctuaries for all species; and surveys of hide
sources and the volume and flow world-wide of such hides.
The meeting emphasized that the order Crocodylia as a whole is
seriously threatened. Essentially they are inhabitants of restricted areas;
they do not migrate and their conservation requires local and national
action. The main cause of their rapid and dangerous decline in recent
years has been the uncontrolled killing of these animals for the leather
trade.
Project support was given to work in Mexico on the breeding of
Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreleti) under the direction of Enrique
Beltran.
Marine turtles
The SSC in October directed a reorientation of the activity of the Marine
Turtle Specialist Group based on a set of conservation objectives concerning:
nesting site protection, internationally coordinated protection
at sea, monitoring commercial exploitation, and promotion of education.
Project support was continued to marine turtle survey and conservation
work in southern Africa, the Galapagos, Mexico and Malaysia.
Continuing the task of collecting and disseminating scientific information
on marine turtles, IUCN published its Monograph No. 2 on
Kemp's ridley turtle or the Atlantic ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) by
P. C. H. Pritchard and René Marquez M.
Endangered plants
Following a decision of the SSC, a Threatened Plants Committee is
being established to provide a mechanism for an increased effort on the
conservation of plant species. The structure and procedure have been
elaborated by the Chairman of the Committee, J. Heslop-Harrison, and
will be presented for ratification at the next Commission meeting.
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