WHEREAS, there are some 310 species or subspecies of mammals listed in the IUCN Red Data Book that are threatened with extinction throughout their world range; and
WHEREAS, these species form components of our fragile ecosystems abused by man but important to his existence; and
WHEREAS, a Plenipotentiary Conference of 80 nations held in Washington, D. C., in March of 1973 agreed to the text of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; and
WHEREAS, ten countries now have ratified the Convention, as required for its entry into force, which will be July 1975; and
WHEREAS, the American Society of Mammalogists has been a leader in the protection of endangered species;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Society of Mammalogists compliment those countries that have ratified the Convention and encourage the remaining countries to do so soon.