Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species What is the Convention on Examples include gorillas, sea International Trade in Endangered turtles, most lady slipper orchids, Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and giant pandas. (CITES)? In the early 1960s, international Appendix II includes species that, discussion began focusing on the rate although currently not threatened at which the world’s wild animals with extinction, may become so and plants were being threatened by without trade controls. It also unregulated international trade. includes species that resemble other listed species and need to be regulated in order to effectively CITES entered into force in 1975, The elephant-shaped CITES logo was and became the only global treaty first used at CoP3 in 1981. The original control the trade in those other to ensure that international trade in version, a simple black and white design, listed species. Most CITES species plants and animals does not threaten has since evolved to include species are listed in this appendix, including their survival in the wild. It provides protected by CITES. American ginseng, paddlefish, lions, a framework for cooperation and American alligators, mahogany, and collaboration among nations to prevent many corals. decline in wild populations of animals How are species protected? Cacti, iguanas, and parrots represent and plants. Currently 180 countries, Appendix III includes species for including the United States, implement some of the approximately 35,000 which a range country has asked CITES. species protected by CITES. Species other Parties to help in controlling protected under CITES are listed in international trade.
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