August 2019

SPECIES PROPOSALS Pages 1-30

WORKING DOCUMENTS Pages 31-76 Dear Delegates and Colleagues: On behalf of the global family of Member Organizations of the Species Survival Network, I am pleased to share with you SSN’s Digest, our summary and analysis of the documents to be considered at the 18th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, here in Geneva, Switzerland. CoP18 promises to be a landmark meeting. Parties will debate, deliberate and decide on more than 160 documents, covering issues of crucial importance at a time when the world’s wild fauna and flora face unprecedented pressure from a human population that is 3 billion more than it was when CITES was enacted, 45 years ago. We believe that this Digest will provide Parties, as well the media and civil society, with easy access to the information and analysis they need, both to facilitate a well-informed debate, and to reach the best possible outcomes. We encourage Party representatives to take advantage of the provisions of CITES to do their utmost to protect wild species from the excesses of unsustainable trade, and to remember that when we improve the survival prospects of wild species we safeguard the welfare of the vulnerable human communities that depend on them. We urge Parties, too, to recognize that where live trade is involved, the welfare of every living individual must be a key priority. Together with all my SSN colleagues, I wish you every success and commend your efforts on behalf of the species we all seek to conserve.

Will Travers OBE President, Species Survival Network SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSALAnalysis of the ProposalsCURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES to Amend Appendices I andSSN II VIEW To be discussed at the 18th Conference of the Parties to CITES, Geneva, Switzerland, 17-28 August 2019 Prepared by the Species Survival Network Abbreviations used: RC=Resolution Conf. • CoP=Conference of the Parties • SC=Standing Committee • AC=Animals Committee PC=Plants Committee • References cited available upon request

SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 1 • Distribution: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; proposal OPPOSE Heptner's markhor refers only to Tajikistan population. • Life history characteristics make this species highly vulnerable to over- Capra falconeri heptneri • Population: Subspecies not assessed by IUCN (2014); species, C. falco- utilization: average age at first birth 18-30 months, gestation 135-170 neri, Near Threatened (id.); C. f. heptneri: Afghanistan,10 observed in 2011; days, gives birth to 1-2 kids, lives up to 13 years. Tajikistan, 1,300 in one area and 8 in another; Turkmenistan, no recent popu- • Split-listing of species could give rise to enforcement problems and lation estimate but 303 in 2002; Uzbekistan, 313 in 2013; total population should be avoided (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 3). estimated at 1,008 mature individuals in 2013 (IUCN 2014). • Threats: In Tajikistan, poaching for meat, skins, horns, illegal trophy „„Continues to meet criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17)), hunting leading to low population of adult males, poor habitat quality due to Annex 1, paras. A and B): traded internationally . wild popu- fuel wood collection and intensive grazing. lation is small (<< 5000) . restricted area of distribution . • Trade: CITES trade data available only for C. falconeri; exports from occurrence at very few locations (majority of individuals in 2 Tajikistan (2007-2016): 8 trophies from wild source for hunting purposes. populations) . high vulnerability to intrinsic factors

Tajikistan Transfer Tajikistan’s population from Appendix I to II

Prop. 2 • Distribution: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, SUPPORT Saiga antelope Uzbekistan; extirpated in China and Ukraine. Proposal relies on updated taxonomy recognizing only one saiga spe- Saiga tatarica • • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2018); population has shown an cies (Saiga tatarica); CITES currently recognizes two species (S. tatarica observed and ongoing decline of over 80% over the last 10 years. and S. borealis, both Appendix II). Effect of proposal would be to include • Threats: Illegal hunting for horns and meat for national and interna- all saiga on Appendix I. tional trade; habitat loss; climatic events; disease. Horns are main target of • Despite voluntary bans or moratoria on hunting and international trade poaching, leading to skewed sex ratios, reproductive collapse, and popula- in all range States by 2015, international trade continues among con- tion decline. sumer non-range States, allowing the laundering of poached specimens. • Trade: Most commonly used horn products are bottled ‘fresh’ saiga water, • Singapore claims to have a large stockpile of horns (China is also shavings, bottled ‘supermarket’ saiga water and tablets; from 1995-2004, believed to have significant stockpiles, though volume is unknown); 87,449 kilograms of horn were exported to China, Singapore and Japan; in stockpiles could fuel demand. 2010-2014, 224 incidents of illegal hunting recorded in Kazakhstan, and 8,594 • High volumes of international trade in Singapore, China, Hong Kong horns were confiscated. Disease-related mortality event in 2015-16 resulted in SAR, Japan, and Malaysia. the deaths of more than two-thirds of the global population at that time. Continued Continued www.ssn.org 1 2 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Continued Continued Mongolia and USA „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, Transfer from Appendix II to I para. C): traded internationally . significant population decline . fluctuations in population size . prone to large die-offs caused by disease . poached for horns and meat

Prop. 3 • Distribution: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru; proposal for Argentina popu- NO OPINION Vicuña lation only. Vicugna vicugna • Population: Least Concern (IUCN 2018); minimum estimated number of vicuña present in the province of Salta in 2018 is 58,387 individuals. • Threats: Poaching for the international market. • Trade: Gross exports from Argentina, 2012-2017: ~4,695 kg fibres, ~8,510 kg hair.

Argentina

Transfer the population of the Province of Salta (Argentina) from Appendix I to II with annotation 1

Prop. 4 • Distribution: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru; proposal for Chile population SUPPORT Vicuña only. • Proposal recognizes administrative change in the name of the region in Vicugna vicugna • Population: Least Concern (IUCN 2018). Chile; it does not affect the scope of the listing. • Threats: Poaching for the international market. • Trade: Gross exports from Chile, 2012-2017: ~128 kg fibres; ~68 kg hair.

Chile Continued SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Continued Amend the name of the population of Chile from “population of Primera Region” to “populations of the region of Tarapaca and of the region of Arica and Parinacota”

Prop. 5 • Distribution: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, SUPPORT Giraffe Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, • Giraffes used locally for traditional cultural purposes and bushmeat; Giraffa camelopardalis Zambia, Zimbabwe; extirpated in Eritrea, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, bushmeat traded regionally; very large international trade for commer- Senegal; likely extirpated in Mali. cial purposes in bones used for carvings and gun and knife handles, skins used for numerous products (such as pillows); on average 374 • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2018); observed, past (and ongoing) giraffe trophies per annum are imported to the USA alone.

population decline of 36-40% over 3 generations (30 years, 1985-2015); 1 population estimate is 68,293 mature individuals, declining; 5 of 9 sub- • Direct evidence of international trade in all giraffe subspecies, including species threatened: 2 Critically Endangered, 1 Endangered, 2 Vulnerable from countries where populations Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, decreasing and/or small. (id.); populations scattered and fragmented. • Threats: Habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching, ecological changes. • Proposal supported by the 32 African countries that are members of the African Elephant Coalition.2 • Trade: From 2006-2015, 39,516 giraffe specimens imported to USA, equivalent to at least 3,751 individual giraffes, with 99.7% of specimens from wild sources; most commonly imported items were bone carv- „„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP16), Annex ings, bones, trophies, skin pieces, bone pieces, skins and jewelry; legal 2a, para. B): high level of international trade . all subspecies Central African Republic, Chad, Kenya, hunting of giraffes occurs in parts of southern Africa. affected by international trade . trade exacerbates impact of Mali, Niger and Senegal other threats . low reproductive output (generation time 10 years, 15-month gestation period, typically one calf is born) Include in Appendix II

Prop. 6 • Distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, SUPPORT India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Small-clawed otter • Trade as pets is a growing threat; popular in pet trade due to small size; Taiwan, Province of China, Thailand, Viet Nam. Aonyx cinereus highest demand in Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia.4,5,6 • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2015); >30% decline over past 30 years • Much trade is online for live animals from the wild; captive-bred speci- on top of large historical decline; disappeared or declined in many parts of mens cannot meet demand. range: e.g. dramatic population decline in China, decreased distribution in India and Southeast Asia. • Occasionally on sale in European pet markets, including Netherlands and Spain, with prices ranging from € 600-1,500 each.7 • Threats: Habitat loss; pollution; overfishing; intentional kills by fishermen as alleged pests; trapping and poaching for pelts, pets and traditional medi- • Appendix I listing would improve CITES enforcement for similar cine; climate change. Appendix I otters (such as Lutra lutra) due to difficulty in distinguishing between skins of different species. • Trade: 1980-2018, >250 seizures representing 6,010 individual Asian otters; most seizures not identified to species level, but 383 identified as A. cinereus, including 127 live specimens; 99% of seizures were of skins; „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, main market for skins and pelts is China; study in four Asian countries docu- India, Nepal and the Philippines para. C(ii)): internationally traded . marked decline inferred mented 560 online advertisements for live otters, 98% for A. cinereus.3 . high levels of exploitation . high vulnerability to extrinsic Transfer from Appendix II to I factors (high levels of poaching)

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Prop. 7 • Distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, SUPPORT Smooth-coated otter China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, • Poaching and illegal trade pose serious and increasing threats to L. Thailand, Viet Nam. Lutrogale perspicillata perspicillata. • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2015); >30% decline over past 30 years; • Demand for live young otters for pet trade is increasing; highest in extirpated in China; depleted in Bangladesh; declining in Pakistan. Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.8,9,10 • Threats: Poaching for pelts, pets and traditional medicine; habitat loss; • App. I listing would improve enforcement for similar Appendix I otters pollution; overfishing; increased aquaculture and conflicts with fishermen (such as Lutra lutra) due to difficulty in distinguishing between skins of (killings); introduced diseases. different species. • Trade: >6,000 Asian otters seized in recent decades, almost half in India; most seizures not identified to species level, but 90 identified asL. perspicil- lata, including 25 live specimens; actual number likely much higher given „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, desirability of pelts; 99% of seizures were skins; main market for pelts is para. C(ii)): internationally traded . marked decline inferred China; study in four Asian countries documented 560 online advertisements . high levels of exploitation . high vulnerability to extrinsic for live otters, including L. perspicillata. factors (high levels of poaching)

Bangladesh, India and Nepal

Transfer from Appendix II to I

Prop. 8 • Distribution: Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South OPPOSE Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe; proposal for Eswatini population only. Southern white rhinoceros • Effect of removing Annotation: Ceratotherium simum simum • Population: Near Threatened (IUCN 2011); global population 20,375 in 2015 (IUCN/SSC AfRSG); population of Eswatini: 66. --Species would be listed on Appendix II for Eswatini, allowing exports of any specimens for any purpose, including horn for • Threats: Principal threat poaching for horn; total poached since 2008 commercial purposes; and >7,900; three poached in Eswatini (2 in 2011; 1 in 2014); other threats are drought, habitat degradation. --Risks encouraging horn consumption, undermining international and domestic bans on trade and demand reduction programs • Trade: Global gross exports of wild-sourced, 2008-2017: 921 live (including in major consumer countries), and complicating specimens, 1,445 trophies; Eswatini, 2008-2017: 13 live (all to South enforcement; would facilitate laundering illegal horn, placing all rhino Africa).11 All populations on Appendix I except South Africa and Swaziland populations at increased risk. (Eswatini) are on Appendix II with Annotation (“For the exclusive pur- pose of allowing international trade in live animals to appropriate and • Proposal provides no evidence of any anticipated positive impact on acceptable destinations and hunting trophies. All other specimens shall rhino conservation. be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the • Proposal provides no detail on how legal trade would operate, who trad- trade in them shall be regulated accordingly”). ing partners would be, how retailers would be licensed or how legal Eswatini horn from Eswatini would be distinguished from illegal horn from other “Remove the annotation to the Appendix II listing of sources to prevent laundering. Eswatini’s population of Southern white rhinoceros • Eswatini remains in Category 3 of CITES National Legislation Project; so as to enable Eswatini to realise full Appendix Eswatini’s legislation is believed generally not to meet the requirements II status for its white rhinos to permit commercial for the implementation of CITES. trade in Eswatini’s white rhinos and their products, including horn and derivatives.” Continued SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Continued • At CoP17, Parties, including rhino range States, rejected a similar pro- posal from Eswatini. • Wild population in Eswatini is very small and declining, has a restricted distribution, has experienced a decline in quality of habitat, and has high vulnerability to drought, poaching, and illegal trade.

Prop. 9 • Distribution: Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South OPPOSE Southern white rhinoceros Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe; proposal for Namibia population only. • The population of Namibia qualifies for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. Ceratotherium simum simum • Population: Near Threatened (IUCN 2011); global population 20,375 CoP17), Annex 1, para. A): the wild population is ‘small’ (1,037 <<5,000 in 2015 (IUCN/SSC AfRSG); population of Namibia is 1,037. individuals) and has a high vulnerability to extrinsic factors (poaching and illegal trade). • Threats: Principal threat poaching for horn; >7,900 poached globally since 2008; 43 poached in Namibia since 2010, significantly increasing • At CoP17, Namibia was recommended for inclusion as a Priority Country in recent years.12 for Attention by CITES Rhino Working Group due to recent escalation of poaching.14 • Trade: Global trade in wild-sourced, 2008-2017: 921 live, 1,445 tro- phies; Namibia, 2008-2017: 15 live rhinos, 31 trophies.13 All popula- • Namibia’s conviction rate for poaching and illegal trade remains poor: tions on Appendix I except South Africa and Swaziland (Eswatini) are only one of 85 poaching and trafficking cases since 2016 resulted in a on Appendix II with Annotation (“For the exclusive purpose of allowing conviction as of Oct. 2018.15 international trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destina- • Species in high demand; precautionary measures in Annex 4 of RC 9.24 tions and hunting trophies. All other specimens shall be deemed to be (Rev. CoP17) precludes transfer to Appendix II. specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly”). „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, Namibia para. A): wild population is small (1,037) . each subpopula- tion is very small (~73 subpopulations) . high vulnerability Transfer Namibia’s population from Appendix I to II to extrinsic factors (poaching and illegal trade) with the following annotation: “For the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in: a) live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations; and b) hunting trophies. All other specimens shall be deemed to be speci- mens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.”

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Prop. 10 • Distribution: Proposal for Zambian population only; see Prop. 12 for OPPOSE African elephant general information on L. africana. • Effect of proposal would be to allow Zambia to export registered raw Loxodonta africana • Population: Proposal provides population estimate of 23,000-27,000 African elephant ivory for commercial purposes under certain condi- in Zambia. tions; this undermines recommendation in RC10.10 (Rev. CoP17) to close domestic ivory markets, and demand reduction campaigns and • Threats: For L. africana generally, poaching for ivory trade and meat, enforcement efforts. and habitat loss and fragmentation;16 proposal reports chief threat to be human-elephant conflict. • IUCN SSC African Elephant Specialist Group provides 2016 Zambia pop- 18 • Trade: Zambia gross exports 2013-2017 include 39 trophies and 62 ulation estimate of 21,967±4,704. tusks;17 2005 annual export quota of 40 tusks as hunting trophies from • Proposal does not mention evidence of large-scale poaching, including 20 animals increased to 160 tusks and other trophies from 80 animals 85% carcass ratio in Sioma Ngwezi National Park19 (highest reported in in 2011-2016. the Great Elephant Census), and in Luangwa Valley, Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi system20 and South Luangwa National Park.21 • ETIS report to CoP18 identifies Zambia as country of concern linked to large-scale movements of ivory.22 Zambia • Zambia shares its population with neighboring countries heavily affected by poaching whose elephants are on Appendix I. Transfer the population of Zambia from Appendix I • At least three tons of ivory stolen from government stockpile since to Appendix II subject to: 2012; unclear if any prosecutions have followed.23 1. Trade in registered raw ivory (tusks and pieces) • CITES Parties rejected similar proposals by Zambia at CoP12 (2002) and for commercial purposes only to CITES approved CoP15 (2010). trading partners who will not re-export; • Population experienced a marked decline in the last three generations 2. Trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial from 200,000 in 198124 to ~20,000 in 2015.25 Population has not recov- purposes; ered. Meets criteria for Appendix I in RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, 3. Trade in hides and leather goods; and para. C. 4. All other specimens shall be deemed to be • Ivory seizure data in Proposal is inconsistent with other information: specimens of species in Appendix I and the trade Proposal states 1,348.8 kg ivory seized in 2017; however publicly avail- 26 in them shall be regulated accordingly. able information indicates that > 3,000 kg of ivory was seized that year. • Precautionary measures in RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 4, para. a) 2) B) for transfer to Appendix II not met: no “appropriate enforcement controls and compliance with the requirements of the Convention”; population continues to satisfy the criteria for listing in Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, para. C(i).

Prop. 11 • Distribution: Proposal for populations of Botswana, Namibia, South OPPOSE African elephant Africa and Zimbabwe only; see Prop.12 for general information on L. • Effect of proposal would be to allow international trade in registered Loxodonta africana africana. government-owned stocks of African elephant ivory from the four coun- • Population: Country totals in proposal: Botswana 131,626, Namibia tries under certain circumstances; this undermines recommendation 22,754, South Africa 18,841, and Zimbabwe 82,630. in RC10.10 (Rev. CoP17) to close domestic ivory markets, and demand reduction campaigns and enforcement efforts. • Threats: For L. africana generally, poaching for ivory trade and meat, Continued Continued Continued SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Continued Continued Continued and habitat loss and fragmentation;28 proposal reports chief threats to be • Legal ivory markets provide a cover for illegal ivory and fuel illegal human-elephant conflict, poaching, habitat loss. trade, poaching and consumer demand;30 after 2008 sale, demand for 31 • Trade: 2013-2017 gross exports (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, ivory in China and poaching increased significantly. Zimbabwe): live (0, 6, 72,100); ivory carvings (0, 0, 1,503, 2,280 and • MIKE found an increase in proportion of illegally killed elephants (PIKE) ~11,484 kg); trophies (648, 468, 1,499, 1,006); tusks (1,113, 333, for Southern Africa since 2016, including in Chobe National Park 1,153, 1,307 and ~29,032 kg);29 two ‘one-off’ sales of registered raw (Botswana) and Kruger National Park (South Africa).32 ivory from government-owned stocks (excluding seized ivory and ivory • ETIS recommends South Africa and Zimbabwe as Category C countries of unknown origin): the first from Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe to of concern because of exports of illegal ivory; Namibia identified as a Japan in 1999 and the second from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and country of origin or export for illegally worked ivory, and Botswana as an Zimbabwe to Japan and China in 2008. important source of illegal trade in raw ivory.33

Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe

Amend annotation 2 for the populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe by deleting paragraphs (g)(iv), (g)(v), (g)(vii) and (h).27

Prop. 12 • Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa (37 range States). SUPPORT African elephant • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2008); estimated continental population • Proposal would prohibit all international commercial trade in African Loxodonta africana 415,428 (±20,111). African Elephant Status Report 2016 first in 25 years elephant ivory and other specimens and thereby simplify enforcement. to report continental decline in elephant numbers; declines attributed primarily to a surge in poaching. • Supported by the 32 member countries of the African Elephant Coalition, constituting the overwhelming majority of African elephant range States. • Threats: Poaching for ivory, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict. • RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 3, recommends that listing of a species in • Trade: For 2015-2016, African range States reported wild-sourced more than one Appendix should be avoided in view of the enforcement exports of 133 tusks, 12,543 kg of tusks and 653 trophies; countries of problems it creates. import recorded wild-sourced imports of 752 tusks, 124 kg of tusks and, 739 trophies.34

Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Togo

Include all populations in Appendix I through transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I of the populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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Prop. 13 • Distribution: Formerly from Europe to north-eastern Siberia, including SUPPORT Woolly mammoth the American mid-west and eastern Canada. • Mammoth ivory trade almost totally unregulated and undocumented; Mammuthus primigenius • Population: Extinct. not easily distinguished from elephant ivory, facilitating illegal interna- tional trade. • Threats: Trade in mammoth ivory provides a cover for illegal trade in elephant ivory. • DNA analysis (2018) found mammoth and illegal elephant ivory in the same seized shipment in Cambodia.35 • Trade: Ivory traded; tusk imports to Hong Kong increased from <9 tons/ year 2000-2003 to 31 tons/year 2007-2013: Russia reportedly exported • Extensive evidence36 of elephant ivory sold as mammoth ivory in China nearly 80 tons of mammoth tusks in 2017, of which 80% went to China. and Hong Kong; increase in demand and prices from $350/kg in 2010 to $1,900/kg in 2014.

„„Meets criteria for listing in Appendix II in accordance with the Convention Article II.2 (b)): worked mammoth ivory pieces cannot easily be distinguished from elephant ivory

Israel

Include in Appendix II in accordance with Article II, paragraph 2 (b)

Prop. 14 • Distribution: Australia. SUPPORT Greater stick-nest rat • Population: Near Threatened (IUCN 2012). • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. Leporillus conditor CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. • Threats: Predation by feral cats and red foxes. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 15 • Distribution: Australia. SUPPORT Shark bay mouse • Population: P. fieldi, Vulnerable (IUCN 2012). • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. Pseudomys fieldi praeconis • Threats: Predation by introduced predators. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II

Prop. 16 • Distribution: Australia, Papua New Guinea. SUPPORT False swamp rat • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2015). • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. Xeromys myoides CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. • Threats: Habitat loss. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II

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Prop. 17 • Distribution: Australia. SUPPORT Central rock rat • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2015). • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. Zyzomys pedunculatus • Threats: Fires; predation by feral cats. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II

Prop. 18 • Distribution: China. SUPPORT Reeve’s pheasant • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2018); classified as Endangered in China’s • Male specimens in demand for their beautiful coloration and long tail Syrmaticus reevesii Red List (2015). feathers. • Threats: Hunting, habitat loss, collection for trade. • Nationally protected in China. • Trade: Feathers, live individuals and eggs offered online; hunts advertised • “Dramatic decline” recorded in 2015 study; poaching for feathers listed online in Czech Republic and Slovakia; eggs, chicks and adults collected from as chief threat.37 wild to meet demand for exhibition and from private collectors and breeding centers; 2007-2015, 41 kg and 3,674 feather pieces commercially imported into the EU with China claimed as source, yet species nationally protected. „„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. B): traded internationally . species in decline . threatened by trade

China

Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 19 • Distribution: Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, SUPPORT Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, South Sudan, Nigeria (possibly Black-crowned crane • Twice included in Review of Significant Trade, which failed to respond extirpated). Balearica pavonina to shifts in trade; e.g. Sudan, subject to a trade suspension for the spe- • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2016); 30-49% decline over 45 years (three cies since 2013, has exported 62 specimens as “captive-bred’ since the generations); ongoing decline; 28,000-47,000 mature individuals; B. p. pavo- suspension has been in place.39 38 nina classified as Endangered; fragmented into 8+ isolated populations. • Breeding success in captivity considered to be ‘very low’.40 • Threats: Habitat loss; trapping of live birds for domestic and international • In 2016, 20 wild B. pavonina exported from DRC where species is only trade. “an occasional visitor”. 41 • Trade: From 1986-2016, 8,916 live birds exported. • Species is highly prized in private collections.42

„„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, para. C i), ii)): traded internationally . trade a major threat . rapid population decline will continue . fragmented populations

Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal

Transfer from Appendix II to I

Prop. 20 • Distribution: Australia. SUPPORT Lesser rufous bristlebird • Population: Last reliably recorded in 1906. • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. Dasyornis broadbenti litoralis • Threats: Habitat conversion to pasture. CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II

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Prop. 21 • Distribution: Australia. SUPPORT Long-billed bristlebird • Population: Endangered (IUCN 2016). • AC30 determined that species meets the criteria in RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) for transfer from Appendix I to II. Dasyornis longirostris • Threats: Habitat destruction; fires. • Trade: No trade recorded in the CITES Trade Database; no illegal trade known.

Australia

Transfer from Appendix I to II

Prop. 22 • Distribution: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, OPPOSE American crocodile Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, • Proponent intends to pursue a ranching scheme for the species. Panama, Peru, USA, Venezuela; proposal for Mexico population only. Crocodylus acutus • Appropriate approach would be to submit a proposal in accordance with • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2009). RC 11.16 (Rev. CoP15) on Ranching and trade in ranched specimens of • Threats: Habitat loss; illegal hunting for hides. species transferred from Appendix I to Appendix II. • Trade: No exports from Mexico for commercial purposes; Mexico recorded • Stable or increasing trends only reported in “some” sites within Mexico. 54 seizures totalling 186 specimens from 2005-2018; illegal hunting for hides occurs.43

Mexico

Transfer the population of Mexico from Appendix I to II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 23 • Distribution: Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Black-cheek lizard and Pethiyagoda’s • Population: C. nigrilabris: Endangered (Sri Lanka’s National Red List • Both species highly vulnerable to over-collection for trade because of crestless lizard 201244); C. pethiyagodai: only described in 2014,45 not yet assessed but pro- restricted distribution, special habitat needs, small populations and low Calotes nigrilabris and Calotes pethiyagodai posed for Endangered; area of occupancy of C. nigrilabris <500 km; for C. reproductive output. 2 pethiyagodai only 25 km ; habitat severely fragmented. • Illegal captures ongoing despite strict protection.46 • Threats: Habitat loss, pesticide use and collection for pet trade. • Legally exported in1980s but absent in marketplace for almost 30 • Trade: Adult specimens of both species are in the international pet trade; years; recent offers must be for recently and illegally obtained wild regularly on sale in Europe and USA; sell for up to USD 1,000/pair. specimens or their offspring. • Specimens of C. pethiyagodai were first offered in the international pet trade in 2016.47

„„ Meet criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. A (i) and (v); B (i), (iii) and (iv); C (i)): traded internationally . range-restricted species . small, decreasing and fragmented populations . decline in both habitat and number of individuals . high vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic factors Sri Lanka

Include in Appendix I

Prop. 24 • Distribution: Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Horned lizards • Population: C. tennentii Endangered (IUCN 1996); C. aspera: Vulnerable • In demand because of their appearance and coloration. Ceratophora spp. (IUCN 2009). Of five species, three classified in Sri Lanka’s National Red List (2012) as Critically Endangered, two as Endangered; three species are point • Illegal captures ongoing despite strict protection. endemic (two limited to an area <10 km², one to <200 km²). • Legally exported in1980s but absent in marketplace for almost 30 • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for pet trade. years; recent offers must be for recently and illegally obtained wild specimens or their offspring. • Trade: Adult specimens of C. stoddartii in international trade since 2011, C. 48 tennentii and C. aspera since 2014, and C. erdeleni and C. karu since 2017. • Prices in Europe may reach € 2,200/pair.

„„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. B (i), (iii), (iv) and C (ii)): traded internationally . restricted area of distribution . severely fragmented popula- tion . high vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic factors . decrease in both area and quality of habitat

Sri Lanka

Include in Appendix I

www.ssn.org 13 14 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 25 • Distribution: Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Pygmy lizard and Knuckles pygmy lizard • Population: C. dumbara: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2008); C. ceylanica: • High demand for endemic Sri Lankan reptiles49 in the international pet Cophotis ceylanica and Cophotis dumbara Endangered (Sri Lanka’s National Red List 2012), not assessed by IUCN; both trade. species occur in highly fragmented cloud forests. • Illegal captures ongoing despite strict protection. • Threats: Habitat loss, agrochemicals, climate change and collection for • Legally exported in1980s but absent in marketplace for almost 30 pet trade. years; recent offers must be for recently and illegally obtained wild • Trade: In recent years significant numbers of both species have appeared specimens or their offspring. in the international pet market as adult specimens.; C. dumbara discovered 2006, recorded in international pet trade since at least 2016; specimens sell for up to € 750 each. „„ Meet criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. A (i) and (v); B (i), (iii) and (iv)): traded internationally . small, declining and fragmented population . high vulner- ability to intrinsic and extrinsic factors . observed, inferred or projected decrease in area of distribution, area of habitat and quality of habitat . restricted area of distribution Sri Lanka

Include in Appendix I

Prop. 26 • Distribution: Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Hump-nosed lizard, lyre head lizard • Population: Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012); extent of • One of most sought-after Sri Lankan agamids. Lyriocephalus scutatus occurrence <20,000 km² (maybe just 800 km²).50 • Restricted to relatively small areas; vulnerable to overexploitation and • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for pet trade. local extinction. • Trade: Adult specimens in international trade since 2011; regularly offered • Strictly protected in Sri Lanka. for sale online in Europe and USA. • Prices in USA as high as USD 5,500/pair.

„„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. B (iii) and (iv)): traded internationally . severely frag- mented population . high vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic factors . serious decrease in both area and quality of habitat

Sri Lanka

Include in Appendix I SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 27 • Distribution: China, Viet Nam, Japan. SUPPORT Tiger geckos, cave geckos, leopard • Population: Of 19 species (13 covered by proposal), 3 are Critically • Popular in pet trade since 1990s. geckos Endangered, 3 Endangered, 2 Vulnerable (IUCN 2018). • High local endemism; many recorded from a single locality, mountain Goniurosaurus spp. • Threats: Habitat loss, collection for pet trade. range or archipelago. • Trade: Widely offered for sale online; 16,714 Goniurosaurus spp. imported • Recently described G. catbaensis already offered online by European into USA 1999-2018, 68.9% wild-caught; G. luii sells for up to USD 2,000 each. traders. • Some species qualify for listing in Appendix I.

„„Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B): several species have fragmented populations, small area of occupancy . all species in demand for trade . high trade levels . some species qualify for listing in Appendix I

China, European Union and Viet Nam

Include populations of China and Viet Nam in Appendix II

Prop. 28 • Distribution: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, SUPPORT Tokay gecko • India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, • Legal and illegal trade levels are high. Gekko gecko Thailand, Viet Nam. • In 2011, 6.75 tonnes of illegally acquired tokay geckos were seized en • Population: Not assessed (IUCN); declines reported in Indonesia, route from Indonesia to Hong Kong. Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Viet Nam and China. • Organized smugglers in Bhutan, Nepal, India and Bangladesh reportedly • Threats: Collection for trade and habitat loss. working together to move specimens in international trade.51 • Trade: Sold in dried form or preserved in alcohol for use in Traditional • Listing is needed to combat increase in trade in other reptile species Chinese Medicine; very high levels of trade (e.g. Taiwan imported a total of under the name G. gecko. ~15 million specimens 2004-2013; 2-5 million exported from Thailand each year); also trade in live specimens as pets. „„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. B): high levels of international trade . declines reported . very high levels of international trade

European Union, India, Philippines and USA

Include in Appendix II

www.ssn.org 15 16 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 29 • Distribution: Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. SUPPORT Grenadines clawed gecko, Union Island • Population: Critically Endangered (2011); fewer than 10,000 individuals; • Highly desired by collectors. 2 gecko first described 2005; area of occurrence 1 km ; 80% population decline • A 2016 conservation plan for species by the government of St. Vincent Gonatodes daudini since 2010 in areas accessible to trappers. and the Grenadines identifies listing in Appendix I as a priority. • Threats: Collection for pet trade; habitat loss/degradation; alien species • No commercial exports authorized. (domestic cats, goats). • Trade: Heavily targeted for pet trade; prices of up to USD 700 each; more than „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 12 traders offered the species online in 2016-2017; never legally exported. 1, paras. A (I), (iii), (iv) and B (i)): traded internationally . restricted area of distribution . occurrence at one location . marked decline in population

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Include in Appendix I

Prop. 30 • Distribution: Madagascar. SUPPORT Grandidier’s ground gecko • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2011); rare; populations severely • Up to 1,000 specimens collected annually; level of harvest may threaten Paroedura androyensis fragmented. survival. • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for pet trade. • Trade: Madagascar exported 6,392 live specimens 2013-2017. „„Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. B): traded internationally . severely fragmented popula- tion . continuing decline in habitat . high levels of trade

European Union and Madagascar

Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 31 • Distribution: Mexico (11 species), Honduras (6), Guatemala (5), Costa SUPPORT Spiny-tailed iguanas Rica (2), El Salvador (2), Nicaragua (2), Belize (1), Colombia (1), Panama (1). • Four species currently in Appendix II; listing of entire genus would facili- 14 species are endemic to single range States. Ctenosaura spp. tate enforcement. • Population: 18 species; 2 Critically Endangered, 5 Endangered, 3 • Identification to species level is very difficult.52 Vulnerable (IUCN). Mexico classifies 7 (of 11) species as endangered (1), threatened (4) or under special protection (2). • Populations have collapsed or are seriously depleted in several Mexican states. • Threats: Habitat loss, local consumption, collection for pet trade. • Significant illegal trade for international pet market; e.g., alleged cap- • Trade: Over the last 10 years the USA imported 63,971 live specimens, tive-bred specimens of C. alfredsmithi, a Mexican endemic never legally with 15 of 18 species of the genus being traded; C. similis and C. quinque- exported, are offered for sale in the EU. carinata are the most popular, followed by C. palearis and C. melanosterna. • Depending on species and age, prices vary from USD 15-1,500.

„„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. A and Annex 2b para. A): high levels of international trade . several species seriously reduced . high demand in El Salvador and Mexico international trade . listing of full genus will harmonize and facilitate enforcement Include in Appendix II

Prop. 32 • Distribution: Iran. SUPPORT Spider-tailed horned viper • Population: Data deficient (IUCN 2009); rare; only known from a few • Unique tail makes it a target for collectors. Pseudocerastes urarachnoides specimens; scattered and small populations. • Threats: Collection for pet trade, which led to local extinctions of popula- „„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex tions of similar P. persicus and P. fieldi. 2a, paras. A and B): traded internationally . rare . small pop- • Trade: No legal trade; specimens offered online in Europe. ulations . specimens advertised online

Iran

Include in Appendix II

www.ssn.org 17 18 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 33 • Distribution: Lao PDR, Viet Nam. SUPPORT Bourret’s box turtle • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2016). • Strictly protected in both range States. Cuora bourreti • Threats: Collection for pet trade and for use as food; unsustainable trade • Viet Nam seized 18 specimens in 2018. has resulted in depletion, if not collapse, of all populations surveyed. • Large numbers of illegally traded C. galbinifrons recorded in markets in • Trade: 3,372 live specimens legally traded 1999-2013 (previously recorded China; difficult to distinguishC. bourreti from C. galbinifrons. as Cuora galbinifrons; minority of these specimens likely C. bourreti); • Among the top 15 chelonian species offered for sale in Viet Nam on increasing economic value because of rarity; currently listed in Appendix II Facebook.53 (under C. galbinifrons) with a zero export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes. „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. A (v) and C (i)): illegal international trade . severe decline due to trade . slow growth, late maturity, low repro- ductive output

Viet Nam

Transfer from Appendix II to I

Prop. 34 • Distribution: Viet Nam; previously identified as a subspecies ofC. SUPPORT Southern Viet Nam box turtle galbinifrons. • Strictly protected in Viet Nam. • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2015); limited to small area in Cuora picturata • Large numbers of illegally traded C. galbinifrons recorded in markets in southern Viet Nam; likely no more than 3,000-10,000 individuals. China: difficult to distinguishC. picturata from C. galbinifrons. Collection for pet trade and for use as food; unsustainable trade • Threats: • Among the top 15 chelonian species offered for sale in Viet Nam on has resulted in depletion, if not collapse, of populations. Facebook.54 • Trade: 3,372 live specimens legally traded 1999-2013 (previously recorded as C. galbinifrons; minority of these specimens likely C. picturata); „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, increasing economic value because of rarity; currently listed in Appendix II paras. A (i), (iv), B) (iii), (iv) and C) (i)): traded internationally . (under C. galbinifrons) with a zero export quota for wild specimens traded for small population . severe decline due to trade . slow growth, commercial purposes. late maturity, low reproductive output

Viet Nam

Transfer from Appendix II to I SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 35 • Distribution: Viet Nam. SUPPORT Vietnamese pond turtle, Annam pond • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2000). • Protected from commercial exploitation in Viet Nam. turtle • Threats: Collection for international pet trade, as food and as breeding • AC20 agreed with recommendation to transfer species to Appendix I. Mauremys annamensis stock in aquaculture facilities; habitat loss. • Scattered distribution in a few wetlands with only a few individuals • Trade: 1,581 live individuals exported 2000-2017; 91 live individuals surviving. seized in 7 separate cases 2000-2015; zero quota for wild specimens • Common until early to mid-1990s; commercial trade led to population for commercial purposes adopted at CoP16; proposal to list species on collapse within a few years. Appendix I not considered on procedural grounds.

„„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. A (i) (ii), (v), B (i), (iii) (iv) and C (i)): illegal international trade . restricted area of distribution . late maturity, low repro- ductive output, low recruitment . small population . severe population declines

Viet Nam

Transfer from Appendix II to I

Prop. 36 • Distribution: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Indian star tortoise • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 2016). • In demand because of star pattern on shell. Geochelone elegans • Threats: Illegal collection for pet trade; habitat loss. • Protected in all range States. • Trade: Reported illegal collection of at least 55,000 wild specimens from • Most frequently confiscated species of tortoise or freshwater turtle one location in India in one year, 3-6 times number (10,000–20,000) previ- worldwide. ously estimated to be poached throughout entire range. 70,664 live speci- • Targeted take of juveniles may impair recruitment; this may not mani- mens exported 2000-2015, 58% recorded as captive-bred; data on country fest for several years. of origin missing for 91% of specimens. Largest exporter of ‘captive-bred’ specimens (Lebanon) now has zero quota in place as instructed by AC70. „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, para. C (i), (ii)): significant illegal trade . severe decline due to trade . late maturity, limited reproductive output, long genera- tion time . easily hunted

Bangladesh, India, Senegal and Sri Lanka

Transfer from Appendix II to I

www.ssn.org 19 20 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 37 • Distribution: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia. SUPPORT Pancake tortoise • Population: Vulnerable (IUCN 1996); Critically Endangered recom- • Highly vulnerable to overexploitation: low reproductive output (1 egg/ Malacochersus tornieri mended (IUCN 2018). year, late maturity), rigid habitat requirements, low densities and frag- mented populations. • Threats: Collection for pet trade, habitat degradation. Subpopulations depleted or extirpated by collectors. • Trade: Traded in significant numbers, as captive bred or ranched; serious • doubt about origin of specimens in trade. Zambia, with one population of an • Experts “strongly recommended” including the pancake tortoise on estimated 518 tortoises, exported at least 24,000 specimens 2006-2016. CITES Appendix I.55

„„ Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 1, paras. A (i), (v), B (i), (iii), (iv) and C (i)): traded internationally . population is small and markedly declined . restricted and fragmented area of distribution . high vulnerability to intrin- sic and extrinsic factors . decrease in habitat and number of subpopulations Kenya and USA

Transfer from Appendix II to I

Prop. 38 • Distribution: Central and South America, Mexico; 65 of the 104 species SUPPORT Glass frogs are endemic to a single country. • Most species difficult for non-experts to distinguish, requiring listing of Hyalinobatrachium spp., Centrolene spp., • Population: 4 species classified as Critically Endangered, 12 entire genera. Cochranella spp., and Sachatamia spp. Endangered and 16 Vulnerable (IUCN); occupied habitat for several species • Popular in pet trade in the EU and US. <500 km² and area of occurrence <5,000 km². • Demand highly unselective: customers want to buy “a glass frog” inde- • Threats: Habitat loss, climate change, chytridiomycosis, collection for pendent of species. pet trade. • Nationally protected in most range States. • Trade: Species from all four proposed genera affected; regularly adver- tised on the internet; USA imported 2,138 glass frogs 2004-2016; signifi- • Claimed “farm-raised” specimens from Costa Rica” in trade; country cant illegal and unreported trade documented by seizures (e.g. Costa Rica has no such facilities. 2014: dozens of glass frogs and 203 tadpoles seized from German citizen); Hyalinobatrachium spp. sold for € 175 each, Sachatamia spp. For € 350 „„Meet criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, and unidentifiedCentrolene spp. for up to € 900. para. B and Annex 2b para. A): significant legal and illegal trade . several have restricted areas of distribution . increasing demand in international trade . look-alike reasons justify listing of all genera . high vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic fac- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and tors . serious decrease in both area and quality of habitat Peru

Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 39 • Distribution: China. SUPPORT Chinhai spiny newt and mountain spiny • Population: E. chinhaiensis, Critically Endangered (IUCN 2004); E. maxi- • Both species have limited distribution and small population size. 56 newt quadratus considered to be Critically Endangered; most endangered sala- • High demand on Internet for both species. Echinotriton chinhaiensis and Echinotriton mander species in Asia. discovered in 2013; only ten individuals recorded in maxiquadratus • E. maxiquadratus • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for pet trade. field surveys 2011-2016. • Trade: Two live E. chinhaiensis offered for sale in Japan at USD 1400 each; for E. maxiquadratus, the possibility of illegal hunting and trade is high. „„Meet criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. B): illegal international trade . extremely narrow distribu- tion . occurrence at few locations . small population sizes . highly fragmented habitats . late maturing, long-lived

China

Include in Appendix II

Prop. 40 • Distribution: China, Viet Nam. SUPPORT Asian warty newts • Population: 13 species; 7 species on IUCN Red List (2 Endangered, 1 • P. hongkongensis is listed in Appendix II. spp. Vulnerable, 2 Near Threatened, 2 Least Concern); classifications need Paramesotriton • Currently at least 3 undescribed taxa in trade. updating; small distribution ranges; some species known from one locality. • Distinguishing among species is difficult. • Threats: Collection for food, traditional medicine and national and interna- tional pet trade; habitat loss. • Easily collected when congregated in breeding pools. • Trade: 38,273 individuals imported into the USA 2000-2016, 50% wild- caught; some in international trade before species described. „„Meet criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B and Annex 2b, para. A): high levels of interna- tional trade . extremely small distribution ranges . popular in trade . similar in appearance to P. hongkongensis

China, European Union and Viet Nam

Include populations of China and Viet Nam in Appendix II

www.ssn.org 21 22 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 41 • Distribution: Bhutan, China, India, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, SUPPORT Viet Nam. Crocodile newts • Most species only known from a few localities. Tylototriton spp. • Population: 25 species, 20 single-country endemics; 13 species on IUCN • 18 of 25 species described over last 10 years; new species highly Red List (2 Endangered, 5 Vulnerable, 3 Near Threatened, 3 Least Concern). sought in pet trade. • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for food, pets, traditional medicine; inter- • Trade volume probably much higher than trade statistics suggest.57 national trade. • Identifying to species level is difficult. • Trade: At least 12 species in international trade; 35,237 individuals imported into USA 1999-2017, 76% wild-caught. Some in international trade • Easily collected when congregated at breeding sites. before species described. • Some species qualify for listing in Appendix I.

„„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B and 2b, para. A): high levels of interna- tional trade . small ranges . few and small populations . declining populations and habitat . popular in trade China, European Union, Viet Nam

Include in Appendix II

Prop. 42 • Distribution: I. oxyrinchus: offshore temperate and tropical seas world- SUPPORT Shortfin mako shark and longfin mako wide; I. paucus: Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Micronesia, Morocco, Nauru, Portugal, Solomon • In the North Atlantic alone 1500 tonnes caught Jan-Jun 2018; global shark Islands, Spain, Taiwan, China, USA, Western Sahara. fisheries inadequately monitored, catches poorly recorded. Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus • Population: I. oxyrinchus: Endangered (IUCN 2018); I. paucus: • Longfin mako resembles shortfin but is less abundant and has lower Endangered (IUCN 2018); ICCAT (2017) identified severe decline ofI. oxyrin- fecundity (2-8 young). chus in the Atlantic, with 54% chance of recovering by 2040 if catches cut • International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to zero; no catch limits were adopted. Both species declining globally due to stock assessment shows severe population declines; ICCAT failed to adopt largely unmanaged target and bycatch fisheries (especially pelagic longline management measures in line with scientific advice in 2017 and 2018. fisheries). listed as Critically Endangered in the Mediterranean I. oxyrinchus • CITES listing will encourage better management measures by regional due to decline of over 90% (IUCN 2016). fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), including ICCAT, and will • Threats: Overfishing for meat and fin trade. compliment domestic and regional fisheries management. • Trade: Traded internationally for high-quality meat and fins; during 2014- „„I. oxyrinchus meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. 2015, I. oxyrinchus was fifth most observed species in the shark fin trade CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B): international trade a major through Hong Kong’s main commercial center; fins make up Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Brazil, I. oxyrinchus driver of population declines . low reproduction rate (high age 0.2-1.2% of current international trade. High value and quality of meat drive Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte at maturity >8 years, litter size of 4-25 young, only every 2 to 3 target and bycatch fisheries. d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, years) . I. paucus meets Annex 2b, para. A, for look-alike rea- European Union, Gabon, Gambia, Jordan, sons . listing would improve enforcement Lebanon, Liberia, Maldives, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palau, Samoa, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Togo

Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 43 • Distribution: Proposal is to list G. cemiculus and G. granulatus on SUPPORT Giant guitarfishes Appendix II in accordance with RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) Annex 2a, para. A, and • Population declines of 50-80% projected to continue; in Senegal, landings the other four species under para. B because they look like the other two. Glaucostegus spp. dropped 80% in 7 years (4,050 tonnes in 1998 to 821 tonnes in 2005). G. cemiculus: E. Atlantic, Portugal through the Mediterranean to Angola; G. granulatus: Indian Ocean from United Arab Emirates to Myanmar. • Targeted for the shark fin trade; fins are sold for higher prices than those of other species. • Population: G. cemiculus and G. granulatus: Critically Endangered (IUCN 201958); populations of both species have declined up to 80% over the past • Closely related to Appendix I-listed sawfish; listing necessary to prevent three generations. similar fate. • Threats: Unmanaged and unregulated fisheries; biological characteristics „„Glaucostegus cemiculus and G. granulatus meet criteria for make them prone to bycatch; those caught as bycatch are retained for fin Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B): trade. international trade major driver of population declines . low productivity . highly susceptible to capture as bycatch; other 4 • Trade: Some of the most valuable species in international fin trade; fins species meet Annex 2b, para. A, for look-alike reasons seen in shops in Hong Kong and at auction and for sale in Oman and UAE. Meat consumed domestically and sometimes exported but far less com- monly than fins. Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, European Union, Gabon, Gambia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Togo and Ukraine

Include in Appendix II

Prop. 44 • Distribution: 2 of 10 species in family Rhinidae meet criteria in RC 9.24 SUPPORT (CoP17), Annex 2a, para. A: : Australia, South East Wedgefishes Rhynchobatus australiae • Fins sold for higher prices than other species. Rhinidae spp. Asia, India, Middle East and Eastern Africa down to Northern Mozambique; R. djiddensis: Western Indian Ocean from South Africa to Oman. • Especially susceptible to bycatch due to coastal habitats; declines of up to 86% in some areas over a 5-year period. • Population: R. australiae and R. djiddensis: Critically Endangered (IUCN 201959); Rhinidae is third most globally threatened chondrichthyan family. • Heavily exploited throughout their range yet lacking fisheries manage- Significant decline in Southeast Asia; 86% decline in one generation in ment measures. Southern Asia; 50-80% decline over three generations in the Northwest „„ R. australiae and R. djiddensis meet criteria for Appendix II Indian Ocean; declines noted in Eastern Africa. (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B): interna- • Threats: Unsustainable and unregulated fishery mortality throughout tional trade a major driver of population declines . restricted range; both caught by artisanal and commercial fisheries as target species habitat use . low productivity . other 8 species in the family and as bycatch; retention incentivized by high value in the global fin trade. Rhinidae and any putative species of the family meet Annex 2b, para. A, for look-alike reasons • Trade: Low-value meat consumed domestically; increasingly targeted Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Brazil, and retained for the fin trade;R. australiae made up highest percentage Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte of species in Singapore fin trade in a recent study. d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, European Union, Continued www.ssn.org 23 24 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Continued Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Mali, Mexico, Monaco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palau, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Syria, Togo and Ukraine Include in Appendix II

Prop. 45 • Distribution: Reef and seagrass ecosystems in Indian and Pacific SUPPORT Oceans, from East Africa to Polynesia. Teatfish • Teatfish are some of the most fished and poached tropical Indo-Pacific Holothuria (Microthele) fuscogilva, • Population: H. fuscogilva, Vulnerable; H.nobilis and H. whitmaei, holothurians. Endangered (IUCN 2010). Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis, and • Highly sought after; high commercial value. Holothuria (Microthele) whitmaei • Threats: Overfishing; pollution; habitat deterioration. • Global sea cucumber fishery grew from 130,000 tonnes in 1995 to • Trade: Exploited for use in Asian cuisine; market mainly in dried speci- 411,878 tonnes in 2012.61 • Easy to distinguish from other dried or live mens; also traded for medicinal and cosmetic products; price and demand sea cucumbers. increasing;60 illegal sea cucumber fishing is a long-standing issue but vol- umes are difficult to establish. „„Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paras. A and B): traded internationally . late sexual maturity, density-dependent reproduction, low recruitment rates . easily captured . depleted or overexploited in most range countries

European Union, Kenya, Senegal, Seychelles and USA Include in Appendix II

Prop. 46 • Distribution: India, Sri Lanka. SUPPORT Ornamental tarantulas • Population: Currently 15 species recognized; 8 on IUCN Red List (2 • Need to list all species due to trade shifts and similarity in appearance Poecilotheria spp. Critically Endangered, 3 Endangered, 1 Vulnerable, 1 Least Concern, 1 Data among species. Deficient). • No legal exports from Sri Lanka; five species listed in US Endangered • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for pet trade. Species Act. 63 • Trade: USA imported 22,918 live Poecilotheria spp. 2006-2017, majority • IUCN Red List assessment recommends that all Poecilotheria spp. be as captive-bred; P. regalis, P. miranda, P. rufilata, P. metallica, and P. striata included in Appendix II. very common in the pet trade; P. formosa and P. tigrinaweseli common in the 62 pet trade. „„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paragraphs A and B): traded internationally . low repro- ductive rates . decreasing and fragmented populations

Sri Lanka and USA Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 47 • Distribution: Philippines; A. c. hermeli endemic to Mindoro. SUPPORT Mindoro peacock swallowtail • Population: A. c. chikae [Papilio chikae], Endangered (IUCN 1996); A. c. • A. c. hermeli is very similar in appearance to A. c. chikae. Achillides chikae hermeli hermeli, very rare. • The proposal report that traders have offered to import specimens Achillides chikae chikae • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for trade. of CITES Appendix I-listed Papilio chikae [A. c. chikae] into the EU as unlisted as customs officers cannot distinguish between • Trade: No legal exports reported from the Philippines; both subspecies A.c. hermeli the subspecies. offered for sale on the internet; a Philippine trader claimed 300-500 P. chikae could be sourced annually. P. chikae is listed on Appendix I: the proposal will avoid split-listing of subspecies in accordance with Annex 3 of RC 9.24 „„A. c. hermeli meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), (Rev. CoP17), and in line with paragraph 2(b) of RC 12.11 (Rev. CoP17) on Annex 2b, paragraph C) as a look-alike species, but Appendix I Standard Nomenclature. Proposal includes adoption of new standard refer- is proposed in accordance with RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 3, ence64 and renaming of Papilio chikae to A. chikae chikae. and RC 12.11 (Rev. CoP17), para. 2(b)

European Union and the Philippines

Include Achillides chikae hermeli in Appendix I Amend the current Appendix I listing of Papilio chikae to Achillides chikae chikae

Prop. 48 • Distribution: Brazil. SUPPORT Riverside swallowtail • Population: Endangered (IUCN 2018); Critically Endangered (Brazil Red • Specimens sell for up to € 2,950 outside Brazil; openly sold on EU web- Parides burchellanus List); rare; three known populations are small, declining and hundreds of km sites, naming Brazil as country of origin.65,66 apart. • Protected in Brazil. • Threats: Habitat loss; collection for trade. • Trade: Specimens offered for sale outside Brazil on the internet; 19 speci- „„Meets criteria for Appendix I (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex mens found for sale in December 2018. 1, paragraphs A (i), (ii), (v), B (i), (iii), (iv) and C (ii): habitat specialist . population fluctuations . restricted distribution . declining populations . international trade

Brazil

Include in Appendix I

www.ssn.org 25 26 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 49 WITHDRAWN WITHDRAWN Trumpet trees Handroanthus spp., Tabebuia spp. and Roseodendron spp.

Brazil and Ecuador

Include in App. II with annotation #6

Prop. 50 • Distribution: Malawi; endemic to Mt. Mulanje. SUPPORT Mulanje cedar • Population: Critically Endangered (IUCN 2011); area of occupancy is 845 • 2017 field survey found only 7 mature living trees. Widdringtonia whytei ha; 2014 field survey found that at least 41.5% of standing trees were dead. • Decay and insect resistant wood highly valued. • Threats: Logging for timber, fires, invasive species. • A m3 fetched nearly USD 4,000 at auction in 2010.67 • Trade: ~115,000 m3 illegally harvested in the last ten years. „„Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, paragraph A): internatinoal trade . single location . severe decline in population . very small population

Malawi

Include in Appendix II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 51 • Distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Nepal.68 OPPOSE North Indian rosewood • Population: Not assessed by IUCN. • D. sissoo included in Appendix II with hundreds of species of Dalbergia for look alike reasons (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) Annex 2b, paragraph A). Dalbergia sissoo • Threats: Agricultural cultivation, animal grazing, disease, forest fires, dis- turbance from insects, and logging. • Wood in trade difficult to distinguish from otherDalbergia species; delisting could lead to misdeclaration of other species as • Trade: In 2017, gross exports (all from India) included 5,350 carvings, Dalbergia D. to circumvent CITES controls. 2,324 kg carvings, 52,922 kg wood products and 19,6374 wood products. sisso • India has a reservation in place on the Dalbergia spp. App. II listing.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal

Delete from Appendix II

Prop. 52 • Distribution: Tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, OPPOSE Madagascar and southern Asia. Rosewoods, Palisanders and Bubingas • Current annotation exempts non-commercial exports up to a certain Dalbergia spp., Guibourtia demeusei, • Population: G. demeusei, G. pellegriniana, G. tessmannii: not assessed weight, whereas proposed annotation exempts commercial exports Guibourtia pellegriniana, Guibourtia (IUCN). Dalbergia spp.: 57 classified as threatened in IUCN Red List (2 of “finished products” up to a certain weight. This will allow sig- tessmannii Critically Endangered, 30 Endangered, 25 Vulnerable). nificant international trade for commercial purposes without non- • Threats: Logging, deforestation, forest conversion. detriment and legal acquisition findings, potentially harming species conservation. • Trade: Gross exports of Guibourtia spp. in 2017, ~4301 m3 logs and ~4,877 m3 sawn wood; gross exports of Dalbergia spp. in 2017, ~23,457 • Proposed exemption for commercial exports of up to 500g per item m3 logs and ~180,608 m3 sawn wood;70 proposal would exempt from CITES could result in large shipments of many small items that may have a control: “finished products to a maximum weight of wood of the listed spe- negative conservation impact. cies of 500g per item”; and “finished musical instruments, finished musical • Proposed exemption of trade in unlimited amounts of “finished” musical instrument parts and finished musical instrument accessories”. instruments, and “finished” musical instrument parts and accessories for any purpose, is overly broad and would set potentially harmful prec- edent for other CITES listings. • Market data from the USA on fretted instruments shows that nega- tive impacts on trade were temporary and had ceased by 2018.71 Canada and European Union

Amend annotation #1569

www.ssn.org 27 28 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 53 • Distribution: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, SUPPORT African teak, Afromosia Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of Congo. • One of the most highly valued tropical timbers. Pericopsis elata • Population: Endangered (IUCN 1998); rare; populations severely • Amendment is to prevent the listing being circumvented; current loop- fragmented. hole allows wood with secondary processing to be traded without CITES • Threats: Logging, habitat loss. permits. • Trade: Gross exports of timber 2011-2015 totalled ~188,000 m3. 72. • SC70 noted support for this proposal73 that was considered by the SC Working Group on Annotations.

Côte d’Ivoire and European Union

Expand the scope of the annotation (currently #5) to include: “Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood, and transformed wood”

Prop. 54 • Distribution: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), SUPPORT African Padouk, mukula Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia. • As other Pterocarpus spp. are exhausted or protected, pressure on P. Pterocarpus tinctorius • Population: Least Concern (IUCN 2017); declining. tinctorius increases. • Threats: Logging for international trade, habitat loss. • Not on official list of species used in Chinese rosewood furniture but has achieved market demand due to its lookalike characteristics. • Trade: In Tanzania, export permits for P. tinctorius increased almost 7 times between 2012 and 2014 (831.4 to 5,578.4 m3); though not a range State, • Recent large-scale expansion of harvesting and trade in Malawi, Mozambique Namibia exports ~250-300 containers of mukula logs to China per month. and DRC. Center for International Forestry Research reports uncontrolled and illegal • ITTO-sponsored study documented 44,824m3 moving from DRC to Zambia, 74 trade from DRC via Zambia, including routine bribes to officials. destined for China.75

„„ Meets criteria for Appendix II (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2a, para. B): slow growing . declining populations . high levels of international trade

Malawi

Include in App. II SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 55 • Distribution: South Africa. OPPOSE Bitter aloe • Population: Not assessed (IUCN 2018); Least Concern (South Africa Red • The conservation impact of the proposal is unclear. 76 Aloe ferox List); common within restricted range. • The only other species for which finished products are exempted from • Threats: Longer-term impact of high local levels of harvesting remains this annotation, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, resulted from a proposal that unknown. was supported by the PC after determining that it would not have an impact on the survival of wild populations. • Trade: Used to make bitter aloes, a purgative medication; also, a non-bitter gel used in cosmetics; South Africa exports include cosmetics, derivatives, • RC 11.21 (Rev. CoP17) on Use of annotations in Appendices I and II extract and leaves. Proposal would exempt finished products ofAloe ferox states, regarding annotations for plants, that “controls should include from Appendix II. only those commodities that dominate the trade and the demand for the wild resource”: exports of Aloe ferox derivatives as finished products dominated exports from South Africa in 2013-2015, and so should be controlled and not exempted.

South Africa

Amend annotation # 4 for Aloe ferox as follows: “f. finished products1 of Aloe ferox and Euphorbia antisyphilitica packaged and ready for retail trade.”

Prop. 56 • Distribution: Madagascar. SUPPORT Grandidier’s baobab • Population: Endangered (IUCN 2016). • Proposal states that there is no need to specify live plants in the anno- Adansonia grandidieri • Threats: Habitat degradation; exploitation of seeds, fruit, bark and fibre. tation as live plants already are included in the listing of the species in Appendix II. • Trade: Exported as living plants, fruit, seeds, and oil extracted from seeds for cooking and cosmetics; in 2017, Madagascar exported 50 kg of related cosmetics.77

Switzerland

Amend the annotation #16 to read “Seeds, fruits, and oils and living plants”

www.ssn.org 29 30 SPECIES/PROPONENT/PROPOSAL CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES SSN VIEW

Prop. 57 • Distribution: Proposal is to list C. odorata (Spanish cedar) on Appendix SUPPORT Cedars II in accordance with RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) Annex 2a, para. B, and all other • Populations very fragmented with loss of connectivity and genetic Cedrela spp. under Annex 2b, para. A because they resemble C. odorata; Cedrela spp. diversity, affecting natural regeneration. Cedrela spp., (also C. odorata) from Mexico through to Argentina, including Caribbean. • C. odorata populations diminished by extensive exploitation over entire range for last 250 years; large individuals have become scarce. • Population: 17 Cedrela spp.: C. odorata, Vulnerable (IUCN 2017); C. fis- silis, Vulnerable (IUCN 2017); C. lilloi, Endangered (IUCN 1998); other species, • Illegal logging occurs widely in several range countries. not assessed; Pennington and Muellner78 categorize 3 Critically Endangered, • Limited taxonomic, genetic and anatomical knowledge of wood of 4 Endangered and 8 Vulnerable. Cedrela creates problems in differentiating among species. • Threats: Logging for trade including illegal logging, deforestation, land use change, habitat degradation. „„C. odorata meets criteria for Appendix II ((RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), • Trade: Colombia and Peru included C. odorata in Appendix III of CITES in Annex 2a, para. B): in decline . populations fragmented . high 2001; 87,242.91 m3 of wood exported 2010-2017 (logs, plywood, sawn levels of trade. Other Cedrela spp. meet criteria for Appendix II wood, wood and veneers). (RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), Annex 2b, para. B) as look-alike species

Ecuador and Brazil

Include in Appendix II DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW Summary of Working Documents To be discussed at the 18th Conference of the Parties to CITES Prepared by the Species Survival Network

Abbreviations used: RC=Resolution Conf. • CoP=Conference of the Parties • SC=Standing Committee • AC=Animals Committee • PC=Plants Committee

DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

4. Rules of Procedure

4.1 Rules of Procedure for • Provides current Rules of Procedure (RoP) of the CoP, as NO COMMENT COP18 amended at CoP17.

CoP18 Doc. 4.1 Secretariat

4.2 Review of the Rules of • Decision 17.1 directs SC to review some of the • The working group and SC could not agree on application SUPPORT Procedure Rules. of Rules 5.1 (credentials), 9 (quorum), and 26.1 • SSN recommends adoption of the draft Decision in (voting, with reference to Regional Economic Integration SC established a working group to undertake this order to clarify the procedure for voting on amendments CoP18 Doc. 4.2 • Organizations (REIOs)). review. to listing proposals. Standing Committee • Recommends draft Decision directing SC to review Rule 25 concerning the procedure for deciding on amendments to Appendix I and II.

8. Draft resolution on • Provides a draft Resolution to, inter alia, introduce SUPPORT language strategy for the Arabic as an official language, starting at CoP19. Convention

CoP18 Doc. 8 Iraq

9. Committee reports and recommendations

9.1 Standing Committee

9.1.1 Report of the Chair • Provides a report on SC work over the last interses- • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document. sional period; requests CoP to note this document. CoP18 Doc. 9.1.1

www.ssn.org 31 32 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

9.1.2 Election of new • No document. • No comment. regional and alternate regional members

9.2 Animals Committee

9.2.1 Report of the Chair • Provides a report on AC work over the last interses- • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document. sional period; requests CoP to note this document. CoP18 Doc. 9.2.1

9.2.2 Election of new • No document. • No comment. regional and alternate regional members

9.3 Plants Committee

9.3.1 Report of the Chair • Provides a report on PC work over the last interses- • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document. sional period; requests CoP to note this document. CoP18 Doc. 9.3.1

9.3.2 Election of new • No document. • No comment. regional and alternate regional members

10. CITES Strategic Vision • RC 16.3 (Rev. CoP17) on CITES Strategic Vision • Provides draft Resolution on CITES Strategic Vision: OPPOSE IN PART 2021-2030 (Annex 1). post-2020 2008-2020 provides the CITES Vision Statement • SSN recommends that CoP18 reject the draft Decision and Strategic Goals. Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct Secretariat to: directing Secretariat to identify, in Resolutions and CoP18 Doc. 10 • ƒƒUndertake a comparative analysis to illustrate Decisions, activities that do not support objectives of the Standing Committee linkages between the Strategic Vision 2021-2030 Vision because Resolutions and Decisions express cur- and goals within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable rent or evolving CITES policies, and these should inform Development and the post-2020 biodiversity what appears in the Vision, not vice versa. framework; and • Such a review risks being used politically by some to ƒƒReview objectives of CITES Strategic Vision 2021- change language that they oppose. 2030 against CITES Resolutions and Decisions and identify activities that do not support these objectives. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

11. Review of the • CoP9 (1994) commissioned a review of the effective- • The proponents note that CITES has not been OPPOSE Convention ness of the Convention. reviewed since the period 1994-1997. • Relationship between GATT and CITES was explored over CoP18 Doc. 11 • CoP10 (1997) considered the review but did not pro- • Recommends: multiple COPs from 2006 to 2013. Parties rejected all pose amendments to the Convention. ƒƒA second comprehensive review focusing on rights recommendations deriving from that process. No further Democratic Republic of rural communities and indigenous peoples over review is needed. of the Congo, Namibia, their natural resources; and that the review should • If a Party disagrees with the placement of a species in the South Africa and propose amendments to Decisions, Resolutions, the Appendices, it may take a reservation, or propose that the Zimbabwe Strategic Vision and/or proposals for a new Protocol species be transferred to another Appendix or delisted. or legal instrument. • Role of rural communities and indigenous peoples is dis- ƒƒA comprehensive study of the “inherent cussed under agenda item 17, with Party views strongly contradictions” between the General Agreement on diverging. Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and CITES; and • Funds needed for the review could be spent more wisely ƒƒA review of the listing of species in the Appendices. on capacity building and enforcement. • Secretariat agrees that a review would be useful but rec- ommends that SC provide terms of reference for review. • Secretariat estimates that CITES review would cost $100,000, the GATT review another $50,000, and the Appendices review an additional amount.

12. Securing Better • CITES Article XV states, “Any Party may propose an • Provides a draft Resolution that, inter alia, proposes: OPPOSE Implementation of amendment to Appendix I or II.” ƒƒA review of all marine fish species listed since A Resolution cannot usurp the right of Parties to submit Marine Fish Species • CoP12 to determine the “efficiency, from a proposals. Listings in the conservation and management perspective,” of Appendices • RC 14.8 (Rev. CoP17), on Periodic Review of species these listings; and included in Appendices I and II, provides a mechanism to CoP18 Doc. 12 ƒƒA moratorium on proposals for listing marine review listings. fish species in the Appendices until the review is Successful capacity building workshops on implementa- Antigua and Barbuda completed. • tion of marine species listings have been held; there is a marine species section on the CITES website where Parties can obtain advice.

13. Revision of Resolution • RC 11.1 (Rev. CoP17) establishes terms of reference • Proposes a new Resolution on Establishment of com- SUPPORT Conf. 11.1 (Rev. CoP17) (ToR) for Committees. mittees (Annex 2). Proposed new Resolution, with Secretariat’s clarifications, on Establishment of • Decisions 17.3, 17.5, 17.9, inter alia, direct SC, AC, • Secretariat recommends additional changes (Annex will resolve inconsistencies among Committee ToRs. Committees • PC to review their RoP and ToR in relation to RC 11.1 3) clarifying SC’s proposal. CoP18 Doc. 13 (Rev. CoP17). • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) directing SC to consider whether ToR of SC Finance and Budget Subcommittee Standing Committee should be annexed to proposed new Resolution; and Secretariat to prepare guidance for Committee working group chairs for consideration by SC. www.ssn.org 33 34 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

14. Potential conflicts of • Reports that the current CITES conflict of interest • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document. policy is being applied diligently and there has been interest in the Animals no conflict of interest either reported or alleged. and Plants Committees • Invites CoP to note this document. CoP18 Doc. 14 Standing Committee

15. Cooperation with organizations and multilateral environmental agreements

15.1 Cooperation with • Decision 17.56 directs SC to inter alia, strengthen • Reports on related work undertaken. NO OPINION cooperation, collaboration and synergies at all rel- other biodiversity-related Secretariat suggests retaining Decision 17.56 with evant levels between CITES and the Convention on • conventions minor amendments and adopting a new Decision Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity directing SC to consider its report on existing practices 2011-2020. CoP18 Doc. 15.1 in other biodiversity-related conventions regarding Standing Committee Decisions and Resolutions of their governing bodies on synergies, partnerships and cooperation with mul- tilateral environmental conventions and agreements.

15.2 Commission for the • RC 12.4 on Cooperation between CITES and CCAMLR • Provides an update on related work undertaken, SUPPORT Conservation of Antarctic regarding trade in toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) requests particularly in relation to toothfish. Parties harvesting and/or trading toothfish to cooperate Marine Living Resources Provides amendments to RC 12.4 including, inter with CCAMLR’s Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS). • (CCAMLR) alia, that non-contracting Parties to CCAMLR should comply with CCAMLR CDS regarding toothfish. CoP18 Doc. 15.2 Secretariat in collaboration with the Secretariat of CCAMLR

15.3 Global Strategy • RC 16.5 on Cooperation with the GSPC of the • Provides an update on related work undertaken. SUPPORT for Plant Conservation Convention on Biological Diversity provides guide- • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, (GSPC) lines on CITES cooperation with GSPC. direct Secretariat to update the report on the contri- bution of CITES to the implementation of the GSPC CoP18 Doc. 15.3 and the PC, if required, to draft a revision of RC 16.5. Plants Committee DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

15.4 Intergovernmental • Decisions 16.13 (Rev. CoP17) to 16.16 (Rev. CoP17) • Provides an update on related work undertaken. SUPPORT Science-Policy Platform direct actions to Parties, SC, AC, PC and Secretariat • Provides: on Biodiversity and that, inter alia, include contributing to IPBES and par- Ecosystem Services ticipate as observer. ƒƒTerms of reference for the IPBES thematic assessment of the sustainable use of wild species (IPBES) (Annex 1); CoP18 Doc. 15.4 ƒƒCITES’ response to IPBES on CITES issues related to the assessment (Annex 2); and Standing Committee and Secretariat ƒƒDraft Resolution on cooperation with IPBES.

15.5 International • RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP16) on Compliance and enforce- • Provides: an update on related activities, including SUPPORT Consortium on Combating ment, inter alia, instructs the Secretariat to cooperate the implementation of the ICCWC Wildlife and Forest Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) with ICCWC partner organizations to prepare training Crime Analytic Toolkit, materials and facilitate exchange of technical infor- • the upcoming 2nd edition of the World Wildlife Crime CoP18 Doc. 15.5 mation between border control authorities. Report, and the ICCWC Project Coordinator position Secretariat at CITES; and a draft Decision (Annex 1) encouraging Parties to continue funding support to ICCWC.

15.6 Cooperation between • RC 16.4 on Cooperation of CITES with other biodi- • Provides a draft Resolution (Annex 1) calling for: SUPPORT commends cooperation CITES and the World versity-related Conventions ƒƒSecretariat to engage in closer cooperation with Many CITES-listed species inhabit WHC Sites, where they among Secretariats of agreements including the World • Heritage Convention the World Heritage Centre (the WHC Secretariat) are often poached for international trade. Heritage Convention (WHC) through the Biodiversity including development of a Memorandum of CoP18 Doc. 15.6 WHC Sites are among the most iconic places on Earth; Liaison Group. Understanding (MOU); and • more should be done to protect species inhabiting these The World Heritage Committee, which implements the Norway • ƒƒParties to collaborate with their WHC counterparts areas. WHC, adopted Decision 41 COM 7 reiterating concern to ensure that poaching of listed species and The editorial suggestions of the Secretariat help clarify the about the continued impacts of poaching and illegal associated illegal trade is addressed. • logging on World Heritage sites, driven primarily by Resolution and Decisions; however, given the important illegal trade of wildlife species and their products; • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 2) calling for role of SC in overseeing the work of the Secretariat and and requests actions to strengthen the collaboration • development of a MOU between the Secretariat and due to the impact of a joint work program on the budget, between CITES and the WHC. the World Heritage Centre for a joint work program, to the draft MOU should be submitted to SC for approval. be submitted to SC for approval. • Secretariat proposes editorial changes and that SC not be mandated to approve a MOU.

16. CITES tree species • The CITES Tree Species Programme (an EU funded pro- • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, SUPPORT programme gramme) began in June 2017 and will end in June 2021. direct Secretariat to provide report on implementa- tion of the CITES Tree Species Programme to PC; PC CoP18 Doc. 16 to make recommendations to Secretariat and SC; and Secretariat SC to provide recommendations to Secretariat, Parties and organizations. Continued

www.ssn.org 35 36 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued • Provides CITES Tree Species Programme structure (Annex 2), ToR (Annex 3), requirements for requests for funding of proposals (Annex 4), regional meet- ings and CITES Decisions on tree species (Annex 5), national activities prioritized for funding (Annex 6), and resources and options for Parties (Annex 7).

17. Rural communities

17.1 Report of the • Decisions 17.28 to 17.30 direct SC to establish an • Reports that no consensus was achieved by the inter- • SSN recommends that CoP18 consider this issue closed, Standing Committee intersessional working group to consider how to sessional working group. given that SC’s effort did not result in consensus. effectively engage rural communities in CITES pro- SSN recommends that Parties oppose Secretariat’s pro- CoP18 Doc.17.1 • Invites CoP to note this document and consider • cesses and make recommendations to CoP18. whether SC should continue its work. posed amendments to RC 16.6 (Rev. CoP17) because: • Decision 17.57 directs SC to examine terminology • Secretariat reports that SC did not see a need to draw ƒƒSpecies listings must be decided in accordance with used in Resolutions and Decisions when referring conclusions regarding terminology used and suggests Article II of Convention which emphasizes impact of to “rural,” “indigenous” or “local” communities and that Decision 17.57 be deleted. trade on species’ conservation status; and make recommendations for harmonization. • Secretariat recommends amending RC 16.6 (Rev. ƒƒParties have repeatedly rejected recommendations to CoP17) on CITES and livelihoods, by recommending include socio-economic factors in listing decisions, and that Parties consider: have decided these should be dealt with during CITES implementation by Parties on a national level. ƒƒThe impact on rural communities that may be affected when preparing and submitting listing proposals, draft Resolutions and Decisions, and other documents for consideration by CoP, and when reviewing documents from other Parties; and ƒƒIncluding representatives of rural communities that may be affected in official national delegations to meetings of CoP.

17.2 Proposed • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 17.1. • Provides draft amendment to RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) OPPOSE amendments to agreeing that Parties, when submitting listing pro- SSN urges CoP18 to continue to reject recommendations Resolution Conf. 4.6 • RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) on Submission of draft reso- posals, draft Resolutions and Decisions, and other • lutions, draft decisions and other documents for to consider socio-economic factors in listing decisions. (Rev. CoP17) and documents for consideration by CoP, and when meetings of the Conference of the Parties deals with See SSN View under CoP18 Doc. 17.1 above. Resolution Conf. 9.24 reviewing documents from other Parties, should take deadlines and other technical matters related to the Proposed amendment of RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) is inappro- (Rev. CoP17) account of the impact of the measure proposed on • submission of documents to meetings of CoP. rural communities that may be affected by them. priate as this Resolution deals with technical matters only and not the content of submitted documents. CoP18 Doc.17.2 • Provides amendment to RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) on SSN urges CoP18 to oppose proposed amendments to RC Namibia and Zimbabwe Criteria for the amendment of Appendices I and • II (Annex 6, Format for proposals to amend the 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) because: Appendices), that proponents: ƒƒRequiring Parties to consult specific national entities ƒƒProvide information on any involvement of rural ignores differences in approach among sovereign states; communities within the range of the species, in the consultation with bodies within a state should be left for use of, trade in and management of, the species; and Parties to decide based on national laws; and Continued Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued ƒƒProvide details of any consultation undertaken ƒƒDecisions on listing proposals must be made to secure comments on the proposal from rural in accordance with Article II of the Convention communities living within the range of the species which emphasizes the impact of trade on species’ or how the potential impacts of the proposal on rural conservation status. communities were considered.

17.3 Participatory • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 17.1. • Recommends that SC develop a Resolution on the OPPOSE mechanism for rural United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants • SSN urges CoP18 to continue to reject recommendations to communities and Other People Working in Rural Areas. include consideration of socio-economic factors in listing Recommends that CoP establish a Rural Communities decisions. See SSN View under CoP18 Doc. 17.1 above. CoP18 Doc. 17.3 • Committee, whose members include Parties and • The UN Declaration addresses actions to be taken by Botswana, Democratic Rural Communities Organizations whose tasks could States, not international bodies, and should be imple- Republic of Congo, include, inter alia: mented at the national level. Namibia and Zimbabwe ƒƒDrafting Resolutions and Decisions for consideration • The proposal would afford undefined organizations from a by CoP; single stakeholder community, including bodies that have ƒƒProviding advice to CoP and the Secretariat on never been approved as CITES observers, the power to issues related to wildlife trade; influence CITES agenda items at the same level as AC, ƒƒProviding advice to other committees; and PC and SC, whose representatives are chosen by Parties. ƒƒProviding direction and coordination to working • Stakeholder organizations may already make their views groups established by the Committee itself or CoP. known by attending CoPs, SC, AC and PC meetings and participating in Working Groups as observers, and by working with CITES authorities in their home countries.

18. CITES and livelihoods

18.1 Report of the • Decisions 17.36 to 17.40, inter alia: • Reports on implementation of related Decisions. OPPOSE Secretariat ƒƒDirect Parties to conduct new case studies on • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, • SSN urges CoP18 to reject: invite Parties to conduct new case studies and incor- CoP18 Doc. 18.1 livelihoods and wildlife trade and incorporate issues ƒƒDraft Decision 18.DD d) on registered marks of porate issues related to CITES and livelihoods into related to CITES and livelihoods into their national certification. The Secretariat has neither the means national wildlife conservation and socio-economic socio-economic and development plans; and nor ability to verify that each permit issued satisfies development plans; and direct the Secretariat to: ƒƒDirect Secretariat to facilitate organization of the requirements of the Convention, including those workshops and side-events to showcase successful ƒƒPrepare guidance on how to maximize benefits of relevant to NDFs and legal acquisition. Evaluating the livelihood experiences and report to SC69 and trade in CITES-listed species to rural communities use of certification marks could move CITES towards CoP18 on related activities. and conservation of species; trade promotion, which is not a CITES objective. ƒƒCommission an evaluation of the possibility of using ƒƒDraft Decision 18.DD g) on establishing global registered marks of certification for products of partnerships. Considering the limited funds and staff of CITES-listed species produced by rural communities Secretariat, priority should be given to enforcement and (draft Decision 18.DD d)); implementation of the Convention. ƒƒFacilitate organization of a workshop to review the

Continued www.ssn.org 37 38 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued guidance and evaluate the possibly using registered marks of certification; and ƒƒMake efforts to establish global partnerships with relevant organizations, including conservation organizations and development agencies to work together in activities under CITES and livelihoods (draft Decision 18.DD g)).

18.2 Proposal by Peru • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 18.1. • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that direct SC to, OPPOSE IN PART inter alia: CoP18 Doc. 18.2 • SSN urges CoP18 to oppose: ƒƒRe-establish the working group on CITES and ƒƒDraft Decision 18.AA a) regarding the use of certification Peru livelihoods; schemes in CITES (see SSN View under Doc. 18.1); and ƒƒEvaluate possibly using registered marks of certification ƒƒDraft Decision 18.AA b) and c); the Review of for products of CITES-listed species produced by SignificantTrade already addresses implementation rural communities (draft Decision 18.AA a)); of CITES in relation to traded species and seeks to ƒƒAnalyze the need for a new or amended existing ensure that trade is non-detrimental. In addition, the Resolution on avoiding unintended negative CITES Livelihoods Handbook, toolkit and guidelines conservation consequences of trade related provide materials to help Parties assess impact of measures that may have livelihoods and incentive implementation of CITES-listing decisions on livelihoods implications (draft Decision 18.AA b)); and of rural communities. ƒƒExplore the usefulness of developing an evaluation mechanism to consider the effects of CITES decisions on trade stakeholders (draft Decision 18.AA c)). • Provides draft Resolution (Annex 2) on International Day for Livelihoods of Rural Communities.

OPPOSE 18.3 Proposed • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 18.1. • Provides amendments to RC 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex amendments to 1) to include in Annex 6 (Format for proposals to • SSN urges CoP18 to continue to reject recommendations Resolution Conf. 9.24 amend the Appendices) a “Livelihood analyses” that: to consider socio-economic factors in listing decisions. (Rev. CoP17) ƒƒSpecifies how and to what extent the proposed See SSN View under CoP18 Doc. 17.1 above. listing, in the whole trade chain, both the supply CoP18 Doc. 18.3 • Decisions on listing proposals must be made in accor- side and demand side: dance with Article II of the Convention which emphasizes China --would impact livelihoods that are beneficial to the the impact of trade on species’ conservation status. conservation of the species in its range States; and --could create opportunities to change beneficial • Parties have repeatedly rejected including consideration livelihoods into ones detrimental to the conservation of socio-economic factors in listing decisions and have of the species in its range States; and decided these should be dealt with during CITES imple- mentation by Parties on a national level. ƒƒSpecifies how the proposed listing would impact livelihoods in the whole trade chain. If the overall • A requirement to specify benefits to livelihoods “in the livelihood impact is negative and the listing is still whole trade chain” could justify opposition to any new preferred, articulate what remedial measures would listing, or any transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I, that Continued Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued be taken to overcome it after the listing to ensure might impact anyone benefiting from overexploitation in the long-term survival of the species and the importing, transit or exporting countries. livelihoods of people who live with it. • Parties submitting proposals would be required to under- take economic studies of the entire trade chain of a proposed species and propose measures to ensure liveli- hoods of all those affected — an impossible task.

19. Food security and • Decisions 17.41 to 17.43 direct SC to consider the • Reports that the working group was unable to reach OPPOSE livelihoods proposed Resolution contained in CoP17 Doc.17 on consensus. This issue should be considered closed. This initiative Food security and livelihoods that, inter alia, urges • CoP18 Doc. 19 Parties to take into account the need for food and • Recommends renewal of Decisions 17.41 to 17.43. met with considerable opposition at CoP17, SC69 and SC70; the opposing views of Parties and stakeholders are Standing Committee nutrition security, preservation of cultural identify and security of livelihoods when making proposed unlikely to be reconciled at CoP18. amendments to the Appendices. • The objective of CITES is not to ensure food and nutrition security, cultural identify and security of livelihoods; these issues are beyond the scope of the Convention text. • By ensuring that international trade is non-detrimental, CITES already helps ensure that wild species continue to meet human needs.

20. Demand reduction • Recommends that Decisions17.44 to 17.48 be repealed. SUPPORT strategies to combat • Decisions 17.44 to 17.48, inter alia, direct Secretariat to prepare a report on demand reduction strategies; illegal trade in CITES- • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, • SSN recommends that CoP18 support the suggestion of and SC to make recommendations to CoP18. direct Secretariat to develop CITES guidance on listed species the Secretariat that draft Decision 18.AA be amended to demand-reduction strategies to combat illegal trade require convening a workshop for Parties and experts to CoP18 Doc. 20 in CITES-listed species; and SC to review guidance review the guidance and provide training, and encour- and make recommendations to CoP19. aging donors to supply the necessary funding. Standing Committee

21. Capacity building and identification materials

21.1 Capacity-building • Decisions 17.31 to 17.35 are related to capacity building. • Reports on progress made by AC/PC joint working SUPPORT and identification group on capacity-building and identification materials materials. Recommends draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct CoP18 Doc. 21.1 • AC/PC to review identification materials for improve- Animals and Plants ment and RC 11.19 (Rev. CoP16) on Identification Committees Manual for possible amendments.

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21.2 Capacity-building • See Background on CoP18 Doc. 21.1. • Recommends that draft Decisions be adopted that, SUPPORT activities specified inter alia, direct: in Resolutions and ƒƒAC/PC to review capacity-building materials; Decisions ƒƒSC to provide input to refine and consolidate CoP18 Doc. 21.2 capacity-building efforts in the framework for targeted and general capacity-building Standing Committee (see SC70 Doc.22.1 Annex 3); and ƒƒSecretariat to revise related webpages and the CITES Virtual College, and further cooperate with institutions to provide Parties with capacity-building assistance. • Provides amendments to Decisions that, inter alia, direct SC to develop a questionnaire requesting input from Parties on a comprehensive capacity-building framework (see CoP18 Doc.21.3 Annex 5); and to review the draft Resolution in CoP18 Doc.21.3 Annex 1.

21.3 Framework to • See Background on CoP18 Doc. 21.1. • Provides a draft Resolution on Adopting a compre- SUPPORT facilitate coordination, hensive framework for CITES capacity building (Annex transparency and 1) that, inter alia, calls on Parties to bring CITES accountability of CITES capacity-building and compliance assistance efforts capacity-building efforts together under one comprehensive framework. Provides draft Decisions (Annex 2) that, , CoP18 Doc. 21.3 • inter alia direct SC to establish a Steering Committee to develop USA a questionnaire on a capacity-building framework; and to lead a workshop to develop a conceptual model for CITES capacity building (with input from AC and PC) and develop operational guidelines. • Provides a Conceptual Framework for CITES Capacity Building (Annex 3), an Example of a Resource Priority Tracking Tool (Annex 4) and, a draft questionnaire (Annex 5).

22. United Nations World • RC 17.1 on World Wildlife Day, inter alia, calls on • Provides an update on World Wildlife Day 2018 and 2019. SUPPORT Wildlife Day Parties to use World Wildlife Day to raise awareness Provides amendments to RC 17.1 that invite all Parties regarding wildlife and plants. • CoP18 Doc. 22 and non-Parties to designate a lead person on World Wildlife Day and request the Secretariat to seek sup- Secretariat port for World Wildlife Day from UN organizations. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

23. Youth engagement • RC 17.5 on Youth Engagement, inter alia, encourages • Provides proposed amendments to RC 17.5 (Annex SUPPORT Parties to explore opportunities to engage youth in CITES. 1) that, inter alia, invite the Secretariat to collaborate CoP18 Doc. 23 with relevant UN organizations and conventions as Standing Committee well as the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth on youth engagement initiatives.

24. Review of Resolutions • Proposes changes (Annexes 1-4) to: SUPPORT IN PART / OPPOSE IN PART CoP18 Doc. 24 ƒƒRC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) on Submission of draft decisions • SSN supports proposed revisions to RC 12.8 (Rev. CoP17) and RC 14.3; Secretariat and other documents for meetings of the Conference of the Parties, by urging clear identification of • Concerning proposed changes to RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17), the entity to implement Decisions, directing that SSN urges CoP18 to: Decisions not to call for funding, and requesting SC to review Secretariat proposals to revise existing ƒƒPropose deleting text starting with “and normally Decisions and Resolutions for non-substantive errors; direct”, as entities other than Parties, SC, AC, PC, and Secretariat may be subject to Decisions; ƒƒRC 12.8 (Rev. CoP17) on Review of significant trade in specimens of Appendix II species, by clarifying the ƒƒOppose removing calls for funding in Decisions as these process for withdrawing trade suspensions; and can help prioritize fundraising efforts; and ƒƒRC 14.3 on CITES compliance procedures, by ƒƒSupport the oversight role granted to SC, although referencing two additional Resolutions that may adoption could add to SC’s already over-crowded agenda. result in trade suspensions.

25. Review of Decisions • RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) on Submission of draft resolu- • Recommends deletion of Decisions: 17.2, 17.4, 17.6, 17,7 SUPPORT IN PART/ OPPOSE IN PART CoP18 Doc. 25 tions, draft decisions and other documents for meet- and 17.8 on Rules of Procedure; 17.69 on Compliance • SSN recommends that CoP18 support the recommenda- ings of the CoP, para. 4 b) directs Secretariat to matters; 17.85 para. a) on Enforcement matters; 17.86 tions except: Secretariat update the Decisions after each CoP, to contain all the on Community awareness on wildlife trafficking; 17.104 ƒƒDecision 17.69 on Compliance matters. If deleted, recommendations (or other forms of decision) that are not on Captive-bred and ranched specimens; 17.123 on SSN urges CoP18 to amend Paragraph 36 of RC 14.3 recorded in Resolutions and that remain in effect. Reporting requirements; 17.124, 17.126-17.128 and 17.130 on Illegal trade in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus); on CITES compliance procedures to make clear that 17.162-17.163 on Identification (ivory); 17.164-17.165 Secretariat must report to each SC meeting and SC on Identification (tiger skins); 16.58 (Rev. CoP17) on must report to each CoP. Physical inspection of timber shipments; 17.173-17.174 ƒƒDecision 17.120 on Reporting requirements. SSN on Simplified procedure for permits and certificates; urges CoP18 to oppose deletion, as a list of reporting 16.53 on Non-detriment findings; 17.182-17.184 on requirements is valuable. SSN agrees that RC 4.6 (Rev. Sturgeons and paddlefish (Acipenseriformes spp.); CoP17) be revised in the manner proposed by the 17.190 and 17.191 on Precious corals (Order Antipatharia Secretariat. and family Coralliidae); 17.219-17.221 on Bread palms ƒƒDecision 17.127 on Illegal trade in cheetah (Acinonyx (Encephalartos spp.); 17.235-17.238 on African wild jubatus). SSN urges CoP18 to oppose deletion because dog (Lycaon pictus); 16.153 (Rev. CoP17)-16.154 (Rev. Secretariat has not reported ‘on progress in halting CoP17) on East African sandalwood (Osyris lanceo- illegal trade in cheetahs’, and evidence suggests that lata); and 17.246 to 17.249 on Freshwater stingrays any such progress has been limited at best.1

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Continued Continued (Potamotrygonidae spp.); 17.275-17.284 on Snakes ƒƒDecision 17.219 on bread palms (Encephalartos spp.). (Serpentes spp.). SSN urges CoP18 to adopt a new Resolution containing • Recommends maintaining with minor amendments the language in this Decision and SC’s recommendations Decisions: 17.102 on Captive-bred and ranched on that language contained in Doc. 25 (p. 10). specimens; 17.108-17.110 on Review of Significant ƒƒDecisions 17.246 to 17.249 on Freshwater stingrays Trade; Decisions 17.125 and 17.129 on Illegal trade (Potamotrygonidae spp.). SSN urges CoP18 to support in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus); Decision 17.302 on AC’s recommendation that additional actions pursuant to these Decisions be incorporated into new Decisions. • African tree species; and 14.81 on Great whales. • Requests feedback on whether to maintain Decision 17.120 that requires the Secretariat to maintain a list of reporting requirements. If the requirements are maintained, recommends that they be included in RC 4.6 (Rev. CoP17) on Submission of draft resolutions, draft decisions and other documents for meetings of the Conference of the Parties.

26. National laws for • RC 8.4 (Rev. CoP15) on National laws for implementation • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS implementation of the of the Convention, inter alia, directs Secretariat to identify ƒƒSC to take appropriate compliance measures SSN welcomes progress made by several Parties, but Convention Parties whose domestic measures do not provide the • regarding Parties in NLP categories 2 or 3 that have notes that some Parties in category 1 have key gaps in authority to meet certain requirements of CITES. CoP18 Doc. 26 failed to adopt appropriate measures for effective their legislation which hinder effective implementation • The CITES National Legislation Project (NLP) is the implementation of CITES; and of CITES and is inconsistent with their category 1 des- Secretariat Convention’s primary mechanism for encouraging ƒƒSecretariat to analyze information submitted by ignation. These include Cambodia, China, Indonesia and and assisting Parties’ efforts to adopt appropriate Parties and assist Parties in developing appropriate Thailand.2 CITES legislation. measures to implement CITES. • Current criteria for assessing whether legislation is • RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Compliance and enforce- compliant with CITES are outdated and fail to take into ment recommends that illegal wildlife trade be account key Resolutions and Decisions, including RC 11.3 treated as a predicate offence. (Rev. CoP17) and RC 17.6. • RC 17.6 on Prohibiting, preventing, detecting and • The ICCWC indicators are not fully reflected in the criteria countering corruption, which facilitates activities con- currently used to categorize Parties under the NLP. ducted in violation of the Convention urges Parties to SSN recommends that CoP18 adopt a Decision directing penalize corrupt practices associated with CITES. • Secretariat, in collaboration with ICCWC and other rel- • ICCWC has developed key indicators for appropriate evant stakeholders, to: national legislation to combat wildlife and forest crime. ƒƒReview current categorization of Parties and criteria used to classify Parties under the NLP; and ƒƒPropose to CoP19 changes to NLP categorization, and amendments to RC 8.4 (Rev. CoP15) needed to harmonize and strengthen national CITES legislation. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

27. CITES compliance • Decision 17.69 directs Secretariat to report on imple- • Provides amendment to RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex SUPPORT matters mentation of Article XIII and RC 14.3 on CITES compli- 1), directing Secretariat to report on implementation ance procedures to SC and CoP18. of Article XIII and RC 14.3 to SC and at each CoP. CoP18 Doc. 27 • Resolutions on compliance include RC 11.3 (Rev. • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 2) that, inter alia, Secretariat CoP17) on Compliance and enforcement, RC 14.3 direct SC to develop a new CITES permit policy based on CITES compliance procedures and RC 12.3 (Rev. on CITES Article VI and RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) and con- CoP17) on Permits and certificates. sider whether to develop further guidance regarding issuance and verification of permits and certificates.

28. Compliance Assistance • Decision 17.66 directs SC to consider whether a • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT Programme Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) should be ƒƒSecretariat to establish a CAP and report to SC on established. CoP18 Doc. 28 progress made; and ƒƒSC to monitor progress in implementing the CAP Secretariat in consultation and consider whether RC 14.3 on CITES compliance with Standing Committee procedures should be amended to reflect the Chair creation of the CAP.

29. Country-wide Significant • Decision 17.111 directs AC and PC to explore poten- • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT Trade Reviews tial benefits and disadvantages of country-wide sig- ƒƒSecretariat to advise on whether scientific and nificant trade reviews. CoP18 Doc. 29 management issues identified in the country-wide Review of Significant Trade for Madagascar can be Animals and Plants integrated into other existing CITES mechanisms or Committees in activities and provide recommendations to AC, PC consultation with and SC; and Standing Committee and ƒƒAC, PC and SC to provide recommendations to CoP19. Secretariat

30. Compliance in relation to Malagasy ebonies (Diospyros spp.) and pal- isanders and rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.)

30.1 Report of • Decision 17.204 directs Madagascar to take mea- • Provides Madagascar’s progress report on implemen- Madagascar sures regarding trade in Diospyros spp. and Dalbergia tation of Decision 17.204. spp. including, inter alia, quotas, enforcement mea- sures, audited inventories of stockpiles and identifica- tion materials.

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30.2 Report of the • Decisions 17.203 to 17.208 direct Parties, • Recommends deletion of Decisions 17.203 to 17.208. SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS Standing Committee Secretariat, Madagascar, PC and SC to take actions • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that differ from • SSN urges CoP18 to amend: regarding Malagasy ebonies (Diospyros spp.) and current Decisions in not including: palisanders and rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.). ƒƒDecision 18AA to include continued suspension of trade ƒƒReference to Madagascar trade suspensions in Malagasy ebonies, palisanders and rosewoods. (Decision 17.203, para. a) in direction to source, ƒƒDecision 18BB: transit and destinations Parties; -- Add to para. e) “...strengthen control and enforce- ƒƒDirection to Parties to develop their own action ment measures [..] including towards high-level plans to manage stockpiles of these species from offenders” (see SC69 Summary Record ). Madagascar (Decision 17.203, para. b); -- Require Madagascar to develop a plan to recover ƒƒRequirement for Madagascar to report to CoP hidden stocks of Dalbergia and Diopsyros spp. and to (Decision 17.204, para. g); and provide information related to these efforts in its report ƒƒDirection to SC to assess whether the conditions to SC (see SC69 SR); for a partial sale of audited stocks are in place - Insert “after substantial progress has been achieved (Decision 17.207). on paragraphs a) to e)” in paragraph f) (proposed by EU; see SC70 Com. 14); and - Add to paragraph g): “provide written reports on progress [..] and on progress with the implementation of this Decision to the Conference of the Parties at its 19th meeting.”

31. Domestic markets for • Decisions 17.87/17.88 direct SC to review • Provides main findings of the report, including priorities SUPPORT frequently illegally Secretariat’s report on domestic controls in con- for consideration in improving regulation of domestic traded specimens sumer markets for specimens of CITES-listed spe- controls of ivory trade (addressing the unintended cies for which international trade is predominantly effects of bans, online markets, enforcement, and reg- CoP18 Doc. 31 illegal and make recommendations to CoP18. istration of personal items). Secretariat • The first phase focuses on domestic trade controls in • Provides amendments to RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex 1) consumer markets for elephant ivory. that, inter alia, urge Parties that close domestic markets to enhance border controls and collaborate with neighboring countries that have not taken similar measures. • Provides amendments (Annex 2) to Decisions 17.87/17.88 directing Secretariat and SC to conduct and review a study on controls in trade in species “other than elephant ivory”. • Reports that next phase of the study will focus on rhi- noceroses, Tibetan antelope, tiger, cheetah, leopard and pangolins.

32. Enforcement matters • RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Compliance and enforce- • Reports that 120 Parties have failed to submit their SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS , instructs Secretariat to submit a annual illegal trade report for 2016, and 123 Parties CoP18 Doc. 32 ment, inter alia SSN is concerned that a majority of CITES Parties failed report on enforcement matters at each SC meeting • failed to report for 2017. to submit annual illegal trade reports.3 Secretariat and each CoP. Continued Continued Continued DOCUMENT EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued Continued • Decision 17.83 paragraph c) directs Secretariat to • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, • SSN recommends that CoP18 adopt a Decision requesting compile an electronic directory of laboratories that direct Secretariat to convene a Task Force on illegal Parties which have not submitted annual illegal trade conduct wildlife forensic testing. trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species. reports for 2016 and/or 2017 to do so no later than 6 months from the end of CoP18, and directing SC to con- • RC 11.7 (Rev. CoP17) on National reports urges • Provides proposed amendments to RC 11.3 (Rev. Parties, commencing in 2017, to submit an annual CoP17) (Annex 2) to consider annually any new appli- sider appropriate measures for failure to do so, including illegal trade report by 31 October each year covering cations for inclusion in the electronic directory of measures under RC 14.3 on CITES compliance proce- actions in the preceding year. laboratories conducting wildlife forensic testing and dures, at SC73. review existing listings every two years. • Provides: ƒƒA list of laboratories included in the directory; ƒƒDocument on Development of an electronic directory of laboratories that conform to a defined minimum stan- dard for conducting wildlife forensic testing (Annex 4).

33. Combating wildlife cybercrime

33.1 Report of the • Decisions 15.57, 17.92 and 17.93 direct Parties and • Provides draft Decisions encouraging Parties to make SUPPORT Secretariat Secretariat to take a variety of actions regarding wild- full use of guidelines developed by INTERPOL on how life cybercrime. to combat wildlife crime linked to the Internet and draw CoP18 Doc. 33.1 upon the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation for assistance in combating wildlife cybercrime.

33.2 Report of the • Decision 15.57 and Decisions 17.92 to 17.96 provide • Provides amendments to RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) on SUPPORT Standing Committee direction to Parties, Secretariat and SC regarding Compliance and enforcement (Annex 1) to include wildlife cybercrime. additional actions for Parties to take regarding illegal CoP18 Doc. 33.2 online trade in wildlife. • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia: ƒƒEncourage Parties to provide Secretariat best practice models that pertain to regulation of online marketplaces and social media platforms; and ƒƒDirect Secretariat to engage with relevant social media platforms, search engines and e-commerce platforms to address illegal online wildlife trade and provide assistance and expertise regarding wildlife cybercrime enforcement operations and investigations.

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34. Wildlife crime • Decisions 17.97 to 17.100 direct Secretariat to com- • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT enforcement support in mission a report on illegal wildlife trade in West and ƒƒParties in the region to identify priority actions and West and Central Africa Central Africa; and SC to review the report and make present these to ICCWC; recommendations. CoP18 Doc. 34 ƒƒSecretariat to support Parties in the region in addressing illegal trade in wildlife and report to SC Secretariat in consultation on actions taken; with Standing Committee ƒƒSC to consider Secretariat’s report and PC Chair report on the inclusion of Pterocarpus erinaceus in the Review of Significant Trade and make recommendations as needed; and ƒƒImporting Parties to scrutinize consignments from West and Central Africa and accompanying documents to ensure species are not illegally traded. • Provides recommendations to Parties in the region (Annex 2); tentative budget (Annex 3); and UNODC/ CITES West and Central Africa Wildlife Crime Threat Assessment (Annex 4).

35. Disposal of Confiscated • CITES Article VIII (4) states that Mangament Authorites • Reports that SC working group did not reach con- SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS Specimens sensus and invites Parties to agree that the Decisions should return confiscated live specimens to the State SSN recommends including language in draft Decision not be renewed. • CoP18 Doc. 35 of export or to a rescue center or another appropriate 18.AA directing Secretariat to consult relevant experts, place. Article VIII (5) defines ‘rescue center’ as a • Provides draft Decisions: NGOs and other stakeholders in collecting information. Standing Committee place designated by the MA to “look after the wel- fare” of confiscated living specimens. ƒƒDirecting Secretariat to collect information • SSN opposes deletion of paragraph 3 c) of RC 17.8. on existing networks and resources on the Secretariat guidelines on annual reports4 make inclusion • RC 17.8 on Disposal of illegally traded and confis- management of seized and confiscated live animals of information on status of seized or confiscated speci- cated specimens of CITES-listed species provides and make it available to Parties; and mens “optional”. SSN is concerned about lack of submis- recommendations and guidance. ƒƒEncouraging Parties to make use of the information sion of annual illegal trade reports, and recommends that • Decisions 17.118 and 17.119 direct the Secretariat collected by Secretariat. Parties either retain the existing language or include new to distribute a questionnaire to Parties concerning language urging Parties to regularly submit the reports Secretariat’s comments: states few Parties seem to be the usefulness of RC 17.8 guidance; and SC to, inter • called for in RC 11.17 (Rev. CoP17), including information implementing paragraph 3 c) of RC 17.8, which calls alia, consider possible amendments to RC 17.8, on disposal of confiscated specimens. on Parties to report on the disposal of commercial whether a list of rescue centres might facilitate the quantities of live specimens of Appendix I or II species; disposal of live specimens, and report to CoP18. states this paragraph is superseded by the new annual illegal trade report in RC 11.17 (Rev. CoP17); and rec- ommends that this paragraph be deleted. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

36. Storage and • Decisions 17.121 and 17.122 direct Secretariat and • Provides a draft Decision directing Secretariat to con- SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS management of illegal SC to make recommendations regarding establish- tract UNODC to establish, host and maintain a data- • SSN welcomes engagement of UNODC and strongly urges trade data collected ment of a sustainable global framework to store and base for storage and management of illegal trade data Parties and donors to provide funding required. through the Parties’ manage illegal trade data collected through Parties’ collected through annual illegal trade reports. SSN is concerned about lack of transparency and account- annual illegal trade annual illegal trade reports. • • Provides amendments to RC 11.17 (Rev. CoP17) on ability in relation to tackling enforcement matters. Illegal reports National reports so that data included in the database trade reports are not publicly available, and analyses from should be made available to Parties for research and CoP18 Doc. 36 these reports are not made available in time for relevant analysis of wildlife and forest crime as it affects them. meetings of SC and CoP. Standing Committee • Provides a proposal from UNODC, approved by SC, for SSN recommends that CoP18 amend the draft Decision to: A sustainable framework for the storage, manage- • ment and dissemination of data collected through ƒƒEnable public access to the illegal trade data management CITES Annual Illegal Trade Reports (Annex 1). system excluding any sensitive information; and ƒƒRequest UNODC to submit the annual deliverables listed in Section 3.3 of Annex 1 in time for meetings of SC and CoP. For the latter, SSN recognizes that sensitive information should be excluded.

37. Working conditions of • Notes that: SUPPORT wildlife rangers and ƒƒWildlife ranger personnel are vital to achievement of their implications for the objectives of CITES; implementation of ƒƒNearly 1,000 rangers have been killed in the line of CITES duty in the last decade; and CoP18 Doc. 37 ƒƒRangers need proper medical care, training, shelter, clean water, and key equipment. Nepal • Invites Parties to note this document and consider ways it can address these problems.

38. Designation and • CITES Article IX requires Parties to designate one or • Provides a draft Resolution on Designation and role SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT Roles of Management (Annex) that, , more Management Authorities (MAs) competent to, of Management Authorities inter alia SSN urges Parties to adopt the draft Resolution, and sug- provides guidance regarding designation of these • Authorities inter alia, issue permits or certificates. gests including a new paragraph 7 c): “In accordance with authorities, the issuance of permits and certificates, SC69 established an intersessional working group on CITES Article VIII (8), making information referred to in CoP18 Doc. 38 • reporting obligations, registers, communication with Management Authorities with a mandate to assist the paragraph 7 a) and b) available to the public where this the Secretariat and other Parties and other duties. Secretariat Secretariat in the preparation of a draft resolution. is not inconsistent with the laws of the Party concerned.”

39. Guidance for Making • CITES Articles III-V require that an export permit shall • Provides a draft Resolution (Annex 1) that, inter alia, SUPPORT Legal Acquisition only be granted when the MA is satisfied that the provides guidance for making legal acquisition find- • The draft Resolution provides a common basis for under- Findings specimen was not obtained in contravention of the ings, and circumstances requiring verification of these standing and applying this key requirement. laws of that State for the protection of fauna and flora. or other legal findings. CoP18 Doc. 39 Continued Continued Continued Standing Committee www.ssn.org 47 48 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued Continued • Decisions 17.65 to 17.68 direct Parties, SC and • Secretariat provides draft Decisions directing: • SSN suggests that the preambular text of the draft Secretariat to, inter alia, prepare guidance for veri- ƒƒSecretariat to request information on this issue Resolution cross-reference the relevant provisions of RC fying the legal acquisition of specimens of CITES- from Parties, organize workshops and report to SC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Compliance and enforcement if listed species to be exported. on implementation of this Resolution; amended as proposed in CoP18 Doc. 40. ƒƒSC to make recommendations to CoP19 for improving the verification of legal acquisition.

40. Due Diligence by CITES • CITES Article II states that trade in listed species must • Provides proposed revisions to RC 11.3 (Rev. CoP17) SUPPORT and Obligations of be in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. on Compliance and enforcement (Annex 1), that include • Proposed revisions acknowledge the shared responsibility obligations on importing countries to verify the validity of Importing Articles III to V require that an export permit shall only of exporting and importing Parties to ensure that trade is • CITES documents and ensure due diligence in clearing Countries be granted when the Management Authority (MA) of consistent with CITES. them, particularly with respect to legal acquisition find- the State of export is satisfied that the specimen was CoP18 Doc. 40 ings, and recommend that MA of the importing Party: • SSN opposes deleting paragraph 2(a)(v), which is impor- legally obtained. tant because it refers to trade in contravention of the ƒƒConsult with the exporting country’s MA if it has USA Article VIII requires Parties to enforce CITES provi- laws of any country involved in the transaction, not only • reason to believe that the required CITES findings have sions and to prohibit trade in violation thereof. the importing and exporting countries, and is therefore not been made or that the laws of any country involved broader than the Convention text. • Decisions 17.65 to 17.68, inter alia, direct: in the transaction have been contravened; and • SSN believes that paragraph 2(b) should remain in the ƒƒSC to provide guidance on making of legal ƒƒNot authorize the transaction if its concerns are not present Resolution due to its logical connection with para- acquisition findings; and addressed adequately. graph 2(a). ƒƒSecretariat to submit to SC a proposal for further Secretariat’s comments suggest, , that: • inter alia SSN opposes deleting paragraph 4 as it relates to the guidance for such findings. • ƒƒParagraph 2(a)(v) (see details in column to right) is ability of any Party, not just those involved in a transaction, • SC rejected inclusion of text on due diligence superfluous and should be deleted; to seek consultation if it has reason to believe that trade is and importing country responsibilities in the draft ƒƒParagraph 2(b) (see details in column to right) detrimental to a species. Resolution on Verification of legal acquisition of should be included in the draft Resolution on (see SC70 Doc. 27.1), citing con- CITES specimens Designation and role of Management Authorities; cerns that these issues were not within the scope of Decisions 17.65 to 17.68. ƒƒParagraph 4 (see details in column to right) is redundant and should be deleted.

41. Electronic systems • Decisions 17.156 to 17.159, inter alia, direct SC to • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, SUPPORT and information re-establish a Working Group on Electronic Systems ƒƒDirect SC to re-establish a related working group; • SSN recommends CoP18 support draft Decisions as technologies and Information Technologies. develop guidelines for CITES permit issuance amended by Secretariat except that direction to SC to CoP18 Doc. 41 when using electronic CITES permit systems and establish a working group should be retained. information exchanges; develop recommendations Standing Committee for any revision of RC12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and certificates and RC 11.17 (Rev. CoP17) on National reports; and ƒƒDirect Secretariat to organize workshop on modern customs procedures for improved control of trade in CITES-listed species; and prepare a report on risk management systems for efficient control of trade in listed species. Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued • Secretariat proposes amendments (Annex 2) that include: actions directed to SC should also be directed to Secretariat; deletion of direction to SC to establish a working group; and additional Decisions that, inter alia, direct Secretariat to undertake a study on CITES permit authentication and control.

42. Traceability • Decision 17.152 directs SC to establish a working • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia: SUPPORT group to, : CoP18 Doc. 42 inter alia ƒƒRecommend Parties use the following definition: • Proposed definition of traceability is appropriately limited ··Recommend a working definition of ‘traceability’ to Traceability is the ability to access information on to CITES processes. Secretariat in assist implementation of traceability systems; and specimens and events in a CITES species supply Definition and related documents do not add requirements consultation with the chain 5; and • Chairs of the Standing ··Develop and make use of umbrella guidelines, and to the CITES permitting process, although traceability sys- recommend standards, to develop traceability sys- ƒƒDirect Secretariat to post the definition and relevant tems can and should be used to support findings required Committee and its tems for different species that are mutually sup- documents on the CITES website. by CITES, including legal acquisition and non-detriment Working Group on portive and that generate standardized data. Proposes deletion of all Decisions relating to traceability findings (NDFs). Traceability • • UNCTAD prepared documents relating to guidelines as the work has been completed. and best practices.

43. Specimens Produced • CITES Article I defines “specimen” as,inter alia, “any • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT from Synthetic or animal or plant… and any readily recognizable part or ƒƒInvite Parties to provide related information to the • SSN generally supports the draft Decisions but urges Cultured DNA derivative thereof”. Secretariat; Parties to focus discussion not on the varied scientific processes but instead on the products that result. CoP18 Doc. 43 • Decisions 17.89 to 17.91, inter alia, direct: ƒƒDirect AC and PC to review the study and make ƒƒSecretariat to review relevant CITES provisions, recommendations to SC; and The definitions of “specimen” in the Convention and Standing Committee • Resolutions and Decisions to examine how Parties ƒƒDirect SC to discuss how to apply the term “readily “readily recognizable” in RC. 9.6 (Rev. CoP16) are suf- have interpreted RC 9.6 (Rev. CoP16), on Trade recognizable part or derivative” to trade in products of ficient to support regulation of trade in many of these in readily recognizable parts and derivatives, biotechnology that might affect international trade in products under CITES. for wildlife products produced from synthetic or CITES-listed species in a manner that would threaten • SSN urges CoP18 to amend RC 9.6 (Rev. CoP16) to rec- cultured DNA; and their survival; and make recommendations to CoP19. ognize that if a specimen is readily recognizable because ƒƒAC, PC and SC to review these findings and make • Secretariat recommends that the Decision directed it appears to be a part or derivative of, or is claimed to be recommendations. to AC/PC be amended to direct AC/PC to “monitor the a synthetic derivative of, a CITES-listed species, then it is • The final study, Wildlife products produced from syn- most recent scientific and technological advance- covered by the Convention. thetic or cultured DNA, was provided to SC70; SC70 ments and applications that may lead to the synthetic agreed that Decisions would be drafted for CoP18. production of specimens of CITES-listed species”.

44. Definition of the term 'appropriate and acceptable destinations'

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44.1 Report of the • Current listings of Loxodonta africana (Botswana and • Provides, for adoption, non-binding guidance for deter- SUPPORT Standing Committee Zimbabwe) and Ceratotherium simum simum (South mining whether a proposed recipient of a living specimen • SSN recommends that Parties support the adoption of the Africa and Swaziland) allow trade in live animals to is suitably equipped to house and care for it (Annex 1). proposed draft guidance and associated Decisions. CoP18 Doc. 44.1 “appropriate and acceptable destinations”. • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia: • SSN urges Parties to view the proposals in CoP18 Doc. Standing Committee in • Decisions 17.178 to 17.180, inter alia, direct SC to: ƒƒDirect the Secretariat to create a CITES webpage 44.1 as a first step in a process that will ultimately see consultation with Chair • Regarding RC 11.20 (Rev. CoP17) on Definition of the for relevant information (references, best practices) the emergence of more comprehensive generic and spe- of Animals Committee term ‘appropriate and acceptable destinations’, make from Parties on this issue; cies-specific guidance. recommendations and develop guidance for CoP18; ƒƒSecretariat to consult with Parties with Appendix II and elephants that have exported wild-caught elephants • Consider report of Secretariat and information from to a non-Range State since CoP11; AC on implementation of Article III, paragraphs ƒƒAC to prepare guidance on determining whether 3(b) and 5(b), re findings that recipients of living trade promotes in situ conservation, and prepare specimens of Appendix-I species must be suitably guidance for housing and care of living specimens equipped to house and care for them, and make rec- of African elephants and southern white rhinos; and ommendations and guidance for CoP18. ƒƒSC to consider and endorse recommendation of AC.

44.2 International trade • See Background for CoP18 Doc. 44.1 • Provides amendments to RC 11.20 (Rev. CoP17) SUPPORT in live African elephants: (Annex) to, inter alia, restrict the definition of “appro- • The negative impacts associated with the capture of live Proposed revision of priate and acceptable destinations” to “in situ conser- elephants from the wild for captive purposes are well Resolution Conf. 11.20 vation programmes or secure areas in the wild within documented. the species’ natural range, except in the case of tem- (Rev. CoP17) on Definition porary transfers in emergency situations.” • There should be no trade in live wild-caught African ele- of the term 'appropriate phants for captive use. In situ conservation programmes and acceptable • Requests CoP to: or secure areas in the wild within the species’ natural destinations' ƒƒRecommend guidance to: evaluate whether a range should be the only destinations considered “appro- proposed recipient of a living specimen is suitably priate and acceptable” for wild elephants. CoP18 Doc. 44.2 equipped to house and care for it; how to determine • SSN recommends Parties refer to SC69 Inf 36 for further Burkina Faso, Jordan, whether trade would promote in situ conservation; information. Lebanon, Liberia, Niger, and provide more detailed species-specific guidance for living specimens of African elephants and Nigeria, Sudan and southern white rhinos to be included as an Annex to Syrian Arab Republic RC 11.20 (Rev. CoP17); and ƒƒAdopt the proposed amendments in the Annex and the draft Decisions provided in CoP18 Doc. 44.2.

45. Non-Detriment Findings • CITES Articles III and IV require, inter alia, findings • Invites CoP to adopt Decisions (Annex 1) that: SUPPORT that the export, import and introduction from the sea ƒƒDirect Secretariat to inventory and review materials CoP18 Doc. 45 are not detrimental to the survival of the survival of and guidance for the making of NDFs available to Chairs of Animals and the species. the Parties, identify any apparent gaps or needs, and Plants Committees • RC 16.7 Rev. CoP17) on Non-detriment findings pro- organize a workshop to review these materials; vides specific information about how to make these ƒƒDirect AC and PC to review this work; and findings. ƒƒEncourage Parties to contribute funding and use materials resulting from this work. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

46. Quotas for leopard • Leopard (Panthera pardus): Appendix I; Vulnerable, • SC recommends: SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS hunting trophies estimated decline >30% over three generations (22.3 ƒƒDeletion of Kenya and Malawi from RC 10.14 (Rev. • SSN supports the removal of Kenya and Malawi from RC years) (IUCN 2016); poorly-managed trophy hunting a CoP16) per their request; 10.14 (Rev. CoP16) per their request. CoP18 Doc. 46 major threat (id.). ƒƒExtending Decisions 17.114-17.117 for Botswana, • SSN urges CoP18 to support extending Decisions 17.114- Standing Committee • RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) on Interpretation and application CAR and Ethiopia; and 17.117 for all Parties with quotas in RC 10.14 (Rev. CoP16) with a section by the of quotas for species included in Appendix I, provides and not only the three that did not provide information: process for establishing and maintaining quotas. ƒƒAmending RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) to establish a Secretariat process to review quotas. information provided to AC did not include relevant data RC 10.14 (Rev. CoP16) on Quotas for leopard hunting on population trends, threats, or management; indepen- • Secretariat recommends additional draft Decisions, trophies and skins for personal use, provides Party- • dent scientific review of these quotas is needed. specific export quotas. based on outcome of First Meeting of Range States for the Joint CITES–CMS (Convention on Migratory • SSN urges CoP18 to establish a zero export quota in RC • Decisions 17.114-17.117 on Quotas for leopard hunting Species) African Carnivores Initiative (ACI1), that: 10.14 (Rev. CoP16) for Parties that fail to provide informa- trophies, direct: tion to AC since non-detriment has not been established. ƒƒEncourage Parties with RC 10.14 quotas to ƒƒParties with quotas to review them, consider if they exchange information and lessons learnt regarding • SSN recommends that CoP18 support proposed amend- are not detrimental to survival of the species in the the process for determining that quotas are non- ments to RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) in Annex 2 of Doc. 46 except: wild, and share the outcome and the basis for this detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild; ƒƒText in paragraph 1 b) ii) should be retained. determination with AC30; ƒƒDirect Secretariat, subject to external funding and in ƒƒParagraph 2 should be amended as follows: “…if new ƒƒSecretariat to support reviews upon Party request, cooperation with range States and relevant experts, scientific or management data have emerged to indicate subject to external funding; to encourage and support Parties with the above; that the population … can no longer sustain the agreed ƒƒAC to consider this and any other information, and and to develop guidance in the making of NDFs for quota, consult with that range State in order to find a provide recommendations to Parties and SC; and leopard trophies; and solution to the concerns raised. the quota should be ƒƒSC to consider AC recommendations and make ƒƒDirect AC to review information submitted by immediately suspended, and the range State concerned recommendations to CoP18. Secretariat and make recommendations to should be required to submit an evidenced proposal to Secretariat and range States, as appropriate. the next CoP should it wish to have its quota reinstated • AC30 considered documents submitted by Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe • Provides draft amendments to RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) ƒƒNew paragraphs should be included: and, inter alia: that, inter alia: --to establish a routine, science-based review and ƒƒRequested SC to consider establishing a process to ƒƒPropose amending paragraph 1 b) to state that revision process for quotas as called for at AC30 and 6 review and, if necessary, revise quotas established whenever the CoP has set an export quota for SC70, including a review of evidence that trophy under RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13); and an Appendix I species, this action by the Parties hunting produces conservation benefits for the species satisfies the requirements of Article III regarding the concerned (per RC 17.9); ƒƒInvited Secretariat to request Botswana, Central findings “that the export will not be detrimental to African Republic (CAR) and Ethiopia to submit --requiring range States to report to AC after each CoP; the survival of the species, and that the purposes of information to SC. AC to review reports and any independent scientific the import will not be detrimental to the survival of data, and make recommendations to SC; and • SC: the species, and that the import is not to be used for --stating that a Party that fails report to AC will lose ƒƒReceived information from CAR and Ethiopia but not primarily commercial purposes, provided that the its quota. Botswana, and proposed renewal of the Decisions quota is not exceeded. i) the quota is not exceeded; for these countries; and ii) no new scientific or management data have emerged to indicate that the population of the Agreed to propose removal of Kenya and Malawi ·· species in the range State concerned can no longer from RC 10.14 (Rev. CoP16), at their request; sustain the agreed quota. and

Continued Continued

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Continued Continued ··Invited Secretariat to propose amending RC ƒƒAdds paragraph 2: “INSTRUCTS the Standing 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) to establish a process to Committee and the Animals Committee to keep review quotas. under review quotas for species included in Appendix I established by the Conference of the Parties, and if new scientific or management data have emerged to indicate that the population of the species in the range State concerned can no longer sustain the agreed quota, consult with that range State in order to find a solution to the concerns raised.”

47. Enhancement of quotas • RC 10.15 (Rev. CoP14), on Establishment of quotas for • Proposes to amend RC 10.15 (Rev. CoP14) to increase OPPOSE for markhor hunting markhor hunting trophies approves an export quota Pakistan’s markhor export quota to 20. Proposal does not include “details of the scientific basis for trophies of 12 markhor (Capra falconeri) hunting trophies from • the proposed quota” as required by RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13). Pakistan per calendar year and states that proposals • Claims that markhor populations in Pakistan are CoP18 Doc. 47 to establish or increase quotas require consent of the stable or increasing according to the IUCN Red List. • No sources for population sizes cited. Pakistan CoP in accordance with RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13). • Provides country-wide population sizes for the two • No site-specific information is provided to substantiate • RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13), para. 1, states that such pro- subspecies (C. f. falconeri and C. f. megaceros). claims that the community-based program has improved posals must include “details of the scientific basis for • Claims that that the community-based trophy hunting population status. the proposed quota.” program in place for three populations has resulted in • Other than IUCN (2015), all citations are from 2012 and improvement in markhor population status. • IUCN (2015) notes: many subpopulations of C. f. fal- earlier. Without more recent information, we cannot tell if coneri in Pakistan are very small (<100) and their • Indicates that the increased export quota would be populations are currently stable or increasing. level of connectivity is unknown; there is no recent used to expand the community-based trophy hunting • No details are provided on location of communities to be estimate for C. f. megaceros in Pakistan outside of the program to other communities. added to the program, or which markhor populations would Torghar Hills; old estimates indicated other populations be affected. were very small (≤100). • No information is provided on the size of markhor population(s) that would be affected by the increased export quota. • Proposal does not address the serious threat to markhor in northern Pakistan caused by the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.7

48. Black rhinoceros • RC 13.5 (Rev. CoP14) on Establishment of export • Requests an increase in South Africa’s export quota OPPOSE hunting trophies: Export quotas for black rhinoceros hunting trophies for adult males not to exceed 0.5% of the total South A 0.5% limit would almost double the current export quota for South Africa • approves an annual export quota of five hunting African population in the year of export (quota applies quota, to 9. trophies of adult male black rhinoceros (Diceros equally to all three subspecies). CoP18 Doc. 48 bicornis) from South Africa and five from Namibia, • Based on information provided in the proposal, offtake • Reports that: would increase to 48% of potential annual population South Africa and makes recommendations when reviewing appli- cations for permits. ƒƒSouth Africa’s estimated population was 1,893 in increment (taking account of poaching losses), contrary to 2015; the most numerous subspecies (D. b. minor) RC 9.21 (Rev. CoP13) on Interpretation and application of • D. bicornis is native to Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, is declining annually; populations of the other two quotas for species included in Appendix I. Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe; extir- subspecies (D. b. bicornis and D. b. michaeli) are Quotas should not be increased when species remains pated in Cameroon; Chad and possibly Ethiopia; rein- very small (254 and 79). • troduced in Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia.8 under poaching threat. Continued Continued Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued Continued • Species listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2011); ƒƒPoaching peaked in 2015 when 62 were killed (an • Reason for proposal unclear as South Africa is not using global population 5,250. estimated 3.3% of the wild population) compared to its existing quota. • Greatest threat is poaching for horn.9 12 in 2010; ƒƒAbout 0.2% per annum (on average 3-4 bulls) of national population was hunted for trophies during the period 2002 to 2015; and ƒƒSouth Africa exported fewer than the current quota of 5 trophies annually 2005-2015.

49. Implications of the transfer of a species to Appendix I

49.1 Report of the • CITES Article VII para. 2 exempts specimens “acquired • Provides draft Decision (Annex 1) directing SC to con- SUPPORT IN PART/OPPOSE IN PART before the provisions of the present Convention sider whether further guidance relating to the period of Secretariat SSN notes that 12,705 kg of pangolin scales ( spp.) applied to that specimen” from the provisions of transition between adoption of a listing proposal and • Manis were exported as Appendix II specimens in 2017.10 CoP18 Doc. 49.1 Articles III, IV and V [“pre-Convention exemption”]. its entry into force 90 days later (per Article XV) should be developed and incorporated into a Resolution, and SSN recommends that CoP18 support the new legal anal- • At CoP17, pangolins (Manis spp.) were transferred • from Appendix II to I. SC69 discussed whether stock- report to CoP19. ysis by the Secretariat and the proposed amendments to RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) and RC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16). piles of pangolin specimens acquired prior to CoP17 • Provides amendments to: qualified under the pre-Convention exemption and SSN recommends that CoP18 oppose the draft Decision ƒƒRC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and certificates • could be traded as Appendix II. because the proposed amendments to RC 12.3 (Rev. (Annex 2) that, inter alia, resolve that specimens CoP17) and RC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16) provide sufficient guid- SC69 recommended that Secretariat prepare a transferred from Appendix III to II or I, or from • ance and clarification, in most cases. document for consideration at CoP18 relating to Appendix II to Appendix I, shall be subject to the implications associated with different interpreta- provisions applicable to them at the time of export, tions of RC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16) on Implementation of re-export, import or introduction from the sea; and Article VII, paragraph 2, concerning “pre-Convention” ƒƒRC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16) para. 1 (Annex 3), adding a specimens. subparagraph stating that only specimens acquired before the date on which the species concerned was first included in the Appendices qualify for the pre-Convention exemption.

49.2 Trade in 'pre- • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 49.1. • Provides draft amendment to RC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16) SUPPORT Appendix-I' specimens stating that, in the case of a species transferred from • SSN recommends that CoP18 support the proposed one Appendix to another, trade in specimens of the amendment to RC 13.6 (Rev. CoP16), either as an alter- CoP18 Doc. 49.2 species concerned shall be subject to CITES provi- native to the Secretariat’s proposed amendment to RC. sions applicable to those specimens at the time of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria 12.3 (Rev. CoP17), which is similar, or in addition to it for import, export, introduction from the sea, or re-export. and Senegal further clarity.

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50. Amendments to • PC22 requested Secretariat to submit a document on • Provides amendments to RC 10.13 (Rev. CoP15) SUPPORT Resolution Conf. possible amendments to RC 10.13 (Rev. CoP15). (Annexes 1 and 2) that, inter alia: include, changing 10.13 (Rev. CoP15) on “timber” to “tree” species, and amended text Implementation of the regarding identification and forensics for tree species. Convention for timber • Secretariat recommends the deletion of para. 1) f) of species the Resolution containing provisions for extending the period of validity of, and/or changing the destination on CoP18 Doc. 50 the export permit or re-export certificate for tree prod- Standing Committee ucts other than logs, sawn wood and veneer sheets.

51. Stocks and Stockpiles • Decision 17.170 directs SC to review existing provisions • Reports that a SC working group was unable to reach SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT agreed by Parties concerning controls on stocks of consensus, and invites CoP to continue Decision 17.170. CoP18 Doc. 51 • SSN recommends adoption of the draft Decision with specimens of CITES-listed species and report to CoP18. • Secretariat suggests that the SC “focus on identi- Secretariat’s clarification that the SC’s mandate should Standing Committee fying the objectives of existing provisions agreed by also include the terms of reference agreed at SC69; and the Parties concerning controls on stocks and stock- that SC should build on work that has already taken place piles… and the resources required by the Parties and on this issue. the Secretariat to implement them.”

52. Introduction from the • Introduction from the sea relates to the issuance • Provides a report on implementation of Decision SUPPORT Sea of CITES documents for specimens caught in areas 16.48 (Rev. CoP17) on introduction from the sea. beyond the jurisdiction of any State. CoP18 Doc. 52 • Invites CoP to, inter alia, adopt draft Decisions (Annex 1) • Because the regime for introduction from the sea is to charge the Secretariat with monitoring introduction Standing Committee relatively new11, Parties have requested the Secretariat from the sea, particularly with respect to chartering. to keep these provisions under review.

53. Purpose Codes • Purpose codes refer to the purpose of transactions • Invites CoP to adopt amendments: SUPPORT involving listed species (e.g. “commercial” is pur- CoP18 Doc. 53 ƒƒTo Decision 14.54 (Rev. CoP17) re-establishing the SSN supports the guidance on use of purpose codes for pose code T); RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and working group (Annex 1); and various CITES certificates. Standing Committee certificates, establishes 12 purpose codes. ƒƒTo RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex 2) that include, Decision 14.54 (Rev. CoP17) directs SC to establish a • inter alia, clarifying that the purpose code for export working group to consider issues relating to evaluation may be different from the purpose code for import; of the use and definition of purpose codes and pro- and providing guidance on which purpose codes pose amendments to RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) if needed. to use for various CITES certificates (e.g., musical instruments, travelling exhibitions).

54. Identification of specimens in trade DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

54.1 Identification • RC 11.19 (Rev. CoP16) on Identification Manual, inter • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, SUPPORT Manual alia, directs Secretariat to report on related efforts at direct Secretariat to undertake a review of RC 11.19 each CoP. (Rev. CoP16) on Identification Manual and SC to CoP18 Doc. 54.1 submit revision to CoP19. Secretariat, in • Secretariat recommends that AC/PC establish a joint consultation with AC/ working group to review identification materials and PC Chairs RC 11.19 (Rev. CoP16).

Identification of CITES- • Decisions 17.166 to 17.169 direct Parties, Secretariat • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, SUPPORT listed tree species and PC to, inter alia, prioritize taxa for the adoption direct Parties, Secretariat and PC to improve resources of new or updated standard nomenclature references, for timber and wood products identification and pri- CoP18 Doc. 54.2 and determine existing reference samples or collec- oritize the species of rosewoods and palisanders that tions for CITES-listed tree species. would most benefit from the development of timber Plants Committee identification tools.

54.3 Identification • Decisions 16.136 (Rev. CoP17) to 16.138 (Rev. • Reports that the study was not undertaken because SUPPORT of sturgeons and CoP17), inter alia, direct: of a lack of funding. paddlefish specimens ƒƒSecretariat to organize a study on molecular, • Invites Parties to extend Decisions 16.136 (Rev. in trade DNA-based and other forensic methods that could CoP17) to16.138 (Rev. CoP17). assist in identifying the species and populations of CoP18 Doc. 54.3 Acipenseriformes specimens in trade; and Secretariat ƒƒAC and SC to review report and make recommendations.

55. CITES implementation • Secretariat side-event12 at PC24 reported that: • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT for trade in medicinal ƒƒHundreds of medicinal plant species are included in ƒƒSecretariat to analyze CITES priorities, challenges plant species the CITES Appendices; and opportunities in matters related to trade in CoP18 Doc. 55 ƒƒTrade in these species is economically substantial medicinal plants; and and trade volumes and values are increasing; and ƒƒPC and SC to review the report and make Secretariat ƒƒEnsuring legal, sustainable and traceable trade in recommendations to Parties and CoP19. wild-sourced medicinal plants has proven to be challenging.

56. Simplified procedure • Decisions 17.173, 17.174 and 17.85, inter alia, direct • Provides amendments to RC 11.15 (Rev. CoP12) SUPPORT for permits and Secretariat and SC to consider simplified procedures (Annex 1) to include “diagnostic and forensic research certificates to issue permits, including mechanisms to facilitate specimens.” efficient international movement of samples for CoP18 Doc. 56 forensic or enforcement purposes. • Provides amendments to RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex 2) that, inter alia, provide additional recommendations Standing Committee regarding processing applications for trade in bio-

Continued logical samples. Continued www.ssn.org 55 56 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued • Relevant Resolutions include RC 11.15 (Rev. CoP12) • Provides a draft Decision directing Secretariat to on Non-commercial loan, donation or exchange of issue a Notification every five years requesting that museum and herbarium specimens and RC 12.3 Parties update their register of scientific institutions (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and certificates. entitled to the exemption provided by Article VII para. 6 of the Convention.

57. Implementation of the • Source codes refer to the source of traded speci- • Reports that SC found Secretariat’s recommendations SUPPORT Convention Relating mens (e.g. “taken from the wild” is source code W); to be premature; invites CoP to adopt draft Decisions The draft Decisions provide a means to resolve confusion to Captive-Bred and RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and certificates, directing: • regarding implementation of rules relating to captive-bred establishes 10 source codes. Ranched Specimens ƒƒAC/PC to update and review Secretariat’s analysis, and ranched specimens. Decision 17.101 directs Secretariat to review ambi- and SC to review analysis in light of AC/PC review; CoP18 Doc. 57 • SSN urges CoP18 to delete the part of draft Decision guities and inconsistencies in application of rules • ƒƒAC/PC to make recommendations to SC; and 18.BB calling for SC to review “underlying CITES policy Standing Committee included in CITES Resolutions as they relate to use of assumptions that may have contributed to the uneven source codes R, F, D, A and C. ƒƒSC to make appropriate recommendations, including amendments to existing Resolutions or development application of Article VII, paragraphs 4 and 5”; this would • Decision 17.106 directs SC to review Secretariat’s anal- of a new Resolution or Decisions, to address issues add considerably to the SC workload without clarifying the ysis; analysis was presented at SC70 (SC70 Doc. 31.1). and challenges for implementing CITES rules for applicable rules. captive-bred and ranched specimens.

58. Implementation of • Decisions 17.103, 17.105 and 17.107 direct • Provides draft amendments to RC 17.7 that, inter alia, SUPPORT Resolution Conf. 17.7 Secretariat, AC and SC to make recommendations recommend that: when AC identifies issues better on Review of trade regarding the first iteration of RC 17.7. dealt with within the Review of Significant Trade it can in animal specimens introduce the combination of species and country of reported as produced in concern in stage 2 of that review; and AC not select captivity species-country combinations where SC has already entered a dialogue with the country over use of source CoP18 Doc. 58 codes C, D, F or R under another compliance process. Standing Committee • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) directing AC and SC to make recommendations to improve the RC.

59. Definition of the term ‘artificially propagated’

59.1 Guidance on • Decisions 16.156 (Rev. CoP17) and 17.175 to 17.177 • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia direct SUPPORT the term 'artificially inter alia, direct PC to review current production Secretariat to prepare guidance materials for Parties propagated' systems for artificial propagation for both tree and on aspects of artificial propagation including the non-tree species. terms ‘under controlled conditions’, ‘cultivated CoP18 Doc. 59.1 parental stock’ and the new source code of such terms as may be adopted at CoP18; and report to CoP. Plants Committee DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

59.2 Source codes for • See Background under CoP18 Doc. 59.1. • Provides amendments to RC 11.11 (Rev. CoP17) on • In general, SSN is concerned that increasing the number plant specimens in trade Regulation of trade in plants (Annex 1) that, inter of source codes may create laundering opportunities and alia, include a definition of “plant obtained through hamper enforcement. CoP18 Doc. 59.2 assisted production”. Standing Committee • Provides amendments to RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on in collaboration with Permits and certificates to include code “Y” for plants Plants Committee Chair obtained through assisted production. • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct PC to review the implementation of paragraph 4 of RC 11.11 (Rev. CoP17) and the trade in specimens of artificially propagated Appendix-I species; and SC to consider recommendations to PC and CoP19.

60. Illegal trade in cheetahs • Decisions 17.124 to 17.130, inter alia, direct: • Provides update on activities taken under related SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS (Acinonyx jubatus) Decisions, which are proposed for deletion. ƒƒSecretariat to report progress on recommendations • Decision 17.127 should be retained because: in SC66 Doc. 32.5 paras. 17-18 and progress in Proposes that matters relating to illegal trade in CoP18 Doc. 60 • ƒƒ Secretariat has not reported on progress in halting halting illegal cheetah trade (Decision 17.127); cheetah be addressed by the CITES Big Cats Task Secretariat illegal cheetah trade; and ƒƒSecretariat to prepare a CITES cheetah trade Force (BCTF) proposed under CoP18 Doc. 76.1 on resource kit and report to SC; and African lion.13 ƒƒSC66 Doc. 32.5 enforcement recommendations have not been significantly realized (SC70 Inf. 44).14 ƒƒSC to provide recommendations to Secretariat to • Recommends adoption of a draft Decision directing finalize and disseminate the kit. Secretariat to make the final version of the kit available. • SSN is concerned that cheetah trafficking will not get the urgent attention required as one of many species consid- ered by the BCTF. • SSN urges CoP18 to support the call for a regional meeting for Eastern Africa and the Middle East on cheetah trafficking (CoP18 Doc. 60, para. 11).

61. Sturgeons and • Uncertainties about the definition of the term ‘country • Provides a draft Decision that directs SC to consider SUPPORT paddlefish of origin of caviar’ exist due to separation of production challenges to CITES implementation regarding appli- (Acipenseriformes spp.) stages of fertilized eggs, fingerlings and sturgeons of dif- cation of “CITES guidelines for a universal labeling system for the trade in and identification of caviar” CoP18 Doc. 61 ferent age classes for international trade and subsequent caviar production in countries that may differ from the and make recommendations to CoP19. Secretariat in country in which the sturgeons were bred in captivity.15 consultation with Standing Committee Chair and Chair of the Intersessional Working Group on Country of Origin of Caviar

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62. Draft decisions on • An estimated 41% of 6,424 amphibian species • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT the conservation of assessed by IUCN are globally threatened; 435 spe- ƒƒSecretariat to provide a report on trade in • Habitat destruction and disease are primary threats to amphibians (Amphibia) cies face rapid decline, with 50 declining due to heavy 16 amphibian species and conduct workshops amphibians; harvesting is a serious secondary threat. harvesting. identifying amphibian species threatened by CoP18 Doc. 62 • International trade of amphibians for use as pets, bait, • Chytridiomycosis is an overwhelming threat to global international trade and evaluate their possible medicinal products and food (e.g. frog legs) contributes Costa Rica amphibian biodiversity and contributes to population listing in the Appendices, and provide guidance for 17 18 to overexploitation and promotes transmission of chytrid declines and extinctions worldwide. A 2019 study making NDFs and setting quotas for these species; fungus across borders.19 states that the disease has affected 501 amphibian ƒƒSC to review the report and make recommendations species (6.5% of the global total), of which 90 are to CoP19; and presumed extinct and 124 are in serious decline. ƒƒAC to review the making of NDFs for amphibians in trade.

63. Eels (Anguilla spp.) • Decisions 17.186 to 17.189 direct Secretariat, range • Reports on implementation of related Decisions. SUPPORT and trading States, AC and SC to, inter alia, consider CoP18 Doc. 63 Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia: reports on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and non- • Standing and Animals CITES listed Anguilla species and provide recom- ƒƒEncourage Parties to report on measures taken for Committees in mendations to CoP18. A. anguilla and unlisted Anguilla spp.; collaboration with ƒƒAC to consider reports and make recommendations Secretariat to Parties and CoP18; and ƒƒSC to consider information on illegal trade in A. anguilla, review AC recommendations and make their own recommendations.

64. Precious corals (Order • Decisions 17.190 to 17.193 direct Secretariat, AC and • Reports that the related study will be available as a SUPPORT Antipatharia and family SC to, , analyze results of a precious coral CoP18 Inf. document. inter alia SSN recommends that CoP18 support extending Decisions Coralliidae) survey and an FAO study on listed and non-listed pre- • • Provides extension of Decisions 17.192 and 17.193 17.192 and 17.193. cious coral species; AC to make recommendations to directing AC and SC to review study and make CoP18 Doc. 64 SC; and SC to make recommendations to CoP. recommendations. Standing Committee

65. Implementation of • Decision 16.157 (Rev. CoP17) directs PC to monitor • Provides report on 2nd Regional Workshop on the SUPPORT Resolution Conf. 16.10 the implementation of RC 16.10 to assess any poten- Management of Wild and Planted Agarwood Taxa on Implementation tial conservation impacts to the long-term survival of (June 2018, Indonesia) (Annex 1). of the Convention for agarwood-producing species. • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 2) that, inter alia, agarwood-producing direct PC to monitor implementation of RC 16.10 taxa [Aquilaria spp. and and Secretariat to commission a study to assess any Gyrinops spp.] potential conservation impacts to the long-term sur- vival of agarwood-producing species. CoP18 Doc. 65 Standing Committee DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

66. Trade in Boswellia spp. • Boswellia spp. are the source of the aromatic resin • Provides draft Decisions directing Secretariat to compile SUPPORT (Burseraceae) known as frankincense; genus includes about 18 tree information on Boswellia spp. and provide information to • Resin and resin-derived essential oils and extracts from species native to the arid tropical regions of Africa, PC; and PC to make recommendations including whether these species are widely traded internationally. CoP18 Doc. 66 the Middle East, and South Asia. any of the species meet the criteria for listing under CITES. • There is growing concern that unregulated international trade Sri Lanka and USA • Of the 13 species that have been globally assessed by • Provides details on these species (Annex 1) and proposed of frankincense might threaten the survival of these species. IUCN, nine have a threat status of Vulnerable or higher. minor revisions to the Decisions from the Secretariat (Annex 2).

67. Humphead wrasse • Decisions 15.87 (Rev. CoP17), 16.140 (Rev. CoP17), • Provides an update on implementation of related Decisions. SUPPORT (Cheilinus undulatus) 17.201 and 17.202, inter alia, direct: • Provides draft Decision directing Secretariat to invite • SSN recommends that CoP18 support adoption of this CoP18 Doc. 67 ƒƒSC to develop recommendations for improving FAO and IUCN Groupers and Wrasses Specialist Group Decision and that it be amended to require reporting to SC74. regulation of international trade in humphead to assist it in supporting exporting and importing coun- Standing Committee wrasse and report to CoP18; and tries of C. undulatus to address CITES implementation ƒƒSecretariat to collaborate with FAO on project challenges. to support Indonesia in achieving sustainable management of, and trade in, humphead wrasse.

68. Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.)

68.1 Report of the • RC 12.6 (Rev. CoP17) on Conservation and manage- • Provides an update on shark and ray related activities • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document and support Animals Committee ment of sharks, inter alia, directs AC to examine new and implementation of Decision 17.211, including sig- AC’s efforts to address threats to CITES-listed sharks and rays. nificant progress made in implementing shark and ray information on trade and other relevant data and infor- SSN recommends that CoP18 note substantive efforts by CoP18 Doc. 68.1 listings. • mation and report to CoPs. the Secretariat and National CITES Authorities to increase • Decisions 17.209 to17.216 direct Parties, Secretariat • Provides recommendations of AC29 and AC30 capacity for identification, data collection, regulation and SC to take certain actions regarding the trade and (Annexes 1 and 2). (including NDFs) and enforcement. conservation of sharks including directing Secretariat • Invites CoP to note document. • SSN encourages CoP18 to continue to report to Secretariat to request new information on shark conservation and on progress made including new tools, NDFs, and trade in management from Parties and provide trade informa- listed species; the CITES Shark and Ray portal is a conve- tion on these species to AC. nient way to share and find updated information.

68.2 Report of the • See Background under 68.1. • Reports on implementation of related Decisions. SUPPORT Secretariat • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: • SSN recommends adoption of draft Decisions in Annex CoP18 Doc. 68.2 ƒƒSecretariat to: provide information to AC on shark 1 and proposed amendments to RC 12.6 (Rev. CoP17) in tradeincluding information from Parties on related Annex 2. Secretariat in NDFs, legal acquisition findings and stockpiles The proposed amendments to RC 12.6 (Rev. CoP17) direct AC consultation with • of shark fins; develop guidance on NDFs, legal to “periodically” examine new information on implementation Standing Committee acquisition findings and control of stockpiles of without specifying what “periodically” means; SSN recom- Chair these species; investigate the apparent mismatch mends that CoP18 clarify that this means at each AC meeting. Continued Continued

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Continued Continued between the trade in sharks recorded in the CITES • SSN appreciates the draft Decision on stockpiles but Trade Database and reported catches of listed remains concerned about the volume of illegal shark fins species; and conduct a study analysing the trade in currently in international trade. non-fin shark products of CITES-listed species; and • Peru, a member of the Shark Intersessional Working ƒƒAC and SC to review these results and prepare a Group, proposed draft amendments to RC 12.6 (Rev. joint report for CoP19. CoP17) urging Parties to document pre-Convention stock- • Provides amendments to RC 12.6 (Rev. CoP17) that, piles and improve monitoring of fins in transit; these are inter alia: not included in the proposed amendments in Doc. 68.2. SSN urges CoP18 to further amend RC 12.6 (Rev. CoP17) ƒƒEncourage Parties to improve data collection and to address Peru’s concerns. reporting for shark species and share information on stricter domestic measures; ƒƒDirect AC to make species-specific recommendations at CoPs if necessary on improving the conservation status of sharks; and ƒƒDirect SC to provide guidance on regulatory matters in connection to the implementation of shark listings.

69. Elephants (Elephantidae spp.)

69.1 Implementation of • RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17), inter alia, directs SC to review • Provides update on issues addressed under RC 10.10 SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS (Rev. CoP17) including stockpiles, trade in Asian ele- Resolution Conf. 10.10 actions taken by Parties to implement provisions of Asian Elephants: There is evidence of an ongoing, significant phants, National Ivory Action Plans (NIAP), and SC69 and (Rev. CoP17) on Trade in this Resolution, particularly, but not limited to, provi- trade in raw and powdered skin, illegal trade of live wild SC70 recommendations regarding ETIS methodology. elephant specimens sions concerning trade in elephant specimens, and to elephants, and increased poaching in certain countries.20 report to each CoP. Provides draft Decisions on elephants (Annex 1) that, This evidence and lack of compliance with the reporting CoP18 Doc. 69.1 • inter alia: requirement, indicates failure to implement key provisions Secretariat at request of ƒƒDirect SC to review guidance for the management in CoP17 Decisions. SSN urges adoption of Decisions 18.BB Standing Committee of ivory stockpiles (to be presented at SC71); and 18.CC, with immediate and effective implementation and timely reporting to the Secretariat. ƒƒWiden the remit of Decisions 17.217 and 17.218 to include all Asian elephant specimens (Decisions 18.BB and 18.CC); and Direct SC to review Secretariat’s NIAP’s: SSN recommends the following amendments to the proposal regarding the financial and operational NIAP Guidelines (Annex 3 of RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17)): sustainability of the MIKE and ETIS programmes. • Under Step 4 on monitoring of implementation of NIAPs, • Provides Decisions 17.70 to 17.82 on NIAP (Annex 2). focus should be on key outcomes and impacts such as a • Provides proposed amendments to RC 10.10 (Rev. reduction in poaching and ivory trafficking; CoP17) (Annex 3) relating to Guidelines to the National • Under Step 5 on exit from the NIAP process, any Party Ivory Action Plans Process that, inter alia, provide ele- considered for exit should be asked to implement the ments that should be considered by the Secretariat ICCWC Indicator Framework for Wildlife and Forest Crime when evaluating NIAPs and to include “provisions … and share the results with the Secretariat;

Continued Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued for TAG members to access detailed data for review • Under Step 5(b)(ii), when good progress has been made purposes in fulfillment of their responsibilities”. by a Party which continues to be significantly implicated • Provides Terms of Reference for review of the ETIS in poaching or ivory trafficking, reporting obligations programme adopted by SC70 (Annex 4). should focus only on key action(s) yet to be achieved; and • Provides tentative budget and source of funding for • Under Step 5(c), additional factors should be considered implementation of these actions (Annex 5). including: impacts of NIAP implementation demonstrated by performance indicators and targets identified in Step • Invites CoP to adopt the draft Decisions and proposed 2, paragraph a) 3. Vi). amendments to RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17).

69.2 Report on • RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) establishes the CITES MIKE • Provides report on information relating to objectives of • SSN recommends that CoP18 note this document. the MIKE mandate. Monitoring the Illegal programme. • SSN notes that MIKE data may not be representative of Killing of Elephants • MIKE data is analyzed using PIKE (Proportion of Illegally • Does not assess data from 2018, and notes concerns actual poaching levels, given that only 17,780 carcass (MIKE) Killed Elephants), a measure of the proportion of ele- about lack of reporting by certain MIKE sites. records have been assembled (2003 –2017) for MIKE phant mortality resulting from illegal killing, measured • Reports that (for reporting African and Asian MIKE sites): sites in Africa and 3,377 in Asia; moreover sites are mostly CoP18 Doc. 69.2 on a country-by-country basis. based in non-functional protected areas, particularly in ƒƒA steady increase in levels of illegal killing of elephants in Asia resulting in under reporting of poaching levels. Secretariat Africa starting in 2006, peaking in 2011, and thereafter following a slight but steady downward trend; however • While report states it is “perhaps impossible” to assess report states these trends should be interpreted with the effects of the CITES authorised ivory sales, there caution, considering the reported continental decline in is overwhelming evidence that sales did exacerbate 21 elephant numbers over the same period poaching and ivory trafficking. The ETIS Report (Doc. 69.3) concludes that the closure of China’s domestic legal ƒƒIncrease in PIKE in Southern Africa including ivory market - which was established in response to the Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique; 2008 CITES ivory one-off sale - could have diminished the with PIKE levels remaining high in Central and West role of China in global illegal ivory trade. Africa; and ƒƒSteady increase in average levels of illegal killing of Asian elephants between 2003 and 2006, followed by slight decreasing trend up to 2018. • The report: ƒƒAdded adjustments and comments relating to data collection and PIKE, and potential biases that may overestimate poaching rates. The Secretariat has launched consultancies to review the MIKE analytical methodology and to search for alternatives to PIKE. ƒƒUrges caution in using the formerly accepted PIKE “sustainability threshold” of 0.5 and has removed this threshold line from the data figures that were in the SC70 document. • Requests CoP to note the document.

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69.3 Report on the • RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) establishes ETIS that provides • Provides the ETIS and the Illicit Trade in Ivory report • SSN recommends that CoP18: Elephant Trade data on illegal ivory trade. (Annex 1) which: ƒƒRequest that the 10 Parties identified as countries of Information System ƒƒDoes not assess data from 2018, and is based on concern in the ETIS Report but which are not currently (ETIS) incomplete information for 2017; participating in the NIAP process (i.e., China, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Singapore, South Africa, UAE, CoP18 Doc. 69.3 Rev.1 ƒƒNotes a gradual decline in ivory seizures from peaks in 2012 and 2013; Zimbabwe, Turkey and Burundi) develop NIAPs or at Secretariat minimum, report on progress made in addressing ƒƒReports that, between 2008 and 2017, nearly 400 poaching and /or ivory trade to SC73; tonnes of ivory (sourced from 58,672 elephants) have been seized; ƒƒRecognise Japan as a Category A country and request Japan to develop a NIAP committing to closure of its ƒƒEmphasizes the need to maintain NIAPs, closure of domestic ivory market; and domestic ivory markets and to continue to address demand and enforcement in order to prevent a ƒƒ Direct the Secretariat to issue a Notification listing the return to high levels of ivory trade; and countries which have failed to conduct forensic analysis on large-scale seizures in accordance with RC 10.10 ƒƒNotes that apparent decline in illegal ivory trade and request that such Parties submit the results of such volume is occurring at same time as an overall analysis by SC73; and direct SC73 to adopt appropriate decline in Africa-wide elephant numbers. measures for lack of compliance. • Provides comments on report received from Parties (Annex 2) and includes TRAFFIC’s responses to these comments (Annex 3). • Identifies the following countries as countries of concern: ƒƒCategory A: Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Vietnam; ƒƒCategory B: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, China and Hong Kong SAR; ƒƒCategory C: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, South Africa, Cameroon, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Angola, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopia, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Turkey and Burundi; and ƒƒVietnam identified as a major country of concern where the situation “has worsened considerably” with the country now becoming the leading destination for illicit ivory, surpassing China, including Hong Kong SAR. • Reports that only 21 out of 107 large-scale ivory sei- zures (19.6%) have been assessed forensically. • Requests CoP to note the document. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

69.4 Ivory stockpiles: • RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17), inter alia, urges Parties to • Provides overview of the major seizures in trafficked SUPPORT proposed revision of maintain an inventory of stockpiles of ivory and inform ivory in the past few years. • Given the proliferation of ivory stockpiles, challenges with Resolution Conf. 10.10 the Secretariat of stockpile quantities each year. • Recommends that guidance for the management their management, lack of comprehensive information on (Rev. CoP17) on Trade in • Decision 17.171 directs Secretariat to, inter alia, develop of ivory stockpiles be finalized, and the adoption of number and quantity of worldwide stockpiles, reports of elephant specimens practical guidance for management of ivory stockpiles. Decisions that, inter alia, direct: theft, and the risk of ivory from stockpiles leaking into illegal trade, finalization of official CITES guidance and CoP18 Doc. 69.4 ƒƒSecretariat identify to SC those Parties that have not provided information on ivory stockpiles within their improved reporting are urgently required. Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote territory; and d’Ivoire, Gabon, Jordan, ƒƒSC to consider Secretariat’s report and determine if Kenya, Liberia, Niger, further actions are necessary. Nigeria, the Sudan and Syrian Arab Republic

69.5 Implementing • RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17), inter alia, recommends that all • Highlights the role played by legal markets (e.g. Japan SUPPORT aspects of Resolution Parties with legal domestic ivory markets contributing and the EU) in perpetuating ivory trafficking. Evidence All domestic ivory markets – not just those “contributing Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) to poaching or illegal trade close their domestic mar- from TRAFFIC suggests that, despite amendments to • to poaching or illegal trade” - create opportunities to kets for commercial ivory trade as a matter of urgency. tighten trade controls, Japan’s market contributes to on the closure of domestic launder illegal ivory. Studies reveal that where outlets poaching and illegal trade. ivory markets offer legal and illegal ivory side-by-side, revenue and Evidence shows that illegal ivory is being laundered profits become intermingled and difficult to separate.22 CoP18 Doc. 69.5 • through EU markets including by exploiting a loophole The proposed amendments are necessary because allowing uncontrolled sale of “antique” ivory (pre 1947). • Burkina Faso, Cote the current provision in RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) is being d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, • Provides amendments to RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) that used to justify keeping some legal markets open. Japan Kenya, Liberia, Niger, include, inter alia, that all Parties close domestic mar- claims the recommendation does not apply to its market Nigeria and the Syrian kets for commercial ivory trade; Secretariat to report because it does not contain illegal ivory 23, even though Arab Republic to SC on all Parties that have not closed such markets. TRAFFIC cites “considerable evidence” that its market is 24 • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct SC to contributing to illegal trade. The EU has allowed an open consider report of Secretariat on domestic ivory mar- internal market and exports of worked ivory to continue kets and recommend actions to ensure their closure. since CoP17, despite numerous studies linking its market with illegal trade.25

70. Hawksbill turtle Decisions 17.222 and 17.223, inter alia, direct: • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT (Eretmochelys imbricata) • and other marine ··Secretariat to undertake a study on the legal ƒƒSecretariat to make completed study available to AC and SC; turtles (Cheloniidae and and illegal international trade in marine turtles, Dermochelyidae) and report to SC and CoP; and ƒƒAC provide recommendations to SC; and ··SC to formulate its own recommendations. ƒƒSC to formulate its own recommendations. CoP18 Doc. 70 • Recommends that SC form an intersessional working Secretariat group to review study and make recommendations.

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71. Asian big cats (Felidae spp.)

71.1 Report of the • RC 12.5 (Rev. CoP17), on Conservation of and trade • Reports, inter alia, that 34% of tiger specimens seized SUPPORT Secretariat in tigers and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species in 2015-2017 were likely from a captive source. (ABC),26 • SSN recommends that Parties support the Proposed inter alia: Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: CoP18 Doc. 71.1 • revisions to RC 12.5 (Rev. CoP17) and the retention of ƒƒRecognizes threats of poaching and illegal ƒƒParties affected by illegal trade in ABCs or with Decision 14.69. international trade, including substitution of parts of tourist markets contributing to illegal cross border Asian big cats for tiger parts in traditional medicine; • SSN recommends amending Draft Decisions 18.DD to trade, to pursue enforcement efforts; direct SC73 and future SC’s to consider time-bound, ƒƒUrges Parties and range and non-range States to ƒƒSecretariat to undertake missions to Parties country-specific measures; and 18.EE to specify that mis- address illegal trade; and with facilities of concern and report to SC with sions should occur, with reports to SC73. ƒƒInstructs Secretariat to report to SC and CoP on recommendations; and • Fewer than 4000 wild tigers remain; populations in south measures to comply with the Resolution and ƒƒSC to review report and recommendations and Asia are stabilizing but still subject to poaching; popu- related Decisions. determine further measures. lations in Southeast Asia continue to decline and face • Decision 17.227 directed SC to consider recommen- Provides proposed amendments to RC 12.5 (Rev. renewed poaching from Vietnamese criminal networks; dations following review of trade (Decision 17.228). • demand from China continues to finance tiger poaching; CoP17) (Annex 2) that, inter alia: The review was completed for SC70, but deliberation markets for ABC parts and derivatives catering primarily on specific measures deferred. Missions (Decision ƒƒUrges Parties to include non-native ABCs in their to Chinese consumers operate openly, particularly in 17.229) to address legal and illegal trade from cap- legislation; neighboring range states. tive ABC facilities have not occurred. ƒƒAddresses disposal of ABCs that die in captivity; • >8000 captive tigers found in 4 range states (China, • Decision14.69 directs “Parties with intensive, com- and Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam)27. mercial tiger breeding operations to implement mea- ƒƒRecommends that all Parties with a legal domestic sures to restrict the captive population to the number market for specimens of ABC species that is contrib- supportive of conserving wild tigers; “tigers should uting to poaching or illegal trade take all measures to not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives”. close their domestic markets for these products. ƒƒInvites Parties to maintain Decision 14.69.

71.2 Draft Decisions on • See Background under Doc. 71.1. • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct Parties: SUPPORT Asian Big Cats • In Doc. 71.2, India proposes additional draft ƒƒHaving facilities of concern to develop a phase-out • SSN recommends including in draft Decisions a minor India Decisions, taking into account the contents of SC70 program, inventory captive populations and monitor addition to 18.JJ directing Parties to submit reports for Doc. 51 and Annexes, and extremely concerned to prevent laundering; consideration at SC73. about the delay in the full implementation of Decision ƒƒTo prohibit domestic and international commercial • The draft Decisions in Doc. 71.2 go further than the draft 17.227 (despite the substantive review in SC70 Doc. trade in all Asian Big Cat parts and derivatives; Decisions in Doc. 71.1. SSN considers these necessary 51 Annex 4), Decision 17.229 (despite funding avail- to achieve implementation of CoP17 Decisions, Decision able for missions), Decision 14.69, and RC 12.5 (Rev. ƒƒTo afford non-native species of big cats with the 28 same protection as native big cat species; and 14.69, and RC 12.5 (Rev. CoP17) (para. 1 k) that have suf- CoP17) (para. 1 k). This includes some time-bound, fered from lack of progress to date, including 12 years ƒƒTo share images of seized tiger skins. country-specific measures. having passed since the adoption of Decision 14.69. • Decisions also: • Recent Global Tiger Forum and Global Tiger Initiative ƒƒProvide specific recommendations to Afghanistan, meeting recommended closure of domestic markets and Cambodia, China, India, Lao People’s Democratic prohibiting breeding of tigers for commercial purposes.29 Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Republic, Myanmar, Nepal and Viet Nam and Parties implicated in illegal ABC trade; and ƒƒRecommend that Secretariat prepare a report on these Decisions and formulate recommendations for review by SC.

72. Seahorses Seahorses were listed in CITES Appendix II at CoP12 Summarizes history of inclusion of seahorses in SUPPORT (Hippocampus spp.) on • • in 2002. Appendix II, explores progress in implementation and CITES – a roadmap to • Total weight of seahorses in documented trade decreased identifies issues needing attention. 30 success significantly after CITES listing; however, significant por- • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: tion of trade remains uncontrolled. CoP18 Doc. 72 ƒƒSecretariat to invite Parties to inform Secretariat of • A 2018 study31 states that Hong Kong SAR traders Maldives, Monaco, Sri national quotas for seahorses, organize an expert reported obtaining 95% of dried seahorses from coun- Lanka and USA workshop to explore CITES implementation and tries that ban seahorse export (e.g. Thailand, Philippines, enforcement of Appendix II for seahorses, and report Indonesia, India, and Malaysia), indicating widespread to AC and SC; and lack of enforcement. ƒƒAC and SC to develop recommendations for implementation and enforcement.

73. Great apes RC 13.4 (Rev. CoP16) on Conservation of and trade in Provides amendments to RC 13.4 (Rev. CoP16) that, (Hominidae spp.) • • SUPPORT IN PART/OPPOSE IN PART great apes, inter alia, directs Parties to promote pro- : inter alia SSN urges CoP18 to support some of proposed amend- tection of great apes and Secretariat to report to each • CoP18 Doc. 73 ƒƒRecognize that apes are well represented in zoo ments but oppose deletion of requirements for reporting SC meeting on implementation of the RC. Standing Committee collections and that removal from the wild poses a to each SC meeting and transfer of responsibility for SC70 invited Secretariat to review RC 13.4 (Rev. threat to their conservation; trade in wild sourced in consultation with • reviewing implementation of the RC from SC to Secretariat. CoP16) and propose amendments, as appropriate. apes is not encouraged outside movement of Secretariat confiscated animals into long-term care facilities; ƒƒUrge Parties to be particularly vigilant and strictly adhere to the provisions of CITES regarding any trade in wild-caught or allegedly captive-bred live specimens of great apes; ƒƒDelete requirement for reporting to each SC meeting; and ƒƒDirect Secretariat (rather than SC) to regularly review implementation of this RC, and bring any concerns regarding trade in these species to the attention of AC and SC.

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74. Rosewood timber • Decision 17.234 directs PC to review document CoP17 • Proposes draft Decisions that, inter alia: SUPPORT species [Leguminosae Doc. 62 (Rev. 1) on International Trade in Rosewood ƒƒDirect Secretariat to compile available data and (Fabaceae)] Timber Species and formulate recommendations to information on management, use and trade for CoP18. CITES-listed rosewood timber species and, as a CoP18 Doc. 74 second priority, species not included in the CITES Plants Committee Appendices; organize related workshops; provide study to PC; make recommendations to SC and CoP19; and ƒƒDirect SC to make recommendations.

75. Pangolins (Manis spp.) • Decisions17.239 and 17.240, inter alia, direct Secretariat • Highlights role of mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS CoP18 Doc. 75 to report to SC on pangolin conservation and trade Thailand and Nigeria in the industrial scale trafficking • SSN urges CoP18 to retain text in RC 17.10, para. 7, issues; and to formulate recommendations for SC and of pangolins. amended to read “the making of non-detriment findings Secretariat with draft draft Decisions for SC and CoP18. • Provides an update on implementation of the related for non-commercial trade in the species.” Decisions from Standing 32 • Related report was provided to SC69 which made rec- Decisions. SSN urges CoP18 to adopt Decisions with targeted recom- Committee ommendations to Parties and Secretariat on improving • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) (including addi- mendations, proportional to the serious scale of the problem, compliance and enforcement.33 • tions from Secretariat) that, inter alia, direct: requesting: Trafficking in pangolins remains a serious threat with • ƒƒRange States to develop conservation and ƒƒChina to expeditiously close its domestic legal market large seizures ongoing: A record seizure in Singapore management programs and report to Secretariat; for pangolin specimens; of nearly 13 tonnes of scales (corresponding to 17,000 pangolins) in April 2019 originated from Nigeria and ƒƒSecretariat to work with experts to develop ƒƒChina, Thailand, Nigeria, Viet Nam and other Parties was destined for Viet Nam;34 in January 2019, a conversion parameters for pangolin species (to implicated in high volumes of illegal pangolin trade, to shipment from Nigeria to Viet Nam with scales from determine number of animals associated with a strengthen enforcement efforts to tackle trans-national 13,000 pangolins was seized in Hong Kong; and from quantity of scales) and report to SC; pangolin trafficking; Oct. 2018 to Jan. 2019, seizures in Viet Nam totalled ƒƒAC to make recommendations to SC or Secretariat ƒƒThese Parties to report to Secretariat on progress made almost ten tonnes.35 on related issues; and for consideration at SC73; and ƒƒSC to make recommendations. ƒƒRange and consumer States to report to SC on laws • Provides an amendment to RC 17.10 on Conservation and regulations governing domestic markets for of and trade in pangolins, para. 7, deleting text refer- pangolin specimens. ring to NDFs as all species now are listed in Appendix I. • SSN urges CoP18 to include SC69 recommendations on improving compliance and enforcement in RC 17.10, including encouraging Parties to assist enforcement offi- cers at ports to better target illegal trade in pangolins; and Secretariat to encourage ICCWC partner agencies to target criminal networks involved in illegal pangolin trade.

76. African lion (Panthera leo) DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

76.1 Report of the • Decisions 17.241-17.245 on African lions (Panthera leo) • Reports on actions taken under the Decisions including: SUPPORT Secretariat directs, inter alia: ƒƒSecretariat was unable to implement all of the • SSN urges Parties to adopt a highly precautionary approach CoP18 Doc. 76.1 ƒƒSecretariat, in collaboration with range States, activities. to trade in lion products from all sources. CMS and IUCN, to: implement conservation plans; ƒƒCITES and CMS contracted IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist • Given declining status of lions and the potential threat to Secretariat in undertake population inventories; support databases; Group to develop a document on Guidelines for the vulnerable populations posed by trade, SSN recommends consultation with develop cooperation and management strategies; Conservation of Lions in Africa (GCLA) for the meeting the following amendments to the draft Decisions: Animals and Standing undertake studies on legal and illegal trade; of the African Carnivore Initiative (ACI1) in November ƒƒDecision 18AA(c): note the need for a “2nd international Committees Chairs undertake a comparative study of conservation and 2018, but this was not reviewed by AC or SC; management practices; support capacity-building expert workshop” (Doc. 18.45), to build on advice in conservation and management, including in the ƒƒSC intersessional working group on African lions recom- available to Parties on establishing NDFs for lions; mended a Resolution on African lion (SC70 Doc. 54.2); making of non-detriment findings; support public ƒƒDecision 18AA(e): direct that the GCLA be shared with awareness raising and education in range States; • TRAFFIC study on The Legal and Illegal Trade in AC for consideration at AC31; create a dedicated portal on the CITES website; African Lions (SC70 Doc. 54.1) was reviewed by AC ƒƒDecisions 18AA(f) and 18CC(f): include a reporting promote fundraising; and report to AC and SC. and the SC’s intersessional working group. requirement to AC31, AC32, SC73 and SC74; ƒƒAC to consider Secretariat’s report and submit • Notes best practices and NDF guidance from a ƒƒDecision 18BB(a): include a timeline and mandate for recommendations to SC. Spanish workshop presented by the EU. the establishment of the CITES Big Cats Task Force; ƒƒSC to review report and AC recommendations; • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, ƒƒDecision 18.BB b) iii): include a mandate for the task consider developing a Resolution on conservation of ƒƒDirect the Secretariat to: force to develop and recommend demand reduction African lion; establish and provide Terms of Reference -- Undertake a study of lion population trends and strategies for lions; and for a CITES Task Force on African lions; and consider conservation and management practices; establishing a trust fund to support the Task Force ƒƒDecision 18.CC.d): direct that forensic identification --Convene a CITES Big Cats Task Force; and African lion conservation. tools be developed for lion and other big cat parts and --Conduct further research and analysis on the legal products, including finished products which may contain and illegal trade in lions and other big cats; and big cat parts. --Assess whether trade in lion specimens reported under purpose code “H” follows the guidance in RC 12.3 (Rev. CoP17) on Permits and certificates, para. 3 h). ƒƒDirect AC and SC to develop recommendations for CoP19.

76.2 Conservation of and • Decision 17.243(b) directs SC to recommend further • Provides a draft Resolution on Conservation of and SUPPORT trade in African lions actions including the possible need for a Resolution trade in African lions ( P. leo) (Annex 1) that, inter alia: • The draft Resolution compliments the draft Decisions in on the conservation of African lion. CoP18 Doc. 76.2 ƒƒInvites Parties to enhance enforcement and CoP18 Doc. 76.1 and facilitates cooperation between • SC69 established an intersessional working group cooperation, and develop demand reduction Parties on combating illegally traded specimens, ensures Niger and Togo (chaired by Niger) to: “…consider further actions to programmes where appropriate; sustainable lion trophy quotas, and reduces demand for be taken, including the possible development of addi- ƒƒProvides recommendations regarding captive- African lion products. tional specific guidance on trade in and conservation breeding facilities for lions including that Parties with • The African Lion Working Group has stated that the of African lions… through a dedicated Resolution.” facilities consider restricting captive breeding of lions captive-bred lion industry and associated activities are • TRAFFIC report (SC70 Doc 54.1), acknowledged to those beneficial to lion conservation efforts; businesses that “do not provide any demonstrated posi- poaching as an emerging threat, and increasing ƒƒRecommends a highly precautionary approach to tive benefit to wild lion conservation efforts and therefore demand in Asia that may impact lion and other big international trade in lion products from all sources; cannot be claimed to be conservation.”36 Continued Continued www.ssn.org 67 68 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued cat populations; documented concerns with captive ƒƒRecommends Parties work to eliminate use of lion breeding facilities, e.g. laundering tiger bones from (and tiger and leopard) bone in traditional medicines both wild and captive-bred sources as captive lion and products; and bones, and selling captive lion products as tiger. ƒƒRequests Secretariat to report on the status of • SC70 Doc. 54.2 contains report of the intersessional African lions, and the extent and nature of trade in working group including, inter alia, a recommendation African lion specimens, for consideration at each for the development of a dedicated Resolution on lions regular meeting of SC. for CoP18, and suggestions of measures to include in such a Resolution.

77. Jaguar (Panthera onca)

77.1 Jaguar trade • P. onca, listed in Appendix I, is classified as Near • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1), that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT Threatened (IUCN 2016) but could qualify as ƒƒSecretariat to undertake a study on illegal trade in CoP18 Doc. 77.1 37 Vulnerable in near future. jaguars and use of jaguar specimens, seek information Costa Rica and Mexico • Jaguar trafficking may be increasing in Belize, Honduras, on this issue from Parties, and report to AC and SC; Costa Rica, and Panama, where there is concern that a ƒƒAC to review study and make recommendations to structured national and international illegal trade may be SC; and emerging, with anecdotal though largely unconfirmed claims of potential links to Asian markets. ƒƒSC to formulate recommendations.

77.2 Illegal trade in • See Background for CoP18 Doc. 77.1. • Provides a draft Resolution on Conservation and con- SUPPORT jaguar trol of trade in jaguars (Panthera onca) that, inter alia: ƒƒUrges Parties to adopt legislation and enforcement CoP18 Doc. 77.2 efforts aimed at eliminating poaching of jaguars Peru and trade in parts and derivatives, prohibit sale and acquisition of live specimens, parts and derivatives, and increase enforcement and public education; and ƒƒDirects Secretariat to commission a study on illegal trade in jaguars, including trafficking routes and markets; develop regional and subregional initiatives to reduce and ultimately eliminate illegal trade in jaguars; and report to SC.

78. Illegal trade in Tibetan • RC 11.8 (Rev. CoP17) on Conservation of and control • Reports on related activities undertaken, including a NOTE WITH AMENDMENT antelope (Pantholops of trade in the Tibetan antelope, inter alia, directs SC July 2016 workshop on illegal trade in Tibetan antelope. SSN urges CoP18 to note this document but to reject hodgsonii) to report on enforcement measures taken by Parties • Requests CoP to note this document. Secretariat’s recommendation to delete its CoP reporting in eliminating illicit trade in Tibetan antelope prod- • CoP18 Doc. 78 requirement from RC 11.8 (Rev. CoP17). ucts and report to each CoP. • Secretariat recommends that RC 11.8 (Rev. CoP17) Standing Committee be amended to delete requirement for Secretariat to report to each CoP. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

79. Songbird trade • Reports that large numbers of songbirds (order • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT and conservation Passeriformes) are taken from the wild for food and ƒƒAC to gather information on songbird trade, SSN urges CoP18 to maintain the Decisions as drafted the caged bird trade; vast majority of the approxi- • management management and enforcement; prepare a report, so that AC can report on issues related to listed and non- mately 6,000 songbird species are not CITES-listed; (Passeriformes) including recommendations, to SC and/or CoP19; listed songbirds in all regions. and only 84 songbird species or subspecies are and provide guidance on making NDFs for CITES- Regarding Secretariat’s suggestion that the report be lim- CoP18 Doc. 79 included in the Appendices. listed passerines; and • ited to listed species, SSN notes that Objective 1.4 of RC Some Asian songbirds are extinct in the wild or Sri Lanka and USA • ƒƒSC to make its own recommendations. 16.3 (Rev. CoP17) on nearing extinction due to intensive trapping; IUCN CITES Strategic Vision: 2008-2020 states, “The Appendices correctly reflect the conservation Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group formed in 2018 • Lists 28 priority species (Annex 2) identified at First needs of species”; study of unlisted species is necessary to address this crisis. Asian Songbird Trade Crisis Summit. in order to achieve this objective; CITES has addressed Secretariat suggests focusing on these 28 species; oth- • unlisted species via Decisions, including 17.186 on eels erwise, work would be outside of scope of Convention. and 17.234 on rosewoods.

80. African cherry (Prunus • Decision 17.250 directs Secretariat to organize an • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct SUPPORT africana) international workshop on P. africana and report to PC. PC to review recommendations from International Workshop on Prunus africana and provide recommen- CoP18 Doc. 80 dations to SC and CoP19. Plants Committee • Secretariat recommends, inter alia, that Decisions be amended to direct SC to make its own recommenda- tions to Parties and PC.

81. African grey parrots • Decisions 17.253 to 17.257, inter alia, direct range • Seeks to continue related Decisions with a minor • If Decisions are maintained, SSN recommends that CoP18 (Psittacus erithacus) States of P. erithacus to develop National Action Plans amendment. adopt Secretariat’s suggested amendments but delete for the species. Decision 17.258; more than 50 breeding facilities for this CoP18 Doc. 81 • Secretariat recommends that the Decision related • Decision 17.258 provides recommendations when to conservation and management of the species be species are now included in Secretariat’s register. South Africa approving registration of breeding facilities for the amended, considering that species is listed in Appendix • If Decision 17.258 is maintained, SSN recommends species. I; and that the Decision 17.258 be maintained. CoP18 adopt the following amendment: “...whether the • P. erithacus was listed in Appendix I at CoP17; Party has been included in the Review of Significant Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only range Trade or subject to any CITES compliance or enforcement State with a reservation to this listing. regime concerning the species in the prior 10 years from the effective listing date”.

82. Banggai cardinalfish • Decisions 12.259 to 17.263, inter alia, direct Indonesia • Reports on implementation of the related Decisions. SUPPORT (Pterapogon kauderni) to implement conservation and management mea- • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: sures for the species and report to AC; Secretariat to CoP18 Doc. 82 commission a study to assess the impact of trade on ƒƒIndonesia to consider its measures for sustainable Animals Committee this species; and AC to assess study and Indonesia’s trade in the species and report to AC; and report and make recommendations to CoP18. ƒƒAC to review progress and make recommendations to CoP19. • Secretariat suggests minor amendments including reference to AC30 recommendations.38

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83. Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae spp.)

83.1 Report of the • RC 9.14 (Rev. CoP17) on Conservation and trade in • Provides an update of directed actions, including SUPPORT with Amendments African and Asian rhinoceroses, inter alia, provides Standing Committee and information on Parties identified as most affected by • SSN recommends adoption of the draft Decisions with the the Secretariat recommendations on enforcement and rhino horn rhinoceros poaching and horn trafficking. stockpiles; and includes recommendations regarding following changes: Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, , make CoP18 Doc. 83.1 a commissioned rhino trade report before each CoP. • inter alia ƒƒAdd Botswana to Parties to which Decision 18.BB is specific recommendations to China, Mozambique, directed; Standing Committee and • Decisions 17.133-17.144 direct actions to all Parties, Namibia, South Africa, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe; rec- ƒƒAdd Namibia and South Africa to Parties to which Secretariat rhino range States, Mozambique and Viet Nam, SC ommends that SC provide recommendations to CoP19 and Secretariat regarding trade in rhinoceroses. based on Secretariat’s summary of Party reports; and Decision 18.CC is directed; and directs Secretariat to explore best practices to assist ƒƒAdd time-bound reporting requirements to 18.BB (in in addressing rhinoceros poaching and horn trafficking. advance of each SC meeting), 18.CC (by SC73) and • Provides a Report from the IUCN Species Survival 18.FF (by SC73 and SC74). Commission African and Asian Rhino Specialist • SSN recommends adopting additional Decisions: Groups and TRAFFIC to the Secretariat pursuant to ƒƒDirecting Parties to incorporate best practices from the RC 9.14 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex 2);report from China IUCN/TRAFFIC report (Annex 2) when implementing RC (Annex 3); Status of Rhinos in Zimbabwe (Annex 4); 9.14 (Rev. CoP17); and Decisions 17.133-17.144 (Annex 5). ƒƒEncouraging South Africa and Namibia to investigate • Demonstrates that rhino horn trafficking remains alarm- identified discrepancies in reporting of exports of ingly high, with an estimated 4,757 horns from African hunting trophies and submit report on measures taken rhinoceros destined for illegal markets in 2016-2017. to SC73; encouraging China, India, Myanmar and Viet Nam to enhance their enforcement capacity and collaborate on investigations into cross-border rhino horn trade, and submit report on progress to SC73; and ƒƒEncouraging Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand to investigate reports of whole, powdered, and worked rhino horn for sale at markets in the Golden Triangle region, take any enforcement action necessary, and submit report to SC73.

83.2 Revisions to • See Background under Document 83.1. • Provides revisions to RC 9.14 (Rev. CoP17) including, SUPPORT Resolution Conf. inter alia, that Parties: • Former RC 6.10 on Trade in Rhinoceros Products, • Domestic legal markets for rhino parts and derivatives 9.14 (Rev. CoP17) on which was repealed by RC 9.14 (Rev. CoP17), called ƒƒTake all measures to close all domestic markets for undermine Appendix I listings, stimulate demand, provide Conservation of and for the complete prohibition on internal and interna- trade in raw and worked rhino horn; laundering opportunities, increase the burden on law trade in African and tional sale and trade in rhino parts and derivatives. ƒƒInform Secretariat of the status of their domestic enforcement, and undermine demand reduction efforts. Asian rhinoceroses, and 39 RC 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) on Trade in elephant speci- markets for rhino products; • China announced a new policy in 2018 that, if imple- associated decisions • mens urges Parties to close domestic ivory markets as ƒƒCollate information on privately-held stockpiles of mented, would allow rhino horn use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and trade in “cultural relics”. CoP18 Doc. 83.2 a matter of urgency. rhino horn within their territory; and ƒƒConsider destruction of stockpiles of rhino horns as • South Africa’s moratorium on domestic horn trade was Kenya a management option. overturned in 2017; the government has yet to promulgate final regulations on domestic trade. Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued • There is CITES precedent for addressing domestic trade in especially at-risk species. • Stockpile destruction addresses funding and security challenges inherent to maintaining stockpiles.

84. Helmeted hornbill • RC 17.11 on Conservation of and trade in helmeted • Reports on implementation of the Decisions and notes SUPPORT (Rhinoplax vigil)) hornbill and Decisions 17.264 to 17.266, inter alia, that the Action Plan for the conservation of the helmeted direct Secretariat to consult with range States con- hornbill was recently finalized.40 CoP18 Doc. 84 cerning their measures to conserve and protect the • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: Standing Committee species, assist Parties to eliminate illegal trade in the species and report to SC on implementation of the ƒƒParties to implement RC 17.11 and report to Decision; and SC to make recommendations to CoP18. Secretariat on implementation; ƒƒSecretariat to assist Parties in implementation of RC 7.11; and ƒƒSC to review implementation of Decisions and report to CoP19.

85. Queen conch (Strombus • Decisions 17.285 to 17.290 are directed to range • Reports on implementation of related Decisions. SUPPORT gigas) States, AC, and Secretariat regarding NDFs, and Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: enforcement and traceability issues concerning inter- • CoP18 Doc. 85 national trade in queen conch. ƒƒRange States to continue work on enforcement and Secretariat traceability issues and provide information on efforts to Secretariat; ƒƒAC to provide advice on making NDFs; ƒƒSC to review traceability and enforcement issues concerning international trade in queen conch, and make recommendations as appropriate; and ƒƒSecretariat to continue to assist range States.

86. Saiga antelope • Decisions 17.267 to 17.274 direct, inter alia, range • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT (Saiga spp.) and trading States of saiga to implement the Medium- ƒƒRange and trading countries of saiga to implement • SSN recommends that CoP18 adopt the Decisions with CoP18 Doc. 86 Term International Work Programme for the Saiga MTIWP for 2016-2020 and for 2021-2025; the Secretariat’s amendments. Antelope (2016-2020) [MTIWP (2016-2020)], care- ƒƒSecretariat to review conservation of and trade in Standing Committee fully manage trade, promote alternative products, • Listing of Saiga spp. in Appendix I (CoP18 Prop. 2) would address illegal trade and ensure effective stockpile Saiga spp.; consult saiga range States and major complement these measures. management; Secretariat to report to SC; and SC to trading and consumer States concerning their make recommendations to CoP18. management of stockpiles of saiga specimens; report recommendations to SC; and ƒƒSC to consider Secretariat’s findings and make recommendations. • Secretariat recommends AC be directed to view Secretariat’s results and make recommendations. www.ssn.org 71 72 DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

87. Conservation of the • The Titicaca water frog (Telmatobius culeus) is an • Provides a draft Resolution on Conservation of the SUPPORT Titicaca water frog endemic species to Lake Titicaca and native to Peru Titicaca water frog that, inter alia: • All Parties should endorse efforts to conserve species; (Telmatobius culeus) and Bolivia. ƒƒUrges all Parties to increase enforcement and consumer countries should strengthen law enforcement. The species is listed in Appendix I. prohibit sale and acquisition of the species; and CoP18 Doc. 87 • • Bolivia and Peru have adopted national and bi-national ƒƒDirects Secretariat to work with Parties to increase measures to recover the species; exports from both coun- Peru information on the species and reduce illegal trade. tries are prohibited; additional conservation measures needed to complement existing efforts.41

88. Tortoises and • Decisions 17.291 to 17.298 direct actions to • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that direct, inter alia: SUPPORT freshwater turtles Secretariat, AC, Parties, SC and Tortoise and ƒƒMadagascar to report to Secretariat on seizures, • SSN notes that draft amendments to RC 11.9 (Rev. CoP13) (Testudines spp.) Freshwater Turtles Task Force. arrests, prosecutions and convictions resulting remove all references to Asia, making the RC relevant to from enforcement to combat illegal trade in these all range and trading countries. CoP18 Doc. 88 species; Standing Committee and ƒƒSC to review Madagascar’s report and make Secretariat recommendations; ƒƒSecretariat to commission a guide on categories of turtle parts and derivatives in trade and report to CoP19; and ƒƒAC to review the guide. • Provides draft revisions (Annex 2) to RC 11.9 (Rev. CoP13) on Conservation of and trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles that, inter alia, encourage Parties whose national legislation is not sufficient to control unsustainable harvest and trade, to enact legisla- tion; provides specific recommendations to Parties affected by illegal trade in these species.

89. Totoaba (Totoaba • Decisions 17.145 to 17.151, inter alia, direct range, • Provides update on actions taken under relevant Decisions, SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENTS macdonaldi) noting the report is not complete and Secretariat is still transit or consumer States of totoaba to take enforce- The draft Decisions fail to reflect the urgent need for liaising with Mexico regarding a high-level mission. • CoP18 Doc. 89 ment actions and report on seizures; Secretariat to action; vaquita will likely be extinct before recommenda- commission a report on the critically endangered • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: tions can be adopted at CoP19. Secretariat vaquita porpoise and totoaba; and SC to make rec- ommendations at CoP18. ƒƒParties, especially range, transit and consumer States • Experts concluded in 2019 that the illegal totoaba fishery of totoaba, to report seizures and eliminate supply is “growing”, noting the “continued failure of enforcement • Illegal fishing for international trade in totoaba, pri- and demand for illegally-sourced totoaba specimens; efforts” by Mexico.44 marily of its swim bladder, is the major threat to the survival of both species. ƒƒSecretariat to report to SC and undertake a study on • Secretariat, SC, and Parties should initiate formal compli- totoaba and vaquita (TOR, Annex 2); and ance procedures pursuant to RC 14.3 and, inter alia: A March 2019 report from the International • ƒƒSC to provide recommendations to CoP19. Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita estimates ƒƒUndertake immediate compliance missions to Mexico that only 10 vaquita remain (range: 6 to 22) and that • Provides information from Mexico (Annex 3) and USA and China to assess efficacy of actions to combat illegal “unless action is taken now, the species will be lost (Annex 4); and an estimated budget for the work (Annex 5). totoaba trade; and Continued Continued DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

Continued Continued within a few months or years,”42 and before CoP19. ƒƒAmend draft Decision text to: strengthen reporting On March 14, 2019, the body of an adult female requirements for range, transit, and consumer countries; vaquita was found in an illegal gillnet.43 direct Mexico to increase its enforcement capacity, expand and strengthen its ban on gillnets in Upper Gulf of California, and augment its net removal program; and direct SC to make recommendations for compliance to Mexico at SC73 and to impose sanctions, if necessary, at SC74.

90. Black Sea bottlenose • Decisions 17.299 to 17.301, inter alia, • Provides an update on implementation of the Decisions SUPPORT dolphin (Tursiops ƒƒEncourage range States to use genetic analysis to including a report that CMS will continue to seek advice truncatus ponticus) on development of a genetic registry for Black Sea bot- identify T. truncatus specimens to subspecies and tlenose dolphins, potentially to be developed by CITES CoP18 Doc. 90 determine their origin prior to issuing an export permit; establish national or regional repositories, in collaboration with the Agreement on the Conservation Animals Committee accessible on-line, for relevant genetic identification of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS). data; and report to AC on exports of T. t. ponticus and their origins; • Provides a draft Decision (Annex 1) directing Secretariat ƒƒDirect AC to consider information from Parties to to continue its collaboration with ACCOBAMS for effec- evaluate effectiveness of the zero quota for wild tive conservation of CITES-listed species of cetaceans specimens for primarily commercial purposes; and in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. make recommendations to CoP18; and ƒƒDirect Secretariat to cooperate with Secretariats of relevant multilateral agreements (ACCOBAMS, CMS, Bern Convention, Bucharest Convention) to coordinate efforts regarding T. t. ponticus.

91. Conservation of vicuña • Certain populations of V. vicugna are listed in • Provides a draft Resolution on Conservation of vicuña SUPPORT (Vicugna vicugna) and Appendix II with an annotation allowing international and trade in its fibre and products (Annex 1), with trade in its fibre and trade in fibre and derivative products, if fibre comes amendments from Secretariat (Annex 2) that, inter products from shearing of live vicuñas. alia, recommend that Parties adopt appropriate legisla- tion and enforcement efforts; and Secretariat to assist CoP18 Doc. 91 range States in implementing conservation plans. Argentina

92. Appendix-I listed • Decisions 17.22-17.25, inter alia, direct Secretariat • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct SUPPORT species to assess the conservation status of, and legal and Secretariat to commission a report identifying and pri- illegal in trade in, species included in Appendix I, with oritising Appendix I species that could potentially benefit CoP18 Doc. 92 an indication of conservation priorities. from future CITES action; and AC and PC to review report Secretariat and Chairs and develop recommendations to Parties and CoP19. of Animals and Plants Committees

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93. Neotropical tree species • Decision 16.159 (Rev. CoP17), inter alia, directs PC • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) (including Secretariat’s SUPPORT intersessional working group on neotropical tree amendments (Annex 2)) that, inter alia, direct PC to re- CoP18 Doc. 93 species to continue its work and define terms of ref- establish the intersessional working group on neotrop- Plants Committee erence for the group. ical tree species; agree on a priority list of species; report on progress made in the management and conservation of and trade in these species; and make recommendations to CoP19.

94. Conservation • The number of marine fish species in trade has • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia: SUPPORT management of increased from ca. 1,000 in 2001 to 1,471 in 2004/05 ƒƒDirect Secretariat to organize a workshop on SSN proposes retaining the direction to the SC, but pro- and 2,300 currently. • and trade in marine conservation priorities and management needs poses adding the words “if requested to do so by the AC” ornamental fishes • An estimated1.5 billion ornamental fishes are traded related to trade in marine ornamental fishes; and after “shall” so that SC will not have to consider all such globally per annum. issues. CoP18 Doc. 94 ƒƒAC and SC to consider results and make • The majority of this trade concerns unlisted species. recommendations to CoP19. European Union, • Secretariat recommends, inter alia, that draft Decision Switzerland and USA directed to SC be deleted.

95. Guidance materials, • Decisions 14.73, 14.74, 17.112 and 17.113, inter • Provides amendments to RC 13.11 (Rev. CoP17) that, • SSN recommends that CoP18 adopt the following defini- activities and tools alia, invite the Central African Bushmeat Working inter alia: tion of “wild meat” which was adopted by CBD CoP14 in aimed at enhancing 45 Group to bring to the attention of the CoP any mat- ƒƒChange the term “bushmeat” to “wild meat”; and decision 14/7 (Nov. 2018), “the meat of terrestrial ver- Parties’ capacity to ters relating to the implementation of RC 13.11 (Rev. tebrates in tropical and subtropical habitat, biomes and regulate bushmeat trade CoP17) on Bushmeat. ƒƒDirect Secretariat to review implementation of RC ecosystems which is used for food.” CoP18 Doc. 95 13.11 (Rev. CoP17) and bring any issues of concern to attention of AC and SC. Secretariat

96. African Carnivores The Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative Reports on the Initiative, and Provides related CMS SUPPORT Initiative • • brings coherence to the implementation of CITES Decisions 12.55 to 12.60 (Annex 1). CoP18 Doc. 96 and CMS through their respective Resolutions and Provides draft (CITES) Decisions on the Initiative that, Decisions related to four African carnivore spe- • inter alia, direct: Secretariat cies: African lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild ƒƒSecretariat to develop a dedicated Programme of dog (Lycaon pictus). Work for the Initiative; and ƒƒAC and SC to review report on the Initiative and make recommendations to range States and Secretariat.

97. West African vulture • Six West African vulture species are among the most • Provides draft Decisions that, inter alia, direct: SUPPORT trade and conservation threatened groups of migratory birds in the world, ƒƒSecretariat to collect trade and onservation information management with four species Critically Endangered and two on West African vultures and provide to AC and SC; and Endangered (IUCN 2019). CoP18 Doc. 97 ƒƒAC and SC to review information and provide Burkina Faso, Niger and recommendations. Senegal • Secretariat states that trade is minimal; provides revi- sions to the draft Decisions that focus work on trade- related aspects of six West African species. DOCUMENT BACKGROUND / CURRENT STATUS EFFECT OF DOCUMENT SSN VIEW

98. Reservations with • Provides draft amendments to RC 4.25 (Rev. CoP14) SUPPORT respect to amendments on Reservations (Annex 1) that, inter alia: to Appendices I and II ƒƒRequest the Depositary Government to not accept reservations entered after the 90-day deadline; and CoP18 Doc. 98 ƒƒAgree that withdrawal of a reservation becomes Secretariat operational on the date of the Depositary’s notification to the Parties, unless a later date has been set by the Party withdrawing the reservation.

99. Standard Nomenclature • RC 12.11 (Rev. CoP17) on Standard nomenclature • Reports on nomenclature related activities of PC and AC. SUPPORT (Annex) provides the current list of standard nomen- Notes urgent need to prepare a Dalbergia spp. check- SSN recommends adopting the revisions to RC 12.11 and CoP18 Doc. 99 clatural references adopted by the CoP. • • list for Madagascar, by CoP19 if possible. the draft Decisions, noting particularly that a Dalbergia Plants and Animals At CoP17 Decisions on nomenclature were directed to checklist is essential for implementation of the listing of • Provides, inter alia: Committees in PC, AC, Secretariat and Parties on timber identification, • this genus in Madagascar. ƒƒRevisions to the list of standard references in the collaboration with the Malagasy ebonies (Diospyros spp.) and palisanders and SSN supports Secretariat’s recommendation to establish Annex to RC 12.11 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex 1) for, inter • Secretariat rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.), identification of CITES- an in-session working group. listed corals in trade, use of time-specific versions of alia, Cactaceae, wild sheep (Ovis spp.), seahorses online databases as standard nomenclature references, (Hippocampus spp.), and African lion (Panthera leo); • SSN notes that Annex 6 includes the proposed recogni- bird family and order names, African lion (Panthera leo), ƒƒDraft Decisions (Annex 2) on Cactaceae, Dalbergia tion of the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) as and Cactaceae (checklist adopted at CoP17). spp., corals and the use of time-specific versions of distinct from P. abelii; though adopting this change would online-databases; not alter its current Appendix I status, it could help raise awareness of the immediate threats facing this species. ƒƒA report (Annex 5) comparing possible new standard references for birds; and ƒƒA table (Annex 6) listing nomenclatural changes for animals proposed in the literature but not yet accepted or rejected by AC. • Secretariat recommends, inter alia, establishing an in-session working group to review Annexes 5 and 6.

100. Inclusion of species in • RC 9.25 (Rev. CoP17) on Inclusion of species in • Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that inter alia, direct SUPPORT Appendix III Appendix III, inter alia, provides guidance for Parties AC and PC to evaluate how nomenclature changes considering Appendix III listings; affect Appendix-III listings and propose guidance and CoP18 Doc. 100 • Decisions 17.303 to 17.305 direct AC, PC and SC to recommendations for SC; SC to review and make rec- Secretariat, at develop guidance on the application of Appendix III. ommendations to CoP19. the request of the • Provides revisions to RC 9.25 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex Standing Committee, 2) that, inter alia, distinguish between guidance on in consultation with to the process for inclusion in Appendix III (e.g. trade Chairs of the Standing and biological considerations) and implementation of Committee and Working Appendix-III listings. Group on Appendix III

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101. Annotations • Many listings in the Appendices are annotated (e.g. • Invites CoP to: SUPPORT IN PART /OPPOSE IN PART to indicate that only specific parts and derivatives are CoP18 Doc. 101 ƒƒAdopt revisions to RC 11.21 (Rev. CoP17) (Annex • SSN recommends adoption of proposed revisions to RC included). 1) and to para. 7 on \ interpretation of the CITES 11.21 (Rev. CoP17) and the interpretative section to the Standing Committee • RC 11.21 (Rev. CoP17), on Use of Annotations in Appendices (Annex 2); CITES Appendices. Appendices I and II, provides guidance. ƒƒAdopt revision of Annotation #15; • SSN opposes the suggested revision for Annotation #15 • Decision 16.162, inter alia, directs SC to establish ƒƒRevise Decision 16.162 to continue the work of the on exemptions for musical instruments and items with an intersessional working group on Annotations and WG (Annex 3); and 500g or less of the listed species; See SSN View under assigns an array of tasks to the group. CoP18 Prop. 52. ƒƒAdopt Decisions (Annex 4) directing SC to develop a mechanism to conduct a periodic review of existing annotations, a screening process for future annota- tions, and an information system to process all rele- vant data related to trade in CITES-listed tree species.

102. Annotations for • Decision 17.318, inter alia, directs PC re-establish a • Provides a draft definition of the term ‘cosmetics’. SUPPORT Appendix-II orchids Working Group on Annotations for Appendix II Orchids Provides draft Decisions (Annex 1) that, inter alia, direct: SSN recommends that CoP18 establish an in-session and analyze the potential conservation impact of • • CoP18 Doc. 102 working group to examine the alternate texts in Annexes 1 orchid exemptions. ƒƒPC to seek information on trade in orchid parts and 2 to ensure that the conservation concerns raised by Standing Committee and derivatives in consideration of the potential conservation impact of exempting orchid products the SC are fully addressed in the final text. from CITES controls; review the current annotation for Appendix II-listed orchids, suggest amendments, and report to SC; and ƒƒSC to make recommendations to CoP19. • Secretariat provides amended text for the draft Decisions (Annex 2) with a tentative budget (Annex 3).

103. Guidance for the • Provides draft Decisions directing Secretariat to SUPPORT publication of the develop guidance for improved clarity and predict- Appendices ability in presentation of the Appendices; and SC to review this guidance and provide recommendations. CoP18 Doc. 103 • Secretariat suggests amendments that delete description Canada of the type of guidance to provide.

104. Review of Resolution Conf. • RC 10.9 provides that “all proposals to transfer • Invites CoP to repeal RC 10.9. SUPPORT 10.9 on Consideration of populations of the African elephant from Appendix I The process in RC 10.9 has been rendered unnecessary proposals for the transfer • to Appendix II shall be subject to review by a panel by the adoption of science-based listing criteria in RC of African elephant popu- of experts”. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), and in recent years the CoP has made lations from Appendix I to limited use of the reports of the Panel of Experts. Appendix II CoP18 Doc. 104 Standing Committee PROPOSAL ENDNOTES 1 CoP18 Inf. Doc. 6 39 CITES Trade Database 2 Members of the Africa Elephant Coalition, which announced support for the giraffe proposal, include Benin, Burkina Faso, 40 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/ac/26/E26-12-02-A.pdf Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, 41 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/ac/26/E26-12-02-A.pdf Ethiopia, Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. 42 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/ac/26/E26-12-02-A.pdf 3 https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/5228/seasia-otter-report.pdf 43 http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/dsd/ELPG/aboutELPG/Cacutus_english_Case.pdf 4 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X18302681#bib16 44 http://www.cea.lk/web/images/pdf/redlist2012.pdf 5 https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/5228/seasia-otter-report.pdf 45 https://bit.ly/2SKQ3eb 6 https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/otter-alert-vfinal-web-100-1.pdf 46 https://www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014_Stolen-Wildlife-Report.pdf --- see pp. 8-9 7 https://www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Final_Station_Living_Room.pdf 47 https://www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014_Stolen-Wildlife-Report.pdf --- see pp. 8-9 8 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X18302681#bib16 48 https://www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014_Stolen-Wildlife-Report.pdf --- see pp. 8-9 9 https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/5228/seasia-otter-report.pdf 49 https://www.korallenriff.de/artikel/1048_Deutsche_Zoofachleute_auf_Sri_Lanka__verbesserten_Importchancen_auf_der_ Spur.html 10 https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/otter-alert-vfinal-web-100-1.pdf 50 Bahir, M. & Surasinghe, T. (2005): A conservation assessment of the Sri Lankan Agamidae (Reptilia; Sauria). Raffles Bull. Zool. 11 CITES Trade Database Suppl. 12: 407–412. 12 CoP18, Prop. 9, Figure 1, p. 5. 51 Sarkar, D. (2018). Astronomically high value illegal lizard trade has taken deeper root. Economic Times, Jan. 15, 2018 (https:// 13 CITES Trade Database economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/astronomically-high-value-illegal-lizard-trade-has-taken-deeper- 14 SC70 Doc. 56 root/articleshow/62508848.cms?from=mdr). 15 SC70 Doc. 56 52 https://www.iucn-isg.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Cteno_ID_Guide-LowRez_15Aug2011.pdf 16 https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/species-of-the-day/loxodonta-africana/pdfs/original/loxodonta-africana.pdf 53 Pham Van et al. (2019): Longitudinal monitoring of turtle trade through Facebook in Vietnam. Herpetological Journal 29: 48-56 17 CITES Trade Database 54 Pham Van et al. (2019): Longitudinal monitoring of turtle trade through Facebook in Vietnam. Herpetological Journal 29: 48-56 18 https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/SSC-OP-060_D.pdf 55 Mwaya, R.T. et al. 2018. Malacochersus tornieri (Siebenrock 1903) – Pancake Tortoise, Tornier’s Tortoise, Soft-shelled Tortoise, Crevice Tortoise, Kobe Ya Mawe, Kobe Kama Chapati. In: Rhodin, A.G.J. et al. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of 19 http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/final-report, where “carcass ratio” is the percentage of dead elephants observed during Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. the count. Chelonian Research Monographs 5(12):107.1–15 20 https://www.iucn.org/content/african-elephant-status-report-2016-update-african-elephant-database 56 Jiang JP. 2015. Amphibians, in China Biodiversity Red List ---Vertebrate Volume. Jointly released by Ministry of Environment 21 MIKE report for CoP18 (CoP18 Doc. 69.2) and Chinese Academy of Sciences. (In Chinese) 22 CoP18 Doc. 69.3 57 Rowley et al. (2016): Estimating the global trade in Southeast Asian newts. Biological Conservation 199:96-100. 23 https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Tons-of-Zambia-ivory-stolen-20120620 58 https://cites-analysis.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/proposal/attachments_en/111/Prop43Guitarfish.pdf 24 https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/zambia_elephant_policy_2003.pdf 59 https://cites-analysis.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/proposal/attachments_en/112/Prop44Wedgefish.pdf 25 Thouless et al 2016 - the AESR 2016 report 60 Purcell, S.W., D. Williamson, P. Ngaluafe. 2018. Chinese market prices of beche-de-mer: Implications for fisheries and aquaculture. Marine Policy (2018) 58-65 26 The Livingstone biweekly. 2018. New Crime Fighting Equipment for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, available at, https://thelivingstoneweekly.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/tlbw24jan18.pdf 61 http://www.isaet.org/images/extraimages/P0815J2I4%20New.pdf 27 If propolsal is accepted, the following paragraphs would be deleted from annotation 2: 62 Siliwal, M., Molur, S. & Raven, R. 2011. Mygalomorphs of India: An Overview. Arthropods and their Conservation in India (Insects & Spiders). ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas, Wildlife Institute of India. 175-188. g) iv) raw ivory pursuant to the conditional sale of registered government-owned ivory stocks agreed at CoP12, which are 20,000 kg (Botswana), 10,000 kg (Namibia) and 30,000 kg (South Africa); 63 https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/63561/12691712 v) in addition to the quantities agreed at CoP12, government-owned ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe 64 Page, M.G.P. and Treadaway, C.G. 2004. Papilionidae of the Philippine Islands. In: Bauer, E. and Frankenbach, T. (Eds.). registered by 31 January 2007 and verified by the Secretariat may be traded and despatched, with the ivory in paragraph Butterflies of the world, Supplement 8. Goecke & Evers, Keltern. 58. (g) iv) above, in a single sale per destination under strict supervision of the Secretariat; vii) the additional quantities specified in paragraph g) v) above shall be traded only after the Standing Committee has agreed 65 https://www.theinsectcollector.com/acatalog/bn_Papilionidae5.html that the above conditions have been met; and 66 http://www.collector-secret.com/insect/butterfly/parides/ h) no further proposals to allow trade in elephant ivory from populations already in Appendix II shall be submitted to the 67 http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0828/ Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP14 and ending nine years from the date of the single sale of ivory that is to take place in accordance with provisions in paragraphs g) i), g) ii), g) iii), g) vi) and g) vii). In addition such further proposals 68 http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetailDoc&id=33603&no=51 shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 16.55 and 14.78 (Rev. CoP16). 69 Proposed amendments to Annotation #15: "All parts and derivatives, except: a) Leaves, flowers, pollen, fruits, and seeds; b) 28 https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/species-of-the-day/loxodonta-africana/pdfs/original/loxodonta-africana.pdf Non-commercial exports of a maximum total weight of 10 kg. per shipment finished products to a maximum weight of wood of the listed species of 500g per item; c) finished musical instruments, finished musical instrument parts and finished musical 29 CITES Trade Database instrument accessories; d) parts and derivatives of Dalbergia cochinchinensis, which are covered by annotation # 4; e) parts 30 UNODC. 2010. The Globalization of Crime: A Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment at 278. and derivatives of Dalbergia spp. originating and exported from Mexico, which are covered by annotation # 6." 31 CoP17 Doc. 57.6; SC62 Doc. 46.1 70 CITES Trade Database 32 CoP18 Doc. 69.2 71 High Beam Research. 2018. Measuring music products revenues in 2017. https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-534019536.html 33 CoP18 Doc. 69.3 72 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/pc/23/E-PC23-15-03-A2.pdf 34 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/E-SC70-49-01x-A1.pdf 73 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/exsum/E-SC70-Sum-06-R1.pdf 35 https://www.sciencealert.com/surprise-dna-find-shows-mammoth-tusks-are-substituting-for-ivory-in-cambodia 74 https://www.cifor.org/library/6826/ 36 http://savetheelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2014_ChinaConservationChallenge.pdf 75 https://www.cifor.org/library/6826/ 37 Zhou, C. et al. (2015). Dramatic decline of the Vulnerable Reeves's pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii, endemic to central China. 76 http://projects.nri.org/adappt/docs/Aloe_factsheet.pdf Oryx 49(3): 529–534 77 CITES Trade Database 38 https://www.wetlands.org/download/2876/ 78 Pennington, T. D. & Muellner, A. N. 2010. A monograph of Cedrela (Meliaceae). DH Books. UK. www.ssn.org 77 78

WORKING DOCUMENT ENDNOTES

1 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/Inf/E-SC70-Inf-44.pdfn 24 Kitade, T. and Nishino, R. (2017). Ivory Towers: An assessment of Japan’s ivory trade and domestic market. 2 UNODC. 2017. Criminal justice response to wildlife crime in Thailand: A Rapid Assessment; UNODC. 2018. TRAFFIC. Tokyo, Japan Cambodia amends legal loophole for wildlife trafficking, but still facing law enforcement obstacles; TRAFFIC. 2018. 25 INTERPOL, IFAW (2013) Project Web: An investigation into the ivory trade over the internet within the European Union; Slow and Steady: The Global Footprint of Jakarta’s Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Trade; EIA. 2016. Time for Action: Lau, W., Crook, V., Musing, L., Guan, J. and Xu, L. (2016) A rapid survey of UK ivory markets. TRAFFIC, Cambridge, UK; End the criminality and corruption fuelling wildlife crime; EIA. 2018. Taking Stock: An assessment of progress under IFAW (2012) Killing with keystrokes 2.0: IFAW’s investigation into the European online ivory trade. IFAW (2018) Disrupt: the National Ivory Action Plan process. Wildlife Cybercrime: uncovering the scale of online wildlife trade; Martin, E., and Stiles, D., (2005) Ivory Markets of 3 https://cites.org/eng/resources/reports/Annual_Illegal_trade_report Europe, a survey in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, Save the Elephants; Ares, E. and Pratt, A. The Ivory Bill, Briefing Paper Number 7875, House of Commons, 28 June 2018, quoting Defra, Ivory Bill Factsheet – overview, 23 4 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2017-006-A_0.pdf May 2018; TRAFFIC (2019) Examining options for possible restrictions on ivory trade in and from the EU – Summary of 5 “This information should be carried, on a case by case basis, from as close to the point of harvest as practicable EU Member States responses to the European Commission questionnaire. Prepared for the European Commission. and needed, to the point at which the information facilitates the verification of legal acquisition and non-detrimental 26 https://www.cites.org/sites/default/files/document/E-Res-12-05-R17.pdf. Asian big cat species: tiger Panthera( findings and helps prevent laundering of illegal products.” tigris), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosi) all subspecies of leopard (Panthera pardus) 6 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/exsum/E-SC70-Sum-10-R1.pdf within its Asian range, and Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). 7 Nabi, G., Khan, S., Ahmad, S., Khan, A., & Siddique, R. (2017). China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): an 27 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/E-SC70-51-A2-R1.pdf alarming threat to the biodiversity of Northern Pakistan. Biodiversity and Conservation, 26(12), 3003-3004. 28 “all Parties that make seizures of tiger skins within their territories, when possible, to share images of the seized 8 https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6557/16980917 tiger skins with the national focal points or agencies in tiger range States, which have photographic identification 9 https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6557/16980917 databases for tigers, and the capacity to identify tigers from photographs of tiger skins, so as to identify the origin of illegal specimens. The images should be taken from above with the skin spread. In the case of whole tiger 10 CITES Trade Database carcasses seized with the skin intact, images should be taken of both sides of the carcass.” 11 See RC 14.6 (Rev. CoP16) on Introduction from the Sea 29 http://globaltigerforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Report_3rd-Stocktaking-Conference-1.pdf 12 PC24 Inf. 7/SC70 Inf. 36 30 Kuo, Ting-Chun & A. Vincent (2018): Assessing the changes in international trade of marine fishes under CITES 13 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/18/doc/E-CoP18-076-01.pdf regulations-A case study of seahorses. Marine Policy 88: 48-57. 14 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/Inf/E-SC70-Inf-44.pdf 31 Foster, S.J. et al. (2018): Global seahorse trade defies export bans under CITES action and national legislation. 15 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/69/E-SC69-46-01.pdf Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. Working Paper #2018-01. http://oceans.ubc.ca/files/2018/12/ 16 UNEP. 2016. Analysis of environmental Impacts of illegal trade in wildlife. United Nations Environment Programme. WorkingPaper2018-01CITES.pdf PP 1-54. 32 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/69/E-SC69-57-A.pdf 17 UNEP. 2016. Analysis of environmental Impacts of illegal trade in wildlife. United Nations Environment Programme. 33 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/69/sum/E-SC69-SR.pdf, paragraph 57. PP 1-54 34 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/record-haul-of-pangolin-scales-worth-52-million-seized- 18 Scheele et al. (2019) Amphibian fungal panzootic causes catastrophic and ongoing loss of biodiversity. Science. DOI: from-container-at-pasir 10.1126/science.aav0379. 35 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-seizures/hong-kong-customs-seize-record-haul-of-pangolin-scales- 19 Gilbert M, Bickford D, Clark L et al (2013) Amphibian pathogens in Southeast Asian frog trade. EcoHealth 9:386-398 bound-for-vietnam-idUSKCN1PQ3LU 20 SC70 Doc 49.1 Annex 1 36 http://www.africanliongroup.org/uploads/5/0/0/7/5007626/alwg_statement_on_captive-bred_lion_hunting_3.pdf 21 EIA (Nov. 2014), Vanishing Point - Criminality, Corruption and the Devastation of Tanzania’s Elephants, http://eia- 37 Quigley, H., Foster, R., Petracca, L., Payan, E., Salom, R. & Harmsen, B. 2017. Panthera onca (errata version international.org/vanishing-point-criminality-corruption-and-the-devastation-of-tanzanias-elephants; EIA (March published in 2018). 2012), Blood Ivory: Exposing the Myth of a Regulated Market, http://eia-international.org/bloodivory-exposing- 38 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/ac/30/com/E-AC30-Com-01-R.pdf the-myth-of-a-regulated-market; Elephant Action League (2015), Blending Ivory: China’s old loopholes, new 39 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2018/10/wildlife-watch-news-china-rhino-tiger-legal/ hopes; Save the Elephants (2014), China faces a conservation challenge: The expanding elephant and mammoth ivory trade in Beijing and Shanghai; TRAFFIC (2014), ETIS report of TRAFFIC, CoP16 Doc. 53.2.2 at 14, 19; CITES 40 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/sc/70/E-SC70-57.pdf Secretariat (2013), Report of the Secretariat: Monitoring of illegal trade in ivory and other elephant specimens, 41 https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minam/noticias/22805-peru-y-bolivia-priorizan-actividades-para-conservacion-de- CoP16 Doc. 53.2.1, ¶ 34; Esmond Martin and Lucy Vigne (2011), The Ivory Dynasty: A Report on the Soaring la-rana-gigante-y-del-zambullidor-del-lago-titicaca Demand for Elephant and Mammoth Ivory in Southern China; IFAW (2012), Making a Killing: A 2011 Survey of Ivory 42 Report of the Eleventh meeting of the Comité Internacional para la Recuperación de laVaquita (CIRVA 11). Available Markets in China; EIA (2015), Japan’s Illegal Ivory Trade and Fraudulent Registration of Ivory Tusks, http://eia-global. at: http://www.iucn-csg.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CIRVA-11-Final-Report-6-March.pdf org/news-media/fraudulent-tusk-registration-fuels-ivory-trade-in-japan. 43 See http://www.iucn-csg.org/index.php/2019/03/19/dead-vaquita-found-in-totoaba-net/ 22 Defra, Ivory Bill Factsheet – overview, 23 May 2018 44 Report of the Eleventh meeting of the Comité Internacional para la Recuperación de laVaquita (CIRVA 11). 23 McGrath, M. BBC. (2016) Call to close ivory markets agreed at Cites conference. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/ news/science-environment-37535717 45 https://www.cbd.int/decisions/cop/?m=cop-14 NOTES NOTES

The Species Survival Network

Photo credits: Front outside cover: Poecilotheria spp. (Morkelsker); Isurus oxyrinchus (Patrick Doll); Centrolenella prosoblepon (Brian Gratwicke); Balearica pavonina (Bernard DUPONT); Cedrela spp. (mauro halpern); Ceratotherium simum (Safaritravelplus); Aonyx cinereus (Patrick Gijsbers); Gekko gecko (Budak). Front inside cover: (Lyriocephalus scutatus) Jason Bazzano / Alamy Stock Photo. Back inside cover: Loxodonta africana GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock.com. Back outside cover: Giraffa camelopardalis Volodymyr Burdiak/Shutterstock.com. Proposals: Jiří Sedláček aka Frettie (Prop. 1); Alexandre Buisse (Prop. 2); Alexandre Buisse (Prop. 3); Fir0002/Flagstaffotos (Prop. 4); Budak (Prop. 5); Andrey Giljov (Prop. 6); © Hans Hillewaert (Prop. 7); Safaritravelplus (Prop. 8, 9); Seve Slatter (Prop. 10, 11, 12); IJReid (Prop. 13); XiscoNL (Prop. 14); Photo of similar in appearance, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, Christopher Watson (Prop. 15); John attkinson (Prop. 16); Michael Barritt & Karen May (Prop. 17); Moebius1 (Prop. 18); Bernard DUPONT (Prop. 19); John Gould (Prop. 20); H. Grønvold (Prop. 21); Tomás Castelazo (Prop. 22); Cherubino (Prop. 23); Calynn (Prop. 24); Suranjan Fernando (Prop. 25); Nyanatusita (Prop. 26); Lisen67 (Prop. 27); Budak (Prop. 28); Matthijs Kuijpers /Alamy Stock Photo (Prop. 29); SpydercoGecko (Prop. 30); Keith Pomakis (Prop. 31); Omid Mozaffari (Prop. 32); Torsten Blanck (Prop. 33); Ulrich Hennen (ulih.) (Prop. 34); Adam G. Stern (Prop. 35); Davidraju (Prop. 36); Nevit Dilmen (Prop. 37); Brian Gratwicke (Prop. 38); ©2015 Axel Hernandez (Prop. 39); Charles Lam (Prop. 40); Seánín Óg (Prop. 41); Patrick Doll (Prop. 42); Joachim S. Müller (Prop. 43); Bobo Boom (Prop. 44); Frédéric Ducarme (Prop. 45); Morkelsker (Prop. 46); Anaxibia (Prop. 47); Totodu74 (Prop. 48); Haneesh K M (Prop. 49); Amanita Phalloides (Prop. 50); Scott Zona (Prop. 51); Forest and Kim Starr (Prop. 52); CIFOR (Prop. 53); Luis Catarino (Prop. 54); Stan Shebs (Prop. 55); Bernard Gagnon (Prop. 56); mauro halpern (Prop. 57) Editors: Barry Kent Mackay, Ronald Orenstein, and Teresa Telecky

SSN Board Members: Will Travers (Chair), Dr. Teresa Telecky (Vice-Chair), Wim de Kok (Treasurer), Sue Fisher (Secretary), Debbie Banks, Juan Carlos Cantú, Kelly Dent, Elodie Gerome, Geert Drieman, Barry Kent MacKay, Dr. Ronald Orenstein and Linda Paul The Species Survival Network: Your Ally at CITES

SSN CONTACTS SSN Headquarters For Asia For North America For Oceania Mr. Will Travers OBE, President Mr. Wim de Kok, Coordinator Rebecca Regnery Nicola Beynon Ms. Ann Michels, Executive Director World Animal Net Humane Society International Humane Society International 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 25 Chestnut Square 700 Professional Drive PO Box 439 Washington DC 20037 USA Boston, MA 02130 USA Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Avalon NSW 2107 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Australia E-mail: [email protected] For Africa For Europe For Central and South America and the Caribbean Mr. Will Travers OBE, Coordinator Ms. Daniela Freyer, Coordinator Ms. Maria Elena Sánchez, Coordinator Born Free Foundation Pro Wildlife e.V. Teyeliz, A.C. Broadlands Business Campus Engelhardstr. 10 Ahuehuetes Sur 811 Langhurstwood Road 81369 München, Germany Bosques de las Lomas, México, D.F. 11700, México Horsham, RH12 4QP UK E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] SPECIES SURVIVAL NETWORK 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington DC 20037 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ssn.org