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| CITES Trade - A global analysis of trade in Appendix I-listed species | |
| 2013 Full Book | |
This report provides an analysis of trade in species included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since the Convention came into force in 1975. It focuses on key trade terms for each taxonomic group, identifies trade important to each CITES region, highlights success stories and potential areas of concern in relation to implementation and reporting. Trade patterns: Trade in mammals (which represents almost half of Appendix I species) was dominated by skins (unspecified source), specimens (predominantly of wild origin) and captive bred live mammals. Whilst a high volume of derivatives were also reported, such trade is difficult to equate to number of individuals and therefore determining its impact on wild populations is problematic. For several taxonomic groups (notably live birds, reptiles and fish) commercial trade in captive produced specimens has increased over time; however the majority of trade was dominated by a relatively small number of taxa. The five main exporters of live birds (all European) predominantly traded species which were non-native. Plant trade was dominated by artificially propagated derivatives and roots, although trade in derivatives has declined substantially since the early 1990s. Saussurea costus (Costus root) was the predominant taxon in trade under these terms. Virtually all trade in plant derivatives occurred between countries within the Asian region. The CITES region that issued the highest number of export permits in 1975-2010 was North America, but exports by volume were dominated by the Asian region. Plant trade dominated exports by volume from Africa and Oceania (live plants), Asia (derivatives) and Central and South America and the Caribbean (timber). Europe's largest export in terms of volume was mammal meat (whales). Compliance: Poor reporting in the earlier years of the Convention precludes a comprehensive analysis of infractions of the Convention relating to trade in Appendix I specimens; however, the commercial use of wild-taken specimens occurred in every year from 1990-2010 demonstrating a continued problem. Infractions mainly involved mammal and reptile taxa. Seizure data (recorded as source 'I') was most prevalent for mammals, reptiles and plants. High profile species including elephants and sea turtles featured highly; it is probable that many ivory, carving and leather product seizures represent personal tourist souvenirs, and seizures of mammal and plant derivatives relate to Traditional East Asian Medicines. Sustainable use programmes exist for a number of Appendix I species. Whilst CoP-approved quotas for hunting trophies or skins appear to have been generally complied with, they may have been exceeded in some instances. Successes: Fifty-seven taxa were transferred from Appendix I to II by the first fifteen meetings of the Conference of the Parties, demonstrating that tight controls on international trade combined with national or regional management can be effective in improving species conservation status. Reporting: Overall, reporting of source and purpose codes improved notably between the two 15 year periods, 1981-1995 and 1996-2010. Submission of annual reports continues to be variable with many Parties providing reports after the deadline established by the Conference of the Parties. Errors in reporting of Appendix I trade were varied and numerous, and included incorrect use of source codes, incorrect Appendix applied for split-listed species and trade reported at higher taxon levels. Specific guidance on reporting of trade to address these issues is provided. |
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