CITES

Question 1

What does CITES stand for?

Answer 1

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora

Question 2

What is the aim of CITES?

Answer 2

Ensuring that wild fauna and flora are protected.

Question 3

Why are flora and fauna protected?

Answer 3

-Irreplaceable part of natural systems, which must be sustainably managed and protected. - To protect wild species which are under threat as a result of over-exploitation for international trade

Question 4

Why is the international trade of some flora and fauna banned?

Answer 4

• Over-exploitation - permitted for most CITES species to ensure sustainability.

Question 5

How has the number of CITES member changed over time.

Answer 5

Established in 1973 by IUCN. Came into force 1975 Increase in numbers since. Insert diagram

Question 6

What are the 3 CITES authorities?

Answer 6

Management Authority Scientific Authority CITES Secretariat

Question 7

What does the management authority do?

Answer 7

Executes the provisions of the convention Issues CITES permits

Question 8

What does the scientific authority do?

Answer 8

Provides scientific advice to the management authority Advises on trade and policy matters Advises management authority whether the trade of species will be beneficial or detrimental.

Question 9

What does the CITES Secretariat do>

Answer 9

Co-ordinates and assists the parties with the implementation of the convention. Based in Geneva.

Question 10

How is the admin structured

Answer 10

Question 11

What species are subject to CITES control

Answer 11

30,000 plant species Mostly orchids - large, horticulturally important plant groups 5,600 animal species

Question 12

How are the species controlled by CITES managed?

Answer 12

Three appendices which are reviewed at each conference of the parties.

Question 13

How strict is the control of trade for CITES controlled species?

Answer 13

Plants and animals - alive or dead - any readily recognisable parts or derivatives. Includes herbarium specimens and other preserved material.

Question 14

What is controlled under appendix 1?

Answer 14

>300 plants threatend with extinction and are affected by international trade.

Question 15

How is the trade of appendix 1 species controlled?

Answer 15

Trade in wild collected appendix 1 plants is prohibited for commercial purposes. Trade in artificially propagated appendix 1 plants is allowed with a permit.

Question 16

What is controlled under appendix 2?

Answer 16

>25,000 plants which may become threatened with extinction if trade is not regulated. All orchids and cacti not included in appendix 1.

Question 17

How is the trade of appendix 2 species controlled?

Answer 17

Commercial trade in wild-collected and artificially propagated plants is allowed with permits. Trade is allowed in quantities which do not affect wild populations. Specific controls and exclusions.

Question 18

What is controlled under appendix 3?

Answer 18

27 plants subject to regulation within the territory of a CITES party, in order to prevent or restrict their exploitation.

Question 19

How is the trade of appendix 3 species controlled?

Answer 19

Both wild-collected and artificially propagated appendix 3 plants is allowed, subject to permit.

Question 20

How are orchid species controlled?

Answer 20

Appendix 1: prohibits trade in wild-taken specimens Appendix 2: trade in wild-controllected and artificially propagated specimens subject to permit.

Question 21

What is so important about the trade of Asian slipper-orchids?

Answer 21

Highly prized like many orchids, so many are illegally collected –> vulnerable to over-collection from the wild. Grow in small colonies of limited extent which can be seriously affected by removal.

Question 22

What is the name for the cactus family?

Answer 22

Cactaceae- whole family controlled by CITES (90 sp)

Question 23

How are cactaceae controlled?

Answer 23

Appendix 1 and appendix 2. Widely collected for enthusiast and horticularal trade.

Question 24

How are the trade of seeds controlled?

Answer 24

Appendix 1: requires permits. Appendix 2: depends on location (mexico needs permit), most seed not controlled.

Question 25

What is the CITES taxa for carnivorous plants?

Answer 25

Nepenthes Sarracenia Dionaea. Three in appendix 1, most are in appendix 2.

Question 26

Why are Sarracenia species controlled?

Answer 26

Habitat destruction. Harvested for floristry trade - not sustainable.

Question 27

How are snowdrops controlled?

Answer 27

All 19 species are in appendix 2. - Normally traded as bulbs.

Question 28

How are cyclamen controlled?

Answer 28

artificially propagated plants are exempt from CITES but dormant tubers are subject to controls.

Question 29

How is aloe controlled?

Answer 29

All aloes are included in CITES appendices, dwarf aleos in app 1 and the rest in app 2. BUT aloe vera is excluded - no evidence of wild populations ( all artificial)

Question 30

How are cycads controlled?

Answer 30

Most in Appendix 2, some in appendix 1. Affected by collectors and poachers of wild populations.

Question 31

How are timber species controlled?

Answer 31

Most in 2 or 3, but brazilian rosewood included in 1 - material only traded when from artificial sources.

Question 32

How are medicinal plants controlled.

Answer 32

Often exposed to over-collection. Wild populations are often protected, but artificial trade is allowed.

Question 33

How are CITES laws enforced?

Answer 33

National legislation in each party. Customs agencies of a party Can include police, management authority and CITES secretariat.

Question 34

What are the problems with consignments?

Answer 34

CITES permits - could be another species than the one listed - may not match the number stated - from a source other than that stated (says artificial but actually wild)

Question 35

What are the penalties for breaching CITES laws?

Answer 35

Fines or Gaol (jail for minor offensives)