CITES

Definition

CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that the trade of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The agreement focuses on regulating and monitoring the international trade of species that are threatened or at risk, helping to combat overexploitation and promoting conservation efforts through cooperation among countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CITES was established in 1973 and currently includes over 180 member countries committed to regulating international wildlife trade.
2. The agreement categorizes species into three appendices based on their level of threat, with Appendix I containing the most endangered species, which are prohibited from international trade except under exceptional circumstances.
3. CITES plays a crucial role in combatting illegal wildlife trade, which is a significant factor contributing to species overexploitation.
4. The success of CITES relies on cooperation between governments, enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organizations to implement its provisions effectively.
5. CITES is not a law itself but provides a framework for international cooperation; each member country must implement its regulations within their own legal systems.

Review Questions

• How does CITES specifically address the issue of overexploitation of species?
  • CITES addresses overexploitation by regulating international trade in species that are threatened by such practices. By categorizing species into appendices based on their risk levels, CITES sets guidelines for trade restrictions that help prevent further decline. Countries that are party to CITES commit to enforcing these regulations, thereby aiming to reduce the pressure on overexploited species and promote their recovery.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CITES in promoting ex-situ conservation efforts for endangered species.
  • CITES has been effective in promoting ex-situ conservation by regulating the trade of endangered species used in breeding programs and wildlife sanctuaries. By controlling how many individuals can be taken from the wild, CITES helps ensure that populations remain stable enough for sustainable breeding. This regulation encourages captive breeding initiatives and helps provide genetic diversity for reintroduction efforts, although challenges remain in balancing trade with conservation needs.
• Assess the broader implications of CITES for global biodiversity and conservation efforts amid increasing threats like climate change and habitat loss.
  • CITES has significant implications for global biodiversity as it addresses both trade-related threats and promotes collaborative conservation efforts among member states. However, its effectiveness can be challenged by rising issues such as climate change and habitat loss, which exacerbate pressures on already vulnerable species. As global environmental conditions shift, the adaptability of CITES to address these multifaceted threats will be crucial for its continued success in safeguarding biodiversity on a larger scale.

Related terms

Endangered Species: Species that are at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, overexploitation, and pollution.

Biodiversity:

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is crucial for ecosystem resilience and health.

Conservation: The sustainable management and protection of natural resources, aiming to prevent the loss of biodiversity and ensure the health of ecosystems.