Is Your Pet Protected Under CITES Regulations?

Are you looking to move a pet tortoise, turtle, bird, frog, snake or other type of pet between countries? If so, then you need to know whether your pet is a species that is protected under CITES regulations.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) administers a multilateral treaty established to ensure that international trade in wild and some domesticated animals, birds and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES was conceived in response to the growing concern that unregulated international trade in endangered species could lead to their extinction.

The History of CITES

In the early 20th century, the unsustainable exploitation of wildlife became a growing concern. The demand for exotic animals and plants for commercial purposes was leading to the depletion of many species. Recognizing the urgent need for international cooperation to regulate wildlife trade, the idea of a global agreement began to take shape.

CITES originated from a resolution adopted at a 1963 meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Recognizing the urgent need for a global framework to regulate the trade of endangered species, representatives from 80 countries gathered in Washington, D.C., in March 1973 to draft the convention. The treaty was opened for signature on March 3, 1973, and came into force on July 1, 1975. Since then, CITES has grown to include 184 parties (183 countries and the European Union), making it one of the largest and most effective international conservation agreements.

The primary goal of CITES is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants is conducted in a manner that is sustainable and not detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. The convention achieves this through a system of permits and certificates that regulate the import, export, and re-export of listed species.

The Structure of CITES

CITES’ regulations classify species into three appendices (groups) based on the level of protection they require. Each appendix represents a different level of threat and corresponding trade controls:

1. Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction that are or may be affected by trade. Trade in these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and requires both import and export permits. Examples include the giant panda, African elephant, and various species of tigers.
2. Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened with extinction but that may become so if their trade is not strictly regulated. Trade in these species requires an export permit but not an import permit unless required by national law. Examples include the American alligator, certain species of orchids, and various species of sharks.
3. Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country that has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling their trade. Trade in these species requires an export permit from the country that listed the species or a certificate of origin from other countries. Examples include the walrus, map turtles, and Cape stag beetles.

The listing of species in these appendices is reviewed and updated periodically based on new scientific information and conservation status. The Conference of the Parties (CoP), which is the governing body of CITES, meets every three years to discuss and make decisions on the implementation of the convention.

The Impact of CITES

CITES has had a significant impact on global conservation efforts by establishing a legal framework for regulating international trade in wildlife. Some of the key achievements of CITES include:

Protection of Endangered Species

CITES has helped protect numerous species from extinction by regulating their trade. For example, the convention has played a crucial role in the recovery of species like the African elephant, the American alligator, and various species of crocodiles.

Promotion of Sustainable Trade

By regulating the trade in wildlife, CITES promotes sustainable use of natural resources. This helps ensure that species are not overexploited and that their populations remain stable.

International Cooperation

CITES fosters international cooperation among its member countries, enabling them to work together to combat illegal wildlife trade and conserve biodiversity. The convention provides a platform for countries to share information, resources, and best practices.

Capacity Building

CITES supports capacity-building initiatives to help countries strengthen their wildlife trade regulations and enforcement mechanisms. This includes training programs, technical assistance, and the development of tools and guidelines.

Common Pets Under CITES

Several common pets fall under CITES regulations due to their threatened status. These include:

• Parrots: Many parrot species, such as the African Grey parrot, Yellow-Headed Amazon parrot, and the blue-and-yellow Macaw are listed under Appendix I or II. These birds are highly sought after as pets, leading to overexploitation and population decline in the wild.
• Reptiles: Certain reptiles, such as the Indian Star tortoise, the green iguana, and various species of pythons and boas, are also protected under CITES. The trade in these reptiles is regulated to prevent overexploitation and ensure their conservation.
• Primates: Some primates, like the cotton-top tamarin and the slow loris, are listed under CITES to prevent their exploitation. These animals are often captured for the pet trade, leading to population declines in the wild.
• Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and other big cats are regulated under CITES to ensure their survival. These species are often targeted for their skins, bones, and other body parts, leading to population declines in the wild.

We would note that domestic cats and dogs are not covered under CITES regulations; however, hybrid breeds such as those pets originating from wolves and Bengal or Savannah cats must have proof that their pet is a minimum of five generations removed from the wild animal to be exempted from these regulations.

Obtaining CITES Permits

To engage in the legal trade of CITES-listed species, individuals and organizations must obtain the necessary permit/s from their national CITES Management Authority. The process for obtaining CITES permits generally involves the following steps:

1. Identify the species: Determine if the species you are dealing with is listed under Appendix I, II, or III of CITES.
2. Prepare the application: Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of legal acquisition and details about the purpose of the trade.
3. Submit the application: Submit your application to the national CITES Management Authority. The application process may vary depending on the country, but typically involves submitting forms, paying fees, and providing supporting documentation.
4. Await approval: The Management Authority will review your application to ensure compliance with CITES regulations and that the trade will not be detrimental to the species’ survival. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application and the species involved.
5. Receive the permit: If approved, you will receive the necessary CITES permit or certificate, allowing you to legally trade in the CITES-listed species.

Where to Obtain CITES Permits

You can find your country’s specific department responsible for the issuance of CITES permits as well as their contact information by going to https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles.

Here is an example of some agencies responsible for issuing CITES permits in various countries:

• United States: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
• Canada: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
• United Kingdom: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Australia: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE)
• Germany: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)
• Japan: Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
• Brazil: Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)
• South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
• India: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• China: State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA)

These agencies are responsible for implementing CITES regulations, processing permit applications, and ensuring that trade in CITES-listed species is conducted legally and sustainably.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, CITES faces several challenges in its implementation and enforcement:

1. Illegal Wildlife Trade: Illegal trade in wildlife remains a significant threat to many species. Poaching, smuggling, and fraudulent documentation are persistent issues that undermine the effectiveness of CITES.
2. Limited Resources: Many countries lack the financial and technical resources needed to effectively implement and enforce CITES regulations. This can lead to gaps in enforcement and monitoring, allowing illegal trade to continue.
3. Complexity of Trade: The international trade in wildlife is complex and involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and local communities. Balancing conservation goals with economic and social considerations can be challenging.
4. Changing Conservation Status: The conservation status of species can change over time due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and emerging diseases. CITES must continuously adapt to these changes to ensure the protection of endangered species.

To address these challenges, CITES continues to evolve and adapt. Future directions for CITES may include:

1. Strengthening Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of member countries to enforce CITES regulations and combat illegal wildlife trade through increased funding, technical assistance, and international cooperation.
2. Improving Monitoring and Reporting: Developing more effective systems for monitoring and reporting trade in CITES-listed species to ensure compliance and transparency.
3. Engaging Stakeholders: Increasing engagement with local communities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to promote sustainable trade practices and conservation efforts.
4. Adapting to New Threats: Addressing emerging threats to wildlife, such as climate change and disease, through adaptive management and conservation strategies.

CITES is a vital tool in the global effort to conserve endangered species and ensure that international trade in wildlife is sustainable and legal. By understanding the history, structure, and impact of CITES, we can appreciate the importance of this international agreement in protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Continued international cooperation, enforcement, and adaptation will be essential to the success of CITES in the years to come. You can see whether your pet is protected under CITES regulations by searching the CITES database.

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