Commission welcomes positive outcomes at World Wildlife Conference in Geneva

The CoP decided to introduce or tighten trade controls for several dozen animal and plant species by either newly listing them in one of the Appendices to the Convention or up-listing them to a higher level of protection. These listing decisions concern mammals such as giraffes and some Asian otters, certain species of commercially valuable sharks, rays and sea cucumbers, several timber species, a range of amphibians and reptiles sold inter alia as exotic pets, pheasants and cranes hunted for their feathers or other parts, and three groups of butterflies and spiders that are popular with collectors.

All proposals to change the status quo as regards elephant listings, by either loosening or tightening existing trade controls for the different populations, were rejected by the majority of parties, as were proposals to facilitate trade in rhinoceros specimens. Trans-border movements of live African elephants to destinations outside of their natural range was further restricted by the Conference, and will now only be possible in exceptional circumstances where they have clear conservation benefits.

The CoP also modified the rules concerning trade in precious rosewood timber, in order to exclude musical instruments from the trade restrictions, as they are not considered to be a major threat to the conservation of those tree species.

The Commission will continue working with all its partners to ensure a high protection of wild animals and plants.