Around 5,000 animal species and 28,000 plant species have been listed in the CITES Appendices since the convention came into force, providing them with protection against over-exploitation through international trade.
CITES: A viable and working convention for conservation
Listing of humphead wrasse on CITES Appendix II in 2004 provided much-needed regulation to trade in this highly valuable species.
These include many of WWF's priority species, including elephants, rhinos, sharks, and big-leaf mahogany.
These listings have led to many improvements in the management and regulation of international trade in wild species.
For example, bans on international trade in some species – such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers – are helping to ensure these species continue to survive in the wild, by eliminating markets for products such as rhino horn, ivory, and tiger parts and so reducing illegal poaching to supply these products.
Listing of other species in Appendix II has helped ensure that trade in these species is sustainable and legal, by requiring exporting countries to provide an export certificate verifying this.
These listings have led to many improvements in the management and regulation of international trade in wild species.
For example, bans on international trade in some species – such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers – are helping to ensure these species continue to survive in the wild, by eliminating markets for products such as rhino horn, ivory, and tiger parts and so reducing illegal poaching to supply these products.
Listing of other species in Appendix II has helped ensure that trade in these species is sustainable and legal, by requiring exporting countries to provide an export certificate verifying this.