Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Research Articles

Turning the tide on big cat trade: Expert opinion on trends and conservation lessons from the Republic of Korea.

Unsustainable trade in big cats affects all species in the genus, Panthera, and is one of the foremost threats to their conservation. To provide further insight into the impact of policy interventions intended to address this issue, we examine the case study of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), which in the early 1990s was one of the world's largest importers of tiger (Panthera tigris) bone and a major manufacturer of tiger-derived medicinal products. In 1993, South Korea became a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and introduced a ban on commercial trade in CITES Appendix I-listed big cats a year later. We used an expert-based questionnaire survey and an exploration of the CITES trade database to investigate what has since happened to big cat trade in South Korea. Expert opinion suggested that big cat trade has likely substantially reduced since the early 1990s, as a result of the trade ban and broad socioeconomic changes. However, illegal trade has not been eradicated entirely and we were able to confirm that products reportedly derived from big cats were still publicly available for sale on a range of Korean online marketplaces, sometimes openly. The items most commonly reported by respondents from post-1994 trade and supported by expert-led evidence were tiger and leopard (Panthera pardus) skins and tiger bone wine. Although South Korea may provide a useful case study of a historically significant consumer country for tiger which has made strong progress in addressing unsustainable levels of big cat trade within a short period of time, there remains a need to address recalcitrant small-scale, illegal trade. We also recommend further investigation regarding reports of South Korean nationals being involved in illegal trade in tiger-derived products in Southeast Asia.

Reproductive performance of the fluted clams (Tridacna squamosa) through different serotonin hormone doses for spawning induction

Exploring the reproductive performance one of the giant clam species being cultured in Indonesia. The fluted clams (Tridacna squamosa) are a keystone species for Indonesia’s marineculture and restocking program, categorized as a protected commodities by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) due to anthropogenic pressure on wild population. To assess and improve their reproductive performance, induction of different serotonin was applied consisting of control (0 mM), T1 (1.1 mM), T2 (1.4 mM), and T3 (1.7 mM). New significant insights emerge, results indicate response’s time of pre-spawning T1 and T2 were approximately 45 s, while T3 was 60 s, respectively T2 is highest spawning success at 91.67%, contrasting with 50% by T3, also spawning latency varied, with the quickest gamete release (3 min) by T2, on the contrary T3 (4 min). Observed eggs released at approximately 24 min (T2), 84 min (T1) with an egg diameter of 128.72±1.56 μm yet absent in T3. Polynomial regression of fecundity from differential dosing approach attained an R² = 0.3885, highlights an optimal 1.36 mM dosage for maximizing spawning performance, indicating T2 as an adequate dose with moderate egg abnormalities 8.7% and. FR, HR, and SR ranged from to 70-80% respectively.

Effectiveness of small-scale marine ornamental fish rearing and community-based coral transplantation technique in Tanjung Tiram, Tondonggeu and Mekar village, Indonesia

Indonesia is the second largest exporter of ornamental fish in the world, with the value more than USD 20.5 million in the first semester of 2023. Ornamental corals are also being traded under strict supervision since several coral species are listed in Appendix II of the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To harvest these high-value commodities in sustainable manner, we designed a small scale of marine ornamental fish rearing and community-based coral transplantation techniques in coastal waters of Tanjung Tiram village, Tondonggeu village and Mekar village by utilizing its suitable natural habitat and involving coastal communities. A study then carried out to analyse the growth rate of 480 fragments of transplanted ornamental coral and survival rate of 200 reared Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) using fixed net cage in each site. This study reveals that the growth rate of ornamental corals in Mekar Village is better than in other sites. The survival rate (SR) of ornamental corals in Mekar Village is also higher than in Tanjung Tiram Village. This result indicates that the water quality conditions in Mekar Village are better for ornamental coral transplantation, then transplantation activities should be focused surround this island. This initiative looks promising and can also be developed further as marine tourism site that generate additional income for coastal communities.

Marine wildlife in Brazilian zoohandicrafts: assessing the expansion of an uncontrolled trade

The trade of wild animal parts as souvenirs, hereafter termed zoohandicrafts, has witnessed significant growth in Brazil due to increasing tourism and the associated demand for souvenirs. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of marine wildlife traded as zoohandicrafts along the Brazilian coast, identify the prevalent categories for these products, and assess the extent of this trade across the country. Sampling was conducted in 23 markets at tourist destinations, covering 11 states from the Northern, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern regions of Brazil, between 2017 and 2022. A total of 160 items or voucher specimens were examined, revealing the presence of 68 invertebrate species and two fishes. Statistical analysis indicated significant variations in the number of species across different categories of use and within the visited states and regions. Several species were found to serve multiple purposes. Whole mollusk shells constituted the most frequently traded item, with 58 identified species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed two distinct groups—one including species with diverse uses in all regions of Brazil and the other encompassing species predominantly associated with decoration and religious purposes—particularly in the Northeastern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. An increasing diversity of species and a lower frequency of use were observed in the Southeastern region, relative to the Northeastern region. Approximately 20% of the species recorded are exclusively from the Indo-Pacific Ocean and are regarded as non-native to Brazil. Only 12 of the species were listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and two are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This research sheds light on the status of the zoohandicraft trade in Brazil and highlights the lack of regulatory measures, the potential threats posed to biodiversity loss, and the economic importance of these species for people’s livelihoods. Further investigations are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the actual social, economic, and ecological impacts of the trade in zoohandicrafts in Brazil and to devise strategies that promote both conservation and the socioeconomic wellbeing of all people involved in this commerce, from sourcing, production, distribution, and sale.

One-Size-Fits-All? How north-south inequality challenges CITES’ ability to protect the scalloped hammerhead

The critically endangered scalloped hammerhead has been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 2014, yet the species continues to decline. This study draws on CITES trade data, expert interviews, and content analysis to answer two research questions: 1) What is the geography and quantity of the scalloped hammerhead trade since its CITES Appendix II listing? And 2) What are the key challenges associated with protecting a species of high commercial and subsistence value, such as the scalloped hammerhead? This research identifies three major challenges that CITES faces in protecting such species. First, it is difficult to list commercially valuable species, as there are often commercial interests at stake, and conflicting beliefs among Parties. Second, Parties are inadequately implementing CITES legislation, resulting in low compliance with regulations. And third, CITES is unable to effectively manage species from the Global South that offer subsistence and economic value to local communities, as shark fishing is legal in some countries, and there is little to no incentive to comply with CITES regulations when livelihoods are on the line. This research affirms a major theme in political ecology literature on CITES and species loss: CITES is limited in its ability to manage species traded from the Global South for various reasons, many of which stem from conditions of socio-economic inequality. In order to protect species like the scalloped hammerhead, CITES needs to do more to address inequality.

Population dynamics of southern birdwing (Troides minos Cramer, 1779) in Sirumalai Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu, India

Southern birdwing Troides minos (Cramer, [1779]), a large swallow tail butterfly, state butterfly of Karnataka, is endemic to south India. T. minos was listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild fauna and flora) and is of high conservation priority. IUCN also recommends close monitoring of T. minos. The population trend of T. minos, in Sirumalai Reserve Forest, Eastern Ghats was monitored for the period of twenty six months using the line transect method. Higher prevalence of T. minos butterflies were observed and recorded over the study. This study highlights the abundance of T. minos in certain months of the study period and peak abundance during the post monsoon period.

Estimating Population Abundance Of Seahorse In Sebong Bay, Bintan Island

The decline in seahorse populations in the wild due to high fishing activity and habitat degradation prompted the inclusion of all seahorse species in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 2002. By being included in Appendix II of CITES, data and information on the abundance of seahorse populations become crucial as the basis for determining the quota for fishing and trade. Estimating population abundance of seahorse requires knowledge of habitat area, which can be modeled using the MaxEnt (maximum entropty). In this study, an estimation of the abundance of seahorses was carried out in the waters of Sebong Bay, Bintan Island. MaxEnt modeling was implemented with data on seahorse presence locations and environmental parameter maps consisting of chlorophyll-a as primary productivity parameter, benthic habitat as habitat type parameter, and dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH as physiological parameters. From this model, the value of the area of suitable habitat for seahorses is 54,6 ha, while the density of seahorse in this area is 60 ind/ha, so it can be determined that the abundance of seahorses in the Sebong Bay is 3.276 individuals. Therefore, seahorse population in Sebong Bay is critically endangered since it is below the number of individuals that required to prevent the loss of quantitative genetic variation in a species.

The Effects of Biodiversity Knowledge on Environmental Awareness and Pro-Environmental Behavior Towards Proboscis Monkey Conservation in the Area of PT. Antang Gunung Meratus

Objective: The proboscis monkey is included in Appendix I, the 2023 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as the most threatened and protected fauna. This species is endemic to the island of Borneo and is designated as the mascot of Indonesia's South Kalimantan Province. Theoritical Framework: Biodiversity conservation studies focus on improving the physical quality of habitats, the impact of environmental changes and natural resources. In addition, this research explores knowledge about biodiversity from the social aspect in the form of community participation, so that it can provide good knowledge about diversity to the community Purpose: of this study is to provide education from the public about environmental awareness around the proboscis monkey's habitat. This study used a quantitative method, where confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out using SmartPLS software version 3.2.9. Method: The research model was tested on 163 respondents living around the proboscis monkey conservation area of PT. Antang Mount Meratus, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that there is a significant influence of Knowledge of Biodiversity on Environmental Awareness and Pro-Environmental Behavior. This study also shows the significant influence of Environmental Awareness on Pro-Environmental Behavior. This study can conclude that the role of the community is very important to preserve the environment, especially in the context of conserving flora and fauna which are threatened with extinction Research Implications: This study provides a managerial contribution to policy makers and companies to focus on providing in-depth knowledge about biodiversity and conducting ongoing education to the community around the proboscis monkey's habitat. from the social aspect this research provides an understanding to the community to behave in an environmentally friendly manner

Bacterial flora varies throughout the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) gastrointestinal tract.

The objective of this study was to determine bacterial flora throughout the gastrointestinal tract of a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) using 16S rRNA gene analysis. A convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES) of wild fauna and flora registered crocodile farm, provided a healthy male saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus for this study. Three samples were taken from the oral cavity, 3 samples from the proximal region of the small intestine (jejunum), and 3 samples from the distal part of the large intestine of the gastrointestinal tract of C. porosus were obtained using sterile cotton swabs. Next, swabs were placed in 15 mL sterile centrifuge tubes, individually, and kept on ice for immediate transportation to the laboratory. This was followed by 16S rRNA gene analysis using specific primers (341F-CCTAYGGGRBGCASCAG, and 806R-GGACTACNNGGGTATCTAAT). Amplicons were sequenced on Illumina paired-end platform, and bacterial gastrointestinal communities, the relative abundance of taxa, and principal component and coordinate analysis were performed. The findings revealed that bacterial community structures from differing regions exhibited several differences. The number of observed bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was 153 in the oral cavity, 239 in the small intestine, and 119 in the large intestine of C. porosus. The small intestine reflects the highest richness. In contrast, the large intestine exhibited the least richness of microbial communities. Relative abundance of taxa showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were dominant in all 3 sample sites. Pseudomonas differed in the oral cavity and the large intestine, with the latter exhibiting less distribution of Pseudomonas. Stenotrophomonas and Castellaniella were higher in the oral cavity, while the relative abundance of Comamonas and Salmonella was higher in the small intestine. Conversely, the relative abundance of Salmonella and Pannonibacter was augmented in the large intestine. For the first time, this study demonstrates the bacterial diversity along the segments of the gastrointestinal tract of C. porosus. Bacterial flora varies throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Although further studies using large cohorts are warranted; however, our findings suggest that microbiome composition may have the potential as a biomarker in determining the overall health and well-being of C. porosus.

Association of reproductive traits with captive- versus wild-sourced birds in trade.

The wildlife trade is a billion-dollar global business, involving millions of people, thousands of species, and hundreds of millions of individual organisms. Unravelling whether trade targets reproductively distinct species and whether this preference varies between captive- and wild-sourced species is a crucial question. We used a comprehensive list of all bird species traded, trade listings and records kept in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and a suite of avian reproductive parameters to examine whether wildlife trade is associated with particular facets of life history and to examine the association between life-history traits and captive- and wild-sourced traded volumes over time. Across all trade, CITES listing, and CITES trade, large birds were more likely to be traded and listed, but their longevity and age at maturity were not associated with CITES listing or trade. We found species across almost the full range of trait values in both captive and wild trade between 2000 and 2020. Captive trade volumes clearly associated with relatively longer lived and early-maturing species; these associations remained stable and largely unchanged over time. Trait-volume associations in wild-sourced trade were more uncertain. Only body mass had a clear association, and it varied from negative to positive over time. Although reproductive traits were important in captive-sourced trade, species-level variation dominated trade, with even congeneric species varying greatly in volume despite similar traits. The collection and incorporation of trait data into sustainability assessments of captive breeding facilities are crucial to ensure accurate quotas and guard against laundering.

PENGATURAN PEMANFAATAN PERDAGANGAN JENIS IKAN DILINDUNGI/APPENDIKS CITES DI WILAYAH KERJA LPSPL SERANG

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora which has been ratified through Presidential Decree No. 43 of 1978, is the nation's commitment to the conservation of endangered, endemic, and protected fish species. Trading traffic of protected fish species/CITES Appendix in of the Coastal Resources Management Regional Office (LPSPL) Serang working area is quite high, so it is necessary to control the utilization of protected fish species to maintain the sustainability of fish resources. The method of collecting data is through recording and direct interviews with service officers and treasurers of LPSPL Serang, as well as secondary data from service databases on traffic activities for protected fish species/CITES Appendix during Semester I (January-June) year 2022. Based on data collected, 53 domestic recommendation letters have been issued consisting of 30,909.80 kg of shark products, 104.50 kg of ray fins, 1,308 kg of sea cucumbers, and 12,009 pcs of soft coral and anemone; Foreign recommendation letters totaling 1,317 recommendations consisting of 2,335,464.01 kg of shark products and 283 live sharks, 468,387.55 kg of ray products and 21 live rays, 24,121.86 kg of sea cucumbers, and 295,408 pcs of soft coral and anemone; Documents for transport of fish species consisting of 28 documents consisting of 53,595 arowanas and 3,752.79 kg of shark and ray fins in the CITES Appendix; Letters of transport for tentengan fish types consisting of 228 documents of 359 arowanas. Total value of PNBP obtained is Rp 1,312,204,811.

Conserving Potential and Endangered Species of Pericopsis mooniana Thwaites in Indonesia

Indonesia has around 4000 wood species, and 10% (400) of species are categorized as commercial wood. One species is kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana Thwaites), native to Southeast Sulawesi. This species is considered a fancy wood used for sawn timber, veneer, plywood, carving, and furniture. The high demand for wood caused excessive logging and threatened its sustainability. In addition, planting P. mooniana has presented several challenges, including seedling production, viability and germination rate, nursery technology, and silviculture techniques. As a result, the genera of Pericopsis, including P. elata (Europe), P. mooniana (Sri Lanka), and P. angolenses (Africa), have been listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix. Based on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, P. mooniana is categorized as Vulnerable (A1cd). This conservation status has raised issues regarding its biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability in the near future. This paper aims to review the conservation of potential and endangered species of P. mooniana and highlight some efforts for its species conservation and sustainable use in Indonesia. The method used is a systematic literature review based on P. mooniana’s publication derived from various reputable journal sources and additional literature sources. The results revealed that the future demand for P. mooniana still increases significantly due to its excellent wood characteristics. This high demand should be balanced with both silviculture techniques and conservation efforts. The silviculture of P. mooniana has been improved through seed storage technology, improved viability and germination rates, proper micro and macro propagation, applying hormones, in vitro seed storage, improved nursery technology, and harvesting techniques. P. mooniana conservation can be conducted with both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. In situ conservation is carried out by protecting its mother trees in natural conditions (i.e., Lamedae Nature Reserve) for producing good quality seeds and seedlings. Ex situ conservation is realized by planting seeds and seedlings to produce more wood through rehabilitating and restoring critical forests and lands due to its ability to adapt to marginal land and mitigate climate change. Other actions required for supporting ex situ conservation are preventing illegal logging, regeneration, conservation education, reforestation, agroforestry system applied in private and community lands, and industrial forest plantations.

Numerous uncertainties in the multifaceted global trade in frogs’ legs with the EU as the major consumer

The commercial trade in frogs and their body parts is global, dynamic and occurs in extremely large volumes (in the thousands of tonnes/yr or billions of frogs/yr). The European Union (EU) remains the single largest importer of frogs’ legs, with most frogs still caught from the wild. Amongst the many drivers of species extinction or population decline (e.g. due to habitat loss, climate change, disease etc.), overexploitation is becoming increasingly more prominent. Due to global declines and extinctions, new attention is being focused on these markets, in part to try to ensure sustainability. While the trade is plagued by daunting realities of data deficiency and uncertainty and the conflicts of commercial interests associated with these data, it is clear is that EU countries are most responsible for the largest portion of the international trade in frogs’ legs of wild species. Over decades of exploitation, the EU imports have contributed to a decline in wild frog populations in an increasing number of supplying countries, such as India and Bangladesh, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and Albania more recently. However, there have been no concerted attempts by the EU and present export countries to ensure sustainability of this trade. Further work is needed to validate species identities, secure data on wild frog populations, establish reasonable monitored harvest/export quotas and disease surveillance and ensure data integrity, quality and security standards for frog farms. Herein, we call upon those countries and their representative governments to assume responsibility for the sustainability of the trade. The EU should take immediate action to channel all imports through a single centralised database and list sensitive species in the Annexes of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation. Further, listing in CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) can enforce international trade restrictions. More joint efforts are needed to improve regional monitoring schemes before the commercial trade causes irreversible extinctions of populations and species of frogs.

Hunting trophy import bans proposed by the UK may be ineffective and inequitable as conservation policies in multiple social‐ecological contexts

AbstractThe UK government is considering legislation to prohibit the importation of hunting trophies. We examine documented social, ecological, and political outcomes of two previous such bans. We find that the UK government's proposal shares the shortcomings of existing bans that have (1) failed to address, or have even amplified, key threats to hunted species, (2) imposed costs on citizens of other countries, and (3) delegitimized the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Trophy import bans are blunt policy instruments that can cause more problems than they solve.

PUNISHING PERLEMOEN* POACHING – DEVELOPMENTS BOTH RECENT AND POSSIBLY FUTURE?

The problems related to curbing the poaching of abalone are legion. First, abalone is an easily accessible target. Sedentary in nature, occurring in shallow subtidal kelp beds rarely deeper than ten metres, growing slowly (taking 8-9 years to reach minimum legal size) and non-cryptic in behaviour, abalone presents little difficulty for exploitation (Houthoofd “Towards Some Solutions Relating to the Conservation of Abalone” 1997 4 SAJELP 301; and Hauck “Regulating Marine Resources in South Africa: The Case of the Abalone Fishery” 1999 Acta Juridica 211 212). Secondly, the authorities have struggled in the face of the systematic depletion of the abalone stocks. Conservation operations such as Operation Neptune, aimed at combating the poaching, have been largely unsuccessful (see Botha “See Weer Stropers se Speelplek” 23 December 2004 Die Burger 13). This state of affairs is not entirely surprising, given the limited resources on the part of the State, further hampered by bribery of conservation officials, as opposed to the enormous financial muscle of the poaching syndicates, associated with the Chinese Triads (see Hauck 1999 Acta Juridica 219ff). With the price of dried abalone currently at $1 000/kg, and the demand showing no sign of diminishing, the problem appears intractable, if not insoluble, without some radical intervention (Botha 23 December 2004 Die Burger 13). It has been argued that had South Africa previously listed the abalone species with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), other countries would have assisted in monitoring the trade in abalone and enforcing the legality of shipments (Allen et al “A Review of Developments in Ocean and Coastal Law 2003” 2003 9 Ocean & Coastal Law Journal 139 161). As it is, the illegal poaching continues and the abalone population continues to decline at “an alarmingly rapid rate” (Allen et al 2003 9 Ocean & Coastal Law Journal 161). The way in which the crime has been dealt with in the courts has further complicated efforts to deal with poaching. Effective enforcement has been hampered on occasion by judicial perceptions that offences such as poaching are not serious (see Njobeni “Courts Score Low on Environmental Law” 7 September 2004 Business Day (http://www.bdfm.co.za/cgi-bin/pp/print.pl)). The aim of this note is to examine one aspect of judicialenforcement of this particular environmental offence, namely sentencing.

Agarwood research at the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam: A review

Agarwood is a valuable non-timber forest product in international trade regulated under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). One of the Scientific Authorities of CITES working on agarwood is the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI). The paper reviews the research by the RFRI on agarwood and indicates the road ahead, which will be relevant for the whole country. The research till date has revolved around distribution, genetic variation, tree improvement, silviculture, agroforestry, artificial induction of agarwood, pests and diseases and their control, besides NDF (Non-Detriment Finding) study and fixing of export quota. Research is required on the post-harvest processing, products, their diversification, chemistry, grading, quality control, trade and socio-economics. The Institute has a key role to balance the demands of trade with conservation.

Live wild bird exports from West Africa: insights into recent trade from monitoring social media

SummaryThe expansion of wildlife trade on social media presents many challenges but also opportunities to gain insights into areas of trade where there is little recent data. West Africa has historically been a major source of wild birds in international trade but in 2007, the requirement for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Parties to monitor a host of West-African species ended and there is little data regarding current trade. To address this gap, we surveyed trade-related posts created by known traders from 2016 to 2020 on a popular social-media platform to identify species composition, trade routes and potential conservation and biosecurity risks. We identified 427 social-media posts featuring a broad taxonomic diversity of birds, including 83 species from 26 avian families, including nine CITES-listed species, four listed in IUCN Threatened categories and 19 associated with alien introductions linked to bird trade. Disease risks were identified, with multiple species housed together in densely-stocked facilities and nine species recorded as posing a potential disease risk. Using novel analyses of post-engagement, we observed social-media posts facilitating connections with users across the globe. Trade-related engagement particularly came from countries in the Middle East and South Asia, notably India which has strong domestic restrictions on the importation of wild birds. Further research is needed to monitor the impact of trade from this region, as data regarding the population status and volume of trade in many observed species is largely absent.

Conservation Status of Marine Biota Sold in Restaurants in Pangandaran Regency, West Java

One of most potential activity regarding fisheries business in Pangandaran Regency is seafood restaurants which holds prospect for tourists. However, there are still many restaurants that sell conservationally-important biota. The purpose of this study is to identify the conservation status of marine biota sold in restaurants in Pangandaran Regency. Data was collected by observation or direct survey by purposive sampling in six seafood restaurants. The fish species were then identified for their conservation status based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The identification results show that there were biotas included in the IUCN which were Lanjaman Shark (Carcharhinus sealei) with IUCN Appendix II CITES status, Black Fin Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) with IUCN Near Threatened (NT) status and Mobula Stingray (Mobula eregoodootenkee) with Endangered status. The results of this study indicated that conservation efforts need to be strengthened.

Comparative Analyses of 35 Complete Chloroplast Genomes from the Genus Dalbergia (Fabaceae) and the Identification of DNA Barcodes for Tracking Illegal Logging and Counterfeit Rosewood

The genus Dalbergia contains more than 200 species, several of which are trees that produce traditional medicines and extremely high-value timber commonly referred to as rosewood. Due to the rarity of these species in the wild, the high value of the timber, and a growing international illicit trade, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has listed the entire genus in appendix II and the species Dalbergia nigra in appendix I because species in this genus are considered at risk of extinction. Given this, and the fact that species or even genus level determination is nearly impossible from cut timber morphology, alternative molecular methods are needed to identify and track intercepted rosewood. To better identify rosewood using molecular methods, we sequenced and assembled eight chloroplast genomes including D. nigra as well as conducted comparative analyses with all other available chloroplast genomes in Dalbergia and closely related lineages. From these analyses, numerous repeats including simple sequence repeats (SSR) and conserved nucleotide polymorphisms unique to subclades within the genus were detected. From phylogenetic analysis based on the CDS from 77 chloroplast genes, the groups Siam rosewood and scented rosewood resolved as monophyletic, supporting the morphological traits used to delimit these species. In addition, several instances of paraphyly and polyphyly resulting from mismatches between taxonomic determinations and phylogenetic tree topology were identified. Ultimately, the highly variable regions in the chloroplast genomes will provide useful plastid markers for further studies regarding the identification, phylogeny, and population genetics of Dalbergia species, including those frequently intercepted in illegal trade.

Conservation: Trading species to extinction?

Is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) up to the task of preventing species from being driven to extinction by trade? A new study documents some success but also highlights major deficiencies.