Convention On The International Trade In Endangered Species Research Articles

A new multiplex qPCR assay to detect and differentiate big cat species in the illegal wildlife trade

All species of big cats, including tigers, cheetahs, leopards, lions, snow leopards, and jaguars, are protected under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This is due in large part to population declines resulting from anthropogenic factors, especially poaching and the unregulated and illegal trade in pelts, bones, teeth and other products that are derived from these iconic species. To enhance and scale up monitoring for big cat products in this trade, we created a rapid multiplex qPCR test that can identify and differentiate DNA from tiger (Panthera tigris), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), leopard (Panthera pardus), lion (Panthera leo), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and jaguar (Panthera onca) in wildlife products using melt curve analysis to identify each species by its unique melt peak temperature. Our results showed high PCR efficiency (> 90%), sensitivity (detection limit of 5 copies of DNA per PCR reaction) and specificity (no cross amplification between each of the 6 big cat species). When paired with a rapid (< 1 h) DNA extraction protocol that amplifies DNA from bone, teeth, and preserved skin, total test time is less than three hours. This test can be used as a screening method to improve our understanding of the scale and scope of the illegal trade in big cats and aid in the enforcement of international regulations that govern the trade in wildlife and wildlife products, both ultimately benefiting the conservation of these species worldwide.

The Development of Enforcement of CITES in Norway: Discretionary Omissions and Theoricides

The world is losing species at an alarming rate; the population sizes of wild mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have dropped 68% since 1970. Much of this loss is caused by trade. This article discusses the development in the enforcement of CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) in Norway through a longitudinal, qualitative approach. It is based on data collection done in several stages and traces how crimes of wildlife trade are addressed by law enforcement agencies. It finds that there is lax enforcement of CITES crimes in Norway, which connect to what can be called anthropocentric, discretionary harms of omission in law enforcement. Taking a species justice approach and based on a discussion of possible changes and development in enforcement in Norway, this article argues that this crime is still insufficiently prioritized by enforcement agencies. Weak points identified at the early stages of this research, such as deficient recording of CITES crimes and discretionary lack of priority of investigation, were still existent. The most serious weakness is the policy of euthanizing confiscated animals, which is a considerable breach of species justice.

A direct multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method to detect three CITES‐listed shark species

Abstract Species identification of sharks under catch or trade regulations is important for law enforcement and species conservation. Rapid detection of Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)‐listed species is needed for on‐site screening. Species‐specific primers were designed to target three mitochondrial genes (ND2, COI, and CytB) in both the simplex and multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus), the bigeye thresher shark (Alopias superciliosus), and the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), respectively. Another primer set designed to target S. lewini was used for detection‐limit testing of the LAMP assay. The refined direct multiplex LAMP was used to detect the three CITES‐listed shark species and omitted the lengthy DNA extraction process. A homogenizer was used to release the DNA from the shark tissues, and a simplex or multiplex LAMP reaction was conducted for 30 min in an incubator at 65°C using species‐specific primer sets. Positive LAMP reactions showed a colour change from pink to yellow, whereas negative reactions showed no colour change. Multiplex LAMP assays were performed using 84 samples, which successfully identified the target and non‐target species and provided a fast (&lt;1 h), simple, and reliable method to distinguish three CITES‐listed shark species from the other non‐target species, for either fresh or dry fin products. Results of this study and the method developed will play a critical role in assisting fishery agencies and customs officials in identifying the illegal catch and trade of CITES‐listed shark species.

Analysis of 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and Multivariate Statistical Methods in Wild and Cultivated Agarwood

Agarwood is the fragrant resinous material mainly formed from species of Aquilaria. 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, especially the highly oxidized 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, are the main representative compounds from agarwood. It is important to determine whether agarwood in trade is from cultivated trees or natural trees in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). We characterized the 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in agarwood by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS) and differentiated wild from cultivated agarwood by metabolomic analysis. A total of 141 chromones including 50 potentially new compounds were evaluated as belonging to four structural classes (unoxidized 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)-chromones, bi-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, and tri-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones). The metabolic difference between wild and cultivated agarwood was analyzed by component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Fourteen markers of metabolisms in wild and cultivated agarwood were constructed (e.g., 6,7-dimethoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 6,8-dihydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, etc.). These results indicated that UPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS-based metabonomics analysis in agarwood may be useful for distinguishing wild agarwood from cultivated agarwood.

Vulnerabilities and fisheries impacts: the uncertain future of manta and devil rays

Abstract Manta and devil rays of the subfamily Mobulinae (mobulids) are rarely studied, large, pelagic elasmobranchs, with all eight of well‐evaluated species listed on the IUCN Red List as threatened or near threatened. Mobulids have life history characteristics (matrotrophic reproduction, extremely low fecundity, and delayed age of first reproduction) that make them exceptionally susceptible to overexploitation. Targeted and bycatch mortality from fisheries is a globally important and increasing threat, and targeted fisheries are incentivized by the high value of the global trade in mobulid gill plates. Fisheries bycatch of mobulids is substantial in tuna purse seine fisheries. Thirteen fisheries in 12 countries specifically targeting mobulids, and 30 fisheries in 23 countries with mobulid bycatch were identified. Aside from a few recently enacted national restrictions on capture, there is no comprehensive monitoring, assessment or control of mobulid fisheries or bycatch. Recent listing through the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may benefit mobulids of the genus Manta (manta rays), but none of the mobulids in the genus Mobula (devil rays) are protected. The relative economic costs of catch mitigation are minimal, particularly compared with a broad range of other, more complicated, marine conservation issues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

The role of CITES Rescue Centers in orchid conservation: concerns and questions raised by the collaboration on an endangered slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum vietnamense O. Gruss &amp; Perner)

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is an international treaty currently adopted by 169 member countries to regulate international trade in over 30,000 species of animal and plants. Plants that are not transported in accordance with CITES requirements may be either denied entry, and sometimes abandoned, or subject to seizure by enforcement officials in importing coun- tries. Instead of being destroyed, abandoned or con- fiscated plants may be returned to the range countries or sent to CITES Rescue Centers, which are public museums or botanical gardens in member countries where the plants are cared for and cultivated.

Heterogeneity in consumer preferences for orchids in international trade and the potential for the use of market research methods to study demand for wildlife

The demand for wildlife products drives an illegal trade estimated to be worth up to $10 billion per year, ranking it amongst the top transnational crimes in terms of value. Orchids are one of the best-selling plants in the legal horticultural trade but are also traded illegally and make up 70% of all species listed by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). To study consumer preferences for horticultural orchids we use choice experiments to survey 522 orchid buyers online and at large international orchid shows. Using latent class modelling we show that different groups of consumers in our sample have distinct preferences, and that these groups are based on gender, genera grown, online purchasing and type of grower. Over half of our sample, likely to be buyers of mass-produced orchids, prefer white, multi-flowered plants. Of greater conservation interest were a smaller group consisting of male hobbyist growers who buy their orchids online, and who were willing to pay significantly more for species that are rare in trade. This is the first in-depth study of consumer preferences in the international orchid trade and our findings confirm the importance of rarity as a driver of hobbyist trade. We show that market-research methods are a new tool for conservationists that could provide evidence for more effective conservation of species threatened by trade, especially via campaigns that focus on demand reduction or behaviour change.

Global Environmental Governance and North—South Dynamics: The Case of the Cites

This paper addresses a gap in our understanding of how links between states and nonstate actors intersect with North—South dynamics. It draws together the literatures on NGOs with the debates on privatised forms of global governance to provide a deeper understanding of the growing role of nonstate actors in managing transnational environmental issues. I argue that the inclusion of nonstate actors can serve to reinforce and deepen existing global inequalities. I use the example of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to shed light on the complex dynamics that surround (apparently) interstate environmental governance mechanisms. The CITES is one of the earliest examples of engagement with nonstate actors as shapers and drivers of environmental governance. As such, it provides us with important lessons about the problems associated with including a wider range of actors in global environmental governance mechanisms, especially engagement with Southern partners.

Neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of extracts from in vitro cultivated Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw)

Harpagophytum procumbens, known as devil's claw, has been used traditionally for the treatment of pain, fevers, and dyspepsia. Recently, it has become popular for the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Most of the world's supply comes from Namibia, with lesser amounts from South Africa and Botswana. In 2002, the peak year of export, 1,018 tonnes of dried tubers were exported from southern Africa, representing the harvest of millions of plants. In 2000, recommendations were made to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to add devil's claw to Appendix II. In 2004, the proposal was formally withdrawn due to the efforts of the range states to address sustainability issues. The governments of the main range states are working with local communities to develop policies and regulations to protect the species and to determine a sustainable harvest [1].

Red List Indices to measure the sustainability of species use and impacts of invasive alien species

AbstractAfter habitat loss and degradation, the leading threats to biodiversity are over-exploitation and invasive alien species. For birds, newly synthesised data using the standard classification schemes for utilisation and threat types for the IUCN Red List allow novel analyses on the importance of these threats and permit the calculation of Red List Indices (RLIs) to show trends in the status of birds driven by these factors. At least 45.7% of extant bird species (4,561 species) are used by humans, principally for pets (37.0%) and for hunting for food (14.2%), but other uses include sport hunting, ornamentation and traditional medicine. Much of this use drives trade at an international scale, involving at least 3,337 species (33.9%, substantially higher than previous estimates), mostly for the pet trade. RLIs show that although successful control and management of use and trade have led to some species improving in status, this has been outweighed by the number of species deteriorating in status owing to unsustainable exploitation. Overall, the RLI showing trends in extinction risk driven by issues related to use shows a negative slope: human use of birds is currently unsustainable. Similarly, and of relevance to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the RLI for internationally traded bird species showing trends in extinction risk driven by issues related to international trade is also declining: international trade remains a threat to the world's birds. Invasive species impact at least one third of the world's threatened bird species (398 species, 32.6%), with mammals being the most important (impacting 81.1%), particularly through predation by carnivores and rodents. The RLI illustrating impacts of invasive species shows that they are driving a deterioration in the status of the world's birds. RLIs for the impacts of use and invasive species will be important indicators to help track progress towards the target of significantly reducing biodiversity loss by 2010.

Growth and Survival of the Tiger Tail Seahorse, Hippocampus comes

Keeping fish in home aquaria is one of the most popular hobbies globally. The United States is the largest single market for aquarium fish (Walton 1994; Wood 2001). An estimated 11% of all U.S. households with pets keep fish (Tlusty 2002), a level similar to that in Australia, the UK, and probably in many other developed countries. Approximately 10% of all aquaria are believed to be marine, and primarily house tropical coral reef fish species (Sugiyama et al. 2004). Marine aquarium hobbyists, in particular, tend to be passionate about their aquaria, well informed, and interested in marine conservation (e.g., http://www.ems.org/marine_ aquarium_trade/aquarists_profile.html). It is ironic that well-intentioned hobbyists drive a large industry that may threaten wild populations of some coral reef fish species (Wood 2001). Up to 24 million coral reef fishes of over 1000 species are traded annually, and over 98% of these marine ornamentals are wild caught (Wabnitz et al. 2003). This is in stark contrast to the freshwater aquarium hobby in which less than 2% of fishes traded are wild caught (Sugiyama et al. 2004). While the freshwater aquarium hobby trade has made significant strides over the past few decades in the development of breeding techniques for most fishes in the trade, the marine aquarium hobby trade has lagged behind. Seahorses (family Syngnathidae) are a popular group of marine aquarium fishes. In the wild, they are found worldwide in a diverse range of marine habitats, including sea grass beds, coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries (Lourie et al. 1999). The conservation status of wild seahorse populations is of concern as populations have declined precipitously in some places (Vincent 1996; http://www.iucn.org). One reason for the observed declines in wild populations is overexploitation: the global trade in seahorses was estimated to consume at least 20 million animals annually in 1996 (Vincent 1996). In addition to the aquarium trade, seahorses are also exploited for the traditional medicines and curios trades. Early evidence suggests that the supply of seahorses to the international marine aquarium trade has been affected by their recent listing on Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Job, personal observation). This decision, which came into effect in 2004, requires 169 countries to withhold export permits unless extraction of the seahorses can be shown to be sustainable. As a result, the global demand for seahorses is currently high, and prices have risen. Average wholesale prices for tropical seahorses in Australia, for example, have more than doubled over the past year (Job, personal observation). Approximately five tropical seahorse species are currently cultured on a commercial scale, primarily in the United States, Australia, 1 Corresponding author: Broome Aquaculture Centre, Kimberley College of TAFE, P.O. Box 1380, Broome, WA 6725, Australia. 2 Present address: Project Seahorse, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2204 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4 Canada. JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY Vol. 37, No. 3 September, 2006

Genetic identification of units for conservation in tomato frogs, genus Dyscophus

Dyscophus antongilii and D. guineti are two morphologically very similar microhylid frogs from Madagascar of uncertain taxonomy. D. antongilii is currently included in Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and its exportation is banned completely. In contrast, D. guineti does not receive any legal protection and it is regularly exported. Field data on ecology and behaviour are to a large extent lacking. Here we report on a genetic survey of D. antongilii and D. guineti using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Sequences of a fragment of 501 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from one population of D. antongilii and two populations of D. guineti resulted in a single haplotype network, without haplotype sharing among the populations. However, haplotypes of D.␣guineti were only 1–4 mutational steps from those of D. antongilii, and did not form a clade. The analysis of eight microsatellites newly developed and standardized for D. antongilii revealed an excess of homozygotes and the absence of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The microsatellite data clearly distinguished between D. antongilii and D. guineti, and fixed differences were observed at one locus. Although confirmation of the status of Dyscophus antongilii and D. guineti as separate species requires further data, our study supports the definition of these two taxa as different evolutionary significant units under the adaptive evolutionary conservation concept.

The Effects of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on Orchid Production, Marketing, and Conservation

"The Effects of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on Orchid Production, Marketing, and Conservation" published on Jan 2000 by American Society for Horticultural Science.

Wild(er)ness: Reconfiguring the Geographies of Wildlife

Amidst millennial talk of the ‘end of nature’ (McKibben 1989), this paper examines the precarious geographies of ‘wildlife’ in rather less apocalyptic terms. Animal (and plant) species designated wild are placed categorically outside the ambit of ‘human society’, confined to inhabiting the margins and interstices of the social world. Yet, we contend, such animals have long been routinely imagined and organized within multiple circuits of social power, which (re)configure them in important ways. These social orderings of animal life confound the moral geographies of wilderness, which presuppose an easy coincidence between the species and spaces of a pristine nature. In this paper, we employ the fluid spatial vocabulary of topology to map a more volatile and relational conception of the fabrics of wildlife. Our arguments are worked through glimpses of two historically very different social orderings of ‘wild’ animals – those associated with the military vernacular of the gladiatorial games of Imperial Rome, and the scientific vernacular of endangered species listing and conservation under CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species). These ‘foldings’ of wildlife in distant time/space aim to disrupt the linear historical narratives of ‘civilization’ and ‘evolution’, which consign wildlife to marginal spaces with a teleological destiny of erasure.

Problems Related to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has become one of the better-known environmental treaties, partly as a result of the considerable attention it received in connection with the restrictions it imposed on the ivory trade. Despite its successes, however, the text of the treaty has not kept pace with developments since it was first approved in 1973. It remains, for instance, an environmental treaty with some of the characteristics of a trade treaty, drafted as if it were to operate in a hostile world of non-parties. Instead, in contrast, it has been signed by 128 parties1 and functions at a time when public and political concern about the environment has never been greater.