Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna Research Articles

South Africa as a Donor of Its Native and Exotic Species to the International Pet Trade

The global pet trade is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry, involving the international exchange of various species and regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). South Africa plays a significant role as both an importer and exporter within this market. By analysing over 13 million records from the CITES database, spanning from 1975 to 2023, we aimed to access South Africa’s role in the international pet trade and to analyse trade volume and trends over time. Our findings indicate that alien species dominate exports, particularly birds and mammals, while native species are traded in lower volume, involving only a few species. The top 10 traded species for birds and mammals belong to the genera Agapornis and Callithrix, while 80% of reptile exports were native, with Stigmochelys pardalis being the most exported species. Bird and mammal exports are primarily composed of captive-bred individuals, whereas both captive-bred and wild-sourced individuals contribute to reptile exports. Approximately 100 countries import various species from South Africa, with Asia and Europe as major importers of birds. The extensive exportation of South Africa’s native species, particularly reptiles, raises significant conservation concerns regarding the potential impact on local biodiversity.

A Snapshot of the Global Trade of South African Native Vertebrate Species Not Listed on CITES.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to prevent the overexploitation of species by controlling their trade. However, there is currently no international regulatory framework to protect the trade of non-CITES species. We examined the LEMIS database, online trade, and scientific literature with the aim of identifying and compiling a list of South African native species traded as pets and wildlife products. We found that there are 223 non-CITES species traded as wildlife products and 95 species traded as pets. Mammals and birds were the most traded taxa for wildlife products, while reptiles and amphibians were mostly traded as pets. At the least, species traded as wildlife products and pets are currently not facing extinction, as most are categorized as Least Concern. However, some endemic species have an unknown population size, with Sclerophrys pantherina and Neamblysomus gunningi being Endangered. The international pet trade involves 10 countries, with the USA, the Czech Republic, and the UK being the largest importers. The trade of species as wildlife products involves 20 countries, with the USA being the major importer. This study emphasizes the necessity of strict regulations and international cooperation to control the wildlife trade effectively.

Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

AbstractPublic policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UK's role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade data for 2000–2021 and 2015–2021. For CITES‐listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as “trophy hunting” is (i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, (ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or (iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Government's impact assessment of the bill. In 2000–2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES‐listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), that is, individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 ± 66.53 (mean ± SD) trophies/year (115.83 ± 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015–2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of eight species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.

Scale of unregulated international trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians.

Reptiles and amphibians are popular in the exotic pet trade, where Australian species are valued for their rarity and uniqueness. Despite a near-complete ban on the export of Australian wildlife, smuggling and subsequent international trade frequently occur in an unregulated and unmonitored manner. In 2022, Australia listed over 100 squamates in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to better monitor this trade. We investigated current trade and assessed the value of this Australian CITES listing using web-scraping methods to monitor the online pet trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians, with additional data from published papers, trade databases, and seizure records. Despite the export ban, we identified 170 endemic herpetofauna (reptile and amphibian) species in international trade, 33 of which were not recorded previously in the international market, including 6 newly recorded genera. Ninety-two traded species were included in CITES appendices (59 added in 2022), but at least 78 other traded species remained unregulated. Among these, 5 of the 10 traded threatened species were unlisted, and we recommend they be considered for inclusion in CITES Appendix III. We also recommend the listing of all Diplodactylidae genera in Appendix III. Despite this family representing the greatest number of Australian species in trade, only one genus (of 7 traded) was included in the recent CITES amendments. Overall, a large number of Australian reptile and amphibian species are traded internationally and, although we acknowledge the value of Australia's recent CITES listing, we recommend the consideration of other taxa for similar inclusion in CITES.

A practical approach to meeting national obligations for sustainable trade under CITES.

Reconciling conservation goals with sustainable resource use requires adaptive management strategies. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates global trade for species listed on Appendix II, partly by requiring member countries (parties) to ensure exports do not damage wild populations (called making positive "nondetriment findings" [NDFs]). Unfortunately, when parties find NDFs difficult, they often suspend legal trade, imposing economic costs and driving trade underground. To make it easier for parties to examine the detrimental nature of exports, we devised a spatial approach and applied it to seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) in Tamil Nadu, India, as an example. Our approach involves mapping answers to 5 key questions on species distribution (QA), pressures (QB), management measures (QC), management implementation (QD), and species' population status (QE). We gathered data from fisher interviews and published literature. Seahorse abundance was greatest in southern Palk Bay and the northern Gulf of Mannar, primarily in seagrasses and coral reefs (QA). Fishing pressure was highest in Palk Bay, primarily from bottom trawlers and dragnetters operating in shallow seahorse habitats near the coastline (QB). Management measures including a marine protected area (MPA), bottom trawl exclusion zone, and closed season were theoretically in place (QC), but their implementation was poor (QD). Fishers reported seahorse catches in 85% of the area covered by the MPA and the exclusion zone; bottom trawlers were responsible for most violations. Seahorses were also captured in Sri Lankan waters, where bottom trawling is banned. Fisher reports indicated declining seahorse catches and reduced body sizes (QE), highlighting unsustainable exploitation. Our results highlight the need for better implementation of existing management measures before a positive NDF can be made and suggest mitigation beyond bans. Such pragmatic spatial analyses can help regulate exports at sustainable levels, supporting CITES implementation for its vast range of species.

Assessing the legal, illegal, and gray ornamental trade of the critically endangered helmeted hornbill.

Monitoring wildlife trade dynamics is an important initial step for conservation action and demand reduction campaigns to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Studies often rely on one data source to assess a species' trade, such as seizures or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade data. Each database provides useful information but is often incomplete. Combining information from multiple sources helps provide a more complete understanding of trade. A recent rapid increase in demand for helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) casques (a brightly colored, solid keratinous rostrum) led to its uplisting to critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2015. However, there is little current information on what factors influence trade trends and what current levels of demand are. We combined data from CITES, seizure records, and previously underused, yet abundant, art and antique auction data to examine the global trade in helmeted hornbill casque products (HHPs). Three decades of auction data revealed that 1027 individual HHPs had been auctioned since 1992; total auction sales were over US$3 million from 1992 to 2021. The number of HHPs auctioned was greatest from 2011 to 2014, just after the global art boom (2009-2011), followed by a decline in volume and price. The auction data also revealed 2 possible markets for HHPs: true antique and speculative, defined by era, price, and trade patterns. Trends in illegal trade matched those of the auction market, but legal trade remained consistently low. Combining data sources from legal, illegal, and gray markets provided an overview of the dynamics of illegal trade in an endangered species. This approach can be applied to other wildlife markets to provide a more complete understanding of trade and demand at the market level to inform future demand reduction campaigns.

Challenges of regulating commercial use of marine elapid snakes in the Indo-Pacific.

Marine elapid snakes are a diverse, predominantly Indo-West Pacific species group. The persistent removal of some species has an unquantified but potentially dire impact on populations. We conducted the first comprehensive review of the trade in marine elapid snakes based on published literature (1974-2022) and trade data from the only species (i.e., Hydrophis [Lapemis] curtus) whose trade is monitored internationally. Some species and populations were subjected to targeted harvest for their meat and skins for at least the last century; fisheries are possibly the most significant threat to populations of marine elapids, with the highest numbers being exploited either accidentally, incidentally, or opportunistically in Southeast Asian fisheries targeting other seafood, including demersal trawl and squid fisheries. Southeast Asia is the core region for exploitation of marine elapids. Annual offtake is >225,000 individuals of at least 8 species in the Gulf of Thailand. Of 72 recognized marine elapids (all non-CITES [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora] species), Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus dominate the skin trade. Skins of H. curtus are traded mainly in East and Southeast Asia and, to some extent, Europe. Despite some baseline information on the trade of these species, the sustainability of their harvests, particularly in the context of the burgeoning and unmanaged nature of fisheries in the region, remains the major challenge. In an era of declining fish stocks, there has been an increasing trend to commercialize the harvest and use marine elapids that were once considered accidental bycatch and discarded. This trend will continue to pose a significant risk to these snakes unless appropriate fisheries and trade regulations are enforced. Applying the precautionary principle to prevent the overexploitation of sea snakes is an indispensable measure in which trade in regional populations should be regulated through CITES. Accordingly, management plans to identify core distribution regions of exploited species would be crucial for assigning national responsibilities to sustain species and populations in the long term.

International wildlife trade quotas are characterized by high compliance and coverage but insufficient adaptive management

Effective management of international wildlife trade is crucial to ensure sustainability. Quotas are a common trade management tool and specify an annual number of individuals to be exported, yet at present there is no global assessment of quota coverage and compliance. Using over 7,000 country–year specific reptile quotas established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) covering 343 species, we quantify quota coverage, compliance, trade trends pre-quota and post-quota setting and whether quotas likely represent adaptive management. Quotas predominantly concerned live wild-sourced reptiles, with only 6.6% of live non-zero quotas exceeded and 4.5% of zero quotas subverted. For 62.3% of species, quotas were established higher than pre-quota trade, with traded volumes post-quota mainly unchanged or higher than pre-quota establishment, thus potentially facilitating sustainable trade. Over 38% of quota series of species remained at the same level each year, with the longest-running quotas proportionately updated the least, indicating that many quotas do not change adaptively in response to changing threats to species through time. Greater specificity in exactly what quotas cover, justification for unchanged quotas and transparency over quota determination are needed to ensure that high compliance equates to sustainable use.

New Variants in the Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Two Colombian Individuals of the Cedar Timber Species (Cedrela odorata L.), Using Long-Read Oxford Nanopore Technology

The plant species Cedrela odorata has been largely exploited in the timber industry due to the high demand for its wood. Therefore, C. odorata has been considered a vulnerable species since 1994, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). C. odorata is a key timber species included in the management and conservation plans for the Amazon and Central American rainforests. These plans include the development of genetic and genomic resources to study local populations of the species in Colombia. In this study, two novel chloroplast (cp) genomes were assembled and annotated using the MinION long-read sequencing technology. The new cp genomes were screened for sequence variants (SVs), and a total of 16 SNPs were identified, presumably unique to populations from the Amazon region in Colombia. Comparative genomics with other reported cp genomes from different populations of C. odorata support the hypothesis of intraspecific diversity associated with their place of origin. These cp genome sequences of C. odorata from Colombian individuals represent valuable genomic resources for the species, suitable for identifying novel DNA fingerprinting and barcoding applications.

A conflict of visions: Ideas shaping wildlife trade policy toward African megafauna

Abstract Among factors that threaten wild populations of African megafauna, wildlife trade has gained prominence as a global policy issue, with concerted international campaigns aiming to influence the trade of species such as elephants, rhinos and lions. Trade policy is strongly contested, confounding attempts to develop coherent approaches across jurisdictions and through international mechanisms such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This undermines conservation efforts. Understanding the drivers of such conflict may help to address this problem. Scholars of political science increasingly recognise the power of ideas as drivers within policy processes. Guided by this literature, we developed an analytical framework and conducted a thematic analysis to examine the ideas driving wildlife trade policy conflict. Our nested case study approach examined debates over trade policy toward African elephants, rhinos and lions at two levels: the international policy arena of CITES and within a single country, South Africa. Informed by earlier literature, we tracked the evolution of international trade policy debates over a 4‐year period (2016–2019) and analysed submissions to a national policy review process in South Africa that took place during 2020. During the study period, state and non‐state actors contributed to vigorous trade policy debates within seven key thematic issues across the case study species. Arguments were driven by both cognitive ideas, which specify cause‐and‐effect relationships, and normative ideas, which are values‐based and especially salient elements of anti‐trade stances. Fusing these cognitive and normative ideational elements, we identified three distinct overarching narratives relating to wildlife trade policy. These three narratives align with broader environmental policy and political narratives and elucidate inherent tensions within the CITES arena. They also reveal differing ethical interpretations and perceptions of risk and precaution. Policy implications. Wildlife trade policy conflict is driven at least in part by competing ideological visions, which may be entrenched by the CITES Appendix listing system. The structural role of CITES in perpetuating this polarisation—and the consequences thereof—warrants further research. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Development and validation of a novel forensic STR multiplex assay for blue (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum)

The blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled crane (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) are species of concern as their populations are declining and they face several threats including habitat loss, disturbance and illegal trade. In South Africa, these species are bred in captivity for trade purposes which is permitted and regulated globally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Legal sustainable trade through captive breeding of endangered wildlife species such as cranes has been promoted to counteract the illegal trade of individuals from the wild. Captive breeding independent of wild populations may reduce the harvest pressures on wild bird populations which in turn benefit the recovery of exploited species. This approach is considered to be controversial by some individuals. Although captive breeding of endangered species, for both population sustainability and commercial purposes, is promoted to aid in conserving species, concerns have been raised with regards to breeding facilities being used for laundering of animals. To monitor the legal trade of cranes in South Africa a short tandem repeat (STR) assay following recommendations of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) was developed and validated. An STR assay comprising of four multiplexes that include 16 STR markers and two gender determination markers was proven to be highly informative with average polymorphic information content (PIC) values of 0.806, 0.646 and 0.725 for A. paradiseus, B. regulorum and B. carunculatus respectively. In addition, the assay showed sufficient discriminatory power for parentage assignment of closely related individuals in all three species (A. paradiseus: PI = 1.7×10−24, PIsibs = 4.7×10−08, and B. carunculatus: PI = 1.4×10−19, PIsibs = 2.9×10−07 and B. regulorum: PI = 1.7×10−12, PIsibs = 5.0×10−05). Analysis of 251 samples suggested that the validated multiplex assay ensures reliability, reproducibility, and repeatability for applications in forensic case work where illegal trade of offspring is suspected through verifying parentage of captive birds in breeding facilities.

DNA barcodes are ineffective for species identification of Acropora corals from the aquarium trade.

Species identification of stony corals (Scleractinia), which are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is critical for effective control of harvest quotas, enforcement of trade regulations and species conservation in general. DNA barcoding has the potential to enhance species identification success, depending on the specific taxon concerned and genetic markers used. For Acropora, DNA barcoding, based on the mitochondrial putative control region (mtCR) and the nuclear PaxC intron (PaxC), has been commonly used for species identification and delimitation, but the reliability and robustness of these loci remain contentious. Therefore, we sought to verify the applicability of this approach. In this study, we obtained 127 Acropora colonies from the aquarium trade to test the effectiveness of barcoding mtCR and PaxC for species identification. We were able to recover sequences for both loci in over half of the samples (n = 68), while gene amplification and sequencing of mtCR (n = 125) outperformed PaxC (n = 70). Amongst the 68 samples with both loci recovered, just a single sample could be unambiguously identified to species. Preliminary identities, based on only one gene, were assigned for 40 and 65 samples with mtCR and PaxC, respectively. Further analyses of 110 complete mitochondrial genomes obtained from GenBank showed that, despite the full length of the sequences, only eight species were delimited, of which only three species were correspondingly monophyletic. Therefore, we conclude that the commonly used DNA barcoding markers for Acropora are ineffective for accurate species assignments due to limited variability in both markers and even across the entire mitochondrial genome. Therefore, we propose that barcoding markers should generally not be the only means for identifying corals.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: AN ANALYSIS OF MALAYSIA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND ENFORCING CITES COMPLIANCE TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Wildlife conservation represents a significant global challenge, particularly in nations abundant with biodiversity like Malaysia, where illegal wildlife trafficking jeopardises ecosystems and threatens endangered species. This paper analyses Malaysia's legal framework concerning wildlife conservation and its harmonisation with international agreements, notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Through an extensive examination of statutes and policies, this study elucidates Malaysia's endeavours to combat illegal wildlife trade and uphold adherence to CITES regulations. A central aspect of this analysis involves exploring Malaysia's strategy in reconciling conservation priorities with socio-economic considerations amidst the complexities of sustainable development. By critically assessing Malaysia's conservation landscape, this paper seeks to inform policymakers, engage stakeholders, and catalyse collective efforts towards fostering a more sustainable coexistence between wildlife and humanity.

A FTIR Evident-Based Exploration of the Antioxidant Activity of Five Threatened Cactus Species

Cacti, members of the botanical family Cactaceae, comprise approximately 127 genera and approximately 1,850 known species within the Caryophyllales order. Presently, various anthropogenic activities are causing the endangerment of several cactus species. Among the reasons cited for this threat, the aesthetic and medicinal values of cacti have garnered notable attention. This study aims to explore the medicinal potential, particularly in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, of five threatened cactus species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Micranthocereus estevesii, Euphorbia lactea, Haageocereus crestata, Ferocactus acanthodes and Mammillaria huitzilopochtli. A Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was conducted to substantiate and corroborate the findings. Notably, no prior studies have investigated the medicinal properties of these five species, underscoring the novelty of our research. Initially, specimens of the five cacti were collected from the Regional Plant Resource Center, Bhubaneswar, air-dried, and milled into powder. Phytoconstituents were then extracted individually using polar (water) and non-polar (methanol) solvents. The antimicrobial properties were assessed using agar well diffusion assays against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results indicated that methanol extracts of Micranthocereus estevesii and Euphorbia lactea inhibited Candida albicans, while aqueous extracts of Micranthocereus estevesii and Ferocactus acanthodes inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methanol extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to aqueous extracts. FTIR spectroscopy revealed distinctive peak values representing various functional groups in the extract components, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, phenols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, ketones, aromatics, aliphatic amines, primary amines, ethers, alkyl halides, and esters. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts demonstrated promising antibacterial efficacy among the five cactus species studied, suggesting their potential application in pharmaceuticals and medication development. However, habitat degradation and illegal commerce pose significant threats to these species, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Communities beyond geographical limitation: The network characteristics of international wildlife trade under the pandemic

The international wildlife trade, contributing billions of dollars to global economies and encompassing thousands of species, has increased due to rising demands for wildlife products. Revealing the key participants and trade characteristics across taxa is imperative for sustaining wildlife resources and conservation efforts. To provide a basis for informed wildlife management and trade supervision, we investigated the global wildlife trade's fundamental characteristics and spatial patterns by analyzing transaction records reported to The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from 2020 to 2022. During this period, the essential demands for wildlife were highlighted due to stricter trade regulations and higher trade costs in response to the suspected wildlife origin of the pandemic. Our analysis highlights the formation of trade communities that are tightly interconnected by strong trade relations in wildlife trade networks, transcending geographical limitations. Unlike the division of the continents, geographical proximity alone does not necessarily contribute to the formation of these trade communities. Germany emerges as the leading importer based on trade frequency, while the Netherlands leads in exports. The main driving forces behind wildlife trades include commercial use (74.98 %), personal use (3.80 %), and hunting trophies (3.19 %). Apart from 44.90 % of flora trades, Reptilia was the primary traded taxa (21.08 %), involving 196 engaged countries/territories with the most mutual connections (27.21 %) and an average of 12.51 shipments to 11.33 nodes. Aves (9.70 %), Mammalia (9.44 %), and Anthozoa (7.62 %) followed. Notably, certain European and Asian countries/territories dominate the import or export of most trades, exhibiting distinct variations across taxa. The United Arab Emirates led the Aves trade, accounting for 15.96 % of global Aves transactions during this period. Similarly, Italy led the Reptilia trades (21.28 %), South Africa led the Mammalia trades (18.72 %), and Indonesia led the trades in Insecta (56.84 %), Hydrozoa (66.96 %), and Anthozoa (56.12 %). Our findings underscore the traded species facing overexploited and the countries most involved, thereby informing proactive monitoring and policy-making for sustainable wildlife conservation and management.

Taxonomic Identification of Commercial Boswellia spp. Resins by Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Historically, Boswellia resin, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for a variety of applications, including medicinal purposes and in religious ceremonies. These practices continued into the modern era, in which the trade of resin has increased dramatically. The genus Boswellia contains many species that are not currently protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), but research has found that some of these populations are predicted to decrease by 50 % in the next two decades due to overexploitation (Bongers et al., 2019). This highlights the need for a method that can identify Boswellia resins. In this research, resin from nine different species of Boswellia were collected and analyzed in positive ion mode by Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (DART TOFMS) by dissolving the resin in methanol to obtain a chemotype devoid of background noise. Chemometric analysis of the data indicated that positive ion spectra from the resins separated the species effectively, indicating that DART TOFMS can be used to identify resins in trade.

The legal framework of the European Union in the field of combating environmental crimes

The article focuses on the activities of the European Union regarding the development of an effective legal framework for combating environmental crimes considering modern realities. It is noted that the existing norms on combating environmental crime in the EU are based on the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU which sets the competence of the EU to define criminal offenses and sanctions in the spheres of EU policy to which harmonization measures apply (Article 83(2)). Attention is paid to the provisions of the following directives: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directive 2008/99/EC, which supplemented the list of illegal acts with new categories of crimes, established a deterrent level of sanctions, which ensures a more consistent application of conditions for enterprises in the EU; Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, which sets rules based on the «polluter pays» principle and related directives 2000/60/EC, 2008/56/EC, 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC. It is noted that the EU constantly works on improving the provisions of the acts adopted by it in the specified area, as evidenced by the directives, on the basis of which changes and amendments were made to the above-mentioned directives, regarding safety issues, waste management, simplification of reporting obligations in the field of environmental legislation (Directives 2006/21/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2013/30/EC, Regulation (EC) 2019/101).
 Attention is focused on acts related to the protection of certain objects, including: 1) acts aimed at combating pollution from ships: Directive 2005/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties, including criminal penalties, for pollution offence (as amended), Council Framework Decision 2005/667/JHA of 12 July 2005 to strengthen the criminal-law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution; 2) acts on combating trade in wild animals: Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (as amended), Commission regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (as amended), Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 97 (as amended), Revision of the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking of 2022.
 It is noted that EU legislation is based on international universal acts adopted within the UN in the relevant field (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of 1973, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) of 1975), which simplifies law enforcement and the introduction of measures to combat environmental crime.
 The importance of strategic acts adopted by the EU, including the Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs 2021–2025 and the Biodiversity strategy for 2030 is emphasized. Relevant conclusions have been drawn.

Dugong dugon (Muller 1776) and Its Habitat in Coastal Areas and Small Islands of East Java Province, Indonesia

Dugong dugon, an endangered marine mammal is listed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Dugongs are classified as herbivorous mammals that live in the shallows associated with seagrass beds. The objectives of this study are (1) to collect data on dugong encounters in East Java, both direct encounters and literature studies; and (2) to analyze seagrass meadows that are potentially dugong grazing habitats in East Java. This study was conducted from January to July 2023 in the coastal area of East Java. Dugong and seagrass data, which were descriptively analyzed, were obtained from the literature, questionnaire interview, and by direct observation. Distribution of dugongs in East Java is known to be in the southeastern side of Banyuwangi, Situbondo, Sumenep, Lamongan, and Bawean Island. Direct encounters with live and dead dugongs in East Java have been recorded in several locations, including Bawean Island. Seagrass beds in East Java can be found on the coastal area of Lamongan, Bawean Island - Gresik, Sumenep, Bangkalan, Situbondo, Banyuwangi, Malang, and Pacitan. The seagrass species found in these eight areas are: E. acoroides, T. hemprichii, C. modocea rotundata, C. serrulata, H. pinifolia, H. uninervis, H. decipiens, H. ovalis, H. minor, S. iseotifolium, and T. ciliatum. Although, dugong status is fully protected in Indonesia, and its distribution is limited, further steps are needed to protect dugongs and their food habitats. Marine Protected Area is one of the policies that could be recommended to protect dugongs and their habitat.

The illegal trade in rosewood in Indonesia

Rosewoods are among the most valuable traded hardwoods, and there is a significant illegal trade. From 2017 onwards the international trade in all species of Dalbergia rosewood is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. I focus on two species of rosewood that occur in parts of Indonesia, Dalbergia latifolia and D. sissoo, to assess the extent of the illegal trade and to analyse geographical and temporal patterns of wildlife crime. Based on 67 seizure reports from 2014 to 2022 I show that (a) 117 logs of D. sissoo and 4,285 logs of D. latifolia were confiscated, (b) seizures occurred on the islands of Sumatra (16 seizures; 1,190 logs), Java (43; 1,780 logs), and Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Timor (8; 1,408 logs), (c) while there was an increase in the number of seizures per year, there were no seasonal differences in seizure activities. For 10% of the logs there was supporting evidence that they were taken from State managed forests and 18% was taken from conservation areas, thus causing more damage than just the removal of individual trees. Seizures in Indonesia over this period equals 0.12 ± 0.04% of the legal rosewood export. The illegal trade is dominated by Indonesians rather than foreign nationals and the direction of trade is towards Java from where > 95% will be exported to China. While policies are in place concerning rosewood seizures and stockpiling (including auctioning or destruction) in practise it is unclear where seized rosewood ends up. When used with caution, analysis of seizure data offers a valuable means to gain insights in illicit activities that normally remain hidden from view.

An Assessment of the Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in Kenya

International trade is hastening extinction for many species of plants and animals despite the fact that many countries have ratified CITES. The adoption of treaties is often symbolic as many countries, especially in the developing world where most biodiversity is found, experience a lack of fit between international agreements and national laws and institutions. Our main objective here is to assess the extent of jurisdictional and institutional fit in the implementation of CITES in Kenya, an important issue given the amount of international trade in wild products and the importance of wildlife tourism to the country. The specific objectives are to assess the following: the capacity and level of coordination among state actors and conservation mandates in national policy and law using a mixed methods approach involving a literature review and 38 key informant surveys representing professional expertise from various stakeholder groups. We found that over 60% of respondents indicated only moderate capacity for the implementation of CITES and coordination between local and central governments. Some participants indicated that judicial officers lack adequate conservation knowledge, thus hampering enforcement via low prosecution rates. A moderate (at best) structural fit involving inefficiencies such as conflicting processes, unequal enforcement, and suboptimal coordination implies a degree of failure in developing the implementation capacity of CITES within Kenya. Our results also show a mismatch between agency staffing and workload at several levels of government, and we make suggestions for improvement.