Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna Research Articles

Review of threats to the Pacific seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) in Peru.

Illegal wildlife trade has been identified as a major source of global commerce of seahorses. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora listed the genus Hippocampus in Appendix II in 2004, when several countries that commercialized these species also banned transactions through domestic legislation, Peru being one of them. Nevertheless, since the 2004 ban was decreed in Peru, transactions have continued, including international commerce, as well confiscations of illegal seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) products. The authors reviewed three official government sources for information on seahorse trade in Peru, identifying differences in the reporting of the two agencies that monitor exports and imports of seahorses, likely due to non-standardized use of product categorization codes (Partidas Arancelarias). Confiscations reported by one of the agencies confirmed that illegal trade continued despite the ban and in similar amounts of what was exported by Peru before the ban (1053 kg confiscated in 2019 vs. 1460 kg exported in 2004, an estimated 437,888 and 607,067 seahorses, respectively). This review highlights gaps in seahorse conservation in Peru, which include research gaps (e.g., taxonomy, biology and use of habitats) as well as the identification of fisheries impact and improvements in by-catch reporting. This review also highlights areas for possible improvement in international trade (e.g., standardized descriptions of Partidas) that ultimately would allow the country to follow the Convention for Illegal Trade of Endangered Species regulations for seahorses.

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.

Urgent International Action Needed to Tackle Illegal Pet Trade in Caribbean Iguana Populations

Lizards in the Neotropical genus Iguana are heavily traded for the international pet trade, with unusual colour morphs and rare species commanding high prices. Recent research aimed to understand the taxonomy and phenotypic variation of Iguana in the Lesser Antilles, with those populations now severely threatened by this trade. Although the entire Iguana genus has been on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II since 1977, current levels of trade regulation are proving to be inadequate for the Caribbean Iguana populations, which are declining. This paper presents the case for immediately halting regional commercial trade to safeguard the most vulnerable island populations. We further provide recommendations for trade regulations of other species complexes where the nomenclature used in legislation and the trade industry fall temporarily out of step with new taxonomic changes.

Morphometric Relationships, Growth and Condition Factors of Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).

Simple SummaryThe pangolin is the only scaly mammal in the world. Among the eight extant pangolin species, the Chinese pangolin (CP) is most threatened with extinction. Thus, this species is categorized as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and listed under “Appendix I” of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Taiwan is a single Formosa Island where the population of CP has been increasing for the last decade due to continuous conservation initiatives. The presence of sufficient samples of CP that are adapted to distinct environmental conditions could provide valid morphometric results. However, the morphometric relationships, growth type, and condition factors have not yet been enumerated for any pangolin species including Chinese pangolin. The study included 282 rescued and rehabilitated individuals from central and southern Taiwan. Adult male and female pangolins measure between 75.2–103 cm and 66–114.9 cm from the snout to the tip of the tail and weigh between 4–7.6 kg and 3–5.8 kg, respectively. Adults also showed negative allometric growth (b < 3) as their length increased. However, the average relative condition factor (KR) was 1.02 ± 0.16 and showed the majority of rescued adults in normal (59.7%) and good (39%) health conditions.Morphometric relationships and condition factors are crucial to quickly understanding the fitness and well-being of animals. Total length (cm) and bodyweight (g) of 282 (male = 167 and female = 115) pangolins were accounted for in this study which was received and rehabilitated in Pingtung Rescued Center, Pingtung and Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou, Taiwan. The allometric equation; W = aLb was used to estimate the length-weight relationships where R2 = 0.70, a = 0.61, and b = 1.98. The ratio of total body length and tail length was between 1.1 and 2.7. Pangolins exhibited negative allometric growth (b < 3) as their length increased. The average relative condition factor (KR) was 1.04, indicating a state of good health for rescued individuals. However, Fulton condition factor (KF) and KR fluctuated in different months but was significantly heavier during the wet seasons. This study recommended to release healthy animals with KF of 0.8 or higher back into the wild in order to increase their survival rate. The study, thus will be helpful to promote standardized guidelines for conducting physical measurements and understanding health status. Additionally, it will support the recovery of this threatened species by husbandry and diet management in ex-situ and in-situ conservation.

What Is in Your Shark Fin Soup? Probably an Endangered Shark Species and a Bit of Mercury

Simple SummaryShark fin soup is consumed by many Asian communities throughout the world and is one of the main drivers of the demand for shark fin. The demand for shark products has seen shark populations decline by as much as 70%. The fins found in soups break down into a fibrous mass meaning that identifying the species of shark that a fin came from is impossible by visual methods. Here, we use molecular techniques to identify the species of sharks found in bowls of soup collected in Singapore. We identified a number of endangered species in the surveyed soups, and many of these species have been shown to contain high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. It is highly likely that consumers of shark fin soup are consuming levels of mercury that are above safe allowable limits, and at the same time are contributing to the massive declines in global shark populations.Shark fin soup, consumed by Asian communities throughout the world, is one of the principal drivers of the demand of shark fins. This near USD 1 billion global industry has contributed to a shark population declines of up to 70%. In an effort to arrest these declines, the trade in several species of sharks is regulated under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Despite this legal framework, the dried fins of trade-regulated sharks are frequently sold in markets and consumed in shark fin soup. Shark fins found in soups break down into a fibrous mass of ceratotrichia, meaning that identifying the species of sharks in the soup becomes impossible by visual methods. In this paper, we use DNA barcoding to identify the species of sharks found in bowls of shark fin soup collected in Singapore. The most common species identified in our samples was the blue shark (Prionace glauca), a species listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List with a decreasing population, on which scientific data suggests catch limits should be imposed. We identified four other shark species that are listed on CITES Appendix II, and in total ten species that are assessed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Globally, the blue shark has been shown to contain levels of mercury that frequently exceed safe dose limits. Given the prevalence of this species in the examined soups and the global nature of the fin trade, it is extremely likely that consumers of shark fin soup will be exposed to unsafe levels of this neurotoxin.

KEPATUHAN HUKUM REPUBLIK DEMOKRATIK KONGO TERHADAP CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) ATAS PERLINDUNGAN POHON TROPIS AFRORMOSIA

&lt;div&gt;Trees are forest products whose number continues to decrease over time due to fulfilling human needs to sustain their lives. Continuous deforestation can threaten and destabilize ecosystems on earth, which leads to international environmental issues that have yet to be resolved. The purpose of this legal research was to determine the legal compliance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) towards regulations by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for the protection of the tropical Afromosia tree and the steps that the DRC should undertake in maintaining the existence of the Afromosia tree which is now endangered from extinction. This study is normative legal research with a statute and case approach and analyzed through inductive analysis techniques. Make use of indicators from the international legal compliance theory by Andrew T. Guzman, namely the model of rational and self-interested states theory, the results of the study show that the DRC has a low level of legal compliance with the provisions of the CITES convention related to the protection of Afrormosia trees.&lt;/div&gt;

DNA Barcoding Identifies Endangered Sharks in Pet Food Sold in Singapore

Shark populations have declined by more than 70% over the past 50 years. These declines have largely been attributed to increases in fishing efforts. Despite increased public awareness surrounding the conservation of sharks, three-quarters of all oceanic shark species are currently considered at risk of extinction. Here, we use DNA barcoding to identify shark DNA found in pet food purchased within Singapore. We identified a number of sharks that have some degree of control over their trade exerted under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), or through their classification as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The most commonly identified shark was the blue shark, Prionace glauca, a species that is not listed in CITES or classified as threatened by the IUCN, but one which scientific evidence suggests is overexploited and should have its catch regulated. The second most commonly encountered species was the CITES Appendix II listed silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis. None of the products specifically listed shark as an ingredient, listing only generic terms, such as “ocean fish,” “white fish,” and “white bait.” The vague terminology used to describe pet food ingredients, and in some cases, the mislabeling of contents, prevents consumers – in this case, pet owners – from making informed and environmentally conscious decisions; consequently, pet owners and animal lovers may unwittingly be contributing to the overfishing of endangered sharks.

Continued availability and sale of pangolins in a major urban bushmeat market in Cameroon despite national bans and the COVID-19 outbreak.

Continued availability and sale of pangolins in a major urban bushmeat market in Cameroon despite national bans and the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mixed protection of threatened species traded under CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international legal trade to prevent the detrimental harvest of wildlife. We assess the volumes of threatened and non-threatened bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptile species in the CITES-managed trade and how this trade responded to category changes of species in the IUCN Red List between 2000 and 2018. In this period, over a thousand wild-sourced vertebrate species were commercially traded. Species of least conservation concern had the highest yearly trade volumes (excluding birds), whereas species in most Red List categories showed an overall decrease in trade reoccurrence and volume through time, with most species unlikely to reoccur in recent trade. Charismatic species with populations split-listed between Appendices I and II were traded in substantially lower yearly volumes when sourced from the more-threatened Appendix I populations. Species trade volumes did not systematically respond to changes in the Red List category, with 31.0% of species disappearing from trade before changing category and the majority of species revealing no difference in trade volumes from pre- to post-change. Just 2.7% (12/432) of species volumes declined and 2.1% (9/432) of volumes increased after a category change. Our findings highlight that non-threatened species dominate trade but reveal small numbers of highly threatened species in trade and a disconnect between species trade volumes and changing extinction risk. We highlight potential drawbacks in the current regulation of trade in listed species and urgently call for open and accessible assessments-non-detriment findings-robustly evidencing the sustainable use of threatened and non-threatened species alike.

Genetic information as a basis for conservation genetics of national endangered species of wild fauna and flora in Japan

Genetic information as a basis for conservation genetics of national endangered species of wild fauna and flora in Japan

Inferring patterns of wildlife trade through monitoring social media: Shifting dynamics of trade in wild-sourced African Grey parrots following major regulatory changes

Monitoring wildlife trade on social media can help understand patterns of legal and illegal trade and provide insights into the underpinning processes. Such information can be critical for informing strategies to reduce trade and mitigate associated harms. Psittacus parrots (Psittacus erithacus and Psittacus timneh) have been among the most intensely traded parrot species on the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), leading to extensive overexploitation and severe declines across West and Central Africa. In recent years, a multifaceted set of interventions have been implemented aimed at reducing trade both offline and online. Building on previous research into trade in wild-sourced Psittacus parrots on social media between 2014 and 2017 in a sample identified using traders known a priori to be major exporters Psittacus parrots, we surveyed posts by the same sample of users in the period 2018–2020, to create a retrospective longitudinal dataset of public online trade activity. Using this dataset, we explored temporal and spatial patterns of online trade activity and evaluated the potential role of interventions and other underlying factors in driving observed trends. After accounting for changes in page accessibility, we observed a decline of 94.6% in public posts indicating trade in wild-sourced Psittacus parrots between 2014 and 2020. There was no evident decline immediately following the listing of Psittacus parrots on CITES Appendix I at the start of 2017, which prohibited international trade in wild Psittacus parrots for commercial purposes. Rather, a sustained decline occurred from 2018 onwards, coinciding with additional CITES measures, enhanced efforts by law enforcement agencies, and the implementation of new policies by airlines and social media platforms. The decline was particularly pronounced in exporters, among whom posts featuring wild-sourced Psittacus parrots ceased altogether. However, posts do indicate ongoing trade activity in Iraq, Libya, Southern Asia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting locations where targeted interventions may be most effective. Our approach demonstrates how, with careful consideration of additional data and methodological biases, monitoring social media activity may be used more widely as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife trade interventions and polices.

Do CITES trade restrictions work? Some evidence from the markets for sawfish trophies

The durability of animal parts that are collected and traded as trophies has an impact on species sustainability, especially when animals are slow-growing, have low fecundity, or are particularly vulnerable to capture. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), aims to control the trade of wild fauna and flora specifically by using trade restrictions as a policy option. However, specialists in international trade have advised against using trade restrictions to correct social cost issues. The reasons for this advice have to do with the unintended economic consequences of animals being placed on an endangered species list, coupled with the trade restrictions themselves. We focused on Pristis spp. (sawfish), a species in danger of extinction found in Appendix I of the CITES convention. An extensive search of sawfish saws for sale on the internet was performed during 2016 and 2017. A total of 174 observations of market prices were collected. We estimated several models linking prices to the size of the saw with other variables that might explain price variability using OLS regression, and which included data from both the original internet searches and additional variables, including a dummy variable which indicated the year in which the species group was placed in Appendix I. These models show that rather than slow down the extinction pathway for this species, CITES may have sped it up, as well as driving the sawfish trophy markets underground.

Botanical reserve “Juniper grove at the balka of Kanly-Dere named after Novella Vavilova” in the Crimea

The materials of the study of the botanical reserve «Juniper grove at the balka Kanly-Dere beam named after Novella Vavilova» are presented: vegetation, floristic composition, sozological status of species. The vegetation is a digressive variant of shiblyaks, transformed into a Juniperus deltoides community in combination with forb-grass steppes. The flora list includes 170 species of higher vascular plants, including 10 adventitious species, 3 endemic to the Crimea and 21 rare species. The Red Book of the Russian Federation includes 5 species, the Red Book of the Republic of Crimea - 6, the European Red List (ERL) - 12, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants (IUCN) - 11, the International Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) protects 3 species.

Performance of iSharkFin in the identification of wet dorsal fins from priority shark species

The past decade has seen a considerable rise in international concern regarding the conservation status of sharks and rays. The demand for highly prized shark commodities continues to fuel the international trade and gives fisheries incentive to use these resources, which have a low intrinsic capability to recover. Recognising the urgency for regulation, many countries voted to include more shark and ray species in the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, the identification of fins in fisheries landings before they enter international trade is a major limitation for CITES compliance. This study reports the current performance of the iSharkFin system, a machine learning technology which aims to allow users to identify the species of a wet shark dorsal fin from its image. Photographs of 1147 wet dorsal fins from 39 shark species, collected in 12 countries, were used to train the algorithm over a four-year period. As new cohorts of images were used to test the performance of the learning algorithm, the accuracy of species assignments of known specimens was variable but did increase, reaching 85.3% and 59.1% at genus and species level respectively. The accuracy in predicting CITES-listed sharks versus unlisted sharks was 94.0% based on the 39 species currently represented in the baseline. Our results suggest that if supplied with high data inputs for specific fisheries assemblages and accompanied by user training, iSharkFin has promise for site-specific development as a rapid field identification tool in fisheries monitoring, and as a screening tool alongside traditional field morphology to detect potential CITES specimens for fisheries compliance and enforcement.

Висша флора на Руй планина (Знеполски район) и участващите в нея лечебни растения

As a result of the performed research of the Ruy mountain flora, 261 plant species were found and established. These refer to 176 genera and 57 families. There was a floral analysis performed, which determined 116 medicinal plants species. The examined local flora has 12 Balkan endemites and 19 relict species. There is one species with endangered conservation status – Galanthus elwesii Hook. f. There were 7 species determined, which fall within the scope of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The plant species found were examined and determined in terms of biological types. The floral complex of this local flora was also determined.

Using CITES Appendix III to Protect Native Species Found in International Trade: the Case of the Philippines

CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement among currently 183 Parties. It is based on the use of three Appendices, in which species are listed according to their need for regulation in international trade. The vast majority of all CITES species are listed in Appendix I and II. Appendix III works differently from the other two Appendices and is seldom used. If implemented correctly, the use of Appendix III could greatly contribute to positive conservation outcomes. Here, we use the Philippines as a case study to showcase the potential benefits of Appendix III listings for the conservation of nationally protected, native wildlife species. We provide an overview of wildlife trade involving the Philippines and relevant national legislation. We proceed by presenting the requirements of an Appendix III listing, under which circumstances it can succeed in assisting to protect native species, and the direct benefits to the Philippines as well as other countries striving to protect native wildlife from international illegal exploitation.

Indigenous youth and international conservation law: Five case studies

AbstractThe principle of intergenerational equity plays a fundamental role in international conservation law. In this article, we analyse in how far the principle is applied with regard to indigenous youth. By scrutinizing the Whaling Convention, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species and the Convention on Biological Diversity, we analyse the extent to which key regimes in international conservation law have internalized the principle in relation to a stakeholder group that is not overly prominent. We conclude that there are fundamental differences between the regimes in question. Although the Ramsar Convention and the Biodiversity Convention have either included the principle from the outset or responded to a changing environmental discourse, the others show significant shortcomings in this regard. Therefore, it is important that institutions develop mechanisms to effectively address intergenerational equity, especially with regard to indigenous youth.

An overview of international trade of Macaca fascicularis from Indonesia based on the CITES trade database

Wildlife trade is one of the main constraints in biodiversity conservation. International wildlife trade is regulated by The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Approximately 34,000 plants and animals are grouped into three Appendices related to the degree of threats posed due to international trade. Annually, CITES provides global trends in wildlife trade through its official website. However, there are some limitations demonstrated by the CITES database, which may indicate unsustainable trade. Using the CITES trade database, we offer an overview of the international trade of crab-eating Macaca (Macaca fascicularis) from Indonesia. Results show that Indonesia had recorded 440 transactions of M. fascicularis in both live animals and non-live forms for 30 years (1990-2019). A total of 117,193 live M. fascicularis had been traded, with the United States being the primary importer. There were challenges in using the CITES trade database in analyzing M. fascicularis trade, including a mismatch between trade volume reported by the exporters and importers, undefined trade purposes, and unitless reports. We hope that our findings can help the community understand international M. fascicularis trade and guide future conservation efforts and policy changes.

Dynamics of the global trade Asiatic Softshell Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert 1770): Shifting trends in commerce and consequences for sustainability

Biodiverse countries such as Indonesia provide the exotic Asiatic Softshell Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert 1770) for the wildlife trade. Deciding which trade model is detrimental to species survival in the wild can be a major challenge for Management Authorities (MA) in implementing CITES. The consequences for conservation, long-term use, and livelihoods are uncertain. The study used the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade database. The collection of raw data is based on trade reports for the species of freshwater turtles (testudinidae) for the period 2011 to 2021, export countries from Indonesia, export destinations for all countries and sources of harvested turtles from the wild. This research aims to study the freshwater turtle trading trends over the decade, compare total quotas to actual harvest, and recognize how the precautionary principle is applied in harvesting A. cartilaginea. Harvesting and trading are following the quota regulated under the Indonesian government. However, conservation efforts were less emphasized, so it is feared that there will be a population decline and even extinction in the future, while the population in the wild cannot be ascertained. The larger the harvest quota set and the shorter the harvest period, the larger the natural population that must be available.

The scale of Nigeria's involvement in the trans-national illegal pangolin trade: Temporal and spatial patterns and the effectiveness of wildlife trade regulations

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits commercial trans-national trade in pangolin specimens. However, African pangolins are continually trafficked to Asia for traditional medicine, with Nigeria considered a key hub. Using reported Nigeria-linked pangolin seizure data and interviews with Nigerian law enforcement officials, we a) characterised Nigeria's involvement in global pangolin trafficking January 2010–September 2021, particularly observing trafficking trends after pangolin's CITES Appendix I listing; b) estimated the minimum number of pangolins whose scales are in Nigeria-linked seizures January 2010–September 2021, and; c) assessed ongoing efforts within Nigeria to curb pangolin trafficking. Nigeria-linked seizures involved 190,407 kg of pangolin derivatives (99.9% scales) from a minimum of 799,343 pangolins (95% confidence interval; 625,944-996,353) of four species (see caveats in Methods). All shipments confiscated in transit were destined for Asia, with a rapid increase in the mass of maritime shipments over time. Furthermore, stockpiling of pangolin derivatives for overseas shipment is perhaps a prominent trafficking model in Nigeria. Nigeria's law enforcement efforts improved from 2017, the same year Nigeria apparently began playing a hub role. The impact of pangolin's CITES Appendix I listing on pangolin trafficking was unclear, as the marked rise in seizures from 2017 when the listing became effective, coincided with improvements in Nigerian law enforcement efforts. COVID-19–induced travel restrictions likely reduced trafficking activities in 2020 but activities may have fully resumed in 2021. This study provides new information to inform effective enforcement and policy formulation efforts to protect African pangolins.