CITES to review trade in sharks, eels, and other threatened species

Conservation experts convened in Geneva for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and have agreed to scrutinize the international trade of various vulnerable species. The focus will be on deep-sea sharks and eels, with deeper reviews also planned for the conservation and trade of large felines, vultures, and amphibians.

The CITES secretariat announced the outcomes of the annual animal committee meeting, held from July 13-17. Among the key decisions, the standing committee was advised against suspending trade in chameleons and the emperor scorpion originating from Ghana, following scientific assessments presented by the country. Madagascar received commendation for its progress in conserving terrestrial and riverine turtle species.

Further decisions involved postponing the establishment of export quotas for certain species, including the cheetah, leopard, and black rhinoceros. These decisions are now slated to be made after the next CITES Conference of the Parties, which is scheduled to take place in Panama in 2028.