DOCUMENTATION CENTER FOR SPECIES PROTECTION

MAIL: office@dcsp.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FAUNA

CHORDATA

MAMMALIA

CARNIVORA

Canidae

Proposal 15.1 by Switzerland as Depositary Government

Canis lupus

Wolf

Addition of an annotation to the species Canis lupus listed in Appendices I and II reading:

"Excludes the domesticated form and the dingo which are referenced as Canis lupus familiaris and Canis lupus dingo"

DCSP recommends: support

This proposal can only be supported because neither dogs as pets nor the Australian dingo meet the criteria for listing in the CITES appendices.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Felidae

Application 15.02 by the USA
Lynx rufus
Bobcat

Deletion from Appendix II

This is the third time in a row that the USA is proposing to delete the bobcat from Appendix II. The quality of the data is decreasing successively. The proposal is thus not getting better with age. The bobcat, occurring in several subspecies in North America, is the most common species of cat in North America and is widely distributed. The total population is estimated at approx. 1 million individuals. However, this figure must be treated with caution as the population densities of bobcat are subject to severe regional fluctuation.
It seemed interesting that the last proposal at the 14th Conference of the Parties only indicated figures for trade relevance and export quantities over lengthier periods but not for specific years. However, the proposal from the 13th Conference of the Parties indicates that trade has increased greatly since 2001. The present proposal does not give any new trade data at all. Recent studies on the impact of increased hunting are not described. No evidence is given whether this increasing demand has a negative impact on the populations.
The main problem, however, is the look-alike problem. The goods usually in trade is almost impossible to distinguish from other lynx species, above all from the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in danger of extinction in many countries. Characteristically, a large amount of furs are traded as "Lynx sp.". Therefore, it is recommended to keep the bobcat in Appendix II and to keep trade in controlled, regulated channels.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Ursidae
Proposal 15.3 by the USA

Ursus maritimus

Polar Bear

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

DCSP recommends: Support

Trade in polar bear derivatives averages 2000 specimens per year. Most are taken from wild animals. The natural habitat, the Arctic, can be expected to decline dramatically as a result of global warming. Increasing extraction of crude oil and natural gas also impacts on the animals. On the other hand, the estimated population of 10,000 in the 1960s has increased to approx. 20,000-25,000 animals. However, in view of the above-mentioned destruction of their habitat, it will probably not be possible to maintain this positive trend and any trade puts unnecessary pressure on the population.

The IUCN also classifies the polar bear as endangered and expects a decline in numbers of more than 30% over a period of three generations (approx. 45 years). Of the nineteen putative populations, only two can be regarded as increasing and five as stable.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

PROBOSCIDEA

Elephantidae

Proposal 15.4 by Tanzania
Loxodonta africana
African Elephant

Transfer the population of the United Republic of Tanzania from Appendix I to Appendix II with an annotation to read:

"For the exclusive purpose of the following:

a) trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial purposes;
b) trade in registered raw ivory (whole tusks and pieces) subject to the following:
i) a one-off sale of 89,848.74 kg from registered government-owned stocks, originating in Tanzania (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin);
ii) only to trading partners that have been already designated by the Standing Committee, as having sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade. These are Japan designated as a trading partner at the 54th meeting (Geneva, October 2006), and China designated as a trading partner at the 57th meeting (SC57, Geneva, July 2008);
iii) not before the Secretariat has verified the registered government-owned stocks;
iv) the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation, community conservation and development programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range in Tanzania;
v) Tanzania will not present further proposals to allow trade in elephant ivory from its population in Appendix II to the Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP15 and ending six years from the date of the single sale of ivory that is to take place in accordance with provisions in paragraphs b) i), b) ii), b) iii), b) iv). In addition such further proposal shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 14.77 and 14.78;
c) trade in raw hides;
d) trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations, as defined in Resolution Conf. 11.20.

The Standing Committee can decide to cause the trade in a), b), c) and d) above to cease partially or completely in the event of non-compliance by exporting or importing countries, or in the case of proven detrimental impacts of the trade on other elephant populations as may be proposed by the CITES Secretariat.

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly".

A joint African proposal was elaborated in eight-day marathon meetings at the 14th Conference of the Parties in The Hague (The Netherlands) and all of the proposals that had been submitted were withdrawn. The joint proposal contains a nine-year moratorium and then export of ivory stocks registered up to that date in a single shipment to Japan. The resolution was welcomed with much relief, this was the first time that an all-African compromise had been found that was to put a stop to the regular "Elephant circus" at every Conference, at least for a time. Annulling such a resolution would make a mockery of the Washington Convention if the Parties involved rely solely on their short-term memory. After all, the aim cannot be to concentrate almost all effort on a single species at the Conferences.
If the efforts that went into the all-African compromise at the 14th Conference of the Parties are now worthless, DCSP rejects this proposal. After the representatives of Tanzania (and Zambia) at the last Conference of the Parties realised that the countries of southern Africa can dispose of their stockpiles in a profitable manner, Tanzania would also like to get in on the business. The proposal also includes a six-year moratorium. However, this can only be seen as worthless as the proponent also ignores the moratorium agreed at CoP 14. Up to 38,000 elephants are still being poached every year, and so far any proposal allowing trade in ivory or other products led to an increase in poaching and smuggling.
In accordance with the compromise elaborated at CoP 14, ALL elephant proposals can only be made after the moratorium at the 18th Conference of the Parties, and until then all proposals at CoP 15 through CoP 16 should be withdrawn.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.5 by Zambia
Loxodonta africana
African Elephant

Transfer of the population of Zambia from Appendix I to Appendix II for the exclusive purposes of allowing:

a) trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial purposes;
b) trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations, as defined in Resolution Conf. 11.20;
c) trade in raw hides;
d) trade in registered raw ivory subject to the following:
i) a one-off sale of 21,692.23 kg as ivory from registered government-owned stocks, originating in Zambia (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin);
ii) only to trading partners that have already been designated by the Standing Committee, as having sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP14) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade: these are Japan designated as a trading partner at the 54th meeting (SC54 Geneva, October 2006), and China designated as a trading partner at the 57th meeting (SC57, Geneva, July 2008);
iii) not before the Secretariat has verified the registered government-owned stocks;
iv) the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation and community conservation and development programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range in Zambia;
v) on a proposal from the Secretariat, the Standing Committee can decide to cause this trade to cease partially or completely in the event of non-compliance by exporting or importing countries, or in the case of proven detrimental impacts of the trade on other elephant populations. All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

DCSP recommends: Withdraw

A joint African proposal was elaborated in eight-day marathon meetings at the 14th Conference of the Parties in The Hague (The Netherlands) and all of the proposals that had been submitted were withdrawn. The joint proposal contains a nine-year moratorium and then export of ivory stocks registered up to that date in a single shipment to Japan. The resolution was welcomed with much relief, this was the first time that an all-African compromise had been found that was to put a stop to the regular "Elephant circus" at every Conference, at least for a time. Annulling such a resolution would make a mockery of the Washington Convention if the Parties involved rely solely on their short-term memory. After all, the aim cannot be to concentrate almost all effort on a single species at the Conferences.
If the efforts that went into the all-African compromise at the 14th Conference of the Parties are now worthless, DCSP rejects this proposal. After the representatives of Zambia (and Tanzania) at the last Conference of the Parties realised that the countries of southern Africa can dispose of their stockpiles in a profitable manner, Zambia would also like to get in on the business. This proposal does not include a moratorium, which is an act of honesty. After all, the moratorium agreed at CoP 14 is already being ignored. Up to 38,000 elephants are still being poached every year, and so far any proposal allowing trade in ivory or other products led to an increase in poaching and smuggling.
In accordance with the compromise elaborated at CoP 14, ALL elephant proposals can only be made after the moratorium at the 18th Conference of the Parties, and until then all proposals at CoP 15 through CoP 16 should be withdrawn.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.6 by Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali and Sierra Leone

Loxodonta africana
African Elephant

i) Remove the following paragraph from the annotation regarding the populations of Loxodonta africana of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe:
h) no further proposals to allow trade in elephant ivory from populations already in Appendix II shall be submitted to the Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP14 and ending nine years from the date of the single sale of ivory that is to take place in accordance with provisions in paragraphs g) i), g) ii), g) iii), g) vi) and g) vii). In addition such further proposals shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 14.77 and 14.78.
ii) Include an annotation regarding ALL populations of Loxodonta africana, as follows:
"No further proposals concerning trade in African elephant ivory, including proposals to downlist elephant populations from Appendix I to Appendix II, shall be submitted to the Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP14 and ending twenty years from the date of the single sale of ivory that took place in November 2008. Following this twenty year resting period, any elephant proposals shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 14.77 and 14.78."
iii) Remove paragraph (f) in the annotation to the CITES Appendices governing the elephant populations of Namibia and Zimbabwe:
f) trade in individually marked and certified ekipas incorporated in finished jewellery for non-commercial purposes for Namibia and ivory carvings for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe.

DCSP recommends: Withdraw

A joint African proposal was elaborated in eight-day marathon meetings at the 14th Conference of the Parties in The Hague (The Netherlands) and all of the proposals that had been submitted were withdrawn. The joint proposal contains a nine-year moratorium and then export of ivory stocks registered up to that date in a single shipment to Japan. The resolution was welcomed with much relief, this was the first time that an all-African compromise had been found that was to put a stop to the regular "Elephant circus" at every Conference, at least for a time. Annulling such a resolution would make a mockery of the Washington Convention if the Parties involved rely solely on their short-term memory. After all, the aim cannot be to concentrate almost all effort on a single species at the Conferences.
If the efforts that went into the all-African compromise at the 14th Conference of the Parties are now worthless, DCSP supports this proposal. The proposal makes it clear that the proposal is to be seen as a counterpart to the other two elephant proposals, if the laboriously negotiated compromise is to be undermined. Objectively, it would of course make more sense to prolong the moratorium to twenty years, as up to 38,000 elephants are still being poached every year, and all proposals made so far led to an increase in poaching and smuggling.
In accordance with the compromise elaborated at CoP 14, ALL elephant proposals can only be made after the moratorium at the 18th Conference of the Parties, and until then all proposals at CoP 15 through CoP 16 should be withdrawn.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

AVES

ANSERIFORMES

Anatidae

Proposal 15.7 by Switzerland as Depositary Government

Anas 'oustaleti'

Mariana Mallard

Deletion from Appendix I

DCSP recommends: Support

The Mariana Mallard is a hybrid between the Common Mallard and the Grey Duck. As a hybrid, the species does not meet the CITES criteria approved at the 14th Conference of the Parties in The Hague. What is more, the species is considered extinct as there have been no confirmed sightings since the beginning of the 1970s.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CROCODYLIA

Crocodylidae

Proposal 15.08 by Belize and Mexico
Crocodylus moreletii
Morelet's Crocodile

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II with a zero quota for wild specimens

DCSP recommends: Support

Mexico's proposal to transfer the Morelet's Crocodile to Appendix II was already made at the 11th Conference of the Parties in Kenya in 2000. At that time a ranching programme was being set up with 40 adult individuals. The distribution of the species is restricted to coastal lagoons, swamps and rivers in Mexico, Belize and northern Guatemala and the Gulf of Mexico. Reckless hunting of the species in the middle of the last century led to a drastic population decline. Thanks to protection measures, wild populations have been slowly recovering since the 1980s in some areas of Mexico and Belize. With the exception of some reserves, the wild populations can still be said to be small. There is a still a problem with poaching and illegal export, above all to the USA. The unclear status of the Guatemalan populations also needs closer examination.

However, above all Mexico has set up a successful ranching programme in the past fifteen years. Subject to contradictory information during the Conference of the Parties, the Proposal can be supported.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.09 by Egypt
Crocodylus niloticus
Nile crocodile

Transfer of the Egyptian population from Appendix I to Appendix II

Fifty years ago, the Nile crocodile was on the verge of extinction in Egypt. It is not possible to talk about a "population" as these animals form a single genetic group with the Sudanese animals. The crocodile has only recovered in the "Lake Nasser" area, the dammed-up area of the Assuan Dam, while the species is largely extinct in all other sections of the Egyptian Nile (1500 km in all). The number of individuals on the 8000 km² artificial lake is estimated to be 6000 - 30,000, which is roughly the density of Egyptian fishermen. This great uncertainty regarding actual figures is not surprising as it is based on a projection from 386 sightings – including juvenile animals – over the past two years. With the species largely eradicated in Egypt, it is of course not possible to give any data regarding population trends. There is no ranching programme and monitoring only began last year (386 sightings).

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SAURIA

Agamidae

Proposal 15.10 by Israel

Uromastyx ornata

Ornate Spiny-tailed Lizard

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

DCSP recommends: Support

This attractive Agamid occurs in two subspecies in four countries. The total population is constantly decreasing and although only Israel has provided detailed findings, the situation will be no different in other the other range states. While there were still several thousand specimens living in southern Israel in 2000, there are currently only a few hundred left. Probably only a maximum of 20% of the original total population still exists. There are four reasons for the rapid decline in the total population. The main cause is the international pet trade in this splendid species, above all because there is great demand. The species is particularly popular in North America, the EU and Japan. There is regular captive breeding of this species but the demand is far greater, thus leading to repeated harvesting from the wild. The species is regularly on sale at reptile markets, although it is always claimed that the animals are all captive bred, which DCSP strongly doubts. Trade in this species is particularly flourishing among illegal traders from Eastern European states. Great pressure is also caused by traditional superstitious medicine. Bedouins also eat this species. Mortality on roads is another factor contributing to decline.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.11 by Honduras
Ctenosaura bakeri,
Baker's Spinytail Iguana

C. oedirhina
Roatán Spinytail Iguana

C. melanosterna
Honduran Paleate Spinytail Iguana

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP: recommends

All three species of spinytail iguana are extreme endemics that only occur in small regions of Honduras and are listed extremely endangered. C. bakeri only occurs in mangrove forests on the island of Utila (habitat: 8-10 km, total population approx. 3000 specimens), C. oedirhina on the island of Roatan (approx. 5000 specimens), and C. melanosterna in "Valle de Aguan" and on small coastal islands (approx. 2000 specimens). The main threat is the small size of the habitat and its destruction and hunting for epicurean purposes. There is only little legal trade for live animal keeping (usual price: 80-100 USD), and it is difficult to gather data on illegal trade. The demand for live specimens of Ctenosaura species is, however, obviously increasing, and listing would facilitate control.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Iguanidae
Proposal 15.12 by Guatemala
Ctenosaura palearis
Guatemalan Spiny-tailed Iguana

Inclusion of the Guatemalan population in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The Guatemalan Spiny-tailed Iguana lives in "Valle del Motagua" in Guatemala in an area of approx. 1000 km² (total population: 5000 individuals). The main threat is habitat destruction caused by farming and forestry, and hunting. However, this species is also of interest to collectors and terrarium owners, with hundreds of individuals being imported above all into the USA every year. Owing to its shyness and the size of its body (up to 60 cm), this animal is hard to keep but nevertheless popular in the terrarium trade. It is also advertised as requiring no approvals to keep it as a pet or certificates. Unfortunately, the proposal does not include the populations of Central Honduras.

________________________________________________________________________________________

AMPHIBIA

Hylidae

Proposal 15.13 by Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico
Agalychnis spp.
Red-eyed tree frogs

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The eight species of red-eyed tree frog known so far (Agalychnis annae, A. calcarifer, A. callidryas, A. craspedopus, A. litodryas, A. moreletii, A. saltator and A. spurrelli) live in subtropical rainforest regions in Central Latin America (Colombia to southern Mexico). These attractive tree-top dwellers are found in their spawning areas – which differ greatly depending on species – mainly during the reproductive season. Its habitat has long been fragmented in all countries of origin and drastically decreased due to lumbering and forestry. All species have been listed in the IUCN’s Red List.
An alarming population decline has been observed particularly with Agalychnis annae (blue-sided leaf frog; 50 % in the last ten years) and A. moreletii (Morelet’s tree frog; 80 % in the last ten years). In addition to habitat destruction and contamination of spawning areas, this genus is also particularly badly affected by the amphibian epidemic "Chytridiomycosis". This highly infectious fungus disease, probably originating from Africa has only been known for around ten years and has already eradicated dozens of amphibian species in Central America and Australia. The attractive golden toad of Costa Rica is also already extinct.
Because red-eyed tree frogs are popular among terrarium owners – with the USA alone importing more than 20,000 individuals every year – removing the animals from the wild and transporting them is already a major factor leading to extinction: Contaminated boots, nets and collecting containers are enough to spread the disease to previously unaffected rainforest regions. In addition to listing red-eyed tree frogs in CITES, it would be urgently advisable to prohibit all trade in all amphibian species in Central America.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CAUDATA

Salamandridae

Proposal 15.14 by Iran

Neurergus kaiseri

Kaiser's Spotted Newt

Inclusion in Appendix I

DCSP recommends: Support

This richly coloured endemic newt has a range of only approx. 10 km² in the Zagros Mountains of Iran. Due to its low reproductive rate and constant illegal removal from the wild there are probably only a maximum of 1000 adult specimens left. The species is extremely endangered. The illegal animal trade is to blame, combined with smuggling to other countries. People pay up to $350 per specimen for this rare and very popular newt. There is no legal trade as this species is strictly protected in Iran. A little illegal captive breeding by private individuals is known. The species has repeatedly been on sale at pet markets in recent years, with illegal captive-bred animals costing 120.-- per specimen. Wild harvesting of this highly endangered species must be stopped now. This species meets all criteria for Appendix I listing.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

ELASMOBRANCHII

CARCHARHINIFORMES

Sphyrnidae

Carcharhinidae

Proposal 15.15 by Palau and the USA

Sphyrna lewini
Scalloped hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran
Great hammerhead

Sphyrna zygaena
Smooth hammerhead

Carcharhinus plumbeus
Sandbar shark

Carcharhinus obscurus
Dusky shark

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:

"The entry into effect of the inclusion of these species in Appendix II of CITES will be delayed by 18 months to enable Parties to resolve the related technical and administrative issues."

DCSP recommends: Support

Numerous species of shark have been fished completely unchecked for decades, mainly for the dorsal fins. This is made worse by high mortality rates caused by trawling (bycatch of tuna fishing, for example), contamination of coastal waters, "sport" fishing and trade in trophies (mounts, jaws). All of these species occur in tropical and temperate zones of the world's oceans and have low reproductive rates. Wild populations can thus only recover over a period of several decades. The generation time of hammerhead species is approx. twenty years, with reproduction usually only every two years. Hammerhead species fins are regarded as extremely valuable meat and prices in Japan are in excess of 100 US$/kg. The volume of trade per species is hard to determine as often only the generic name "Sphyrna sp." is given in view of the difficulty in distinguishing dorsal fins. Between 50,000 and 90,000t of dorsal fins of the most commonly traded species Sphyrna lewini and S. zygaena are sold every year. This means 1.3 to 2.7 million individual hammerheads every year!
Because of insufficient possibilities of distinction, the seriously endangered great hammerhead (S. mokarran) is also affected. This unchecked harvesting from the wild has led to a dramatic decline in many regions that is hard to quantify in view of inadequate population monitoring. The decline of Atlantic hammerhead species is approx. 80% in 15-20 years, depending on species. The decline of Pacific populations is probably even higher, although pertinent data from most coastal regions is insufficient. The situation is comparable with the two Carcharinus species, which are, however, less relevant in terms of trade than the hammerhead species mentioned. The dusky shark (C. obscurus) is particularly badly affected by trawling as a companion of hake, sardine and mackerel schools. Fishing for their equally desirable dorsal fins climaxed in the 1980s, after which trade volume dropped continuously due to population decline. The common sandbar shark is also regarded as endangered, with the population decline estimated at more than 70 % in the past decades.
Moderately effective control of trade in the above species can only be ensured by Appendix II listing. A total restriction on trade should be considered for certain species in the next few years.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.16 by Palau and the USA
Carcharhinus longimanus
Oceanic whitetip shark

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:
"The entry into effect of the inclusion of Carcharhinus longimanus in Appendix II of CITES will be delayed by 18 months to enable Parties to resolve the related technical and administrative issues."

DCSP recommends: Support

The Oceanic whitetip shark is one of the most common species of shark and is not as badly affected by various environmental deterioration thanks to its primary distribution area in open waters. Nevertheless, populations have decreased by an average of 70 % in recent decades, particularly severely in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and in the Caribbean, where the remaining population shrank to just one per cent of its original size. This species is also snared as bycatch of dragnet fishing, with several thousand individuals affected by tuna and swordfish species fishing every year. The main threat, however, is due to trade in "shark fins", with more than one million dorsal fins being imported above all into China and Japan every year. However, without suitable control mechanisms, this figure is merely a projection based on the weight of imported fins – another sign that trade in C. longimanus needs to be urgently controlled by listing the species in Appendix II.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Lamnidae

Proposal 15.17 by Palau and Sweden (on behalf of the EU)

Lamna nasus
Porbeagle

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:
"The entry into effect of the inclusion of Lamna nasus in Appendix II of CITES will be delayed by 18 months to enable Parties to resolve related technical and administrative issues, such as the possible designation of an additional Management Authority and adoption of Customs codes."

DCSP recommends: Support

Listing of the porbeagle in Appendix II also failed by a close margin at the last Conference of the Parties, with 58 % votes in favour. The decline of this oceanic species that lives in temperate waters is due solely to fishing for its meat and fins. The species has one of the lowest reproductive rates of all sharks, with females giving birth every 1-2 years to one or two young only at the age of twenty.
In the northern hemisphere, the decline of the respective populations has been documented to amount to between 50 and 90% over the last three generations. The porbeagle shark has become largely extinct in the Mediterranean. Exploitation in southern seas, on the other hand, is completely uncontrolled. Due to the decline, it is no longer possible to achieve the exports of several thousand tons per year and export country that were achieved in previous decades. The fished populations are still not being monitored.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SQUALIFORMES

Squalidae

Proposal 15.18 by Palau and Sweden (on behalf of the EU)
Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:
"The entry into effect of the inclusion of Squalus acanthias in Appendix II of CITES will be delayed by 18 months to enable Parties to resolve related technical and administrative issues, such as the development of stock assessments and collaborative management agreements for shared stocks and the possible designation of an additional Scientific or Management Authority."

DCSP recommends: Support

Listing of the spiny dogfish in Appendix II failed by a close margin at the last Conference of the Parties with 61% of votes in favour, which did nothing to improve the population situation of the species. A decline in trade volume in the past few years is due to the decline of the population. Unlike many other species of shark, the spiny-tailed dogfish is not only fished for fins but also for meat (trade names: Schillerlocken, Seeaal, Dornfisch, etc.).
The spiny dogfish also has an extremely low reproduction rate even for sharks (2-11 young every 2 to 3 years, with a generation time of approx. 10 years). Having its habitat in coastal waters, it is exposed to further risks due to pollution and dragnet fishing.
The NE Atlantic population suffered a decline of 95% in the twentieth century, with the NW Atlantic population being decimated by 75% in just ten years. Japanese fishing fleets are even more efficient, achieving a decline of more than 99% of the NW Pacific stock.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

ACTINOPTERYGI

PERCIFORMES

Scombridae

Proposal 15.19 by Monaco

Thunnus thynnus

Atlantic bluefin tuna

Inclusion in Appendix I

DCSP recommends: Support

The drastic decline of the Atlantic bluefin tuna has been documented since the 1950s. The species is already extinct in many parts of the ocean, with a decline of more than 80% in the West and East Atlantic since the 1970s. The aim of Appendix II listing was to monitor and regulate international trade through "ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas)". The efforts of ICCAT are obviously bearing inadequate results. The decline of the Atlantic bluefin tuna has even increased, above all in the past ten years. Monitoring of catch quotas is not working; the main importer of tuna meat, Japan, imported 32,400t in 2007 alone, although the annual worldwide catch quota is 29,500t. In fact, a total of more than 60,000t was sold that year.
Recent scientific findings showed that a simple division of the Atlantic bluefin tuna into an East and West Atlantic population does not reflect the actual genetic diversity. Numerous genetically isolated Mediterranean populations consist of just a few hundred reproductive individuals. The different reproduction rate is another sign of the genetic diversity. Particularly the East Atlantic populations reproduce much later, which is one reason for the population decline, that is estimated at up to 90% in the past ten years alone. Even if a total ban were installed, it would take years for the East Atlantic populations to recover significantly.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COLEOPTERA
Scarabaeidae

Proposal 15.20 by Bolivia
Dynastes satanas
Satanas beetle

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This attractive species of beetle, that is related to the Hercules beetle is endemic to the mountainous rainforest region of Bolivia ("Yungas"). The distribution is limited to the east-Andean valleys of two Bolivian provinces. The habitat has been successively decimated for decades by human settlement, farming and forestry. There is of course no data on population sizes or trends as this would require decades of research for rainforest insects. Owing to national protection legislation there is no legal trade, but illegal trade has been ongoing on a grand scale for years – preserved specimens of this popular collector's item are easy to smuggle. This species is particularly desirable and is sold for between €60 and 70, so there is a great demand for wild-collected specimens. DCSP confirms that there is a busy trade in all Dynastes species and that they are frequently taken from the wild because of their spectacular appearance. DCSP feels that all species should be listed in Appendix II.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

ANTHOZOA
Gorgonaceae

Proposal 15.21 by Sweden (on behalf of the EU) and the USA
Corralidae spp. (Corallium spp. und Paracorallium spp.)
Red corals

Inclusion of all species in the family in Appendix II with the following annotation:
"The entry into effect of the inclusion of species in the family Coralliidae in Appendix II of CITES will be delayed by 18 months to enable Parties to resolve the related technical and administrative issues."

All 31 species of red coral are vulnerable or severely endangered. 450mt were harvested in 1984. Annual harvesting has since dramatically declined, most recently to 28 mt in 2007. Despite increasingly sophisticated fishing methods in deeper and deeper waters, as deep as 1500m. Overfishing of this species is so severe that the jewellery trade now grinds all waste produced in jewellery making, mixing this powder with synthetic resins to make a red coral paste. Destruction of the ecosystem by current harvesting methods is already dramatic and must not be played down. From the EU's standpoint, the main species involved is Corallum rubrum. Spain already tried but failed to get Corallum rubrum listed in Appendix I twenty years ago. Legal and illegal trade for the jewellery industry thoughtlessly plundered the distribution areas for many years. Several species are already listed in Appendix III. Because demand is on the rise and natural reproduction simply cannot keep pace, it is high time to list all red coral species in Appendix II. Corallum rubrum would even meet the criteria for Appendix I listing. It is always the same old story, people plunder nature in their greed for profit until it is almost too late. If not now, when?
_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORA

DICOTYLEDONES

SAPINDALES

Anacardiaceae

Proposal 15.22 by Madagascar

Operculicarya decaryi

Jabily

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The jabily is a dioecious bush that is well suited for bonsai cultivation because of its growing needs and is frequently traded particularly in Asia. It reaches a height of six metres in the wild. The leaves and inflorescence, however, are just a few millimetres. The female flower produces a solitary red fruit the size of a raisin. The plant is slow-growing. It is very easy to cultivate from seeds.

The species is endemic to a very small area in the south of Madagascar. Unfortunately the data provided by the proponents are incomplete and only cover the period from 2003 to 2006. However, these data indicate a tremendous increase in trade, and therefore Madagascar's generally excellent national protection measures should be supported by Appendix II listing.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.23 by Madagascar

Operculicarya hyphaenoides

Operculicarye

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The up to four-metre-high tree is endemic to Madagascar, where it has a very small distribution. The bulbous trunk exudes thick, soluble aromatic gum via the bark. The leaves are approx. 2.5cm long, the dioecious yellow flowers produce a raisin-sized fruit. Trade is mainly in young plants harvested from the wild. The fruit is used in popular medicine as a postpartum lotion and for embalming. Madagascar itself indicates that national measures need to be taken to stop ongoing fragmentation of the habitat. The figures presented show a clear increase of trade in this species.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.24 by Madagascar
Operculicarya pachypus
Tabily

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This Operculicarya grows to a height of just one metre, the leaves and yellowish-green flowers are small. This species is therefore often sold as a bonsai. The species is often confused with O. decaryi, but they differ in the distinctive zigzag growth of the thin branches of O. pachypus. The plant grows in the underwood of bushes in two very dry areas in the south-west of Madagascar. The IUCN classifies the species as in critically endangered.
Plant collectors harvest everything they can find with no regard for long-term survival of the plant. However, the species is extremely vulnerable to wild harvesting. On the contrary, Madagascar has announced an artificial propagation and release programme. These efforts by the proponent should definitely be given international support in the form of Appendix II listing. It is the opinion of DCSP that this spectacular caudex plant should really be listed in Appendix I, as this already extremely rare plant would meet all criteria for inclusion in Appendix I.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.25 by Mexico and the USA (on behalf of the Plants Committee)
CACTACEAE spp. and all taxa with annotation #1

Delete annotations #1 and #4 and replace them both with the following new annotation for plant taxa listed in Appendix II:

"All parts and derivatives, except:
a) seeds (including seedpods of Orchidaceae), spores and pollen (including pollinia) except those seeds from Cactaceae spp. exported from Mexico;
b) seedlings or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers;
c) cut flowers of artificially propagated plants;
d) fruits and parts and derivatives thereof of naturalized or artificially propagated plants of the genera Vanilla (Orchidaceae), Opuntia subgenus Opuntia (Cactaceae), Hylocereus and Selenicereus (Cactaceae);
e) stems, flowers, and parts and derivatives thereof of naturalized or artificially propagated plants of the genera Opuntia subgenus Opuntia and Selenicereus (Cactaceae); and
f) finished products of Euphorbia antisyphilitica packaged and ready for retail trade."
Amend footnote 6 as follows (delete struck-through text):
Artificially propagated specimens of the following hybrids and/or cultivars are not subject to the provisions of the Convention:
– Hatiora x graeseri
– Schlumbergera x buckleyi
– Schlumbergera russelliana x Schlumbergera truncate
– Schlumbergera orssichiana x Schlumbergera truncate
– Schlumbergera opuntioides x Schlumbergera truncate
– Schlumbergera truncata (cultivars)
– Cactaceae spp. colour mutants lacking chlorophyll, grafted on the following grafting stocks: Harrisia 'Jusbertii', Hylocereus trigonus or Hylocereus undatus
– Opuntia microdasys (cultivars)

It is merely a simplification of the previous #1 and #4. The proposal should be supported at all costs.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

VIOLALES

Cucurbitaceae

Proposal 15.26 by Madagascar

Zygosicyos pubescens

Tobory

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This caudex plant forms an overground tuber with a diameter of up to 20cm. The thin branches, usually clustered on the ground, grow out of this tuber. In order to prevent autogamy, the male flowers form first and then the female flowers. The species occurs in a very small area in the south of Madagascar, with only fifty plants per hectare. Any harvesting from the wild – be it plants or seeds – exerts tremendous pressure on the survival of the species. Madagascar wants to cultivate the plant artificially and then plant out the young plants. These efforts should be given international support in the form of Appendix II listing. The species is also traded by the synonym Erosicyos pubescens. This plant is particularly desirable among succulent lovers because it stays fairly small.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.27 by Madagascar
Zygosicyos tripartitus
Betoboky

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

To the layman, this species is barely distinguishable from Z. pubescens, as described in Proposal 15.26. However, the individual, dioecious flowers are more greenish in colour. The distribution area is very small and limited to the south of Madagascar. An increase in trade in wild-harvested specimens has been observed in recent years. This is confirmed by the figures given in the Proposal, with exports increasing more than sevenfold between 2003 and 2006.
Parallel to this Proposal, Madagascar also aims to launch a cultivation programme in order to boost the wild populations. Appendix II listing would support these national efforts at the international level.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MAGNOLIOPSIDA

EUPHORBIACEAE

Proposal 15.28 by Mexico and the USA

Euphorbia misera

Cliff spurge

Deletion from Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Oppose

Of the approx. 900 succulent Euphorbia, 328 species are currently traded.
Although this proposal should basically be welcomed, it must be pointed out that Switzerland's proposal at CoP14, that was intended to put a stop to unnecessary inclusion of species that are not traded and thus not endangered, was not approved. The idea behind the proposal at CoP14 was that a vast majority of species totally unaffected by trade are unnecessarily covered by the listing. The main reason is the lookalike problem. Of the 328 succulent Euphorbia in trade, the majority is not endangered either. The proponent's information is not correct whereby this species is not traded, neither legally nor illegally. This species is very popular among succulent-lovers and bonsai enthusiasts and is traded on a regular basis. Excluding a single species totally overtaxes the executive authorities, even the scientific authority will be at a loss. As long as there is no accompanying checklist listing all succulent Euphorbia species that should be protected in Appendix II, excluding a single species should be rejected.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Lauraceae

Proposal 15.29 by Brazil
Aniba rosaedora
Brazilian rosewood

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:
"#11 Designates logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and essential oil."

Brazilian rosewood is found only in the Amazon rainforest. It does not form large stands but rather small groups of trees with a density of up to one individual per five hectares. This species of wood has been used for a long time to produce essential oils for the pharmaceuticals industry. Brazil is currently the only notable exporter, primarily to the countries of the EU. Due to the low density, exploitation of the natural populations is to the detriment of the rainforest. Overexploitation of the easily accessible trees of the rainforest has been reducing export quotas since the mid-1990s, with the price of one litre of oil essence rising to 100 USD and thus causing the demand to stagnate. Nevertheless, around 20t of oil essence are still being exported every year, which equates to more than 2000 t of timber. Due to the distribution in inaccessible rainforest regions and its low density, it is very hard to survey population trends in figures, but overexploitation is evident. Proposals of this kind should really be made before overexploitation of nature causes problems for commercial utilisation.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FABALES

Fabaceae
Proposal 15.30 by Madagascar
Senna meridionalis

Taraby

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This tree grows to a height of up to three metres in the wild. Potted, it grows very slowly and reaches a height of just 60cm. It is therefore well-suited for bonsai cultivation. The crown is very ramified with small leaves, the flowers are yellow. Seed cultivation is very successful. The distribution area is limited to the south-west of Madagascar. The individual populations are highly fragmented. Even if the export figures presented here do not appear particularly impressive when taken on their own, they are alarming in relation to the reproductive specimens, particularly as plant collectors empty entire areas of young plants, thus endangering the survival of the species in the long term. It would appear sensible to set up a protection zone, as confirmed by Madagascar.
The species also appears in trade by the synonym Cassia meridionalis or Cassia viguierella var. meridionalis.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

ORCHIDALES

ORCHIDACEAE
Proposal 15.31 by the USA
ORCHIDACEAE spp.
Orchid species

Amend the annotation to the listing of Orchidaceae included in Appendix I, as follows:
Delete the current annotation, which states:
"For all of the following Appendix-I species, seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid
media, transported in sterile containers are not subject to the provisions of the Convention."
Replace with the following new annotation:
"For all of the following Appendix-I species, seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid
media, and transported in sterile containers are not subject to the provisions of the Convention only if
the specimens meet the definition of ‘artificially propagated’ agreed by the Conference of the Parties."

DCSP recommends: Support

This proposal merely adds greater detail regarding transport of artificially reproduced Appendix I orchid species and thus facilitates transport. This proposal was drawn up in accordance with the CITES Plants Committee.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

LILOPSIDA

ARECALES

Arecaceae
Proposal 15.32 by Madagascar
Beccariophoenix madagascariensis

Maroala

Inclusion of seeds in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This twelve-metre-high palm species is already listed in Appendix II. Albeit with an annotation #1 "All parts and derivatives, except:a) seeds, spores and pollen (including pollinia);b) seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers;c) cut flowers of artificially propagated plants; and) fruits and parts and derivatives thereof of artificially propagated plants of the genus Vanilla." To be formally correct, the proposal should state that Madagascar proposes deletion of this annotation.
Entire areas in the wild are completely emptied by seed collectors and the natural reproduction of the species is endangered by this overexploitation. In terms of content, the proposal can only be supported.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.33 by Madagascar
Dypsis decaryi

Triangle palm

Inclusion of the seeds of the species in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The triangle palm is a fast-growing feather palm with grey-green leaves. It grows to a height of up to 6m and its most distinctive feature is a seemingly triangular trunk, to which it owes its name. Although the trunk itself is round, in not too old specimens it is covered by the very large leaf bases. The fronds only grow in three directions, thus creating the impression of a triangular trunk. D. decaryi is regarded as a fairly easy to cultivate tub or indoor plant. This palm species is already listed in Appendix II as Neodysis decaryi. Albeit with an annotation #1 "All parts and derivatives, except:a) seeds, spores and pollen (including pollinia);b) seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers;c) cut flowers of artificially propagated plants; and) fruits and parts and derivatives thereof of artificially propagated plants of the genus Vanilla."
Here, as with proposal 15.32, the proposal should read that Madagascar proposes deletion of this annotation.
The species is found in a single, approx. 800 ha large area in the south of Madagascar that is part of a national park. The annotation for this species should be deleted from Appendix II in order to prevent illegal seed collecting so that an adequate number of plants can grow back.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

VIOLALES

Passifloraceae
Proposal 15.34 by Madagascar
Adenia firingalavensis
Bottle liana

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The bottle liana takes its name from the bottle-shaped bare stem that grows to a height of up to two metres. The bark is green and the approx. 10cm-long leaves are green on top and light-green to whitish underneath. The dioecious plant produces unremarkable green or white flowers. The bottle liana is rather undemanding in terms of growing conditions, but does need a lot of shade from taller trees. The bark of the plant is officinal and is used to treat scabies.
The species is found in five separate areas on the west coast of Madagascar. Both young plants and older specimens are sold, as the species is slow-growing. Trade in this plant must be controlled in view of the small number of plants in the wild. Appendix II listing is definitely a good means of supporting Madagascar's plans for an artificial propagation and release programme to strengthen the population.
The species is also in trade under the synonyms Ophiocaulon firingalavensis and Ophiocaulon adenia.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.35 by Madagascar
Adenia olaboensis
Vahisasety

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

The trunk of this Adenia grows to an average height of two metres, in some exceptional cases even four metres, with a diameter of up to 40cm. The trunk has characteristic vertical ribs. The branches grow to a diameter of up to 12 cm and form secondary trunks and lianas, with the lianas exhibiting the same ribbed structure as the stem. The heart-shaped thick leaves grow to a length of 6-7cm and are green on top and light-green underneath. The pronounced leaf venation is distinctive. The plant is dioecious and has greenish-yellow to white flowers. It was once tradition to plant an A. olaboensis on the east side of one's home. The species is traded both as young plants of approx. 1m for 45 US$ and as seeds for 3 US$ for 10 seeds.
The four distribution areas of A. Olaboensis are spread all across Madagascar. The individual populations, however, are very small and separate.
Harvesting young plants means that the lianas of older plants spread further and further and thus decrease the size of the gene pool, which subsequently entails significant disadvantages for the survival of the species. The proposal should thus definitely be supported.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.36 by Madagascar
Adenia subsessifolia
Katakata

Inclusion in Appendix II

This plant forms a tuber of up to 30cm in diameter. Numerous branches grow out of this tuber, with coarse, greyish leaves. The funnel-shaped flowers are greenish-yellow. The dried and ground leaves are used in popular medicine to treat minor injuries.
The species grows in the south of Madagascar in two remote regions. The distribution area is highly fragmented. One of the two areas is a national park. This area has just fifty adult specimens, with the other area also containing only 150 specimens. This is an extremely small number for the survival of the species. Madagascar describes how collectors harvest both young plants and older specimens, which prevents natural regeneration of the species. Unfortunately, the figures are not conclusive. Nevertheless, the species should be listed in Appendix II of CITES as a preventive measure and in order to obtain reliable data regarding trade.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

PROTEALES

Protaceae
Proposal 15.37 by South Africa
Orothamnus zeyheri
Marsh rose

Deletion from Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Support

This attractive plant is found only in South Africa in a nature reserve called Kogelberg and was heavily harvested from the wild in the first half of the last century. Owing to the extreme situation, the plant was listed in Appendix I of CITES in 1975 and, in 1997, once the population had recovered, downlisted to Appendix II of CITES. Wild harvesting is strictly prohibited and monitored in South Africa. The plant is repeatedly threatened by natural fires. Management of this species is very efficient, and natural fires were always brought under control in recent years. The demand for this beautiful species still exists but is supplied completely on the basis of artificial propagation. This history of endangerment of this species is a shining example of the efficiency of CITES. Therefore, as long as sustainable use is confirmed, the proposal must be approved.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.38 by South Africa
Protea odorata
Swartland sugarbush

Deletion from Appendix II

This very small-flowered Protea is very popular among Protea-lovers in South Africa particularly because of its delightful aroma, while it is not attractive as a cut flower. The plant was rather accidentally listed in Appendix I of CITES in 1975 and, in 1997, once the population had recovered, downlisted to Appendix II of CITES. The trade demand for this aromatic plant is supplied completely on the basis of artificial propagation in South Africa. The plant is strictly protected in South Africa and is no longer harvested from the wild. The plant is found at four sites. The only threat is natural fire, road construction, and plant sprays, but young plants have also been released in other nature reserve areas. There is no risk due to trade, so the proposal should be supported.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

RHAMNALES

Vitaceae
Proposal 15.39 by Madagascar
Cyphostemma elephantopus
Lazampasika

Inclusion in Appendix II

DCSP recommends: Oppose

This species forms a semi-underground tuber of up to 60cm diameter, with a trunk of 20-30cm diameter, from which branches grow up to two metres in length. The flowers are yellow.
The species is not threatened by trade in young plants. Unfortunately, the distribution area is near the coast and is therefore threatened by construction of new hotel complexes. It is also largely in a privately owned area. There is a great need for action on the part of Madagascar.
The figures given in the proposal do not indicate any increase in trade, on the contrary. Nevertheless, trade does exist, albeit primarily in seeds. National protection efforts should take top priority and above all prevent habitat loss. If the proponent does not present any new, conclusive trade data, this proposal should be rejected.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.40 by Madagascar
Cyphostemma laza
Laza

Inclusion in Appendix II

The laza has an up to two-metre-high conical yellow trunk with scaly bark. At the top of this trunk one to three lianas grow to a length of up to five metres, with fine runners for climbing and clinging. The extract of its leaves is used to make shampoo. The small flowers are brown or green. The laza is found both in a few areas in the south of Madagascar and in a single area in the far north. Two varieties can be distinguished in the southern distribution. The species is also known by the synonym Cissus laza. Although the proposal is vague regarding the number of specimens still found in the wild, the trade figures are perfectly clear. The increase from 419 specimens in 2003 to almost 8000 specimens in 2006 reflects the interest among plant-lovers around the world in this slow-growing plant, that can cope very well with low temperatures during the dormant season. It is urgently necessary to regulate trade by listing the species in Appendix II.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposal 15.41 by Madagascar
Cyphostemma montagnacii
Lazambohitra

Inclusion in Appendix II

The mainly underground succulent tuber of this plant can grow to a diameter of up to 30cm. The lianas are 1.5m long. C. montagnacii flowers inconspicuously green. Although this species is found in a single small area, with counts revealing as few as fifty specimens in the wild, the figures presented do not indicate any relevance in terms of trade. The truth is, however, that this species is regularly sold and extremely popular among succulent-lovers. The proposal should be approved if only for reasons of prevention.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

Proposal 15.42 by Argentina
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Palo Santo

Inclusion in Appendix II with the following annotation:

"#11 Designates logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood, powder and extracts."

DCSP recommends: Support

The distribution of "Palo Santo" is limited to semi-arid Chaco forests in northern Argentina, south-west Brazil, Paraguay and eastern Bolivia. This tree species lives in a unique symbiosis with a species of ant that it offers protection under its bark; in return, the tree is kept free of pests and other plant growth. For this reasons, this extremely slow-growing, small hardwood tree only occurs with a small density (less than one individual / hectare). The name "Palo Santo" = holy wood probably comes from the fact that the trees are found very isolated and protected by ants instead of from its long-known curative effect against syphilis.
The wood is used as exotic timber and its constituents are used is the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. International trade "discovered" this species at the start of the 21st century and export quotas have been sky-rocketing for the past five years. Owing to the low density of wild populations, the overall South American population has been decimated to an alarming extent in just a few years, with up to 20,000t exported by each country of origin. It is therefore high time to impose trade restrictions for this species.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DCSP wishes all participants every success at the Conference!