WCMC Species database Example
To begin searching you should know the scientific (Latin) name. You can also use the common name but this is not exact and you may be convinced that you have found the correct details when unfortunately you have not. A useful check might be to try the scientific or common name against an on line picture search or consult a specialist. The consequences of you deciding to import / export or sell an incorrectly identified specimen may be severe so you must be certain.
EXAMPLE 1
You wish to sell a Testudo marginata.
- Go to this page http://www.unep-wcmc.org/isdb/Taxonomy/ highlight the button usually species or common name to start with.
- In this case press the species button on the left hand side (ignore the country input on the right) – press the left hand search.
- This brings up the species query page – on the genus line input Testudo, on the species line input marginata.
Note that you can enter the query as Testudo only and pick the species from a list – useful if your spelling is inaccurate, as the system will give you nothing if a name is spelled incorrectly.
- Press the search button.
This gives you a screen which will give you the legal information, in this case, you can see that the species was listed on the CITES Appendix II on 01/07/75.
- Below that are the listings for the EC Regulations although there may be other legislation so please be aware. The listing for the EC Regulation shows that the species was listed on Annex A on 01/06/97 which was when the current legislation was implemented (Regulation 338/97) and continues to be so listed, the last change to the official journal which includes the species was in 22/08/05.
- Thus you have established that the species is listed on Annex A and is subject to commercial use controls.
- You can also gain other information about a species by selecting one of the other tabs.
EXAMPLE 2
You wish to import a Varanus niloticus. Follow the previous procedure. You will see that in addition to the Appendix II / Annex B listing there is also a list of European Commission Decisions – essentially if there is a decision here that is anything but positive for a species / country combination then an import will be unlikely to be allowed. Also, just because a species is listed on a quota does not necessarily mean that importation will be allowed. Please be careful of synonyms – sometimes it appears that a species is not listed – if there is a synonym please check that as well.
For CITES controls this database is used to determine what the legal requirements for a particular species will be. If you find that a species is listed on Annex A or B then it is subject to control (permit) in most cases. Annex A specimens also require a Certificate if they are to be used for commercial purposes in the EU. If it is an Annex C or D species then it may also be subject control but the requirements are in most cases less onerous.
Finally, remember that the list of species detailed in EC Regulation 318-2008 (amending EC Regulation No 1332-2005) is current legal list and if in doubt consult that as well as this web site. If you are still uncertain on how to use the web site please give us a call on 0117 372 8774 and we will try to help you although please note that the responsibility for identifying a specimen falls to you.
Page last modified:09 January 2007
Page published:31 January 2007