CITES Species
Currently, over 2,500 animal and 25,000 plant species are included in the Appendices of CITES on Appendix I, II or III. In the European Union the CITES Appendices are replaced by Annexes A, B, C and D. Commission Regulation 318/2008 provides a complete list of species.
- WCMC species Database
- Import Bans and Negative Opinions
- Stricter Measures
- UNEP-WCMC Checklists
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
WCMC Species Database
UNEP-WCMC's Species Database includes data on 75649 animals and 88763 plants of conservation interest as well as 93671 sub-species, stocks or synonyms. To find out how to use it see our WCMC example page
Import Bans and Negative Opinions
The Commission Regulation 811/2008 suspends the introduction into the Community of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora.
The UNEP-WCMC Trade Information Query Tool allows you to search by country and species to find any restrictions.
As well as this the EC SRG (Scientific Review Group) publish a current list of negative opinions which are recorded on the UNEP-WCMC website.
The SRG meets approximately 3-4 times a year to discuss any scientific question relating to the application of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulations, particularly the impact of trade on species listed in the Annexes. The SRG can form a negative opinion where it cannot be satisfied that the introduction into the Community would not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species, or on the extent of territory occupied by the population of the species concerned. If a negative opinion is formed, imports to the EC are suspended, pending consultation with the range State.
Stricter Measures
There are some species that are covered by UK domestic stricter measures. Find out here.
UNEP-WCMC Checklists
Checklists and other publications on CITES species have been produced by the UK Scientific Authorities. Checklists are widely used by CITES Parties throughout the world and are an important reference tool for enforcement authorities involved in the prevention of illegal trade in endangered species. They are supported by references and give links to the CITES identification manual.
The checklists were prepared by UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre and published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
They include: (These are external links and will open in a new window)
- UNEP-WCMC. (2005). Checklist of herpetofauna listed in the CITES appendices and in EC Regulation 338/97. 10th edition. JNCC Report No. 378.
- UNEP-WCMC. (2005). Checklist of fish and invertebrates listed in the CITES appendices and in EC Regulation 338/97. 7th edition. JNCC Report No. 379.
- UNEP-WCMC. (2005). Checklist of mammals listed in the CITES appendices and in EC Regulation 338/97. 7th edition. JNCC Report No. 380.
- UNEP-WCMC. (2005). Checklist of birds listed in the CITES appendices and in EC Regulation 338/97. 8th edition. JNCC Report No. 381.
These reports are also available from the publications department at JNCC
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Davis et al. (1999). The CITES Bulb Checklist. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. A reference to Galanthus, Sternbergia (Liliaceae) and Cyclamen (Primulaceae).
- Hunt, D. (1999). CITES Cactaceae Checklist. Second edition. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. A CITES reference to the names of species included in the Cactaceae family.
- Roberts, J. et al. (1995). CITES Orchid Checklist. Volume 1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. A reference to Cattleya, Cypripedium, Laelia, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Pleione and Sophronitis.
- Roberts, J. et al. (1997). CITES Orchid Checklist. Volume 2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. A reference to Cymbidium, Dendrobium (selected sections), Disa, Dracula and Encyclia.
- Sandison, M.S., M. Clement Muñoz, J. de Koning and M. Sajeva (1999), updated 2nd edition September 2002. CITES and Plants: A User's Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
- Newsletter: 'CITES News'
- Available from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, publications page.
Page last modified:08 April 2008
Page published:31 March 2008