CITES CoP20 in Samarkand boosted protections for over 70 sharks and rays, banning international commercial trade in several species.
Oceanic whitetip sharks, manta and devil rays, and whale sharks received Appendix I protection.
Terrestrial species including okapis, golden-bellied mangabeys, and two African vulture species also received maximum protection under Appendix I.
Appendix II listings now regulate trade for striped hyenas, Dorcas gazelles, African hornbills, two-toed sloths, and reptiles like Galapagos iguanas.
Threats Resisted by Strong Voting
Some governments tried to reduce protection to allow trade in elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and peregrine falcons.
Delegates rejected these proposals, ensuring these iconic species retained vital safeguards against exploitation.
Born Free highlighted the outcome as proof that CITES still resists pressures from commercial interests.
Shortcomings and Ongoing Risks
Delegates failed to regulate Japanese and American eels, leaving European eel populations vulnerable to illegal trade.
They approved limited commercial trade in saiga horn from Kazakhstan, risking conservation setbacks for this previously near-extinct antelope.
CITES left trade rules for live African elephants, long-tailed macaques, and imports to India unclear, exposing species to captivity and potential exploitation.
Conservation groups warned these gaps could enable continued laundering of wild-caught animals and endanger threatened species globally.
