The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: Political or conservation success

Portrayed in 1973 as a desperately needed response to the predatory impacts of the international wildlife trade, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora entered into force in 1975. Fifteen years later, 103 countries count themselves as Parties, and the commitment of governmental and non-governmental effort and resources is unparalleled in the field of international environmental cooperation. The treaty is commonly heralded as a major success.; Upon examination, however, CITES does not appear to have improved the status of any endangered species, prevented the endangerment of additional species, or nullified the international trade as a threat to species. There are inherent problems in using trade controls to achieve species conservation aims. The variability of the trade, the informational requirements involved in effectively implementing trade controls, and the difficulties facing implementors attempting to detect and penalize trade in violation of CITES' goals have combined to divert participants' attention and efforts away from CITES' original conservation mandate. Meanwhile, the magnitude of other threats to species continues to increase.; CITES' primary impact to date is reflected in a massive paperwork-oriented bureaucracy that has little bearing on species' status. Moreover, significant regulatory costs are imposed on largely legitimate portions of the wildlife industry. Overall, CITES' perceived success is largely political and symbolic rather than substantive.; Nevertheless, CITES provides an as yet overlooked opportunity for conservationists and conservation-oriented importing countries to efficiently funnel wildlife management resources and expertise into wildlife exporting states lacking in such resources. Using countries' obligations under CITES to justify improving the status and capabilities of domestic wildlife institutions could benefit habitat and species conservation efforts far more than trade controls ever could on their own. Unfortunately, the likelihood that CITES will be used this way is small.