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Many people are familiar with the endangered species
act, or ESA. The ESA is an act recognized by the United States of America,
and its territories. It is designed not only to protect, but also to
conserve and recover species listed as threatened or endangered. This act,
however, is limited in jurisdiction and does not provide international
protection to threatened plant and animal species. International
exploitation of threatened and endangered species is prevented by the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora, or CITES (pronounced “sigh-tees”).
CITES
is a voluntary international agreement between governments. Its aim is to
ensure that the international trade of wild animals, plants, and products
derived from them, does not threaten their survival. For example, importing
or exporting any live or dead sea turtles, or any turtle products (such as
eggs, shells, meat, jewelry, boots, or gonads) is prohibited by all
countries that recognize CITES. One hundred sixty nine members, including
the U.S., the Dominican Republic, Antigua, Barbados, |
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St. Kitts, St.
Lucia, and many other Caribbean nations abide by CITES. CITES
protects approximately 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants
against over-exploitation through international trade. Many local species,
such as green, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles, the Virgin Islands
tree boa, and the green iguana are protected under this convention.
A list of local and exotic species that are protected
from import and exportation may be found at
www.cites.org. Please remember that CITES is not limited to live or
dead animals. Any and all products derived from listed species are also
prohibited from trade. Illegal trade and consumption is a major contributor
to the demise of many threatened and endangered species. Please abide by
CITES and the ESA which are designed to protect our natural resources and
conserve them for future generations. Any violation of CITES or the
Endangered Species Act should be reported to the local authorities
immediately.
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