The CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP) was held from November 24 to December 5 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. David Garcia represented USARK as an observer, and Art Parola attended on behalf of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Both coordinated closely throughout the meeting. During the CoP, David and Art worked with allied organizations such as the European Pet Organization, Pet Advocacy Network, Ornamental Fish International, Sustainable Users Network, and the Sustainable Use Coalition of Southern Africa to advocate for sensible regulation of trade.
Unfortunately, animal rights and other anti-keeper groups send many times more observers than pro-trade organizations. These groups also spend millions of dollars in various efforts to influence the meeting. Despite the disparity in manpower and funding, USARK, NAIA, and allied organizations successfully moved the needle, made interventions, and secured favorable outcomes on several key issues, including look-alike species listings, possession of Appendix I species, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas.
USARK will continue to monitor CITES, coordinate with allies, and advocate to delegations and governments well in advance of future meetings. Although CITES CoPs and intersessional events occur only once or twice each year, the regulatory processes and proposal development require constant attention, and USARK remains diligent in ensuring its membership is represented and considered.
Implementation of CITES decisions that USARK members should be aware of:
- Caribicus warreni, the Hispaniolan Giant Galliwasp, was added to Appendix I.
- Phyllurus amnicola (Mount Elliot Leaf-tailed Gecko) and Phyllurus caudiannulatus (Ringed Thin-tail Gecko) were transferred from Appendix III to Appendix II.
- Bitis harenna (Bale Mountain Adder) and Bitis parviocula (Ethiopian Mountain Adder) were added to Appendix I.
- Kinixys homeana (Home’s Hinged-backed Tortoise) was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
- Gramostola rosea (Rose Hair Tarantula) was added to Appendix II.
USARK encourages all keepers working with these species to retain acquisition records and maintain breeding records.
