Countries overwhelmingly support bid to bar Galápagos iguanas from international trade

Mongabay
Mongabay
7d ago • 8 views
Countries at the CITES summit have agreed to prohibit international trade of four Galápagos iguana species, highlighting conservation efforts against illegal trafficking.
Countries overwhelmingly support bid to bar Galápagos iguanas from international trade
A What happened
During the CITES summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, countries voted to grant the highest protection to four Galápagos iguana species by listing them under Appendix I. This prohibits all international commercial trade. The species include the Galápagos land iguana, pink land iguana, Barrington land iguana, and marine iguana, all of which are threatened by climate change and invasive species. Ecuador, the only country where these iguanas are found, submitted proposals for this listing due to concerns over illegal trade. Recent reports indicated a suspicious rise in exports, with permits issued by non-native countries. The decision reflects a global commitment to wildlife conservation and aims to curb illegal trafficking, particularly from Uganda, where a known smuggler operates. Conservationists view this as a crucial step in protecting these unique reptiles and their habitats.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Unanimous Support: 184 countries and the EU backed the trade ban.

  • 2

    Threats to Iguanas: Climate change and invasive species endanger these reptiles.

  • 3

    Illegal Trade Concerns: Rising illegal exports prompted the need for stricter protections.

  • 4

    Ecuador's Role: Ecuador governs the Galápagos Islands and submitted the proposals.

Takeaways

The unanimous decision to ban international trade of Galápagos iguanas marks a significant step in global wildlife conservation efforts, addressing both illegal trafficking and environmental threats.

Topics

Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation