The Amphibian Survival Alliance is pleased to share the key outcomes from the recent Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Notification E-AC33-32, which details the results of the interdisciplinary workshop held in November 2023. This event focused on the conservation of amphibian species in international trade and gathered stakeholders from various regions to address critical issues.

Workshop Overview

The workshop, divided into two online sessions, included 144 participants from 27 Parties and 25 observer organizations. Discussions centered on identifying amphibian species in trade, evaluating the compatibility of trade levels with conservation goals, addressing emerging disease threats, and enhancing enforcement efforts against illegal trade.

Key Outcomes

  1. The workshop produced a “Species Prioritization Matrix,” helping prioritize amphibian species that may need listing in the CITES Appendices.
  2. While the evaluation of national legislation and current trade levels needs further work, participants highlighted the importance of additional data collection and legislation enforcement.
  3. Measures to combat diseases like amphibian chytrid fungus were discussed, including diagnostic testing, maintaining closed breeding systems, and disinfection of shipping materials.
  4. Improved data recording, including life stages and trade terms standardization, was recommended to enhance traceability and conservation efforts.
  5. The need to compile information on conversion factors between the number and live weight of traded amphibians was emphasized, aiming for a better understanding of real live trade.
  6. Issues were noted in trade terms, particularly in high-volume food trade and scientific specimen trade. The need for a common understanding of trade terms to avoid misinterpretation was highlighted.
  7. Concerns about incorrect species identification in trade were raised, with recommendations to improve traceability of captive-bred amphibian species by indicating life stages or sizes in trade data.
  8. Parties were encouraged to share non-detriment findings, implement biosecurity measures, and accurately record trade data to strengthen conservation efforts.
  9. The need for additional information on national legislation and trade levels, as well as improvements in trade term codes and data recording, was acknowledged.

Recommendations

The workshop proposed several comprehensive actions for Parties to consider, aiming to strengthen international collaboration and enhance conservation efforts for amphibians. These recommendations focus on improving data transparency, implementing robust biosecurity measures, and strengthening legislative and enforcement frameworks.

  1. Parties are encouraged to share non-detriment findings for amphibian species for inclusion on the CITES website, enhancing transparency and collaboration.
  2. Implementation of biosecurity measures such as diagnostic testing upon import/export, maintaining closed system breeding operations, reducing animal packing densities, and disinfecting shipping materials to prevent disease spread.
  3. Accurate recording of trade data, including the life stages and sizes of animals, to improve traceability and ensure the sustainability of trade practices.
  4. Strengthening national legislation related to amphibian trade and enhancing enforcement efforts to detect and deter illegal trade. This includes the need for additional training for customs and law enforcement officers.
  5. Developing a table of conversion factors for amphibians and standardizing trade terms to improve the accuracy of trade data and reduce misinterpretation.
  6. Improving identification materials for amphibians to aid customs and law enforcement officers, considering the sensitivity of amphibians to handling and packaging methods.
  7. Raising awareness among Parties and customs officers about existing guidelines for annual reporting and the importance of accurate trade data. Encouraging collaboration between consumer and range states to address conservation challenges.
  8. Gathering additional information on national legislation, trade levels, and harvesting of non-CITES listed amphibian species. This will help in the formulation of better conservation strategies and policy decisions.

For more detailed information, please download the full report here.