International Wildlife Trade
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s International Wildlife Trade program is responsible for coordinating U.S. efforts related to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including preparing documents and developing U.S. negotiating positions for meetings of the CITES Conference of the Parties and committees, and implementing the results of these meetings.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Supports First Major Assessment of Asian Snakes
Credit: Jeff Whitlock CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0
and regulation of turtle harvest, conservation and monitoring of turtle populations, and law enforcement to ensure that illegal harvest and trade are controlled. The International Wildlife Trade program will continue to work with the State wildlife agencies and others to ensure that these recommendations are implemented and that the conservation of our native turtles is secured. (read less)
On June 19th, 2012, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) added 384 Asian snake species to its Red List of Threatened Species, the most comprehensive information source on the status of plant and animal species worldwide. An IUCN listing is a critical first step towards conserving a species and developing effective, long-term management tools. These new listings were a direct result of a partnership between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and IUCN. (read more)
In August of 2011, a workshop, funded by the Service’s International Wildlife Trade Program, brought together snake experts from around the world to assess the status of hundreds of Asian snakes, many of which had rarely been studied in the past. This workshop filled an important gap in reptile conservation considering that many of these species are traded in large numbers but little is known about their status in the wild. The workshop also marked the first-ever joint document submission to CITES between the United States and China. (read less)
To learn more read the Service’s press release.
Division of Scientific Authority Conducts Nautilus Research and Initiates Youth Action
Credit: USFWS
The chambered nautilus is found in the waters of Southeast Asia and Australia. Just how many of them are in existence, however, is uncertain. Because of how little is known about this mollusk, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with the National Marine Fisheries Service, is conducting research to better understand the nautilus' status in the wild and the effects that increased harvesting are having on the species. Part of this research was presented at a meeting in Dijon, France on cephalopods. (read more)
After reading about this conservation meeting and ongoing research on the chambered nautilus, 10-year-old Josiah Utsch decided to help the cause. The chambered nautilus is Josiah’s favorite animal and in an effort to save it, he created a website and nonprofit to raise funds for further research and conservation efforts. Shortly after his extraordinary efforts, TIME for Kids featured a story about Josiah and his nonprofit. The Service commends Josiah’s efforts and encourages all children to take an interest in the world’s incredible biodiversity and conservation work. (read less)
To read more about this inspiring story, visit TIME for Kids. To learn how you can help species like the chambered nautilus, visit our How You Can Help page.
