Fifty years of CITES listings: evolving criteria, trends, and listing outcomes
Date
2026
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Watters, F.
Cassey, P.
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Biodiversity and Conservation, 2026; 35(1):35-1-35-25
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Freyja Watters, Phillip Cassey
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Abstract
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the leading international agreement regulating global wildlife trade. We analysed every proposal to add new species to Appendices I and II since CITES ratification in 1975 to: (i) model trends in proposal numbers and adoption by Appendix; (ii) quantify shifts in taxonomic scope for proposals and resulting listings; (iii) test whether non-binding expert recommendations predicted outcomes; and (iv) track the fate of initially unsuccessful proposals alongside transfers and deletions to assess listing durability. As of 2025, c. 41,426 species were listed in Appendices I and II; c. 85% of listings predated formal biological/trade criteria (prior 1977). Higher taxon listings dominated totals, accounting for 50% of Appendix I and 99% of Appendix II species (or 37.9% and 89% excluding orchids). Fewer than 2% of listed species had ever been removed; none listed in the past c. 30 years had been downlisted or deleted. Proposal counts declined over time for both Appendices, while acceptance rates rose, accompanied by a marked shift in taxonomic focus from birds and mammals toward elasmobranchs, reptiles, and timbers. Advisory support from the CITES Secretariat and IUCN/TRAFFIC strongly predicted adoption of Appendix II proposals; nevertheless, many Appendix II listings were adopted without such support, under current biological listing criteria. Among resubmissions, 77% were ultimately adopted, typically after three to four CoPs. These findings mapped how proposals were made, assessed, adopted, and retained, and highlighted where greater transparency and stronger evidentiary standards could better align science, equity, and outcomes in future listings.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025