Implementation and enforcement of the Convention on International trade in Endangered species of wild fauna and flora in the South Pacific region: management and scientific authorities

Extinction is a natural feature of the evolution of life on earth, however recent human induced extinction is some 100 times faster than natural extinction rates. Many species are declining in number because of loss of habitat, invasion by weeds, ferals and diseases and increased exploitation. The wildlife trade is one factor in this decline, particularly as improvement in transport facilities has made it possible to ship animals and plants and products derived from them anywhere in the world. Wildlife trade is a highly profitable business and involves a wide variety of species with millions of animals and plants traded each year to supply the demand for pets, ornamental plants, furs, skins, leather and timber, and articles manufactured from these materials. Indeed, the wildlife trade is second, in monetary terms, only to the drug trade, and perhaps the arms trade. The annual average trade in wildlife products is estimated at around five billion US dollars