b) Identification Materials

Identification Materials

Now you know what tools you should use when you are unsure whether a species is regulated by CITES. However, there may be occasions when you want to check whether the specimen you are looking at is really the one mentioned on the permit.

In this case you can use the CITES Wiki Identification Manual.

The CITES Wiki Identification Manual is a collection of data sheets designed to help identify various species of fauna and flora with drawings (black and white), photographs, maps and concise descriptions. It is a useful tool for CITES Management and Scientific Authorities, Customs officials, and all others involved in implementing and enforcing CITES.

You may also encounter a specimen of which you want to know what it is. Although the CITES Identification Manual has the word 'identification' in it, it does not contain identification keys for many of the animal and plant species included in it.

The CITES Identification Guides produced by Environment Canada include identification keys. These guides, published in the three languages of the Convention, are available on the Environment Canada website or in the References section of this course.

Links to other useful sites with identification materials are available on the CITES website.

Remember... You are not expected to be an expert in identifying species. In case of doubt contact the Scientific or Management Authority (as appropriate) of your country.