Seven endemic species listed on CITES Appendix III

Six gecko species of the genus Goniurosaurus and one newt species of the genus Echinotriton are now listed in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Inclusion on the Appendix regulates international trade by only allowing the trade of listed species upon presentation of certificates of origin, critical in preventing inducement of illegal capture in Japan and smuggling out of Japan.

Capture, domestic trade, and export from Japan of the seven species, now listed on CITES Appendix III, have been regulated under the national law (Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), but to date, there have been no regulations on international trade between third countries. Therefore, in November 2020, for the first time, the Government of Japan submitted the request to the Secretariat of CITES to list the seven species endemic to the Amami and Okinawa Islands on Appendix III of CITES. Species are listed on Appendix III to call other parties for prompt cooperation in regulating the trade of national endangered species believed to be affected by trade. The inclusion in the Appendix entered into force on February 14, 2021.

On the Amami and Okinawa Islands, rich in biodiversity and home to numerous endemic species, local stakeholders have been working together to implement measures to prevent poaching of rare species and domestic illegal trade. Following inclusion on Appendix III, confirmation of country of origin will be required for international trade, making it difficult for specimens smuggled from Japan to flow into international markets, helping to prevent inducing illegal capture in Japan and smuggling out of Japan. The Government of Japan will continue to make use of CITES and other international frameworks to promote efforts that contribute to the conservation of national endangered species, in cooperation with local efforts.

SPECIES LISTED IN APPENDIX III

Taxonomy

　　CLASS: REPTILIA

　　ORDER: SQUAMATA

　　FAMILY: EUBLEPHARIDAE

Genus, species or subspecies:

Goniurosaurus kuroiwae (Kuroiwa's ground gecko)

Goniurosaurus orientalis (Spotted ground gecko)

Goniurosaurus sengokui (Sengoku's ground gecko)

Goniurosaurus splendens (Banded ground gecko)

Goniurosaurus toyamai (Toyama's ground gecko)

Goniurosaurus yamashinae (Yamashina's ground gecko)

Annotation # excluding parts and derivatives, other than eggs.

CLASS: Amphibia

ORDER: Caudata/Urodela

FAMILY: Salamandridae

Genus, species or subspecies:

Echinotriton andersoni (Anderson's crocodile newt, or Ryukyu spiny newt)

Annotation # excluding parts and derivatives, other than eggs.

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