Review of species/country combinations subject to long-standing import suspensions: reptile species from Africa

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1 Review of species/country combinations subject to long-standing import suspensions: reptile species from Africa (Version edited for public release) Prepared for the European Commission Directorate General E - Environment ENV.E.2. Development and Environment by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre August, 2010

2 UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre 219 Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0DL United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Website: ABOUT UNEP-WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), based in Cambridge, UK, is the specialist biodiversity information and assessment centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), run cooperatively with WCMC, a UK charity. The Centre's mission is to evaluate and highlight the many values of biodiversity and put authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making. Through the analysis and synthesis of global biodiversity knowledge the Centre provides authoritative, strategic and timely information for conventions, countries and organisations to use in the development and implementation of their policies and decisions. PREPARED FOR The European Commission, Brussels, Belgium DISCLAIMER The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP, the European Commission or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Copyright: 2010, European Commission The UNEP-WCMC provides objective and scientifically rigorous procedures and services. These include ecosystem assessments, support for the implementation of environmental agreements, global and regional biodiversity information, research on threats and impacts, and the development of future scenarios. CITATION UNEP-WCMC Review of species/country combinations subject to long-standing import suspensions: reptile species from Africa. UNEP- WCMC, Cambridge. 2

3 Introduction Table of Contents 1. Introduction Species reviews... 5 SPECIES: Uromastyx aegyptia... 5 SPECIES: Chamaeleo deremensis SPECIES: Chamaeleo ellioti SPECIES: Chamaeleo feae SPECIES: Chamaeleo gracilis SPECIES: Chamaeleo pfefferi SPECIES: Chamaeleo werneri SPECIES: Chamaeleo wiedersheimi SPECIES: Varanus exanthematicus SPECIES: Varanus niloticus SPECIES: Calabaria reinhardtii SPECIES: Gongylophis colubrinus SPECIES: Aldabrachelys gigantea SPECIES: Kinixys belliana SPECIES: Kinixys homeana SPECIES: Kinixys spekii SPECIES: Stigmochelys pardalis ANNEX I Full version of large trade tables ANNEX II Purpose and Source Codes

4 Introduction 1. Introduction Article 4.6(b) import suspensions for some species/country combinations have been in place for a relatively long time. It was agreed that a review of such import suspensions be undertaken in order to determine whether or not they are still appropriate. Species subject to long-standing import suspensions from Madagascar and Indonesia were reviewed for SRG 49 (Madagascar) and SRG 50 (Indonesia). Species subject to trade suspensions formed through CITES processes (e.g. the Review of Significant Trade) were excluded from the review. The reviews therefore considered 19 species from Madagascar and 31 species from Indonesia, and recommendations to remove 11 and 24 import suspensions were made and agreed at the 49 th and 50 th meetings of the SRG, respectively. A further 323 species/country combinations are subject to EC import suspensions formed in 2001 or earlier but not subject to trade suspensions formed through CITES processes. An overview of trade in these species was presented at SRG 51. The SRG agreed to the removal of 184 of these species/country combinations from the EC Suspensions Regulations, based on the current or anticipated levels of trade. The remaining 139 species/country combinations were suggested for in-depth review by the SRG, to determine whether the listing in the Suspensions Regulations may still be warranted. An SRG 52 document presented the in-depth reviews for the African mammal and bird species/country combinations and the SRG agreed to the removal of 28 of these from the EC Suspensions Regulations. This report presents the in-depth reviews for the African reptile species/country combinations. 4

5 Uromastyx aegyptia 2. Species reviews REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA AGAMIDAE SPECIES: Uromastyx aegyptia SYNONYMS: Lacerta aegyptia, Uromastyx microlepis COMMON NAMES: Doornstaart agame (Dutch), Dabb Lizard (English), Egyptian Mastigure (English), Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard (English), Fouette-queue d'egypte (French), Lagarto egipcio de cola espinosa (Spanish) RANGE STATES: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, Yemen RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Egypt IUCN RED LIST: Not Evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) import suspension for source F specimens (namely animals born in captivity but for which the criteria of Chapter III of Regulation (EC) No 1808/2001 are not met, as well as parts and derivatives thereof) from Egypt first applied on 02/02/2001 and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Previous negative opinion for source F specimens from Egypt formed on 26/10/1999. Previous Article 4.6(b) import suspension for wild specimens from Egypt first applied on 22/12/1997, last confirmed on 19/09/1999 and removed on 24/09/2000. TRADE PATTERNS: Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan were the main global exporters of wild-sourced Uromastyx aegyptia The majority of global direct exports of U. aegyptia from all countries consisted of live, captive-bred and captive-born individuals (totalling live, source C and F individuals, of which 1023 were imported by EU Member States, according to exporterreported figures) followed by live, wild-sourced individuals (totalling 2294 animals, of which 998 were imported by EU Member States, according to exporter-reported figures). No quotas have ever been published for U. aegyptia by any country. 5

6 Uromastyx aegyptia In October 1991, the Egyptian government banned the export of a number of reptile species (including U. aegyptia) under Ministerial Decree 1403 (CITES Secretariat, 1992). Although exporter-reported figures suggest that the ban has been implemented relatively successfully, reports from importing countries indicated that several thousand specimens of U. aegyptia were imported from Egypt following the ban (most notably during 1994 and 1995). The quantities of U. aegyptia reported by Egypt over the period were less than 1% of those reported by the importers (108 vs live specimens reported as direct trade by Egypt and by the importers, respectively). According to Egypt and its trading partners, respectively, a total of 50 and 1978 live U. aegyptia were imported to the EU over the period (Table 1), of which zero and 390, respectively, were wild-sourced, with the majority being of unspecified source. EU Member States have not reported any imports of wild-sourced U. aegyptia from Egypt since The only reported indirect trade into the EU of U. aegyptia originating in Egypt was the import of 41 wild-sourced specimens in 1995 and 95 specimens of unspecified source (Table 2). Direct exports from Egypt to countries other than EU consisted of and 58 live specimens as reported by the importers and by Egypt respectively, with the United States being the main importer. 80% of imports were in wild-sourced specimens according to importer-reported figures, with most of the rest being captive-bred specimens and specimens of unspecified or unknown sources (Table 3). 6

7 Uromastyx aegyptia Table 1. Direct trade in Uromastyx aegyptia from Egypt to EU-27, All trade involved live specimens. Importer Source Purpose Reported by Total Belgium C T Importer T Importer Czech Republic W T Importer Denmark W T Importer T Importer France W T Importer Germany - T Importer Netherlands F - Importer I - Importer 1 1 W T Importer Importer Spain I T Importer W T Importer United Kingdom I - Importer W T Importer

8 Uromastyx aegyptia Importer Source Purpose Reported by Total - T Importer Total (W and unspecified sources only) Importer Table 2. Indirect trade in Uromastyx aegyptia originating in Egypt to EU-27, All trade involved live specimens. Importer Source Purpose Reported by Total Israel Germany C - Importer Switzerland France - T Importer Importer Italy - T Importer Importer United Kingdom - T Importer Importer United States of America France W T Importer Germany - T Importer Spain W T Importer Sweden - T Importer 5 5 8

9 Uromastyx aegyptia Table 3. Direct trade in Uromastyx aegyptia from Egypt to countries other than EU-27, All trade involved live specimens. Source Reported by Total C Importer I Importer O Importer U Importer W Importer Importer

10 Uromastyx aegyptia CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Uromastyx aegyptia was reported to occur in the dry areas of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran and throughout most of the deserts and semi-deserts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen (Wilms, 2005; Sindaco and Jeremčenko, 2008; Wilms et al., 2009). Wilms (2005) recognised two subspecies: U. a. aegyptia, occuring in north-eastern Egypt, southern Israel and extreme north-western Saudi Arabia; and U. a. microlepis, occuring in the rest of the species's range. Wilms et al. (2009) subsequently recognised U. a. leptieni (from north-eastern United Arab Emirates and northern Oman) as a third subspecies, distinct from U. a. microlepis. Although Nemtzov (2008) reported that there were no reliable estimates of global population size for the species, he noted that the population in Israel may be as low as a few thousand adults. Studies in the Arava Valley, south-eastern Israel, found that the species occurred at densities of individuals per hectare, but that, at least in the northern part of the valley, it had declined between 1984 and 2000 (Nemtzov, 2008). The species was assessed as Near Threatened by Cox et al. (2006) in their regional Red List assessment of the reptiles of the Mediterranean basin (including Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Syria), and also listed as Near Threatened on the Israeli national Red List (Dolev and Perevelotsky, 2004). Wilms et al. (2009) noted that Uromastyx spp. were heavily hunted for food and for the production of souvenirs and traditional medicine, and Nemtzov (2008) observed that collecting was considered the major threat to many populations in the wild, and that the scale of exploitation, including domestic utilization for food and traditional medicine can lead to local depletions. In Israel, Nemtzov (2008) described U. aegyptia as threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation (particularly the expansion of low water use agriculture into desert regions), poaching (illegal trapping and consumption by foreign agricultural labourers and local Bedouins), use of all-terrain and off-road vehicles, and accidental mortality on roads. Egypt: Listed for the country by Schleich et al. (1996). Described by Baha El Din (2006) as occurring in gravel plains and fairly wide wadis with coarse substrate and scattered vegetation, from near sea level to 1400 m altitude (in the St. Katherine region), in northern Egypt east of the Nile. Distribution west of the Suez Canal described as the northern Eastern Desert from the eastern margins of the Delta, south to about 27 N in Wadi Qena and on the Gulf of Suez coastal plain by Baha El Din (2006), with specimens from several localities around Cairo and Suez detailed by Marx (1968), and the species recorded in the desert along the Cairo Suez road by Flower (1933). On the Sinai Peninsula, the species was described by Baha El Din (2006) as widespread in the plains of North Sinai, with a scattered distribution, mostly concentrated along the coasts of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba in the South. One specimen was collected near Feiran Oasis (Wadi Feiran, southern Sinai) during the early 1950s (Schmidt and Marx, 1956). Although U. aegyptia was not specifically recorded during surveys of various wadis (including Wadi Feiran) within the St. Katherine Protectorate during June August 2005, burrows and tracks of unidentified Uromastyx spp. were found at at least two of the lower altitude sites (Meakin et al., 2005). According to Baha El Din (2006), the species is declining throughout its range in Egypt due to severe collection pressure and the susceptibility of its habitats to development activities, particularly agricultural expansion projects. The growth in off-road vehicle use may also be reducing habitat availability for the species and increasing disturbance (Baha El Din, 2006). REFERENCES: Baha El Din, S A guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Egypt. The American University in Cairo Press, Cairo, Egypt and New York, USA. CITES Secretariat Egypt: export ban on reptiles. Notification to the Parties No Cox, N., Chanson, J. and Stuart, S The status and distribution of reptiles and amphibians of the Mediterranean Basin. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. Dolev, A. and Perevelotsky, A. (eds.) The Red Book: vertebrates in Israel. Israel Nature and Parks Authority and The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Jerusalem, Israel. 10

11 Uromastyx aegyptia Flower, S. S Notes on the recent reptiles and amphibians of Egypt, with a list of the species recorded from that kingdom. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1933: Marx, H Checklist of the reptiles and amphibians of Egypt. United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt. Meakin, K., de Kort, S. R., Gilbert, H., Gilbert, F., Zalat, S., Mohi, L., Ibrahim, S., Griffin, J. and the Volunteers of Operation Wallacea in Egypt Monitoring birds, reptiles and butterflies in the St Katherine Protectorate, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Biology, 7: Nemtzov, S. C Uromastyx lizards in Israel. Report to Working Group 7 (Reptiles and Amphibians), International Expert Workshop on CITES Non-Detriment Findings, Cancun, Mexico. Schleich, H. H., Kästle, W. and Kabisch K Amphibians and reptiles of North Africa. Koeltz Scientific Books, Koenigstein, Germany. Schmidt, K. P. and Marx, H The herpetology of Sinai. Fieldiana: Zoology, 39(4): Sindaco, R. and Jeremčenko, V. K The reptiles of the Western Palearctic. Edizioni Belvedere, Latina, Italy. Wilms, T Uromastyx: natural history, captive care, breeding. Herpeton, Offenbach, Germany. Wilms, T. M., Böhme, W., Wagner, P., Lutzmann, N. and Schmitz, A On the phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Uromastyx Merrem, 1820 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae: Uromastycinae) resurrection of the genus Saara Gray, Bonner zoologische Beiträge, 56:

12 Chamaeleo deremensis REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA CHAMAELEONIDAE SPECIES: Chamaeleo deremensis SYNONYMS: Chamaeleon deremensis COMMON NAMES: Usambara Three-horned Chameleon (English), Wavy Chameleon (English), Caméléon nodule (French), trehornskameleont (Swedish) RANGE STATES: United Republic of Tanzania RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: United Republic of Tanzania IUCN RED LIST: Not evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) suspension in place for wild specimens from the United Republic of Tanzania first applied on 02/02/2001 and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. TRADE PATTERNS: As the only confirmed range State of the species, the United Republic of Tanzania (hereafter referred to as Tanzania) was the main exporter of wild-sourced Chamaeleo deremensis (although the Democratic Republic of Congo reported the direct export of 100 wild-sourced C. deremensis to Japan in 2005). Tanzania has published CITES export quotas for wild-sourced specimens since 1999, which appear to have been exceeded in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006 according to figures reported by Tanzania, and in all years between 2002 and 2008 according to figures reported by the importers (Table 1). Tanzania also published export quotas for F1 specimens (Table 2) and a quota for 93 captivebred (source C) specimens in All reported trade in live captive-born (source F) specimens appears to have remained within quota. According to Tanzania and its trading partners, respectively, a total of 732 and 571 live C. deremensis were imported to the EU over the period , of which 447 and 149 were wild-sourced (Table 3). EU Member States have reported no imports of live, wild-sourced specimens since 2003, but relatively small quantities of source F specimens have been imported from Tanzania each year There has never been any reported indirect trade into the EU of C. deremensis originating in Tanzania. Direct exports from Tanzania to the rest of the world have mainly involved live, wildsourced specimens exported for commercial purposes, with Japan and Canada being the main importers (Table 4). 12

13 Chamaeleo deremensis Table 1. CITES Export quotas for live wild-sourced Chamaeleo deremensis from the United Republic of Tanzania and global exports, reported by importers and by the exporter Quota Reported by Importers Reported by Tanzania Table 2. CITES Export quotas for live F1 Chamaeleo deremensis from the United Republic of Tanzania and global exports, reported by importers and by the exporter Quota Reported by Importers Reported by Tanzania

14 Chamaeleo deremensis Table 3. Direct trade in Chamaeleo deremensis from Tanzania to EU-27, All trade involved live specimens imported for commercial purposes (except for the seizure in 2002). Importer Source Reported by Total Austria W Importer 5 5 Belgium R Importer 5 5 W Importer Czech Republic W Importer France F Importer W Importer Germany F Importer Hungary W Importer W Importer Italy F Importer Lithuania W Importer Netherlands W Importer Importer Spain W Importer United Kingdom F Importer I Importer

15 Chamaeleo deremensis Importer Source Reported by Total W Importer Subtotals F Importer W Importer Table 4. Direct trade in Chamaeleo deremensis from Tanzania to countries other than EU-27, All units were numbers of specimens. Importer Term Purpose Source Reported by Total Bangladesh live T W Importer 2 2 Canada live T W Importer China live T W Importer 5 5 Georgia live T W Importer 4 4 Hong Kong, SAR live T W Importer Indonesia live T W Importer Japan live T F Importer W Importer Mexico live T W Importer Mozambique live T W Importer 5 5 Republic of Korea live Q W Importer

16 Chamaeleo deremensis Importer Term Purpose Source Reported by Total T W Importer Z W Importer Switzerland bodies S W Importer 9 9 live T F Importer W Importer Taiwan, Province of China live T W Importer Thailand live T W Importer Turkey live T W Importer Ukraine live T W Importer United Arab Emirates live B C Importer T W Importer United States of America live T C Importer F Importer O Importer 4 4 R Importer U Importer

17 Chamaeleo deremensis Importer Term Purpose Source Reported by Total W Importer Importer Subtotals (live) F Importer W Importer

18 Chamaeleo deremensis CONSERVATION STATUS in range states United Republic of Tanzania: Chamaeleo deremensis is a large-sized chameleon considered to be endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountain area of Tanzania (Doggart and Loserian, 2007). Within the Eastern Arc, occurrences of C. deremensis have been recorded in the Usambara mountains (Klaver and Böhme, 1997; Spawls et al., 2002), Uluguru Mountains (Klaver and Böhme, 1997) and South Nguru Mountains (Doggart and Loserian, 2007; Menegon et al., 2008). According to Roe et al. (2002), local villagers reported the species to be relatively common in the East Usambara Mountains. The species was also found to be relatively abundant in the Amani Nature Reserve of the East Usambara region (Tropical Biology Association, 2007), where strict regulations on the use of forest products were found to have led to a decrease in the volume of international trade in live animals from the surrounding communities (Roe et al., 2002). According to Spawls et al. (2002), C. deremensis occurs at altitudes between 1200 and 2300 m above sea level. It was reported to be a forest species and to also occupy forest edges (Doggart and Loserian, 2007). Spawls et al. (2002) mentioned that C. deremensis may be found on coffee plantations. Due to its restricted range, the main threat of C. deremensis was considered to be habitat loss, mainly deforestation (Spawls et al., 2002). However, Spawls et al. (2002) also noted that because C. deremensis is not restricted to closed forest habitat, it may be fairly well adapted to habitat change. Tanzania was reported to be one of the main chameleon exporting countries (Carpenter et al., 2004) and Roe et al. (2002) noted that C. deremensis was the chameleon species exported in highest quantities from the region. Along with CITES recommendations and importing countries regulations, Roe et al. (2002) reported that national export quotas have had a significant impact in controlling the international trade on live animals from the Eastern Usambara Region. The Wildlife Conservation Act No. 5 of 2009 bans the capture of any wild animal without a permit (Parliament of Tanzania, 2009). Chamaeleo demerensis is not listed as a species under special protection (Parliament of Tanzania, 2009). REFERENCES: Carpenter, A. I., Rowcliffe, J. M., and Watkinson, A. R The dynamics of the global trade in chameleons. Biological Conservation, 120 (2): Doggart, N., Loserian, D. (eds.) South Nguru mountains: a description of the biophysical landscape. Tanzania Forest Conservation Group technical paper 11. Klaver, C. J. J. and Böhme, W Chamaeleonidae. Das Tierreich part 112, Walter de Gruyter & Co.: Berlin and New York. Menegon, M., Doggart, N., Owen, N The Nguru mountains of Tanzania, an outstanding hotspot of herpetofaunal diversity. Acta Herpetologica, 3 (2): Parliament of Tanzania Wildlife Conservation Act (No. 5/09). URL: Accessed: Roe, D., Mulliken, T., Milledge, S., Mremi, J., Mosha, S., Grieg-Gan, M Making a killing or making a living? Wildlife trade, trade controls and rural livelihoods. Biodiversity and Livelihoods Issues No. 6. IIED and TRAFFIC. Spawls, S., Howell, K., Drewes, R., and Ashe, J A field guide to the reptiles of east Africa. Academic Press, New York. 543 pp. Tropical Biology Association Amani Nature Reserve an introduction. Swaingrove. 16 pp. 18

19 Chamaeleo ellioti REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA CHAMAELEONIDAE SPECIES: Chamaeleo ellioti SYNONYMS: Chamaeleo bequaerti, Chamaeleo bitaeniatus ellioti, Chamaeleon ellioti COMMON NAMES: Montane Side-striped Chameleon (English), Mountain Dwarf Chameleon (English), Caméléon d'elliot (French), Camaleón de Elliot (Spanish) RANGE STATES: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania (?) RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Burundi IUCN RED LIST: Not evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) suspension in place for wild specimens from Burundi first applied on 24/09/2000 and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Previous negative opinion for Burundi formed on 08/10/1998. Current positive opinion for Democratic Republic of the Congo formed on 13/06/2010 and confirmed on 25/10/2005. TRADE PATTERNS: The main global exporters of wild-sourced Chamaeleo ellioti were Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to exporter-reported figures, global direct exports of live wild-sourced C. ellioti from all countries amounted to 8730 individuals, 7% of which were exported from Burundi. The Democratic Republic of Congo has published CITES export quotas for the species since 2001 and the United Republic of Tanzania since No export quotas have ever been published for C. ellioti from Burundi. According to Burundi and its trading partners, respectively, a total of 805 and 635 live C. ellioti were imported to the EU over the period , of which 655 and 355 were wild-sourced (Table 1). EU Member States have reported no imports of live, wild-sourced specimens from Burundi since 1997, and no imports of any source from Burundi since Small numbers of live, wild-sourced specimens have been imported to the EU from other range states The only reported indirect trade into the EU of C. ellioti originating in Burundi was the import by the United Kingdom in 1991 of 50 live, wildsourced specimens for commercial purposes from Switzerland. Direct exports from Burundi to the rest of the world have mainly involved live, wildsourced specimens exported for commercial purposes, with the United States being the main 19

20 Chamaeleo ellioti importer (Table 2). There have been no reported exports from Burundi to the rest of the world since Table 1. Direct trade in Chamaeleo ellioti from Burundi to EU-27, All trade involved live specimens imported for commercial purposes. Importer Source Reported by Total France R Importer W Importer Importer Italy U Importer United Kingdom W Importer W Importer Subtotal (W) W Importer Table 2. Direct trade in Chamaeleo ellioti from Burundi to countries other than EU-27, All trade involved live specimens imported for commercial purposes. Importer Source Reported by Total Japan W Importer Importer Thailand W Importer United States of America R Importer W Importer Subtotal (W) W Importer CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Chamaeleo ellioti is a medium-sized montane chameleon (Spawls et al., 2002). Its range was reported to include high western Kenya and western Uganda, western Rwanda and Burundi; while some individuals were also reportedly recorded in southern Sudan, DR Congo and the northern shore of lake Victoria in Uganda (Spawls et al., 2002). According to Spawls et al. (2002), the typical habitat of C. ellioti is moist savanna or grassland at altitudes between 1500 and 2800 m above sea level. Wagner et al. (2008) recorded the species on forest edges and clearings, and previously farmed areas in western Kenya. Spawls et al. (2002) reported that the species can be very abundant in plantations and roadside areas. The local populations of C. ellioti were reported to be susceptible to experiencing rapid growth, followed by a population decline (Spawls et al., 2002). Burundi: Spawls et al. (2002) reported C. ellioti to be widely distributed in Burundi. 20

21 Chamaeleo ellioti Carpenter et al. (2004) reported that the chameleon trade from Burundi was affected by a ban on commercial trade in reptiles established by the Management Authority of Burundi in 1992 and noted that after the ban was lifted in 1995, lower quantities of chameleons were exported than before (Carpenter et al., 2004). Carpenter et al. (2004) estimated that C. ellioti represented ca. 4% of Burundian chameleon exports between 1987 and The species was not included in the national list of protected species of July 1971 (Burundi, 1971). REFERENCES: Burundi Réglementation de la chasse et la protection des espèces animales. Carpenter, A. I., Rowcliffe, J. M., and Watkinson, A. R The dynamics of the global trade in chameleons. Biological Conservation, 120 (2): Spawls, S., Howell, K., Drewes, R., and Ashe, J A field guide to the reptiles of east Africa. Academic Press, New York. 543 pp. Wagner, P., Köhler, J., Schmitz, A., Böhme, W The biogeographical assignment of a west Kenyan rain forest remnant: further evidence from analysis of its reptile fauna. Journal of Biogeography 35:

22 Chamaeleo feae REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA CHAMAELEONIDAE SPECIES: Chamaeleo feae SYNONYMS: Chamaeleo montium feae, Chamaeleon feae COMMON NAMES: Caméléon de Fea (French) RANGE STATES: Equatorial Guinea RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Equatorial Guinea IUCN RED LIST: Not evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) suspension in place for wild specimens from Equatorial Guinea first applied on 29/10/2001, and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Previous negative opinion for Equatorial Guinea formed on 05/02/2001. TRADE PATTERNS: As the only confirmed range state of the species, Equatorial Guinea was the main exporter of wildsourced Chamaeleo feae (although Cameroon reported the direct export of 40 live, wild-sourced individuals in 1997). No export quotas have ever been published for C. feae. Equatorial Guinea became a Party to CITES in There has never been any direct or indirect trade reported in C. feae from Equatorial Guinea to the EU. In addition, EU Member States have never reported any imports of this species from other countries, although Cameroon and Madagascar reported exporting small quantities of live, wild-sourced specimens to the EU in 1997 and 2000, respectively (the imports from Madagascar were of unknown origin). Direct exports from Equatorial Guinea to the rest of the world consisted entirely of live, wild-sourced individuals exported for commercial purposes, with the United States being the main importer (Table 1). None of this trade was reported by Equatorial Guinea. In fact, Equatorial Guinea reported no exports of any species for the years in their annual reports. 22

23 Chamaeleo feae Table 1. Direct trade in Chamaeleo feae from Equatorial Guinea to countries other than EU-27, All trade involved live, wild-sourced specimens imported for commercial purposes. Importer Reported by Total Japan Importer Mexico Importer United States of America Importer Total Importer CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Equatorial Guinea: Chamaeleo feae is reportedly only found on Bioko (Fernando Pó), an island of about 2000 square kilometres located in the Gulf of Guinea (Martin, 1992). Fa (1992) reported that the biggest threats to wildlife in Equatorial Guinea were the uncontrolled use of natural resources and the clearing of land for agriculture. C. feae was not included in the list of protected fauna in Equatorial Guinea under Law Nº 8/1988 (República de Guinea Ecuatorial, 1988). At the 24 th Meeting of the Animals Committee (Geneva, Switzerland, April 2009), C. feae was selected for the Review of Significant Trade with the recommendation To be retained. Export figures have increased. There are doubts concerning the non-detriment finding in Equatorial Guinea. The Species Survival Network (2009) recommended C. feae to be classified as Urgent Concern, due to insufficient population information available on which to base NDFs. Additional information has been sought from the country in the context of the Review of Significant Trade process, and this information will be made available in 2011 at the 25 th meeting of the Animals Committee. REFERENCES: Fa, J.E Conservation in Equatorial Guinea. Oryx 26 (2): Martin, J Chameleons Nature s Masters of Disguise. Blandford, London, UK. República de Guinea Ecuatorial, LEY Nº 8/1.988, de fecha 31 de diciembre, reguladora de la fauna silvestre, caza y áreas protegidas. SSN (Species Survival Network) Summary of issues to be discussed at the twenty-fourth meeting of the CITES Animals Committee. Geneva, Switzerland April

24 Chamaeleo gracilis REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA CHAMAELEONIDAE SPECIES: Chamaeleo gracilis SYNONYMS: Chamaeleo burchelli, Chamaeleo granulosus, Chamaeleo simoni COMMON NAMES: Schone Kameleon (Dutch), Graceful Chameleon (English), Gracile Chameleon (English), Slender Chameleon (English), Spur-heeled Chameleon (English), Caméléon gracile (French), Camaleón grácil (Spanish), sporrkameleont (Swedish) RANGE STATES: Angola, Benin (?), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Togo IUCN RED LIST: Not evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) suspensions in place for wild and ranched specimens from Benin first applied on 18/02/2005 and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Previous negative opinion for all specimens from Benin formed on 15/05/2002. Current positive opinion for wild specimens from Cameroon formed on 25/10/2005. Current negative opinion for wild specimens from Ghana formed on 12/03/2009. Current Article 4.6(b) suspension in place for ranched specimens with a snout-to-vent length > 8 cm from Togo first applied on 24/09/2000 (for all ranched specimens) and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Current positive opinion for ranched specimens with a snout-to-vent length < 8 cm from Togo formed on 12/06/2006 and confirmed on 15/09/2008. Current negative opinion for wild specimens from Togo first formed on 20/12/2005 and last confirmed on 15/09/2008. Previous negative opinion for all ranched specimens from Togo for was formed on 23/06/1999 and subsequently replaced by an Article 4.6(b) suspension for all ranched specimens from Togo from 24/09/2000 to 10/05/

25 Chamaeleo gracilis Current positive opinion for United Republic of Tanzania formed on 29/02/2008. Previous positive opinion for all countries formed on 02/09/1997. TRADE PATTERNS: The main exporters of wild-sourced Chamaeleo gracilis were Ghana, Togo, United Republic of Tanzania, Benin and Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which published CITES export quotas for this species in some years during that period. According to exporter-reported figures, global direct exports of live, wild-sourced C. gracilis from all countries amounted to individuals, 17% of which were exported from Togo. Togo has published CITES export quotas for wild-sourced specimens since 1997 and for ranched specimens since The export quotas for wild-sourced specimens appear to have been exceeded in 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2007 according to figures reported by Togo, and in all years between 1998 and 2003, according to figures reported by the importers (Table 1). Exports of ranched specimens appear to have stayed within the quotas (Table 2). According to Togo and its trading partners, respectively, a total of 7207 and 6118 live C. gracilis were imported to the EU-27 over the period , of which 3788 and 3884 were wild-sourced (Table 3). The only reported indirect trade into the EU of C. gracilis originating in Togo was the export by the United States of America in 1996 of 5 live, wild-sourced specimens to Italy, for commercial purposes (this trade was not reported by Italy). Direct exports from Togo to the rest of the world have mainly involved live, ranched and wild-sourced specimens exported for commercial purposes, with the United States being the main importer (Table 4). Table 1. CITES Export quotas for live wild-sourced Chamaeleo gracilis from Togo and global exports, reported by importers and by the exporter Quota Reported by Importers Reported by Togo Table 2. CITES Export quotas for live ranched Chamaeleo gracilis from Togo and global exports, reported by importers and by the exporter Quota Reported by Importers Reported by Togo

26 Chamaeleo gracilis Table 3. Direct trade in Chamaeleo gracilis from Togo to EU-27, All trade involved live specimens. See Annex I for more details. Purpose Source Reported by Total T C Importer R Importer W Importer Importer I Importer 4 4 W Importer Total Importer Table 4. Direct trade in Chamaeleo gracilis from Togo to countries other than EU-27, All units were numbers of specimens. Term Purpose Source Reported by Total bodies T I Importer R Importer 1 1 live T C Importer I Importer 7 7 R Importer U Importer W Importer

27 Chamaeleo gracilis Importer I Importer

28 Chamaeleo gracilis CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Chamaeleo gracilis was reported to be a widespread chameleon species occurring across tropical Africa from Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east, and to the south down to Tanzania and Angola (Luxmoore et al., 1988; Klaver and Böhme, 1997). Two morphologically distinct subspecies, C. gracilis gracilis and C. gracilis etiennei, have been described (Martin, 1992; Klaver and Böhme, 1997). G. g. gracilis was reported to occupy a wide range, extending from Somalia south to northern Tanzania, and to the west up to Cameroon and Senegal, whilst C. g. etiennei was reported to be constrained to a narrower range, reaching from Gabon south to Angola (Martin, 1992; Klaver and Böhme, 1997). C. gracilis was reported to occupy a variety of habitats, including moist and dry savanna areas up to 1600 m altitude above sea level (Spawls et al., 2002), mature lowland and secondary forests, farmlands and cultivated areas (Akani et al., 2001), as well as settled areas (Wagner et al., 2008). Hunting for medicinal and religious purposes, along with habitat destruction by fire, were mentioned to be threats to C. gracilis in several range states (IUCN, TRAFFIC and WCMC, 1996). In the 1996 Review of Significant Trade, it was concluded that reported trade can be having no significant impact on the species as a whole, which is wide-ranging and not limited to scarce or fragile habitat (IUCN, TRAFFIC and WCMC, 1996). Togo: Based on the first field survey conducted to map the populations of C. gracilis in Togo, Harris (2002) reported the distribution of the species to be very restricted; very few occurrences were recorded outside specific habitats where the species had previously been found by hunters. Although interviews with local people suggested that chameleons were widespread in Togo, no distinction was made between C. gracilis and the more common C. senegalensis (Harris, 2002). Spawls et al. (2002) did not include Togo as part of the range of C. gracilis. Harris (2002) listed the conversion of habitat to agriculture and human settlement as a potential threat to wild C. gracilis in Togo. However, Akani et al. (2001) suggested that C. gracilis may be relatively tolerant to logging: in Nigeria, the species was found to increase in numbers following the logging of forests, which caused other chameleon species to decline. The species was reported to be commonly used for traditional medicine and religious purposes in Togo, where relatively large quantities of dried specimens were found in most markets (although no distinction could be made between C. gracilis and C. senegalensis) (Harris, 2002). Carpenter et al. (2004) noted that Togo had the longest history of international chameleon trade of the African countries and that, along with Benin, it was the main supplier of ranched chameleons to international trade. Little information appears to be available on the provenance of the wild stock used for ranching. Harris (2002) noted that keeping C. gracilis alive for road transport between the neighbouring African countries may be very difficult and C. gracilis was reported to have high mortality in captivity (Harris, 2002). Harris (2002) noted that a national ban in place to hunt wildlife at night may restrict the hunting of chameleons, which are generally difficult to observe in daytime. C. gracilis was under the CITES Review of Significant Trade process In this context, at the 14 th meeting of the Animals Committee, Togo reported the existence of the species in the country but noted that there had been no scientific assessment. The quota of 500 live wild specimens, however, was considered to be prudent (CITES Secretariat, 1998). The ranching of reptiles from Togo, Benin and Ghana was discussed at SRG 37, SRG 43 and SRG 45. At SRG 45, the SRG decided to confirm the suspension for ranched specimens >8 cm and the positive opinion for ranched specimens <8 cm, and to request further information from Togo. REFERENCES: Akani, G. C., Ogbalu, O. K., Luiselli, L Life-history and ecological distribution of chameleons (Reptilia, Chamaeleonidae) from the rain forests of Nigeria: conservation implications. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 24 (2):

29 Chamaeleo gracilis Carpenter, A. I., Rowcliffe, J. M., Watkinson, A. R The dynamics of the global trade in chameleons. Biological Conservation, 120 (2): CITES Secretariat Summary records of the 14 th meeting of the Animals Committee. Caracas, Venezuela, May Harris, M Assessment of the status of seven reptile species in Togo. Report to the Commission of the European Union. Ref. EC 98/0072. Harwood, J West African reptiles: species status and management guidelines for reptiles in international trade from Benin and Togo. Prepared by UNEP-WCMC for the European Commission. IUCN, TRAFFIC and IUCN Review of significant trade in animal species included in CITES Appendix II. Report to the CITES Animals Committee. Klaver, C. J. J. and Böhme, W Chamaeleonidae. Das Tierreich part 112, Walter de Gruyter & Co.: Berlin and New York. Luxmoore, R., Groombridge, B., and Broad, S. (eds.), Significant trade in wildlife: a review of selected species in CITES Appendix II. IUCN. Martin, J Chameleons Nature s Masters of Disguise. Blandford, London, UK. Spawls, S., Howell, K., Drewes, R., and Ashe, J A field guide to the reptiles of east Africa. Academic Press, New York. 543 pp. Wagner, P., Köhler, J., Schmitz, A., Böhme, W The biogeographical assignment of a west Kenyan rain forest remnant: further evidence from analysis of its reptile fauna. Journal of Biogeography 35:

30 Chamaeleo pfefferi REVIEW OF SPECIES/COUNTRY COMBINATIONS SUBJECT TO LONG-STANDING IMPORT SUSPENSIONS: REPTILE SPECIES FROM AFRICA REPTILIA CHAMAELEONIDAE SPECIES: Chamaeleo pfefferi SYNONYMS: Chamaeleon pfefferi COMMON NAMES: Pfeffer's Chameleon (English), Caméléon de Pfeffer (French), Camaleón de Pfeffer (Spanish), Pfeffers kameleont (Swedish) RANGE STATES: Cameroon RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Cameroon IUCN RED LIST: Not evaluated PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6(b) suspension in place for wild specimens from Cameroon first applied on 29/10/2001, and last confirmed on 21/05/2009. Previous negative opinion for Cameroon formed on 26/03/2001. TRADE PATTERNS: As the only confirmed range state of the species, Cameroon was the only direct exporter of wild-sourced Chamaeleo pfefferi No export quotas have ever been published for C. pfefferi. According to Cameroon and its trading partners, respectively, a total of 283 and 523 live C. pfefferi were imported to the EU over the period , all wild-sourced (Table 1). In addition, the import of three scientific specimens to Germany was also reported by both trading partners. EU Member States have reported no imports of this species from any source since 2001, when the suspension for wild specimens came into place. There has never been any reported indirect trade into the EU of C. pfefferi originating in Cameroon. Table 1. Direct trade in Chamaeleo pfefferi from Cameroon to EU-27, All trade was wild-sourced, with all units reported as numbers of specimens. Importer Term Purpose Reported by Total Austria live T Importer Belgium live P Importer T Importer Czech Republic live T Importer France live T Importer 30

31 Chamaeleo pfefferi Importer Term Purpose Reported by Total Germany live S Importer T Importer specimens S Importer Netherlands live T Importer Spain live T Importer United Kingdom live T Importer Total (live) Importer Direct exports from Cameroon to the rest of the world have mainly involved live, wildsourced specimens exported for commercial purposes, with the United States of America being the main importer (Table 2). There have been no reported exports of live C. pfefferi from Cameroon to the rest of the world since Table 2. Direct trade in Chamaeleo pfefferi from Cameroon to countries other than EU-27, All units were numbers of specimens. Importer Term Source Purpose Reported by Total Canada live W T Importer Japan live W T Importer Malaysia live W T Importer United States of America live U T Importer W T Importer specimens W S Importer Total (live) Importer CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Cameroon: Chamaeleo pfefferi is a forest-dwelling chameleon, which was reported to occur at altitudes between 1100 and 1900 metres above sea level (Hofer et al., 2000). The species was reported to be endemic to Cameroon, where its range was considered to include the Takamanda Forest Reserve in the southwestern Province (LeBreton, 2003), Mount Manengouba (Klaver and Böhme, 1997; Gonwouo and Rödel, 2008) and Mount Kupe (Klaver and Böhme, 1997; Hofer et al., 2003). Although the species has only been recorded in Cameroon, LeBreton (2003) suggested that it is likely to occur in similar habitats on the Nigerian side of the border. Hofer et al. (2003) stated that the main threat to C. pfefferi populations was habitat loss due to logging, and that the species may become severely endangered if forest degradation continued in the Cameroon Highlands. Gonwouo and Rödel (2008) found evidence to suggest that the collection of C. pfefferi for 31