Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation

These flashcards encompass key terms and concepts related to wildlife trafficking and conservation, focusing on illicit trade, CITES regulations, species conservation, and urban ecology.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; a global agreement controlling the trade of wildlife and wildlife products.

Appendix I species

Species at risk of extinction with no commercial trade allowed.

Appendix II species

Species whose trade is allowed but strictly regulated.

Appendix III species

Species whose trade is regulated under specific countries’ requests.

Illicit wildlife trade

The illegal trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products, often leading to endangerment and extinction.

Slow loris

A nocturnal, venomous primate often portrayed as a cute pet, leading to illegal trade and suffering.

Bushmeat

Wildlife consumed as protein, posing challenges for conservation.

Trophic cascades

Ecological phenomena triggered by the removal or reintroduction of species affecting entire ecosystems.

Rewilding

A restoration approach aimed at allowing ecosystems to self-regulate and restoring ecological processes.

Urban heat island effect

The phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

Defaunation

The loss of animal species from an ecosystem, leading to disrupted ecological functions.

Invasive species

Non-native species that can cause harm to the ecosystems they invade, exemplified by coypu introduction.

Ex-situ conservation

Conservation methods that occur outside of natural habitats, such as in zoos or controlled settings.

Carnivore reintroduction

Reinstating predator species to restore ecological balance, e.g., wolves in Yellowstone.

Environmental justice dimensions

Three key aspects of equity in conservation: recognition, procedural, and distributional justice.

Palm oil impact

The expansion of palm oil plantations leads to severe biodiversity loss and conflict with orangutans.