Identification tools

There are several identification tools that make it possible to easily recognize species controlled by CITES.

The CITES Secretariat regularly produces identification fact sheets for animals and plants and their parts and derivatives. For each species, these illustrated fact sheets provide specific scientific information that facilitates identification. These fact sheets may be obtained by contacting the CITES Secretariat.

Other documents may also be very helpful for identification of CITES species, specifically the CITES timber species (in Spanish).

Environment Canada has also created a series of identification guides designed specifically for individuals responsible for the application of CITES in various countries. A simple, colorful visual approach facilitates identification of several species that are traded and require CITES permits.

Birds (11,9 Mo PDF)   Inroduction Key Pages Blue Section,Part I Blue Section,Part II Blue Section,Part III Yellow Section,Part I Yellow Section,Part II Orange Section and Index		Crocodilians (9,9 Mo PDF)   Introduction Key Pages,Part I Key Pages,Part II Blue Section Yellow Section Orange Section and Index
Turtles and Tortoises (9,75M PDF)   Introduction Key Pages Blue Section Yellow Section Orange Section & Index		Butterflies (8,75M PDF)   Introduction Key Pages Blue Section    Ornithoptera    Trogonoptera    Troides Yellow Section Orange Section & Index
Sturgeons and Paddlefish (10,67M PDF)   Introduction Key Pages 1 Key Pages 2 Blue Section Yellow Section Orange Section & Index		Tropical Wood (9,58M PDF)   Introduction Simple Key Pages Detailed Key Pages Yellow Section Index
Hunting Trophees (18,2M PDF)   Introduction Key Pages Blue Section Yellow Section,Part I Yellow Section,Part II Yellow Section,Part III Orange Section & Index

The above listed guides are now available. When they are offered in PDF Format, you can download either the complete document (if you have a fast Internet connection) by clicking on the icon or the smaller components.

These guides are produced in three languages, English, French and Spanish and are available here.