Wild species facing an uncertain future

Demand for rhinoceros horn, mainly across Asia, is driving the species toward extinction. Despite international trade in rhino horn having been banned under CITES since 1977, only around 25,600 rhinos from all five species remain in the wild. In a controversial move, the king of Swaziland will propose to legalize international rhino horn trade at the wildlife conference in Johannesburg.

Despite African elephant populations having experienced a catastrophic one-third decline from 2007 to 2015 due mainly to ivory trade, Zimbabwe and Namibia are proposing to legalize their ivory markets - in efforts to reduce demand. Since around 27,000 elephants are estimated to be killed by poachers each year, ivory trade will surely a high-profile discussion at CITES CoP17.

The African lion is not yet considered a threatened species under CITES - however, some groups such as Humane Society International have proposed the species should get increased protection, as there may be as few as 20,000 wild lions left in Africa. This proposal is currently being opposed by numerous countries, including the European Union.

Pangolins have the sad honor of being world's most trafficked wild mammal. Their scales are used in traditional medicine, mainly in China, and are a treasure for poachers. As all eight species of pangolins could be threatened with extinction, some CITES CoP17 participants support the transfer of all species from Appendix II to Appendix I, further restricting trade in the animal.

Although colorful shells bring a fresh maritime feel to your home, this simple act might be contributing to the extinction of unusual marine invertebrates such as the chambered nautilus. These unique marine animals also have their place among the 62 proposals to be presented at CITES CoP17 - wildlife experts are seeking more protection for the huge snails.

This astonishing bird has a helmet-like structure on its head that accounts for some 11 percent of its 3-kilogram (6.6-pound) weight. While the bird uses its beak in head-to-head combat with other males, humans use it as carving material. Asia's largest hornbill is already listed on Appendix I, but Indonesia is requesting greater protection of the species and further international cooperation.

Plants are often given less attention when discussing wildlife trade - however, CoP17 is also tackling problems related to legal and illegal logging around the world, which threatens numerous tree species. For instance, commercial demand across Asia for rosewood - a very valuable timber - has fueled a cross-border criminal network - making this endangered species a topic at the CITES conference.