Proposal 31: Dalbergia retusa (Black rosewood, Nicaraguan rosewood) and D. granadillo

Proposal: 31
Proponent: Germany (on behalf of the EU Member States)
Summary of proposal: Inclusion of Dalbergia retusa (Black rosewood, Nicaraguan rosewood) and D. granadillo on Appendix II.

WWF position SUPPORT
For WWF's full position, including the rationale and further information, please see page 24 in WWF Positions CITES COP14. Download PDF (3.6 MB | 48 pages)

Why is WWF supporting this proposal?

  • D. retusa occurs in the tropical dry forests from Mexico to Panama and has been extensively harvested, primarily for guitars, other musical instruments, and furniture; D. granadillo is traded as a substitute for D. retusa
  • Available information on declines of D. retusa in the wild indicates that accessible stocks have been exhausted and its habitat greatly reduced, indicating that the species meets the criteria for inclusion in Appendix II; for example, it is described as almost extinct in Costa Rica though it was once widespread, and is in a critical state in Nicaragua and Endangered in Guatemala
  • International trade and demand both exist, though availability of data is limited
  • When this is considered with other threats (habitat destruction, increased conversion of land for agricultural use to the species) and with the fact that it can be used as substitute for another species of limited availability (D. nigra), it is clear that inclusion in Appendix II is warranted for D. retusa
  • If the Parties agree to include D. retusa in Appendix II, D. granadillo should also be listed for look-alike reasons (CITES Article II.2.b).

Downloads

  • IUCN/TRAFFIC analysis of proposal 31 to amend the appendices for CoP 14. Download PDF (46 KB | 4 pages)

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