Posted on June, 03 2013

Another important CITES decision was to extend protection to certain tree species highly valued for their precious woods; excessive demand for these trees is causing over-exploitation and deforestation.
Ebony and rosewood are both prized for manufacture of musical instruments, furniture and specialized items such as chess pieces. Few tree species are protected under CITES, but the ongoing loss of forests and selective unsustainable logging are putting many tree species under threat, and this CITES decision sends a message to countries which are failing to regulate trade in these species, makes it possible to add further tree species threatened by trade, and gives hope for efforts to stop the loss of rare tree species threatened by unsustainable trade.