CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
CITES is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival as a species in their natural range states. Nile crocodiles are listed on Appendix II of CITES, being described as a species that could potentially become endangered and therefore requires monitoring and management.
In Zimbabwe the CITES convention is enforced by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. A national management plan for Crocodiles has been drafted and formally approved by the government ministry responsible for conservation.
All exports of crocodile products (skins and meat) require the issuance of a CITES permit which is issued by the competent authority, and gives authenticity to the origin and credibility of the export products.
