South Africa secures three listing changes at CITES COP20
South Africa has secured the adoption of three species‑listing proposals at CITES COP20, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 24 November to 5 December 2025. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp welcomed the outcome, with the national delegation led by Deputy Minister Narend Singh.
The decisions delete the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) from Appendix II and transfer two succulents – Avonia quinaria and Euphorbia bupleurifolia – from Appendix II to Appendix I, tightening international trade restrictions on those plants. CITES COP20 considered 51 proposals and 114 draft working documents overall. Officials said the outcomes align with South Africa’s science‑based priorities for conservation and sustainable use, with implications for trade permitting, enforcement and wildlife management that underpin nature‑based tourism.
Source: South African Government
