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The United States' Enforcement Of The Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora, Meena Alagappan

Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business

Species loss is an extremely serious, continuing problem. While habitat destruction poses one of the most imminent threats to the survival of wild animals and plants, international trade in wildlife is also a major cause of diminishing biological diversity worldwide. The global market for wildlife is very large, and the goods involved are usually luxury items, such as fur coats and ivory carvings. When this trade is not harnessed, it often tips the balance toward extinction for various forms of wildlife.