Appendix II of CITES includes species that, while not currently facing extinction, could become threatened if international trade is not strictly regulated (Strydom, 2016). This category includes species such as the hippopotamus, Southern elephant seals, African penguins, and various Aquilaria species, which are highly valued for their resinous agarwood.
Species listed in Appendix II fall into two primary groups: those traded in significant numbers but not yet endangered, and those not currently subject to high trade volumes but potentially vulnerable if demand rises (Bowman et al., 2010). Compared to Appendix I and III, Appendix II contains the largest number of species—over 30,000—a result of the common practice of listing individual species in Appendix I while placing entire families in Appendix II (Bowman et al., 2010, p. 496). Additionally, lookalike species may be included to prevent illegal trade from impacting regulated species (Article II(2)(b)).
Trade in Appendix II species is less restrictive than in Appendix I, allowing commercial transactions as long as they do not threaten the species’ survival in the wild. Exporting countries must issue export permits, requiring a scientific assessment that the trade is not detrimental to the species (Article IV(2)(b)). If necessary, export limits may be imposed to ensure populations remain stable and well above the threshold that would necessitate an Appendix I listing (Article IV(3)).
Unlike Appendix I species, import permits are not required, though re-export certificates must be issued for species that are re-exported, and specimens introduced from the sea require additional certification (Articles IV(5) and (6)). This regulatory balance aims to facilitate sustainable trade while preventing overexploitation of species that could become endangered if left unchecked.