Appendix II includes species that are not currently threatened with extinction, but which may be threatened if the trade in them is not strictly regulated (Strydom, 2016). Examples of species listed in Appendix II include the hippopotamus, Southern elephant seals, African penguins and Aquilaria species.
In practice, species listed in Appendix II involve species that are traded in substantial numbers and are unthreatened, as well as species not subject to significant trade but which may be vulnerable if trade in them increases (Bowman et al, 2010). Compared to the other two Appendices, Appendix II contains the largest number of listings, with over 30,000 species. This is said to be a consequence of States Parties’ ‘tendency to list individual species in Appendix I and whole families in Appendix II’ (Bowman et al, 2010, p. 496). Species that are lookalikes for species listed in Appendix II may also be added to prevent trade in lookalike species from affecting species requiring Appendix II regulation (Article II(2)(b)).
Trade in Appendix II species is less restrictive than those in Appendix I, with trade permitted for commercial reasons if not detrimental to the species in the wild. Export permits are required, for which the exporting State must make determinations similar to those applicable to Appendix I species. In particular, there must still be a determination that export is not ‘detrimental to the survival of that species’ (Article IV(2)(b)). Furthermore, export permits must be limited where it is determined that export of an Appendix II species must be reduced.
in order to maintain that species throughout its range at a level consistent with its role in the ecosystems in which it occurs and well above the level at which that species might become eligible for inclusion in Appendix I (Article IV(3)).
Unlike Appendix I species, import permits are not needed. Re-export certificates are required for re-export, and introduction from the sea also requires a certificate (Articles IV(5) and (6)).