RHINO RAYS - LISTED ON INTERNATIONAL TREATIES
The order Rhinopristiformes is comprised of 68 species of banjo rays (Trygonorrhinidae), giant gui-tarfishes (Glaucostegidae), guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae), sawfishes (family Pristidae), and wedgefishes (Rhinidae). Referred to as ‘Rhino Rays’, they represent some of the most threatened marine species in the world. Due to their status and the urgent need for conservation actions, 23 of these species are listed on three international treaties: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU), and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). A CMS Appendix I (App I) requires states to prohibit the taking of these species while an App II listing recognizes that they require international agreements for their conservation and management. A Sharks MOU listing indicates that a species has an unfavourable conservation status and would significantly benefit from collaborative international conservation action. A CITES App I listing prohibits the commercial trade of a species while an App II listing ensures that species can only be traded through a permitting system that requires an assessment of the sustainability of intended trade.

Illustrations: Marc Dando

Acknowledgements | This poster generously funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation,
Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (Federal Republic of Germany) and the Principality of Monaco. The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group, is fiscally sponsored by Re:wild, a US 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization (Tax ID 26-2887967).