Explain IUCN and CITES conservation roles
Distinguish threatened-species assessment by IUCN from international trade regulation by CITES.
A Level; Cambridge International Biology 9700, 2028–2030. Written responses are self-checked; this does not certify supervised fieldwork or practical competence.
Before you begin
- Classification compares shared characteristics; populations occupy environments and contain variation.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which organisation regulates international trade in listed wildlife?
What you will learn
- Outline the IUCN role in assessing conservation status
- Outline the CITES role in controlling international wildlife trade
Build the explanation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assesses conservation status and publishes the Red List, helping identify threatened species and inform conservation priorities. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) uses international agreements and permit systems to regulate trade in listed species and specimens.
Use evidence within scope
IUCN assessment and CITES trade controls have different roles. A Red List category is not itself a trade ban; CITES listing does not replace habitat protection, national enforcement or other conservation measures.
Pause and explain
Why do status lists and trade controls need to be complemented by habitat action?
Worked example
A species’ extinction risk is assessed and recorded in a global status list. Which organisation performs this role?
Show the worked solution
- The task is assessment of conservation status.
- IUCN publishes the Red List.
Answer The IUCN. CITES has a different role: regulating international trade in listed species and specimens.
Try a topic test
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Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
A conservation team wants to compare extinction-risk categories across species. Which resource is relevant?
Give me a hint
Identify the required evidence and sequence the reasoning.
Compare my reasoning
- The task is status assessment.
- Use the IUCN Red List.
The IUCN Red List provides conservation-status assessments.
Look for these in your work
- Relevant evidence selected
- Reasoning linked to conclusion
A government wants permits to control cross-border trade in endangered specimens. Which convention is relevant?
Give me a hint
Use the supplied example or data to justify a conclusion.
Compare my reasoning
- The action concerns international trade.
- CITES regulates such trade.
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Look for these in your work
- Concept applied
- Limit or assumption stated
Why do status lists and trade controls need to be complemented by habitat action?
Give me a hint
Apply the concept in a new context and qualify its limits.
Compare my reasoning
- Trade is one pressure among several.
- Habitat loss may continue independently.
Trade regulation addresses one source of pressure; habitat degradation, climate change, hunting and competition may continue and require additional conservation action.
Look for these in your work
- New context handled
- Conclusion appropriately bounded
Common mistakes
- Saying IUCN itself bans all trade
- Treating CITES as a habitat-protection agency
What can you explain now?
Which organisation regulates international trade in listed wildlife?
Compare with the explanation
CITES
IUCN assesses conservation status and publishes the Red List.
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Make it stick
How do IUCN assessment and CITES trade regulation differ?
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