CITES — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
Focus on memorizing specific facts: India joined CITES in 1976, convention entered force in 1975, three-appendix system with clear criteria differences. Learn key Indian species examples for each appendix - Bengal tiger, Asian elephant (Appendix I), Indian star tortoise (Appendix II).
Understand permit types and requirements - export permits for all species, import permits for Appendix I, re-export certificates. Remember institutional framework - MoEFCC as Management Authority, WII and BSI as Scientific Authorities.
Practice elimination techniques by identifying obviously wrong options first - statements claiming CITES covers only animals or prohibits all trade are typically incorrect. Stay updated on recent CoP decisions, especially CoP19 Panama outcomes on shark species.
Common traps include confusing appendix criteria, mixing up permit requirements, and incorrect institutional roles. Use mnemonics for appendix differences: 'I = Impossible to trade commercially, II = Regulated trade, III = Voluntary protection request.