Concern for the endangered species of wild animals and plants of the world prompted the drafting of this international convention regulating the import, export, and re-export of such species. Nations signing this document are required to impose strict controls on the international trade of these plants and animals or their recognizable parts. The endangered species listed in the two appendixes at the end include over 500 animal and 60 plant species. The species listed in Appendix 1 are those seriously endangered and require an import and export permit that certifies that the shipment will not adversely affect the survival of the species, will not violate the laws of the country, and will not injure, damage the health, or promote cruelty to the specimen. Regulations for Appendix 2 specimens are less strict; permits must state that the laws of the country are not violated by the shipment and that no harm will be done to the specimen. The enforcement of these regulations will be the task of the individual nations, with the help of a United Nations Environment Secretariat. Among the species listed in Appendix 1 are the Indian elephant, the gorilla, and the peregrine falcon. (MA)