What are the protected animal species?

A protected animal species is a non-domestic species (commonly called wild species) which is the subject of conservation measures.

A non-domestic animal is an animal belonging to a species which has not undergone any modification by selection on the part of man.

Domestic species are exhaustively listed in a ministerial order.

All species not included in this list is a non-domestic species.

In France, protected species are listed by ministerial orders.

The following actions are prohibited:

• Destroy or remove eggs or nests of animals of these protected non-domestic species
• Mutilate, kill or capture these animals
• Intentionally disturbing these animals in their natural environment
• Naturalize them
• Transport, peddle, use, keep animals of these species alive or dead
• Offer for sale, sell or buy animals belonging to a protected non-domestic species.

It is also prohibited to destroy, modify or degrade the natural habitats of these species.

Failure to comply with these protective measures, either intentionally or through gross negligence, is punishable by 3 years' imprisonment and €150,000 of a fine.

At the international level, wildlife protection is organized by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

This convention, also called Washington Convention, shall organize the protection of species of wild fauna (and flora) by controlling their trade and shall regulate international trade in specimens of species listed in its Annexes.

The species covered by Cites are listed in one of its 3 annexes depending on the level of protection they need:

• Annex I includes all endangered species. CITES generally prohibits international trade in their specimens unless there are specific exemptions, including non-commercial transactions (imports for scientific, educational purposes).
• Annex II includes all species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but whose trade in specimens is regulated to avoid exploitation incompatible with their survival.
• Annex III includes all protected species in a country which has asked other countries that have joined the convention for their assistance in controlling trade in the convention.

At European level, the Cites Convention is implemented through a Council Regulation of the European Union.

The Cites Convention applies in France.

Thus, trade in live or dead animals listed in the various annexes to the Convention is regulated. The same applies to trade in products derived from these animals (skins, feathers, teeth, etc.) and goods derived from or containing products of these animals (leather, cosmetic products, etc.).