The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the highest international lawmaking body on wildlife trade. <br /><br />The current summit in South Africa will see new protections added and removed for a vast range of species, which could prove critical in determining their future. <br /><br />African lions will be high up the agenda, with nine African countries proposing that they be listed in Appendix I - the most protected category - in an effort to reverse a 60% decline of lion populations since 1993.
African lion —
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the highest international lawmaking body on wildlife trade.

The current summit in South Africa will see new protections added and removed for a vast range of species, which could prove critical in determining their future.

African lions will be high up the agenda, with nine African countries proposing that they be listed in Appendix I - the most protected category - in an effort to reverse a 60% decline of lion populations since 1993.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Morocco is arguing for greater protection of the monkeys, which are threatened by habitat destruction and trade of live animals.
Barbary macaque —
Morocco is arguing for greater protection of the monkeys, which are threatened by habitat destruction and trade of live animals.
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There are proposals to move all African Elephants to the Appendix I list, although this is opposed by Namibia and Zimbabwe, which support a limited, legal ivory trade.
African elephant —
There are proposals to move all African Elephants to the Appendix I list, although this is opposed by Namibia and Zimbabwe, which support a limited, legal ivory trade.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
All eight species of pangolin could be given the highest-protected status in recognition of a vast illegal trade that has decimated their numbers. <br /><br />Pangolin scales are in great demand for use in traditional Asian medicines.
Pangolin —
All eight species of pangolin could be given the highest-protected status in recognition of a vast illegal trade that has decimated their numbers.

Pangolin scales are in great demand for use in traditional Asian medicines.
JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The US, EU and seven countries are proposing greater protection for the African Grey Parrot after population declines of 50% in multiple ranges.
African Grey Parrot —
The US, EU and seven countries are proposing greater protection for the African Grey Parrot after population declines of 50% in multiple ranges.
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Swaziland wishes to allow a regulated trade in rhino horns collected from natural deaths or recovered from poaching.
White Rhino —
Swaziland wishes to allow a regulated trade in rhino horns collected from natural deaths or recovered from poaching.
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South Africa is arguing for the introduction of hunting quotas alongside a program to farm zebras that it claims would increase their numbers.
Mountain Zebra —
South Africa is arguing for the introduction of hunting quotas alongside a program to farm zebras that it claims would increase their numbers.
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Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Egypt are among the countries proposing Appendix II protection of the sharks in an effort to control the rampant trade in their fins.
Thresher Shark —
Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Egypt are among the countries proposing Appendix II protection of the sharks in an effort to control the rampant trade in their fins.
courtesy thresher shark divers
One of several gecko species that could receive Appendix I protection as a rapidly growing pet market has become a threat to wild populations.
Turquoise dwarf gecko —
One of several gecko species that could receive Appendix I protection as a rapidly growing pet market has become a threat to wild populations.
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Madagascar is proposing to move the species to Appendix II as the populations are "stable and abundant."
Tomato frog —
Madagascar is proposing to move the species to Appendix II as the populations are "stable and abundant."
CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS/DPA/AFP/Getty Images