10 Most Wanted (page 2 of 2)

Illegal ivory seizures have been on the increase since 1995, led by high demand in China. There are between 35,000 and 50,000 Asian elephants in the wild, with an additional 15,000 in captivity.

Pig-Nosed Turtles (Carettochelys insculpta):
Even with its bizarre, protruding snout, this giant freshwater turtle - found only in Papua New Guinea, Northern Australia, and Indonesia - is a popular pet worldwide and its population is suffering from high demand from the international pet trade. The turtles' nests are also often robbed of their eggs, which are either eaten or sold.

Yellow-Crested Cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea):
There are fewer than 10,000 of these exotic-looking birds. Highly prized by the international pet trade, Indonesia, where they are found, is proposing an end to all international commercial trade at this CITES meeting.

Leaf-tailed Geckos (Uroplatus spp.):
All 10 species of the leaf-tailed gecko are found in Madagascar. These lizards, with their bark-like appearance, are sold at alarming rates for the international pet trade. They are also threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.

Asian Yew Trees (Taxus chinensis, T. cuspidata, T. fuana, T. sumatrana):
Yew trees all over Asia are unsustainably harvested for their bark and needles, which contain a chemical used in the cancer medication, Taxol. If the harvest continues at its current rate, the species may no longer be available for widespread use as a helpful medicine.

Several of these species - the tiger and Asian elephant, for example - have remained on WWF's "most wanted" list over the past decade, indicating little progress in stopping illegal trade and other threats to their survival.

Other species, such as ramin and great white shark, have moved onto the list because of a dramatic increase in demand for their products on global markets. As a result, trade in these species needs to be regulated and well-managed.

These species have been chosen to reflect the diversity and geographical range of wild species affected by uncontrolled or unregulated international trade. WWF has chosen priority species for lobbying and advocacy at this year's CITES CoP in Bangkok. WWF's priorities this year include Humphead Wrasse, Ramin, Great White, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Saiga Antelope, African Elephants and Minke Whales.