Notification to the Parties

CONCERNING:

COLOMBIA

Export of skins of Caiman crocodilus

1. This Notification is distributed at the request of the Management Authority of Colombia.

2. Pursuant to the recommendations of the CITES Secretariat based on its assessment of the captive-breeding system in Colombia, the Colombian authorities, in cooperation with the private sector, have recently reviewed the captive-breeding operations of Caiman crocodilus in Colombia.

3. Following this review, the following size limits were established for crocodilian skins or parts thereof that can be exported from Colombia:

a) Full skins

Salted: Maximum length of 125 cm, 80% of skins should not exceed 120 cm

Tanned: Maximum length of 130 cm, 80% of skins should not exceed 125 cm

b) Flanks

Salted: Maximum length of 63 cm, 80% of skins should not exceed 60 cm

Tanned: Maximum length of 86 cm, 80% of skins should not exceed 80 cm

These lengths apply to the large flanks, i.e. those which include the throat skin. No lengths are given for flanks which do not include the throat skins and are therefore shorter. The relatively large difference between size limits for salted and tanned flanks is due to increased variability in hydration rates, the way the flanks are cut and the changes in shape resulting from the tanning process.

c) Tails

Salted or tanned: maximum length of 60 cm

d) Bellies

Salted: maximum length of 45 cm

Tanned: maximum length of 50 cm

4. The CITES Management Authority of Colombia requests the collaboration of all Parties in checking that shipments of crocodilian specimens from Colombia are in conformity with the sizes indicated above. In addition, the Management Authority of Colombia would like to be informed of any irregularity in order to be able to take appropriate measures without delay.

5. The present Notification cancels and replaces Notification to the Parties No. 978 of 2 June 1997.