2012. Review of Significant Trade - Cites

Hippocampus kuda
1999b), in Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan POC (Lourie et al., 1999a), where it was reported
from Chengkong [Chenggong] in Taitung County (Lee, 1983) and Ta Pong Bay [both southwestern
Taiwan POC] (Lourie et al., 2005).
Population trends and status: The CITES Management Authority of China (X. Meng, in litt.
to UNEP-WCMC, 2011) noted that Hippocampus spp. showed a scattered distribution and
low population densities. In Zhejiang province, the Hippocampus spp. population was
estimated at between 0 and 2.29 tons in 2008, with H. kelloggi considered the dominant
species (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Domestic sources of Hippocampus spp. were
considered to be depleted (Vincent et al., 2005) and H. kuda was categorised as Endangered
in the Chinese Red Data Book (Wang and Xie, 2004). The species was thought to have been
abundant in the past, but a gradual declines over the last 10 years [presumably 1995- 2004]
were reported and expected to continue (Wang and Xie, 2004).
Threats: Demand for traditional medicine was reported to have depleted local supplies of
Hippocampus spp. and, as demand was not being met, smaller specimens were reported to be
used, primarily for traditional medicine (Vincent, 1996). Overfishing was considered to
threaten H. kuda and pressure on wild populations was expected to increase (Wang and Xie,
2004) although the genus was reported to be obtained through by-catch rather than through
a target fishery in China (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011; Vincent, 1996) and Taiwan
POC (CoP12 Prop. 37). Habitat destruction was also considered a threat to the species (Wang
and Xie, 2004).
Trade: According to data in the CITES Trade Database, direct exports reported by China
2004-2010, consisted primarily of wild-sourced bodies and derivatives traded for commercial
purposes (Table 3). Annual reports from China have been received for all years over this
period. In addition, Hong Kong SAR reported the direct export of 30 live, captive-bred
specimens of H. kuda for zoological purposes in 2005.
Table 3. Direct exports of Hippocampus kuda from China, 2004-2010 (with quantities rounded to
the nearest tenth of a kg, where applicable). The species was listed in Appendix II on 15/05/2004.
Source Term Units Reported by 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
W bodies kg Exporter 50.0 611.6 17.3 56.5 735.4
Importer
- Exporter 1000 1000
Importer 3160 3160
derivatives kg Exporter 327.2 513.3 210.1 1050.6
Importer
- Exporter 1900 2000 3900
Importer 1200 1200
C derivatives kg Exporter
Importer 0.3 0.3
Source: CITES Trade Database, UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK
All indirect exports of H. kuda originating in China were re-exported over the period 2005-
2010 via Hong Kong SAR, primarily to the United States.
Domestic trade in Hippocampus spp. in the mid 1990s was thought to amount to at least 20
tonnes (five to six million specimens) annually (Vincent, 1996), and 7 tons in 2007 (X. Meng,
in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Annual harvests of 20 tonnes Hippocampus spp. were
reported to be taken in three provinces (CoP12 Prop. 37). The CITES MA of China noted that
higher volumes of H. kuda were being exported than imported (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-
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