CITES CoP20 in Samarkand approves creation of a Great Apes Enforcement Task Force 

PEGAS welcomes the adoption of Uganda’s proposal for the creation of a Great Apes Enforcement Task Force at the recent CITES CoP20 in Samarkand.

The Great Apes Enforcement Task Force is a crucial, often discussed initiative under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to combat the severe illegal trafficking of gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, with a proposal for its re-establishment recently adopted at CITES COP20 in late 2025 to coordinate range, transit, and consumer nations for better enforcement, addressing issues like fake “captive-bred” claims and social media sales. It builds on past efforts, aiming to create collaborative strategies to stop poaching and the illicit trade in live apes and their parts, which often involves the slaughter of entire families for infants, using networks like PASA and GRASP for support. 

Why it’s Needed:

• Industrial-Scale Trafficking: Great apes are heavily poached for the illegal pet trade, entertainment, and body parts, with high mortality rates for family members (5-10 apes die for one baby).
• Exploiting Legal Loopholes: Traffickers use “captive-bred” facilities and social media to launder wild-caught apes, creating a significant enforcement challenge.
• CITES Protections Overlooked: Despite all great apes being in CITES Appendix I (highest protection), illegal trade thrives, requiring better implementation and enforcement. 

Key Goals of the Task Force:

• Collaborative Enforcement: Bring together countries where apes live (range states), transit hubs, and consumer nations to share intelligence and act jointly.
• Address All Aspects of Trade: Tackle illegal capture, transit through airports (like Dubai/Abu Dhabi), fake captive breeding, and online sales.
• Support Range States: Provide assistance to countries struggling with enforcement and managing confiscated apes. 

Recent Developments (late 2025):

• CITES COP20 Adoption: Uganda’s proposal to re-establish the Task Force was unanimously adopted in November/December 2025, highlighting the urgency.
• Focus on Africa: The task force will specifically focus on African great apes (chimps, gorillas, bonobos) but also includes orangutans. 

Organizations Involved:

• CITES Secretariat & ICCWC: Coordinating the effort.
• GRASP (Great Ape Survival Partnership) & PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance): Providing expertise and on-the-ground support.
• NGOs: Groups like Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) advocate for action.