NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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What is the primary objective of CITES?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ATo promote international trade in forest timber.
BTo ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
CTo ban all trade of wild animals globally.
DTo establish zoos in every country.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

Option Analysis:

Option (a) is Incorrect: CITES does not exist to promote trade in forest timber. While it regulates trade in specific endangered timber species (e.g., Rosewood), its primary function is conservation and regulation, not the promotion of commerce.
Option (b) is Correct: The fundamental objective of CITES is to subject international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. This ensures that trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable, preventing over-exploitation that would threaten the survival of wild populations.
Option (c) is Incorrect: CITES does not ban all trade of wild animals globally. It classifies species into three Appendices based on the threat level. While commercial trade is generally prohibited for species in Appendix I (threatened with extinction), trade is permitted but regulated for species in Appendix II and III.
Option (d) is Incorrect: The establishment of zoos falls under ex-situ conservation measures managed by national governments or private entities. CITES deals specifically with the cross-border movement and trade of wildlife, not domestic captive management.

Key Takeaway:

CITES is a legally binding international agreement designed to regulate and monitor the international trade of wild fauna and flora to prevent over-exploitation and extinction.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Option Analysis:

Option (a) is Incorrect: CITES does not exist to promote trade in forest timber. While it regulates trade in specific endangered timber species (e.g., Rosewood), its primary function is conservation and regulation, not the promotion of commerce.
Option (b) is Correct: The fundamental objective of CITES is to subject international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. This ensures that trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable, preventing over-exploitation that would threaten the survival of wild populations.
Option (c) is Incorrect: CITES does not ban all trade of wild animals globally. It classifies species into three Appendices based on the threat level. While commercial trade is generally prohibited for species in Appendix I (threatened with extinction), trade is permitted but regulated for species in Appendix II and III.
Option (d) is Incorrect: The establishment of zoos falls under ex-situ conservation measures managed by national governments or private entities. CITES deals specifically with the cross-border movement and trade of wildlife, not domestic captive management.

Key Takeaway:

CITES is a legally binding international agreement designed to regulate and monitor the international trade of wild fauna and flora to prevent over-exploitation and extinction.