• It is an International agreement to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild animal and plant species. 
• It restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food, clothing, medicine, and souvenirs.
• It was signed on March 3, 1973. Its secretariat is at Geneva (Switzerland).
• It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals.

India with aims to boost the protection of five animal species as they are facing a high risk of international trade. It has submitted proposals regarding changes to the listing of various wildlife species in the CITES secretariat meeting, scheduled later this month in Geneva, Switzerland.

• The proposals submitted are regarding changes in the listing of the smooth-coated otter, small-clawed otter, Indian star tortoise, Tokay gecko, wedgefish and Indian rosewood.