A protected animal species is a wild species which is the subject of conservation measures.

A wild animal (or non-domestic animal) is an animal belonging to a species which has not undergone modification by selection on the part of man. Any animal not listed in the pet list fixed by ministerial order is a wild animal.

In France, protected species are listed by ministerial orders.

The following actions shall be prohibited:

• Destroy or remove eggs or nests of animals of these species
• Mutilate, kill or capture these animals
• Intentionally disturb these animals in their natural environment
• Naturalize them
• Transporting, peddling, using, keeping animals of these species
• Sell, sell or buy animals

It is also prohibited to destroy, alter or degrade the natural habitats of these species.

For example, it is forbidden to capture, detain, kill hedgehogs, squirrels, beavers, otters, wolves, lynx, bears, common vipers, black salamanders.

Failure to comply with these safeguards is punishable by 3 years imprisonment and €150,000 of fine.

At international level, wildlife protection is organized by the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (Cites).

This convention, also known as Washington Convention, shall organize the protection of species of wild fauna (and flora) through the control of their trade.

This Convention regulates international trade in specimens of species listed in its Annexes.

Species covered by Cites are listed in one of the 3 annexes of the Convention according to the level of protection they need:

• Annex I includes all endangered species which are or could be affected by trade. Trade in specimens of these species should be subject to particularly strict regulations so as not to further endanger their survival, and should only be allowed under exceptional conditions
• Annex II includes all species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but whose trade in specimens is regulated to prevent exploitation incompatible with their survival
• Annex III includes all protected species in a country who asked the other countries that have joined the convention for their assistance in controlling trade

At European level, the Cites Convention is implemented through a Council Regulation of the European Union.

The Cites Convention applies in France.

Thus, trade in live or dead animals listed in the various annexes to the Convention is regulated. The same applies to trade in products derived from these animals (skins, feathers, teeth, etc.) and in goods derived from or containing products of these animals (hides, cosmetic products, etc.).

For example, it is forbidden to sell or buy a lion cub, ivory, a gray parrot from Gabon, a tiger skin, seahorses, green turtle shell jewelry, etc.