ABSTRACT
This chapter will focus on how we protect the most vulnerable animals: those that are in danger of extinction. The chapter will examine the control of trade in endangered species, which is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The chapter will then focus on a case study of the measures in place to protect whales and dolphins. The legislative framework and the success of the legislation in protecting these animals will be examined. Habitat protection is as important in this area as the individual protection given to the various animals. The international protection of habitat and of biodiversity was the subject of Chapter 8. This chapter will, however, look briefly at the protection of the marine environment, as this affects the survival or otherwise of whales and dolphins, which has not been covered elsewhere. The loss of species through slaughter, war, pollution and habitat destruction does not have to be an inevitable consequence of our existence on earth. The chapter explores some of the choices that we have to make if we are to save some of the most vulnerable species.
