The first major update of regulations that implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora since 1977 took effect in September.

The extensive revisions clarify procedures and provide an easy-to-use guide for American companies involved in the multi-billion-dollar animal and plant import and export business, according to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne.

CITES provides varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 species of animals and plants, including all primates, whales, bears, seahorses, giant clams, tortoises, crocodilians, pythons, orchids, cacti, sturgeon, falcons, hawks and most parrots. International trade in CITES species is regulated by the 172 countries, including the United States, that are signatories to the 1973 treaty.