Working Groups

SSN’s interdisciplinary Working Groups combine the talents, knowledge and experience of the staffs of SSN’s member organizations, including biologists, lawyers, and trade and enforcement experts. SSN Working Groups develop and implement plans to advocate and improve CITES protection for species in trade. For example, the Elephant Working Group advocates the maintenance of a ban on the international trade in elephant ivory; the Whale and Dolphin Working Group advocates the maintenance of a ban on the international trade in great whales; and the Bear Working Group advocates a ban on the international trade in bear viscera which are used in traditional medicine. The SSN also has Working Groups on Amphibians, Animals in Captivity, Birds, Implementation, Fish, Primate, Rhino, Sea Turtle, Big Cats, Timber, Trophy Hunting, and Wildlife Trade.