CITES is an international agreement regulating the import and export of endangered animals and plants. What’s this? And why is it important? CITES officer Avi Narula is going to tell you.

Avi has worked with big cats, endangered turtles, and renegade scamps like skunks and racoons. Now he’s here in Aotearoa New Zealand making sure wildlife goods don’t illegally cross the borders.

The most important thing he wants you to know is that before you shop or travel, please check if your item needs a wildlife permit. More info on our CITES page.

• The birdsong in this episode is a dawn chorus.
• The music used is 'Let’s Get Down to Business' by Cast of Characters.

Te reo Māori translation: Kia ora! Ko Erica Wilkinson tēnei. He kōnae ipurangi tēnei, e pā ana ki ngā Sounds of Science. (Hi! My name is Erica Wilkinson and this is a podcast about Sounds of Science).

We had some sound difficulties with this recording. We’re sorry and have resolved this for future episodes. Avi’s stories are still top notch, and we hope you enjoy the episode.