Why is the Asian Arowana listed on CITES Appendix I?
Answer
Intense collection pressure due to its cultural value leading to an endangered classification.
The intense cultural weight assigned to the Asian Arowana, frequently associated with bringing luck and wealth in many Asian cultures, has fueled exceptionally high demand. This desirability results in intense collection pressure being placed upon wild populations, consequently leading to the species being classified as endangered. Due to this precarious status, the Asian Arowana has been assigned a listing on CITES Appendix I, which serves to implement a ban on all international commercial trade involving wild-caught specimens to prevent further depletion.

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