Computer-aided identification and description of CITES protected trade timbers

Résumé

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The recognition of CITES protected wood species is of prime importance for controlling trade and enforcing regulations pertaining to protected species. A valuable support for computer-assisted wood identification based on macroscopic features is now available from a database developed in the DELTA-INTKEY-System. CITESwoodID contains descriptions and an interactive identification system for 8 CITES-listed trade timbers (7 hardwoods, 1 softwood) and 1 proposed timber currently under CITES observation, all known for their potential for the production of lumber and downstream processing into products. For comparison, 43 trade timbers are also included, which can be easily mistaken for CITES-listed timbers due to a very similar appearance and/or wood anatomical structure. The database is primarily designed for institutions and persons involved in controlling imports as well as exports of wood and wood products covered by CITES regulations. It also serves as a useful tool for all primary and secondary educational facilities teaching wood anatomy and wood identification. (Résumé d'auteur)