In addition to taking species conservation issues into account in spatial planning, the species conservation department also monitors the trade, possession, and transport of protected species. This is because the illegal trade in exotic animal and plant species in particular is still a million-dollar business. Many species are threatened with extinction and are subject to strict trade bans. Nevertheless, illegal trade has increased and led to a decline in numerous animals and plants.

But endangered animal and plant species are also protected within Germany and Europe. For example, they may not be killed or removed from the wild. In addition to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and the EC Species Protection Regulation, the European Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive and the Birds Directive, as well as the Federal Nature Conservation Act with the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, are particularly relevant.

The Green and Environment Office is responsible for the following tasks in species protection:

• Data management for all individuals of protected species subject to reporting requirements kept in the urban area
• Issuing certificates for marketing and transport (within the EU)
• Checking the studbooks
• Monitoring trade
• Identifying and punishing administrative offenses, confiscating and seizing specimens