Because the Brachypelma species are so desirable they are protected by CITES, (convention of international trade in endangered species of flora and fauna), they are listed under appendix II .

What is appendix II

“Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species", i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons (see Article II, paragraph 2 of the Convention). International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting an export permit or re-export certificate; no import permit is necessary. Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. (See Article IV of the Convention)” Source; cites.org official documents.

The listing until recently was as follows;

Brachypelma albopilosum Valerio, 1980

Brachypelma angustum Valerio, 1980

Brachypelma auratum Schmidt, 1992

Brachypelma aureoceps Chamberlin, 1917

Brachypelma baumgarteni Smith, 1993

Brachypelma boehmei Schmidt & Klaas, 1993

Brachypelma embrithes Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936

Brachypelma emilia White, 1856

Brachypelma epicureanum Chamberlin, 1925

Brachypelma fossorium Valerio, 1980

Brachypelma sabulosum Pickard-Cambridge, 1897

Brachypelma smithi Pickard-Cambridge, 1897

Brachypelma vagans Ausserer, 1875

Following the report of the nomenclature committee 13 th meeting Bangkok 2 – 14 October 2004

The list is amended to include,

Brachypelma andrewi Schmidt, 1992

Brachypelma annitha Tesmoingt, Cleton and Verdez, 1997

Brachypelma hamorii Tesmoingt, Cleton and Verdez, 1997

Brachypelma klaasi Schmidt and Krause, 1994

Brachypelma schroederi Rudloff, 2003

Brachypelma verdezi Schmidt, 2003

It was also recommended that the Mexican government develop a proposal to include ruhnaui in appendix II. This being because ruhnaui is argued to be Brachypelmides, so until the taxonomy has been examined by the NC it cannot be listed as Brachypelma. Therefore to protect the species it does need to be included.