Global Trade of Australian Reptiles: Highlights and Concerns

Trade in exotic pets, including Australian species, is a booming market. Despite a ban since 1982, many native reptiles and frogs are traded internationally. The study found 163 reptile and 7 frog species are trafficked, often illegally. Enhanced surveillance and international cooperation are required to monitor this trade and protect endangered species.

Adelaide, Sep 10 (The Conversation) - The trade in exotic pets, particularly from foreign countries, constitutes a global multibillion-dollar industry. Australian species are highly coveted, despite the nation banning the commercial export of all live native animals in 1982. Once these creatures exit the country, Australian laws lose their effect, enabling many species to be legally traded without restrictions overseas.

New research has uncovered that 163 Australian reptile species and seven frogs are being traded internationally. This covers more than one in six (16%) of all Australian reptile species and about 3% of Australian frogs. Although many are bred in captivity for the pet market, records reveal some are still illegally taken from the wild.

To counteract the illegal online trade, more sophisticated monitoring methods and international cooperation are essential. Our study utilized web scrapers and machine learning to gather and analyze data from various online sources. The findings indicate that Australian species are sold predominantly in the USA and Europe, with popular choices including bearded dragons, goannas, and various geckos.

As species become rarer, their value skyrockets, making them prime targets for smugglers. A significant police operation in New South Wales this year uncovered over 250 lizards intended for illegal export, valued at up to AUD 1.2 million. Despite stringent laws, smuggling remains an ongoing issue.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) works to ensure international trade does not threaten species' survival. In 2022, Australia added 127 lizard species to CITES Appendix III, a major stride in monitoring trade. However, a large number of Australian reptiles and all native frogs remain unregulated. The study advocates for more species to be listed under CITES and emphasizes the necessity for improved online trade surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies.)