New Rules Proposed to Combat Exotic Pet Trade at CITES Conference

Conservationists are advocating for stricter regulations to address the growing exotic pet trade, which poses threats to wildlife. The ongoing Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and will run until March 15, 2024. During this two-week gathering, multiple proposals aimed at regulating the pet trade will be discussed, including potential bans on several species, such as iguanas from the Galapagos Islands and various tarantula species from Latin America.

According to Susan Lieberman, Vice President for International Policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society, the pet trade is increasingly focused on reptiles and amphibians. “People want rare species and they don’t have to go into a pet shop,” Lieberman explained. The convenience of purchasing animals online has facilitated access to endangered and illegally sourced species, with social media influencers further driving demand.

The rise of online marketplaces has transformed the landscape of wildlife trafficking. Matt Collis, Senior Director of International Policy at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, highlighted that consumers are now directly connected to wildlife traders globally. “In today’s society where pretty much anything can be bought with a click of a button, no wildlife is safe,” Collis stated.

Escalating Threats to Wildlife

An IFAW report noted that illegal trade in Latin America is on the rise, with over 100,000 animals seized or poached from 2017 to 2022. The live pet trade has become a significant portion of this, with reptiles accounting for approximately 60% of the animals involved. The report revealed that many creatures are not only traded locally but also shipped to collectors in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Among the species under discussion at the CITES conference is the critically endangered Home’s Hinged-back Tortoise, native to West Africa. This tortoise possesses a unique hinge that allows it to close off its back legs and tail. Proposals for tighter controls also include two viper species endemic to Ethiopia and the leaf-tailed gecko from Australia, both increasingly popular among collectors.

The illegal trade in Galapagos iguanas has raised alarms, with proposals from Ecuador seeking to ban the trade of these reptiles, which are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Concerns have been raised about traders capturing young iguanas and mislabeling them as captive bred to evade authorities. These iguanas can fetch prices as high as $25,000 on the black market, largely destined for markets in Japan and other Asian countries.

Regulatory Challenges and Industry Pushback

The United States supports several proposals aimed at enhancing protections for iguanas, sloths, vipers, and tortoises, but opposes the inclusion of rattlesnake listings. Collis pointed out that the CITES framework is often undermined by countries issuing permits without verifying animal origins, allowing traffickers to exploit loopholes.

“Countries issuing export permits should be checking that these animals were legally acquired,” Collis noted. Yet, this verification is often lacking, complicating efforts to protect endangered species. Lieberman emphasized that the original intent of CITES—to alleviate pressure on wild populations—has been compromised by the rise in captive breeding, which can inadvertently create a market for wild specimens.

A proposal to regulate the trade of over a dozen tarantula species has also emerged, highlighting the high demand for these invertebrates. Bolivia, Argentina, and Panama are advocating for regulations that ensure legal, sustainable, and traceable sources. The proposal notes that many species are not currently regulated internationally, despite their high availability in trade.

In contrast, the United States Association of Reptile Keepers has expressed opposition to the tarantula listings, arguing that the current regulations adequately protect species. David Garcia, the organization’s legal counsel, remarked that many proposals reflect government overreach and that restricting captive breeding may not be the most effective approach.

As the CITES conference continues, the discussions and proposals put forth will significantly influence the future of the exotic pet trade and the protection of endangered species. With wildlife exploitation recognized as a major driver of global extinction, addressing these challenges is critical to preserving biodiversity for generations to come.