How does the internet impact the exotic pet trade?

The internet provides direct access for consumers to wildlife traders, facilitating the sale and shipment of thousands of animals, including endangered and illegally obtained species.

What is CITES doing about the exotic pet trade?

CITES is considering proposals for tighter regulations or bans on the international trade of several species that are vulnerable to overexploitation.

What is the US role in the exotic pet trade crisis?

The United States is a major market, importing millions of live exotic animals annually, which is identified as a significant driver of the global extinction crisis.

Home / Environment / Online Pet Trade Fuels Extinction Crisis

Online Pet Trade Fuels Extinction Crisis

2 Dec

•

Summary

Internet marketplaces and social media drive illegal exotic pet trade.
CITES conference considers tighter regulations on endangered species.
US is a major importer of live exotic animals annually.

The burgeoning exotic pet trade, significantly driven by online platforms and social media, is pushing conservationists to call for enhanced regulations. These illicit activities are increasingly impacting wild populations of reptiles, birds, and other animals, which are now readily available for purchase online.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is currently deliberating proposals to tighten controls or implement outright bans on the trade of several species. These include iguanas from the Galapagos Islands, numerous Latin American tarantulas, and unique African turtles, highlighting the diverse range of animals affected by this trade.

Data reveals the United States as a major hub for this trade, importing approximately 90 million live exotic animals annually. This extensive import volume directly contributes to the global extinction crisis, with experts emphasizing the urgent need to address the US role in exotic pet trafficking to protect biodiversity.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.