Investigations needed into live reptile trafficking, report says
Reptiles - and to a lesser degree amphibians - are a favourite target of the illicit trade in wild animals to supply a huge global demand for exotic pets.According to the Namibia national report for wildlife protection for 2022, there are many indications that live reptiles are being trafficked out of Namibia, although few cases have been registered.
“It is probable that an illicit trade in live reptiles out of Namibia is also taking place. There is thus an urgent need to prioritise investigations in this sector.”
A recent example was reported in Vienna, Austria, where dozens of live geckos were found in the luggage of a passenger.
On 23 May, customs officials at the Vienna International Airport confiscated the illegally transported reptiles, which apparently hail from Namibia.
A total of 85 geckos of different species as well as two snakes and two scorpions were saved.
The report pointed out that Namibia is home to a large diversity of reptiles such as geckos, chameleons, agamas, skinks, lacertids, girdled lizards, monitors, snakes, tortoises and crocodiles, with over 250 species recorded.
“Perhaps surprisingly, Namibia is also home to around 60 species of amphibians, a considerable number for a mostly dry country.”
Complicated
This rich herpetofauna is an important component of Namibia’s biodiversity, the report said, adding that it is an interesting facet of tourism attractions, particularly as many smaller species are endemic.
International research has found that over 35% of all globally known reptile species are traded online, but only around 25% are protected by law, it said.
“The international trade in live reptiles is massive and complicated by the fact that legal keeping and breeding of various reptiles is taking place in many countries.”
This makes the illicit trade more difficult to control and places a broader burden on a group of animals already impacted by extensive trafficking of skins and other parts.
According to the report, South Africa has recorded numerous cases of reptile trafficking in the recent years.