Part 2: Illegality in the exotic pet trade

Australia is both a source and destination country for illegal wildlife trade, particularly the trade in live animals to be used as pets. High demand from reptile and pet collectors in Europe and North America, and increasing demand in China, Japan and other Asian countries, is intensifying pressure on Australian wildlife. Over 80 percent of Australian flora and fauna are endemic (Alacs, 2008).

Wildlife seizures have been increasing in Australia, with lizards, snakes and other reptiles making up the majority of animals seized alive (Wyatt, 2013)