Part 2 of the Wildlife crime – understanding risks, avenues for action learning series provides companies, policy makers, practitioners and law enforcement with information and background knowledge on crime and corruption in the exotic pet trade.
5. Focus on Australia: pet trafficking hub
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)