This practice has led to the illegal trade of many Australian native species, including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The illegal trade of Australian native species is a serious problem with significant consequences. It threatens the survival of these species and their ecosystems. It also poses a risk to human health and safety.
We also analyzed social media posts and online communities dedicated to reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. Our findings revealed a thriving online trade in these animals, with a significant portion of sellers operating outside of Australia. **Key Findings:**
* **Global Reach:** The online trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians extends far beyond Australia’s borders.
* The illegal trade of endangered species is a serious concern. * Australian species are being sold on 152 websites and 27 social media pages. * The trade is particularly prevalent in the United States and Europe. * The Australian government has taken steps to combat this illegal trade.
The Australian government has been aware of this issue for years, but has been slow to act. The demand for exotic pets, particularly in Asia, has fueled this illegal trade. The Australian government has been slow to act, partly due to a lack of resources and expertise. They have also been hampered by a complex web of international regulations and agreements.
This agreement, known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), was signed in 1973. It is a legally binding treaty that regulates international trade in wild animals and plants. CITES aims to prevent the illegal trade of endangered species and to ensure sustainable use of their populations.
Just over 50% of the Australian species we identified in our study are now covered by the convention. Just over 50% of Australian species identified in our study are now covered by the CITES. **Summary**
Appendix III is used for monitoring trade rather than restricting it.
The study highlights the challenges of implementing effective surveillance methods in the online pet trade. These challenges include:
* **Rapidly evolving online platforms:** Online platforms are constantly changing, making it difficult to keep up with new features and functionalities. This can lead to difficulties in developing and deploying effective surveillance methods.
Our study provides the first comprehensive overview of trade in Australian reptiles and frogs worldwide. Ongoing monitoring is needed to ensure this trade poses no threat to survival of these species. We encourage the Australian government to list more species under the convention and deploy more sophisticated online surveillance methods. Now we know which species are traded overseas, we need to ensure the trade is sustainable. /Courtesy of The Conversation. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).
