1
|
Morton O, Nijman V, Edwards DP. Assessing and improving the veracity of international trade in captive-bred animals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120240. [PMID: 38340671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Captive breeding is often seen as a solution to sustainably increasing the supply of individuals in the wildlife trade. To be an effective conservation measure this requires robust systems to verify the authenticity of captive-bred species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) monitors the international trade in Listed species-which for many taxa is dominated by captive-bred individuals-using the Review of Captive Trade (RCT) process. A key question is how best to identify laundered or inauthentic captive-bred trade and how has this changed over time and space. We develop targeted assessments based on multiple RCT criteria to identify probable instances of laundering and misuse of source and purpose codes in international trade records, and apply this to 39,167 records of captive trade from 2000 to 2020 spanning 53,674,762 individuals. We find a very low proportion of trade volume (1.8%, 37,835 individuals) misreported as originating from non-existent, registered Appendix I-breeding facilities, and low instances of exporter-reported captive trade being recorded by importers as wild-sourced (<4%) or ranched (1%). We also find that <2% of species-year-exporter records have abrupt shifts from wild to captive sources, potentially indicating laundering. Conversely, we find high incidences of exporter- and importer-reported trade differing in whether the trade was commercial or not - a phenomenon we attribute to differing definitions, not illegal activity. Our results indicate a low incidence of concerning international trade being reported, but we suggest this likely stems from reporting requirements that limit our assessments. We highlight additional trade data that, if embedded into Party's annual reports, would vastly improve inferential potential, greatly increasing the number of records (Appendix II and III species) that could be verified with minimal effort for management authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Morton
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK; Department of Plant Sciences and Conservation Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - David P Edwards
- Department of Plant Sciences and Conservation Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brasileiro L, Mayrink RR, Pereira AC, Costa FJV, Nardoto GB. Differentiating wild from captive animals: an isotopic approach. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16460. [PMID: 38025752 PMCID: PMC10680447 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife farming can be an important but complex tool for conservation. To achieve conservation benefits, wildlife farming should meet a variety of criteria, including traceability conditions to identify the animals' origin. The traditional techniques for discriminating between wild and captive animals may be insufficient to prevent doubts or misdeclaration, especially when labels are not expected or mandatory. There is a pressing need to develop more accurate techniques to discriminate between wild and captive animals and their products. Stable isotope analysis has been used to identify animal provenance, and some studies have successfully demonstrated its potential to differentiate wild from captive animals. In this literature review, we examined an extensive collection of publications to develop an overall picture of the application of stable isotopes to distinguish between wild and captive animals focusing on evaluating the patterns and potential of this tool. Survey methodology We searched peer-reviewed publications in the Web of Science database and the references list from the main studies on the subject. We selected and analyzed 47 studies that used δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O, and δ34S in tissues from fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. We built a database from the isotope ratios and metadata extracted from the publications. Results Studies have been using stable isotopes in wild and captive animals worldwide, with a particular concentration in Europe, covering all main vertebrate groups. A total of 80.8% of the studies combined stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, and 88.2% used at least one of those elements. Fish is the most studied group, while amphibians are the least. Muscle and inert organic structures were the most analyzed tissues (46.81% and 42.55%). δ13C and δ15N standard deviation and range were significantly higher in the wild than in captive animals, suggesting a more variable diet in the first group. δ13C tended to be higher in wild fishes and in captive mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. δ15N was higher in the wild terrestrial animals when controlling for diet. Only 5.7% of the studies failed to differentiate wild and captive animals using stable isotopes. Conclusions This review reveals that SIA can help distinguish between wild and captive in different vertebrate groups, rearing conditions, and methodological designs. Some aspects should be carefully considered to use the methodology properly, such as the wild and captivity conditions, the tissue analyzed, and how homogeneous the samples are. Despite the increased use of SIA to distinguish wild from captive animals, some gaps remain since some taxonomic groups (e.g., amphibians), countries (e.g., Africa), and isotopes (e.g., δ2H, δ18O, and δ34S) have been little studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Brasileiro
- Diretoria de Fiscalização Ambiental, Brasilia Ambiental, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Mayrink
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Setor Técnico-Científico, Policia Federal, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - André Costa Pereira
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bielby J, Ferguson A, Rendle M, McMillan KM. Online classified adverts reflect the broader United Kingdom trade in turtles and tortoises rather than drive it. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288725. [PMID: 37440593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Online sales are increasingly a route by which exotic animals are sold in the global pet trade. There are numerous types of online platforms and transaction types, and dedicated classified advertisement sites are a popular means of buying and selling animals. Despite their large and increasing use, we have a relatively poor understanding of the number of, and taxonomic variation in, the animals sold online. This information may be key in efforts to optimise the welfare of the animals being sold, and the ethics and sustainability of the trade via that platform. To fill this knowledge gap, we monitored and analysed the advertisements of chelonians (turtles and tortoises) placed on one of the United Kingdom's largest dedicated classified ads sites, www.pets4homes.co.uk, over the course of a year, from July 2020 until June 2021. We analysed temporal, taxonomic, and advertiser related trends in the volumes of advertisements placed and compared the prices and the sentiment of language within adverts for different species. We found that the species advertised, the prices requested, and infrequent use of the site by most advertisers is consistent with most adverts being for animals being resold by casual users. Further, we found that turtles were consistently advertised for lower prices and in multiples than tortoises, and that the language with which they were advertised was less positive. We conclude that on this website the online trade reflects the broader trade, rather than drives the sales of chelonians in the UK, and that any interventions aiming to improve welfare and sustainability would be better placed earlier in the supply chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Bielby
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - Andy Ferguson
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Friskney, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew Rendle
- Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses, Market Harborough, United kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hughes A, Auliya M, Altherr S, Scheffers B, Janssen J, Nijman V, Shepherd CR, D'Cruze N, Sy E, Edwards DP. Determining the sustainability of legal wildlife trade. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 341:117987. [PMID: 37178541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Exploitation of wildlife represents one of the greatest threats to species survival according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Whilst detrimental impacts of illegal trade are well recognised, legal trade is often equated to being sustainable despite the lack of evidence or data in the majority of cases. We review the sustainability of wildlife trade, the adequacy of tools, safeguards, and frameworks to understand and regulate trade, and identify gaps in data that undermine our ability to truly understand the sustainability of trade. We provide 183 examples showing unsustainable trade in a broad range of taxonomic groups. In most cases, neither illegal nor legal trade are supported by rigorous evidence of sustainability, with the lack of data on export levels and population monitoring data precluding true assessments of species or population-level impacts. We propose a more precautionary approach to wildlife trade and monitoring that requires those who profit from trade to provide proof of sustainability. We then identify four core areas that must be strengthened to achieve this goal: (1) rigorous data collection and analyses of populations; (2) linking trade quotas to IUCN and international accords; (3) improved databases and compliance of trade; and (4) enhanced understanding of trade bans, market forces, and species substitutions. Enacting these core areas in regulatory frameworks, including CITES, is essential to the continued survival of many threatened species. There are no winners from unsustainable collection and trade: without sustainable management not only will species or populations become extinct, but communities dependent upon these species will lose livelihoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, China.
| | - Mark Auliya
- Department of Herpetology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Brett Scheffers
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jordi Janssen
- Monitor Conservation Research Society, PO BOX 200, Big Lake Ranch, BC, V0L 1G0, Canada
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Chris R Shepherd
- Monitor Conservation Research Society, PO BOX 200, Big Lake Ranch, BC, V0L 1G0, Canada
| | - Neil D'Cruze
- The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney, UK; World Animal Protection, 222 Greys Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HB, UK
| | - Emerson Sy
- Philippine Center for Terrestrial & Aquatic Research, Manila, Philippines
| | - David P Edwards
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Green J, Schmidt-Burbach J, Elwin A. Taking stock of wildlife farming: A global perspective. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
|
6
|
Mitchell B, Welch ME, van den Burg MP. Forensic Genetic Analyses of Melanistic Iguanas Highlight the Need to Monitor the Iguanid Trade. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192660. [PMID: 36230401 PMCID: PMC9559298 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The illegal pet trade remains an ongoing, substantial threat to wild populations, especially small insular populations, and can even lead to extinction. Fraudulent activity within the global reptile trade is known to occur, but its identification through forensic applications depends on knowledge of diversity within wild populations. In this study, we assessed the geographic origin of melanistic iguanas (Iguana iguana), which are only found in nations that have never authorized legal export of live animals. Analysis of genetic data from two pet iguanas in the USA flag these as originating from Saba or Montserrat, from which no export permits have ever been issued, confirming their illegal origin. Despite the international trade in I. iguana, in which tens- if not hundreds of thousands of specimens are traded each year, only a handful of individuals have been genetically assessed. Our work highlights the utility of applying forensic genetic techniques to this trade in order to track and discourage illegal activity. Abstract Lizards within the Iguana iguana species complex are among the most common reptilian pets, with the widest natural geographic range among iguanids. Deep phylogenetic divergence distinguishes multiple mitochondrial clades, and several taxonomic changes have recently been proposed. These small populations, typically island endemics, are threatened by numerous factors, including the international pet trade. Recent investigations reveal the absence of required CITES permits for lawful export of animals, providing evidence of ongoing illegal trade. Additional monitoring of trade in iguanas can be achieved through the application of forensic molecular techniques. In this study, two captive melanistic iguanas were genotyped for molecular markers for which geographic distributions of alleles have been established. Mitochondrial sequencing indicates that both animals carry a haplotype known to originate from the islands of Saba and Montserrat, populations taxonomically proposed to be Iguana melanoderma. Genotypes at 15 microsatellite loci are equally consistent with this origin, given the results of a principal component analysis. This first forensic genetic assessment within the extensive I. iguana pet trade highlights the presence of illegal activity. The need for additional forensic assessments of pet-trade iguanas is evident, especially given that their value is driven by variety and rarity, which is further intensified by recent taxonomic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blaklie Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Mark E. Welch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
- IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - Matthijs P. van den Burg
- IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- BioCoRe S. Coop., Calle Villagarcía 6, 28010 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dufour PC, Miot EF, So TC, Tang SL, Jones EE, Kong TC, Yuan FL, Sung YH, Dingle C, Bonebrake TC. Home and hub: pet trade and traditional medicine impact reptile populations in source locations and destinations. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221011. [PMID: 36100029 PMCID: PMC9470258 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pet trade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consumption are major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) are among the most traded reptile species worldwide. In Hong Kong, pet and TCM markets sell tokay geckos while wild populations also persist. To clarify connections between trade sources and destinations, we compared genetics and stable isotopes of wild tokays in local and non-local populations to dried individuals from TCM markets across Hong Kong. We found that TCM tokays are likely not of local origin. Most wild tokays were related to individuals in South China, indicating a probable natural origin. However, two populations contained individuals more similar to distant populations, indicating pet trade origins. Our results highlight the complexity of wildlife trade impacts within trade hubs. Such trade dynamics complicate local legal regulation when endangered species are protected, but the same species might also be non-native and possibly damaging to the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline C. Dufour
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elliott F. Miot
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Limited, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Chun So
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shun Long Tang
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Emily E. Jones
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Ching Kong
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Felix Landry Yuan
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Caroline Dingle
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy C. Bonebrake
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Macdonald DW, Harrington LA, Moorhouse TP, D'Cruze N. Trading Animal Lives: Ten Tricky Issues on the Road to Protecting Commodified Wild Animals. Bioscience 2021; 71:846-860. [PMID: 34876885 PMCID: PMC8643462 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife commodification can generate benefits for biodiversity conservation, but it also has negative impacts; overexploitation of wildlife is currently one of the biggest drivers of vertebrate extinction risk. In the present article, we highlight 10 issues that in our experience impede sustainable and humane wildlife trade. Given humanity's increasing demands on the natural world we question whether many aspects of wildlife trade can be compatible with appropriate standards for biodiversity conservation and animal welfare, and suggest that too many elements of wildlife trade as it currently stands are not sustainable for wildlife or for the livelihoods that it supports. We suggest that the onus should be on traders to demonstrate that wildlife use is sustainable, humane, and safe (with respect to disease and invasion risk), rather than on conservationists to demonstrate it is not, that there is a need for a broad acceptance of responsibility and, ultimately, widespread behavior change. We urge conservationists, practitioners, and others to take bold, progressive steps to reach consensus and action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Neil D'Cruze
- Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, Tubney, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Andersson AA, Gibson L, Baker DM, Cybulski JD, Wang S, Leung B, Chu LM, Dingle C. Stable isotope analysis as a tool to detect illegal trade in critically endangered cockatoos. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Andersson
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - L. Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - D. M. Baker
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - J. D. Cybulski
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - S. Wang
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - B. Leung
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - L. M. Chu
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - C. Dingle
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sousa LMD, Lucanus O, Arroyo-Mora JP, Kalacska M. Conservation and trade of the endangered Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), one of the most trafficked Brazilian fish. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
11
|
Gomez L. The illegal hunting and exploitation of porcupines for meat and medicine in Indonesia. NATURE CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.43.62750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Indonesia is home to five species of porcupines, three of which are island endemics. While all five species are currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, impacts of harvest and trade have not been factored in. To gain a fuller understanding of the porcupine trade in Indonesia, this study examines seizure data of porcupines, their parts and derivatives from January 2013 to June 2020. A total of 39 incidents were obtained amounting to an estimated 452 porcupines. Various confiscated commodities revealed porcupines are traded for consumption, traditional medicine, trophies/charms as well as for privately run wildlife/recreational parks. Targeted hunting of porcupines for commercial international trade was also evident. Porcupines are also persecuted as agricultural pests and wildlife traffickers take advantage of such situations to procure animals for trade. What clearly emerges from this study is that porcupines are being illegally hunted and exploited throughout their range in Indonesia facilitated by poor enforcement and legislative weakness. Porcupines are in decline due to habitat loss, retaliatory killings and uncontrolled poaching. It is therefore crucial that effective conservation measures are taken sooner rather than later to prevent further depletion of these species. Including all porcupines as protected species under Indonesian wildlife laws and listing them in Appendix II of CITES to improve regulation, enforcement and monitoring of domestic and international trade trends involving porcupines in Indonesia would contribute significantly towards this end.
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Borzée A, Kielgast J, Wren S, Angulo A, Chen S, Magellan K, Messenger KR, Hansen-Hendrikx CM, Baker A, Santos MMD, Kusrini M, Jiang J, Maslova IV, Das I, Park D, Bickford D, Murphy RW, Che J, Van Do T, Nguyen TQ, Chuang MF, Bishop PJ. Using the 2020 global pandemic as a springboard to highlight the need for amphibian conservation in eastern Asia. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 255:108973. [PMID: 35125500 PMCID: PMC8798316 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Emerging infectious diseases are on the rise in many different taxa, including, among others, the amphibian batrachochytrids, the snake fungal disease and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, responsible for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in mammals. Following the onset of the pandemic linked to COVID-19, eastern Asia has shown strong leadership, taking actions to regulate the trade of potential vector species in several regions. These actions were taken in response to an increase in public awareness, and the need for a quick reaction to mitigate against further pandemics. However, trade restrictions rarely affect amphibians, despite the risk of pathogen transmission, directly, or indirectly through habitat destruction and the loss of vector consumption. Thus, species that help alleviate the risk of zoonoses or provide biological control are not protected. Hence, in view of the global amphibian decline and the risk of zoonoses, we support the current wildlife trade regulations and support measures to safeguard wildlife from overexploitation. The current period of regulation overhaul should be used as a springboard for amphibian conservation. To mitigate risks, we suggest the following stipulations specifically for amphibians. I) Restrictions to amphibian farming in eastern Asia, in relation to pathogen transmission and the establishment of invasive species. II) Regulation of the amphibian pet trade, with a focus on potential vector species. III) Expansion of the wildlife trade ban, to limit the wildlife-human-pet interface. The resulting actions will benefit both human and wildlife populations, as they will lead to a decrease in the risk of zoonoses and better protection of the environment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There is an increasing number of emerging infectious diseases impacting all species, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The latest threat to humans is the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the resulting pandemic. Countries in eastern Asia have taken steps to regulate wildlife trade and prevent further zoonoses thereby decreasing the risk of pathogens arising from wild species. However, as amphibians are generally excluded from regulations we support specific trade restrictions: I) Restrictions to amphibian farming; II) regulation of the amphibian pet trade; III) expansion of the wildlife trade ban. These restrictions will benefit both human and wildlife populations by decreasing the risks of zoonoses and better protecting the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaël Borzée
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
| | - Jos Kielgast
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Section for Freshwater Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, DK-2100, Denmark
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Universitetsparken, 15, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sally Wren
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Ariadne Angulo
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
| | - Shu Chen
- Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kevin R Messenger
- Herpetology and Applied Conservation Laboratory, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Anne Baker
- Amphibian Ark, Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Apple Valley, USA
| | - Marcileida M Dos Santos
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Mirza Kusrini
- Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Irina V Maslova
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Indraneil Das
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia
| | - Daesik Park
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Robert W Murphy
- Centre for Biodiversity, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jing Che
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, People's Republic of China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, People's Republic of China
| | - Tu Van Do
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Truong Quang Nguyen
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ming-Feng Chuang
- Department of Life Sciences and Research Center for Global Change Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Janssen J, Gomez L. An examination of the import of live reptiles from Indonesia by the United States from 2000 to 2015. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
15
|
van den Burg MP, Weissgold BJ. Illegal trade of morphologically distinct populations prior to taxonomic assessment and elevation, with recommendations for future prevention. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
16
|
McMillan SE, Dingle C, Allcock JA, Bonebrake TC. Exotic animal cafes are increasingly home to threatened biodiversity. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sharne E. McMillan
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Caroline Dingle
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - John A. Allcock
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Marshall H, Collar NJ, Lees AC, Moss A, Yuda P, Marsden SJ. Characterizing bird‐keeping user‐groups on Java reveals distinct behaviours, profiles and potential for change. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Marshall
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | | | - Alexander C. Lees
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| | - Andrew Moss
- Cedar HouseChester ZooUpton‐by‐Chester Chester UK
| | - Pramana Yuda
- Fakultas Teknobiologi Kampus II Gedung Thomas Aquinas Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Indonesia
| | - Stuart J. Marsden
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Heinrich S, Ross JV, Cassey P. Of cowboys, fish, and pangolins: US trade in exotic leather. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Heinrich
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Applied Conservation ScienceThe University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Joshua V. Ross
- School of Mathematical SciencesThe University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Phill Cassey
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Applied Conservation ScienceThe University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Campbell CD, Pecon-Slattery J, Pollak R, Joseph L, Holleley CE. The origin of exotic pet sugar gliders ( Petaurus breviceps) kept in the United States of America. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6180. [PMID: 30643698 PMCID: PMC6329365 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand for exotic non-domesticated animals kept as pets in the United States of America (USA) is increasing the exportation rates of these species from their native ranges. Often, illegal harvesting of these species is used to boost captive-bred numbers and meet this demand. One such species, the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), endemic to Australia and New Guinea is a popular domestic pet due to its small size and "cute" demeanour. Despite a legal avenue for trade existing in Indonesia, concerns have been raised that sugar gliders may be entering the USA from other parts of their native range where exportation is prohibited such as Australia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding Indonesian islands. We compared previously published DNA sequences from across the native range of sugar gliders with samples collected from domestically kept sugar gliders within the USA to determine provenance and gene flow between source and introduced populations. Here we show that as predicted, the USA sugar glider population originates from West Papua, Indonesia with no illegal harvesting from other native areas such as Papua New Guinea or Australia evident in the samples tested within this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catriona D. Campbell
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jill Pecon-Slattery
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute—National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Pollak
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Leo Joseph
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Summerell AE, Frankham GJ, Gunn P, Johnson RN. DNA based method for determining source country of the short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) in the illegal wildlife trade. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 295:46-53. [PMID: 30554021 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The illegal trade in wild animals being sold as 'captive bred' is an emerging issue in the pet and zoo industry and has both animal welfare and conservation implications. DNA based methods can be a quick, inexpensive, and definitive way to determine the source of these animals, thereby assisting efforts to combat this trade. The short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is currently one of the species suspected to be targeted in this trade. As this species is distributed throughout Australia and in New Guinea (currently comprising of five recognised sub-species), this project aimed to develop a DNA based method to definitively determine the source country of an echidna and explore the use of non-invasive sampling techniques. Here we use non-invasively sampled echidna quills and demonstrate the extraction of mitochondrial DNA and amplification of a region of the mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetically informative markers for analysis of a 322bp segment of the D-loop region were developed, and subsequently validated, using animals with known source locations allowing us to reliably distinguish between echidnas from New Guinea, and Australia. This research presents the first validated forensic protocols for short beaked echidnas and will be an integral tool in understanding the movement of animals in this emerging trade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A E Summerell
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - G J Frankham
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Gunn
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Australia
| | - R N Johnson
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Janssen J, Shepherd CR. Challenges in documenting trade in non CITES-listed species: A case study on crocodile skinks (Tribolonotus spp.). JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC BIODIVERSITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
22
|
Brandis KJ, Meagher PJB, Tong LJ, Shaw M, Mazumder D, Gadd P, Ramp D. Novel detection of provenance in the illegal wildlife trade using elemental data. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15380. [PMID: 30337606 PMCID: PMC6194005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the fourth largest criminal market in the world, no forensic tools have been sufficiently developed to accurately determine the legal status of seized animals and their parts. Although legal trading is permissible for farmed or captive-bred animals, many animals are illegally removed from the wild and laundered by masquerading them as captive bred. Here we present high-resolution x-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for forensic classification. We tested the efficacy of this technique by using machine learning on a training set of zoo specimens and wild-caught individuals of short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), a small insectivorous monotreme in Australia. XRF outperformed stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N), reducing overall classification error below 4%. XRF has the added advantage of providing samples every 200 μm on a single quill, enabling 100% classification accuracy by taking the consensus of votes per quill. This accurate and cost-effective forensic technique could provide a much needed in situ solution for combating the illegal laundering of wildlife, and conversely, assist with certification of legally bred animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Brandis
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052 NSW, Australia.
| | - Phoebe J B Meagher
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Lydia J Tong
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Shaw
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Debashish Mazumder
- Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, 2234 NSW, Australia
| | - Patricia Gadd
- Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, 2234 NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, 2007 NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Left hung out to dry: How inadequate international protection can fuel trade in endemic species – The case of the earless monitor. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
24
|
Natusch DJD. Solutions to wildlife laundering in Indonesia: reply to Janssen and Chng 2018. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:731-733. [PMID: 29411903 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
|