Amphibian and reptile pet markets in the EU: an investigation and assessment

Phillip Arena; Catrina Steedman; Clifford Warwick

Wildlife markets occur in several regions of the world and take different forms. According to region, wildlife markets offer animals for various reasons including culinary, medicinal, and pet purposes. These events have attracted interest and concern from both the scientific (including biological, veterinary and medical fields), and animal welfare and species protection communities. For this investigation and report we have focussed on amphibians and reptiles at pet markets. We conducted onsite inspections at three European events: Terraristika (Hamm, Germany), the IHS Show (Doncaster, UK), and Expoterraria (Sabadell, Spain), and we also conducted a desktop study. Three primary subject areas were identified for focussed study: animal welfare; public health and safety; and invasive alien species potential. Animal welfare was assessed using scientifically established non-invasive observation of behavioural signs of stress in amphibians and reptiles. Public health and safety was assessed by analysing visitor behaviour at stalls that sold animals. Invasive alien species potential was assessed using historical invasives success data, propagule-pressure theory, tolerable thermal range (climate matching), taxonomic relationship with known invasives, popularity within the pet trade, reproductive potential, and thermal and dietary requirements. This was supplemented with an additional assessment of invasive risk which we called ‘intuitive-risk’ (IR). This mode of assessment is based on considering and balancing a variety of factors including those already mentioned plus our interpretation of ‘species overall plasticity’. We also considered several additional relevant subjects including: wild-caught versus captive-bred animals on offer; commercial and non-commercial sellers; proponents’, organisers’ and sellers’ awareness and assessment of stress and welfare at markets; the temporary nature of markets; and unusual species.

Amphibian and reptile pet markets in the EU: an investigation and assessment

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