Endemic Vietnamese reptiles in commercial trade

Abstract

Endemic species can be especially vulnerable to overexploitation because of their restricted range, and their trade can quickly become a significant threat. Yet, trade in endemic species is not well documented as many endemic species lack domestic and/or international trade regulations. Vietnam is the home to approximately 470 reptile species, 136 of which are considered endemic. The high number of valuable endemic species makes Vietnam an attractive target for reptile collectors. We analyzed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Trade Database and the Law Enforcement Management Information System database for import and export data of Vietnamese endemic reptile species. Moreover, we added data from an online survey and a physical market survey in Japan. Evidence was found of a minimum of 2054 individuals from seven endemic species in international commercial trade, tied to 10 countries. Only three of the seven endemic species found in trade are currently subjected to international trade regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and domestic trade regulations. This manuscript provides a baseline of the availability of endemic Vietnamese reptiles in international trade and that few endemic species are found on the international market and in trade records. However, those that were found are of concern because of the lack of population assessments and likely laundering of parent stocks.