Online and pet stores as sources of trade for reptiles in South Africa

Abstract

The ever-increasing human population, globalisation, and desire to keep pets have resulted in the translocation of many species into non-native environments. As a result, some of the non-native reptile species have been introduced to South Africa through the pet trade. However, little is known about the extent of trade in reptiles via online and physical pet stores in South Africa and their potential climatically suitable areas. We assessed the physical pet store and online trade of reptiles in South Africa. We found 69 physical pet stores and 18 online advertising websites selling 1,912 individuals of 66 species and 859 individuals of 50 reptile species, respectively. In total, we found 88 unique species representing 18 families from both sources, of which 86.4% were non-native species and 32 species were CITES-listed. Snakes were the most dominant (76.1%) traded group. Ball python Python regius (n = 601), corn snake Pantherophis guttatus (n = 553) and central bearded dragon Pogona vitticeps (n = 419) were the most-traded reptiles. Prices ranged from ZAR100.00 to ZAR6,000.00, with sharp-nosed viper Deinagkistrodon acutus acutus being the most expensive species. For present distributions, the red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans, P. guttatus, and Western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox had the largest predicted climatic suitability. The future predictions for the latter two species were predicted to increase while red-eared slider suitability shifted. Most popular species were available in large volumes, sold at relatively low prices and had high climatic suitability, representing a high potential invasion risk. We, therefore, propose that the existing pet trade regulations should be revised to include a more restricted trade on the trade of endangered, non-CITES listed and potential invasive pet species.