The global pet trade in amphibians: species traits, taxonomic bias, and future directions

Abstract

The burgeoning global pet trade in vertebrates, including amphibians, has conservation implications for overexploitation of native populations, spread of diseases, and invasions. The majority of amphibian invasions are due to the pet trade pathway and current lists of extra-limital amphibians suggest that future invasions will encompass a broader taxonomic diversity than is known. Given that trade is dynamic, it is essential to move beyond currently traded species and understand which species are likely to be traded in the future and serve as candidates for invasions. In this study, we systematically assess amphibian species in the pet trade, (i) characterising taxonomic bias, (ii) evaluating species-traits as predictors of traded species and trade volume, and (iii) forecasting likely future pets. We collated a global list of 443 traded amphibians and a regional dataset (USA) on trade volume. Species-traits (body size, native range size, clutch size, and breeding type) and conservation status, were considered as predictors of traded species and volume. Six Families contributed disproportionately to the amphibian pet trade; the likelihood for species to be traded was positively associated with body size, range size, and a 'larval' breeding type. However, species-traits performed poorly in predicting trade volume, suggesting an overriding effect of socio-economic aspects of the trade. The identified species-traits and taxonomic bias of the trade were then used to predict species likely to be traded as pets in the future. This study formalizes the knowledge on amphibian species that are traded as pets. We found a strong bias for certain Families, along with a preference for large-bodied and widely distributed species with a larval phase. Our results pave way for more traitbased approaches to forecast amphibians entering the trade. Such understanding of the pet trade can help pre-emptively tackle the pathway responsible for most invasions and disease spread in amphibians.

Gaps in global wildlife trade monitoring leave amphibians vulnerable

“…Contemporary trade used three databases which could be examined for trade dynamics (LEMIS 2000-2014, CITES 1975-2019 and Online trade 2004-2020). All trade also included two additional datasets reporting species presence in trade (IUCN trade database; Mohanty & Measey 2019).…”

“…Scale, scope, and vulnerability Amphibians are often considered canaries in the coalmine as they are sensitive to pollution and habitat loss making their absence an early warning sign of habitat degradation; sensitivity to change combined with trade, and disease risk creates the perfect storm threatening future amphibian survival. Whilst regional and some global studies have explored the extent of pet trade (Mohanty and Measey 2019), or meat trade (Carpenter et al, 2014), a well over double the known number of species to be in trade relative to previous studies (i.e., Scheffers et al, 2019, 542 relative to 1,215), as well as a more representative understanding of what is currently in trade and how it has changed over the last two decades. The scope of the amphibian trade is larger than formerly realised with implications for the direct exploitation of these species, disease spread (Schloegel et al, 2009), and the pool of potentially new invasive species (Gippet and Bertelsmeier, 2021).…”

“…A recent literature assessment of amphibian pet trade found 443 traded species (Mohanty and Measey, 2019), but as we strive towards ever more complete and representative assessments of the amphibian trade, we must capture trade other than pets, as well as outside of literature (that can often be skewed towards certain languages/regions; Konno et al, 2020). More standardised and comprehensive data are necessary to ensure that wildlife trade avoids harming species’ long-term survival prospects; the current lack of data, or lack of transparency or access to baseline population data and compiled trade records frustrates trade mitigation efforts.…”

Reptile smuggling is predicted by trends in the legal exotic pet trade

“…We used the adult mass as a species-level trait, by compiling mass information from several life history databases (sensu Stringham & Lockwood 2018). We predicted that size will be positively related to smuggling, as larger species are more desired as pets (Mohanty & Measey 2019). Finally, we included the taxonomic family as a random effect because we predicted there to be differences in smuggling rates due to the desire for certain taxa over others, which might not be fully accounted for by the other covariates in the model (e.g., Pythons are the most traded snake family; Hienrink et al 2020).…”

Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasions in South Africa

“…Like reptiles, amphibian invasions in South Africa are currently minimal, but there is concern that increases in trade may bring about new invasions (Measey et al 2017;van Wilgen et al 2008;Measey et al 2019;Mohanty and Measey 2019). Incidents of jump dispersal as contaminants of horticulture, with wood and even adhered to vehicles are apparently common, likely underreported, and include international as well as local movements (Measey et al 2017).…”