The online wildlife trade refers to the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species and their derivatives facilitated through online platforms and digital means. It encompasses the sale of live animals, exotic pets, animal parts and products derived from endangered species.
Daan P van Uhm (2016)
wild animals being kept as pets
Poaching and Transport
Pressure on rescue organisations
Poaching and Transport
Many species are poached from the wild for the pet trade. Animals are often poached while young, taken from nests and dens, or caught with traps or snares which can cause long term injury and death (Romero-Vidal et al. 2023).
Animals are often transported for the pet trade in very poor conditions and many do not survive the journey. Some s
Many species are poached from the wild for the pet trade. Animals are often poached while young, taken from nests and dens, or caught with traps or snares which can cause long term injury and death (Romero-Vidal et al. 2023).
Animals are often transported for the pet trade in very poor conditions and many do not survive the journey. Some studies place the mortality rate of African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) to be as much as 60-66%, prior to their arrival at their final destination (Mozer and Prost, 2023).
Living Conditions
Pressure on rescue organisations
Poaching and Transport
Studies show that wild animals in domestic settings experience inappropriate diet, space and lighting causing stress, illness and an inability to express natural behaviours (Nekaris et al., 2015). Major welfare concerns include social isolation, flight restriction (in birds), parental deprivation (through hand rearing) and lack of enrichm
Studies show that wild animals in domestic settings experience inappropriate diet, space and lighting causing stress, illness and an inability to express natural behaviours (Nekaris et al., 2015). Major welfare concerns include social isolation, flight restriction (in birds), parental deprivation (through hand rearing) and lack of enrichment, causing severe psychological distress (Grant et al., 2019).
Few vets will treat exotic pets, meaning animals who get sick may not recieve the care they need (Leob, 2020)
Pressure on rescue organisations
Pressure on rescue organisations
Pressure on rescue organisations
Wild animals are not suited to domestic environments. Therefore, many exotic pets are surrendered to rescue centres or abandoned. In 2018, the RSPCA rescued over 4000 exotic animals from across England and Wales (BBC, 2019).
Longer lived exotic pets such as birds and reptiles will often experience multiple homes in their lifetimes (Grant et al., 2019).