Analyzing international trade in amphibians and Japanʼs pet market ―TRAFFIC―

Abstract

This study investigated the trade in non-CITES listed amphibian species in the USA and Japan to identify species at high risk from threats of the international pet trade. The USA recorded imports of 267 non-listed species, where 29% of the recorded number of individuals were reportedly sourced from wild and 10% belonging to species with declining populations. The amphibian import to Japan was shown to be increasing in recent years. Of the 230 species (and 25 subspecies) identified in Japanʼs domestic market, 81% were non-CITES listed, and one in four species was of conservation concern (CR/EN/VU/NT). Wild sourcing was described in at least 27% of the species (subspecies included). The domestic market survey revealed sales in 39 species/subspecies native to Japan and suggested widespread wild sourcing. Several native species of conservation concern were also identified in the overseas market. Urgent consideration of international trade regulations as well as national level protection and conservation initiatives is warranted for those species/taxa highlighted in this study.