Online species trade booming.

• Author: Mastny, Lisa
• Position: ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE

The Internet has become a key marketplace for the global trade in threatened and endangered species, according to a recent report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). In a one-week period, the London-based organization identified online listings for more than 9,000 live animals or wildlife products, including 5,527 elephant products, 2,630 reptile products, 526 turtle and tortoise shells, 239 wild cat products, and 146 live primates. Items ranged from elephant tusks and reptile-skin handbags to seahorse skeletons, Tibetan antelope hair (shahtoosh) shawls, and various animal parts intended for use in traditional Asian medicines.

IFAW also identified many endangered animals being traded as pets. U.S. websites offered chimpanzees dressed as dolls for $60,000-$65,000 each, a "sweet natured" two-year-old giraffe for $15,000, and tiger cubs for $1,500 each. In the United Kingdom, listings included a seven-year-old gorilla in London for $8,200 and a pair of "breeding" cotton-head tamarins in Wales for $3,500. Another site offered a two-year-old Siberian tiger for $70,000.

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At least 70 percent of the listings IFAW identified were for species protected under international law. The 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) prohibits or strictly regulates commercial trade in a wide range of endangered species, including elephants, primates, and large cats. Nevertheless, a booming illegal trade in these animals brings in billions of dollars a year, ranking it third behind the illicit arms and drug trades.

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