Lystrophis species are fairly new to the commercial reptile trade, and are now commonly bred in captivity, but can be some of the more expensive hognose snakes available. Some states, such as the state of Colorado, have strict laws on keeping the western hognose snake.
Furthermore, our field visits to seven of these "python farms" revealed that they are also involved in the commercial trade in at least 46 other reptile species, including eight that are already involved in formal CITES trade reviews due to concerns regarding their sustainability and legality.
As we can see from the illustration, Commercial Reptile Species Trade has many fascinating aspects to explore.
In total, 273 CITES-listed reptile species were reported in trade in the 10-year period. A single species, the Green Iguana Iguana iguana, dominated the trade as it accounted for 45% of all imports.
All commercial transport of all vertebrate animals including reptiles and amphibians are subject to the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1/2005. All animals including invertebrates must be transported in an appropriate way for the species involved.
This particular example perfectly highlights why Commercial Reptile Species Trade is so captivating.
Reptile farming involves breeding and raising reptiles for various purposes including the pet trade, conservation, scientific research, and commercial products. Profitability varies significantly by species and scale.
Adopting a reptile can be a rewarding way to provide a loving home for an animal in need while avoiding the ethical concerns associated with the commercial reptile trade. Educate Yourself. Learn as much as possible about the specific species you are interested in keeping.
