TRAFFICKING OF EMBLEMATIC LIZARDS OF THE GENUS Abronia (SQUAMATA: ANGUIDAE)

Abstract

The arboreal lizards of the genus Abronia are considered a group of reptiles markedly vulnerable to extraction from the wild for the pet market. In this study, the trafficking of species of the genus Abronia that are distributed in Mexico was evaluated. Also, those species of this genus that are most offered in the international trade were identified. A literature review of reptile trafficking was made, and databases and internet pages on international reptile trade were consulted. We found that the species Abronia deppii, A. graminea, and A. taeniata were the most frequently decommissioned within Mexico. Additionally, 11 species (Abronia aurita, A. campbelli, A. deppii, A. graminea, A. lythrochila, A. martindelcampoi, A. mixteca, A. smithi, A. taeniata and A. vasconcelosii) were the most trafficked internationally. Significant differences were found between the sale prices of each species between legal and illegal trade, as well as the prices between animals sold in formal pet shops and internet forums. These prices range from $ 999 (~ 49.86 USD) to $ 35 017 (~ 1747.78 USD) Mexican pesos per specimen of species of the genus. The need for the intervention of international (CITES) and national agencies in order to reduce the illegal collection and trafficking of these species is highlighted.