South Africa as a Donor of Its Native and Exotic Species to the International Pet Trade

Ndivhuwo Shivambu (), Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu, Takalani Nelufule, Moleseng Claude Moshobane, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi
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Ndivhuwo Shivambu: Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu: Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Takalani Nelufule: Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Moleseng Claude Moshobane: South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria National Botanical Garden, 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Silverton 0184, South Africa
Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai: Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi: Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-14

Abstract: The global pet trade is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry, involving the international exchange of various species and regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). South Africa plays a significant role as both an importer and exporter within this market. By analysing over 13 million records from the CITES database, spanning from 1975 to 2023, we aimed to access South Africa’s role in the international pet trade and to analyse trade volume and trends over time. Our findings indicate that alien species dominate exports, particularly birds and mammals, while native species are traded in lower volume, involving only a few species. The top 10 traded species for birds and mammals belong to the genera Agapornis and Callithrix , while 80% of reptile exports were native, with Stigmochelys pardalis being the most exported species. Bird and mammal exports are primarily composed of captive-bred individuals, whereas both captive-bred and wild-sourced individuals contribute to reptile exports. Approximately 100 countries import various species from South Africa, with Asia and Europe as major importers of birds. The extensive exportation of South Africa’s native species, particularly reptiles, raises significant conservation concerns regarding the potential impact on local biodiversity.

Keywords: global pet trade; conservation concerns; CITES; wildlife; endangered species; imports; exports (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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