Illegal wildlife traffic is one of the most lucrative illicit businesses in the world, with a devastating impact on the conservation of many species. The United Nations Office against Drug and Crime (UNODC) It has identified wildlife traffic as a transnational organized crime form. International operations such as Thunder 2024coordinated by the Interpol and the World Customs Organization and carried out during November and December last year, they managed to seize almost 20,000 live animals and arrest 365 people linked to fauna traffic networks.
However, unlike large mammals or exotic birds, amphibians barely receive attention in official reports and media coverage. Despite this, these animals are among the most affected by clandestine trade destined to possession of exotic pets, a practice that threatens their survival and the stability of the ecosystems in which they inhabit.
Your demand has grown constantly In recent years and their small size, their discrete habits and lack of specific studies have allowed illegal traffic to grow without too much supervision. “It is impossible to know precisely the volume of specimens that exist in the hands of individuals, although it is surely much higher than the one that could be assumed and, of course, it is booming and does nothing but grow inside and outside the legality,” he explains Jaime BoschCSIC researcher and member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Herpetological Association (AHE).
Most affected species
As in other animal groups, illegal trade focuses on those more striking or rare species. “The most coveted species are those that it presentsn colorful colors or sophisticated behaviorsas well as those that are difficult to achieve legally, ”says Jaime Bosch. Among the most trafficked species at international levels are the poisonous frogs of the family DendrobatidaeAsian salamanders (Tylototriton spp.), various species of arbing frogs, such as AGALYCHNIS Callidryasand the popular axolote (Ambystoma Mexicanum).
In Spain, although amphibian traffic does not reach the levels of other countries, several native species are victims of illegal collection. Among them are the jaspeado triton (Triturus marmoratus), the frog of San Antón (Hyla Molleri) and some Iberian subspecies of common salamandra, such as Salamandra Salamandra Bernardezi and Salamandra Salamandra Alfredschmidti. These species are often extracted from their natural habitat to supply the exotic pet market in Europe.
“While most birds and mammals require a lot of space and produce odors or noise that betray their presence, in an aquarium of moderate dimensions a small amphibian colony can be maintained without attracting attention,” explains Jaime Bosch.
How do amphibian traffic networks operate?
Anfibian traffic is produced both on a large scale, by organized mafias, as well as at the particular level. “There are networks that systematically channel amphibious items from other countries, or even are offered to capture valuable specimens,” replies the CSIC herpetologist. As he explains, these organizations usually modify their routes according to police pressure: “The Czech Republic has been indicated as one of the main entrance doors of copies of doubtful origin in Europe, from where they are distributed unpunished to other countries.” A single smuggler can transport tens or even hundreds of amphibians in a hand luggage without being detected by the authorities.
However, not only great networks are behind this problem. “There are also many collectors who illegally capture animals in the natural environment, either within Spain or in other countries,” he warns.
In addition, the identification of species by control agencies is a considerable challenge. Exist thousands of amphibian species, many of them with similar morphologieswhich complicates the task of the agents responsible for applying the legislation. This lack of precise identification allows traffickers to evade international restrictions, labeling protected species as if they were common and legal varieties.
Spain: Traffic or consumer country?
Spain has a dual paper In illegal amphibian traffic. On the one hand, it is a transit country, due to its connection with Latin America, one of the regions with the greatest biodiversity of amphibians and where many species are extracted to supply demand in Europe. “Our historical relationship with Latin America makes Spain a country of passage for many specimens that then end in other parts of Europe,” explains Jaime Bosch.
On the other hand, the herpetological wealth of the Iberian Peninsula makes Spain a point of interest for the traffic of European amphibians. “In Central Europe there is a great demand for amphibians, since its local herpetofauna is much poorer than ours. It is not uncommon for Spain to capture illegally exemplary for distribution in the rest of Europe,” warns the expert.
The environmental impact of amphibian traffic
Illegal trade not only affects the populations of captured amphibians, but also can have serious ecological consequences. The introduction of exotic species in environments where they are not native causes imbalances in ecosystems and disease transmission. “One of the main risks of amphibian traffic is the spread of emerging diseases, such as chitridiomycosiswhich is wreaking havoc in wild populations around the world, ”warns the expert. This fungal disease, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidishas been identified as one of the main factors of the global decline of amphibians.
To this is added that the introduction of exotic amphibian species in habitats without natural predators alters the ecosystems and displaces native speciesfurther aggravating the problem. In addition, the risk of genetic contamination has been documented due to hybridization between introduced and native species, which can compromise genetic diversity and adaptation of local populations. It is crucial to emphasize that many introduction cases are accidental exhausts, but there are also deliberate releases With the objective of establishing reproductive populations in the natural environment for later commercial exploitation, more evidence of the gravity and complexity of this problem.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Two out of five amphibian species are in danger of extinctionturning them into the most threatened group of vertebrates on the planet.
Strategies to combat illegal amphibian traffic
Internationally, organizations such as Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) They have implemented regulations to control amphibian trade. However, the Lack of resources and poor priority From this group within conservation policies hinder their effective application.
In Spain, initiatives such as SOSANFIBIOS PROJECT They work to raise awareness about the importance of conservation of these animals and the dangers associated with their trade: “We try to raise awareness about the danger of emerging diseases and the need to perform any amphibian trade with all health guarantees,” says Jaime Bosch.
His colleague Carlos Cup, Doctor of Biology, director of the Department of Herpetology of the Aranzadi Science Society of the Basque Country and conservation vowel of the Spanish Herpetological Association, insists on warning that The amphibian trade raises a serious risk of biological invasionsone of the main causes of loss of biodiversity. Unlike the current ‘black lists’, which are reactive and slow, Carlos fit proposes the implementation of ‘open white lists’.
This preventive system would allow the marketing of safe species, prior risk assessment, similar to food and medication regulation. The expert in reptiles, amphibians and cecilias criticizes the ‘closed white lists’ for prioritizing ethical principles over biological risk assessment. In his opinion, it is essential to open a deep debate about the ethics of converting wild species into consumer products.
The role of society in the protection of amphibians
Beyond legal regulation, public awareness plays a fundamental role in the protection of amphibians and Jaime Bosch also suggests, “Although having an amphibian as a pet can be an enriching experience, the observation of these animals in their natural habitat is much more valuable and less harmful”. There are multiple responsible alternatives, such as collaborating with herpetological associations, participating in conservation projects or even building small ponds in gardens to favor the presence of native amphibians.
The protection of these tiny and discreet creatures Not only benefits global biodiversity, but also contributes to maintaining the balance of ecosystems in which they play a key role.
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