Komodo Dragons and the Exotic Pet Trade

The Komodo dragon is classified as a venerable species. Volcanic activity, earthquakes, loss of habitat, fire, tourism, loss of prey due to poaching, and illegal poaching of the dragons themselves have all contributed to the vulnerable status of the Komodo dragon. In 2013, the total population of Komodo dragons in the wild was assessed as 3,222 individuals, declining to 3,014 in 2015. Populations remained relatively stable on the bigger islands (Komodo and Rinca) but decreased on smaller islands such as Nusa Kode and Gili Motang, likely due to diminishing prey availability. On Padar, a former population of Komodo dragons has recently become extinct, of which the last individuals were seen in 1975. It is widely assumed that the Komodo dragon died out on Padar following a major decline of populations of large ungulate prey, for which poaching was most likely responsible. The species' sensitivity to natural and man-made threats has long been recognized by conservationists, zoological societies, and the Indonesian government. Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to protect Komodo dragon populations on islands including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. Later, the Wae Wuul and Wolo Tado Reserves were opened on Flores to aid Komodo dragon conservation.

As you can see overexploitation, illegal poaching, and the exotic pet trade all contribute to the vulnerability of the species. Every year across the world, many wild exotic animals are captured to be sold illegally as pets. The demand for these usual creatures is high, so much so that poachers can make a lot of money providing live specimens to buyers. Humans have sought exotic pets and unusual animals for centuries, the desire for which has only grown as knowledge of them has increased. Poachers can make large profits by capturing and smuggling different species, usually small birds, snakes, frogs, and fish, which are often at higher risk because they are easier to transport to a location for sale. There are occasional reports of illegal attempts to trade in live Komodo dragons. The most recent attempt was in March 2019, when Indonesian police in the East Java city of Surabaya reported that a criminal network had been caught trying to smuggle 41 young Komodo dragons out of Indonesia. The plan was said to include shipping the animals to several other countries in Southeast Asia through Singapore. It was hoped that the animals could be sold for around $35,000 USD each.

A Komodo Dragon at Komodo Island. Photo: WaterFrame / Alamy Stock Photo

Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund are working to reduce this illegal trafficking, attempting to prevent poaching by employing rangers to protect environments where venerable animals live. They are also investigating trade routes often used by smugglers, encouraging the enforcements of protective legislation by governments, and educating people the reduce the demand for exotic pets. Wild animals can never have their needs fully met in a home. Yet the popularity of buying these “exotic” animals is increasing, subjecting more and more of them to confinement in aquariums, terrariums, aviaries, and enclosures. Federal and state laws provide only minimal protection for these animals. Enforcement is limited and conflicting state laws make it even harder to protect wild animals from becoming part of the “exotic” pet industry. Reptiles and birds suffer greatly as part of the “exotic” pet industry. Without proper nutrition, enrichment, and access to a natural environment, they can develop severe psychological and physiological problems.

There are numerous amounts of examples of people purchasing exotic animals for their own personal wellbeing with very little knowledge or capability to keep these animals in captivity. The documentary Blackfish does an excellent job of showing SeaWorld using illegal poachers to collect Orcas from the wild with very harsh means so they can populate their parks. The harsh conditions of animals kept in the circus and unethical zoos have been a known topic of discussion for many years now. Born in captivity, wild animals such as elephants, bears, chimps, and big cats are separated from their families at such a young age they become dependent on humans for basic needs. Like animals used in circuses or other performances, these animals endure cruel training methods with bullhooks, electric prods, or whips. Trainers also withhold food and water from the animals until they do what the trainers demand of them. When the animals no longer serve a purpose to these places they are cast off and many of them are sent to roadside zoos or other facilities.

Turtles for sale at a wildlife market in south China. Photo: ©Liana Joseph.

So how can we stop the Exotic pet trade and the overexploitation of these animals? We can encourage elected representatives to support legislation to stop the illegal trade, such as the End Wildlife Trafficking Act. We can also express support for the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Obama Administration’s Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking. We can also ask pet stores where they source their animals, especially if you are interested in purchasing exotic birds, snakes, lizards, or turtles. Let them know that you care where they came from and the conditions they were kept in. If they don’t know, do your own research. The more questions we ask, the more empowered we are likely to feel in helping to stop the illegal trade in wildlife. This effort is bigger than one person. If we all do our part, we can help to stabilize shrinking animal populations and even reverse their decline.