Recent research by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) shows that the Netherlands plays a significant role in the illegal wildlife trade. Between 2017 and 2023, nearly 2500 animals were seized, over a quarter of which occurred on Dutch soil. Most of the animals were amphibians and birds, likely destined for the European and Russian markets. The smuggling methods are often appalling: birds are transported in toothpaste boxes, for example, and eggs are tied to the back with pantyhose.
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Illegal trade in exotic animals
IFAW's investigation revealed that 34 seizures took place over five years, resulting in a total of 2495 wild animals. These included 69 different species, 94% of which were still alive at the time of seizure. Poison dart frogs from South America, songbirds from Latin American countries, and rare reptiles from Mexico and Brazil were particularly frequently encountered. In the Netherlands, the seizures were primarily birds, with a striking focus on songbirds from Suriname.
Online trade and European demand
Many of the smuggled animals are sold through online platforms, making them popular with breeders and exotic pet enthusiasts. The demand for rare species in Europe has disastrous consequences for biodiversity. For example, the illegal trade in Harlequin poison frogs and Lehmann's poison frogs has contributed to their critically endangered status.
Surinamese songbirds are often smuggled to the Netherlands in small, cramped packaging like toilet paper rolls or hair rollers. A large number of these animals do not survive the journey. The birds are sold here for high prices and entered in singing competitions, a popular tradition within the Surinamese community.
The Netherlands as a transit country
According to IFAW research, most animals are smuggled from Latin America, particularly Colombia, Panama, and Mexico. Germany appears to be the main destination country, followed by Russia and Spain. The Netherlands serves as a key hub in this network, partly due to its strict customs regulations, which ensure that much of the smuggled goods are intercepted here.
Smugglers frequently use forged documents to transport animals by air. Some intercepted animals were even en route to Asian markets, where controls on this trade are even less strict. This underscores the problem that Europe often serves as a transit point for this illegal trade.
Legal loopholes and enforcement problems
According to IFAW, smugglers are exploiting loopholes in European legislation. Many species are not covered by national protection laws, making enforcement difficult and sentences often lenient. The recorded seizures are just the tip of the iceberg, and there is an urgent need for stricter regulations and international cooperation to effectively combat the illegal wildlife trade.
What can be done? To address this problem, experts advocate for improved international cooperation and stricter legislation. Stricter controls on online sales platforms, improved customs procedures, and harsher penalties can help reduce illegal trade. It's also crucial to raise consumer awareness so they don't unknowingly contribute to this harmful industry.
At PetBase, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership are paramount. We encourage everyone to do their research before acquiring a pet and to only purchase animals through legitimate and authorized channels. Together, we can help protect wildlife and combat illegal trade.
