Online species trade booming.

The Internet has become a key marketplace for the global trade in threatened and endangered species, according to a recent report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). In a one-week period, the London-based organization identified online listings for more than 9,000 live animals or wildlife products, including 5,527 elephant products, 2,630 reptile products, 526 turtle and tortoise shells, 239 wild cat products, and 146 live primates. Items ranged from elephant tusks and reptile-skin handbags to seahorse skeletons, Tibetan antelope hair (shahtoosh) shawls, and various animal parts intended for use in traditional Asian medicines.

IFAW also identified many endangered animals being traded as pets. U.S. websites offered chimpanzees dressed as dolls for $60,000-$65,000 each, a "sweet natured" two-year-old giraffe for $15,000, and tiger cubs for $1,500 each. In the United Kingdom, listings included a seven-year-old gorilla in London for $8,200 and a pair of "breeding" cotton-head tamarins in Wales for $3,500. Another site offered a two-year-old Siberian tiger for $70,000.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

At least 70 percent of the listings IFAW identified were for species protected under international law. The 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) prohibits or strictly regulates commercial trade in a wide range of endangered species, including elephants, primates, and large cats. Nevertheless, a booming illegal trade in these animals brings in billions of dollars a year, ranking it third behind the illicit arms and drug trades.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In most countries, wildlife crimes are given much lower priority than other organized crime, and penalties are light. Web-based activity is even harder to monitor and enforce, making it a lucrative new outlet for traders. "Trade on the Internet is easy, cheap, and anonymous," said Phyllis Campbell-McRae, director of IFAW-UK. IFAW's study covered only five specific categories of wildlife products--live primates, ivory, turtle and tortoise items, and bags and fashion items made from reptiles and wild cats--suggesting that the actual online trade in endangered species is much higher.

IFAW worries that the practice will only grow, with devastating implications for both wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Among other recommendations, the report calls on law enforcement agencies and legislators to better collaborate to combat the web-based trade, encourages the development of a code of practice for Internet auction sites, and urges greater clarification of the laws on animal trading. It also emphasizes the role of consumers in creating a market for these products. "Trade in wildlife is driven by consumer demand, so when the buying stops, the killing will too," said Campbell-McRae.

To learn more about wildlife trade and the law, visit IFAW's new website, www.caughtintheweb.co.uk.