Kenya: The pet reptile trade decimates populations of these species

The wildlife trade in Kenya has significantly increased, with the number of reptiles bred in captivity and exported as exotic pets rising tenfold over the past decade. According to a report by World Animal Protection, 77% of the affected species have seen their populations decline in the wild. The trade in live reptiles rose from 8,551 in 2013 to 86,330 in 2023, with over 870,000 live animals traded in total during this period.