11/10/2025
16:00 - 17:30
CR A-C: Forum - Session Room 5
, Hybrid (onsite with livestreaming)
Session with interpretation
Why attend
IUCN Guidelines are essential to improve management of the global wildlife pet trade which is out of control, threatens multiple species, human and animal health, and risks introductions of invasive species.
Session Description
The pet trade in terrestrial vertebrates is vast, encompasses multiple taxa, is largely out of control and, in spite of the threat that it poses to multiple species and human, animal and ecological health, is generally greatly underestimated as a problem. This session will explore the extent of the issue, and discuss potential proactive solutions including establishment of a Task Force to develop IUCN Guidelines. To date, efforts to regulate wildlife trade mainly rely on a “negative list” approach where trade is allowed by default, often unregulated, until it is shown to threaten the species in the wild or health, an approach that is failing many species. The session will explore with all participants the implications of more precautionary and proactive “positive list” approach, permitting trade only for species deemed to be safe and sustainable, and discuss the advantages and challenges of such an approach.