#illegal-wildlife-trade

#illegal-wildlife-trade

Hoger points to a troubling legal loophole: "There's a thriving black market for trading protected species. Exotic animals are openly advertised in WhatsApp groups and at pet fairs even those strictly protected in their countries of origin. Because Germany doesn't recognize their protected status, these animals can be sold legally here, despite having been smuggled out illegally in the first place."

"We never imagined Mexico would emerge as number one, says Kurt Duchez, an anti-wildlife trafficking officer for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mesoamerica."