Abu Dhabi, October 13, 2025 – The IUCN World Conservation Congress has officially endorsed Motion 108, which advocates for the establishment of critical global guidelines to assist nations in regulating the trade of wild animals kept as pets. Each year, millions of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are extracted from their natural habitats to satisfy the pet industry—resulting in ecosystems that are devoid of essential pollinators and predators.
A remarkable majority—over 90 percent—of votes supported this pivotal initiative by IUCN.
The passage of this motion highlights a growing consensus among IUCN members that the wildlife pet trade must be regulated due to its escalating threats to biodiversity, animal welfare, public health for both humans and animals alike, as well as legal frameworks. This significant decision at the IUCN Congress—the largest gathering focused on conservation efforts globally—underscores an urgent call for unified international action.
The Scale of the Issue
- In just four years within the United States alone, nearly 100,000 advertisements for live reptiles and amphibians (covering 652 species) appeared on various pet-trading websites.
- In Indonesia over a three-year span, approximately 200,000 wild birds from 95 different species were documented being transported between merely two islands.
- For every wild animal sold in this market sector, countless others perish during capture or transit—a hidden mortality rate that far exceeds reported trading figures.
- The live wildlife trade poses significant risks including potential zoonotic disease outbreaks and facilitates the spread of invasive species that threaten native populations.
Expert Insights
Dr. susan Lieberman – Vice President for Global Policy at Wildlife Conservation Society:
“The endorsement of Motion 108 is a crucial step towards raising global awareness about the wildlife pet trade—a pressing crisis frequently enough overlooked. We are witnessing species decline and ecosystems deteriorate as millions are removed from their habitats to cater to collectors’ desires for exotic pets. This new initiative by IUCN will empower governments with science-based strategies aimed at preventing further endangerment caused by this detrimental industry.”
Dr. Liz Bennett – Vice President for Species Conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society:
“This motion addresses an urgent need concerning wildlife conservation and public health issues. The rapid growth of the wildlife pet trade is frequently fueled by online demand with catastrophic consequences on various species while also increasing risks associated with disease transmission and invasive species introduction.IUCN’s proactive approach in developing clear guidelines will equip nations with necessary tools to manage this trade responsibly—and help halt further depletion of our forests and aquatic environments.”
Dr. Sarah Olson – WCS Health Program:
“The unregulated nature of the pet trade represents not only a conservation challenge but also a One Health crisis affecting interconnected systems involving wildlife health alongside human populations and livestock security.Proactive measures are essential; it is far more effective than responding after an outbreak occurs.”
IUCN World Conservation Congress Overview
The International Union for Conservation of nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress is taking place in Abu Dhabi from October 9-15th in 2025—the first time such a landmark event has been hosted within Gulf regions. This congress has convened over ten thousand participants—including government officials; scientists; representatives from Indigenous Peoples organizations; conservation groups; youth advocates; along with private sector stakeholders—to shape future global conservation policies.