The Pacific's Solomon Islands has become a key player in the global live animal trade, with foreign collectors sourcing exotic species including some subject to trade bans. Solomon Islands has stunning ecological diversity, and is teeming with vibrantly coloured parrots, tree-dwelling lizards, swooping mega bats and more. But it is the only Pacific island that participates in the legal wildlife trade, and its most unusual species are increasingly popular pets. 'Insane' tradeLast October, UN officials urged Solomon Islands to "address compliance challenges" within its live wildlife trade, including the continued export of monkey-tailed skinks. Map of the Solomon Islands, the only Pacific island that participates in the legal wildlife trade.

Source: Daily Nation June 07, 2024 03:09 UTC