Nairobi, Kenya//-Kenya’s trade in captive-bred wildlife is rapidly expanding, with live CITES-listed reptile exports increasing more than tenfold over the past decade, raising urgent concerns about conservation impacts, animal welfare, public health risks, and regulatory oversight.
A new peer-reviewed scientific paper analysing international wildlife trade data shows that over 870,000 live CITES-listed animals reported as captive-bred were exported from Kenya between 2013 and 2023. Reptiles account for the overwhelming majority of live trade records and nearly half of all live animals traded.
Annual exports of live reptiles rose sharply from 8,551 individuals in 2013 to 86,330 in 2023, signalling a steep escalation in the commercial wildlife trade.
The findings indicate that Kenya is becoming an increasingly important supplier to global pet and luxury wildlife markets, with exports reaching at least 43 importing countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and South America. However, the study also exposes significant gaps in monitoring systems, risks to threatened species, and potential public health threats linked to wildlife trade.
More than 77% of traded species have declined or unknown wild population trends, raising concerns about sustainability even where animals are reported as captive-bred or ranched.
Seizure evidence indicates that illegal trade in pancake tortoises continues even though they are already under severe conservation pressure.
Key Findings
- 886 CITES export records involving 28 wildlife species were documented between 2013 and 2023
- Reptiles made up 81% of export records, dominating the trade
- More than 870,000 live CITES-listed animals reported as captive-bred or ranched were exported
- 93% of exports were commercial, largely destined for North America, Europe, and Asia
- Significant discrepancies between exporter- and importer-reported CITES data were revealed, suggesting weaknesses in monitoring and reporting systems
- At least seven traded species are internationally threatened
Dr Patrick Muinde, Research Manager at World Animal Protection, who co-authored the peer-reviewed paper, said, “Kenya is witnessing a rapid rise in wildlife exports, particularly reptiles, and the ten-year trend is deeply concerning. Most of these exports involve live animals, making this far more than a question of numbers.
It is cruel and raises questions about its sustainability. The trade in live wild animals also carries clear risks to public health and well-being. At its core, it reflects a system that treats sentient beings as mere commodities rather than living beings. It is time to move away from this model and recognise that wild animals deserve protection, not exploitation.
Globally, the wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry involving millions of animals annually. While captive breeding is often promoted as a sustainable alternative, growing evidence shows it can mask illegal sourcing, weaken conservation efforts, and increase zoonotic disease risks.
Kenya’s role as both a source and transit hub in international wildlife trade networks makes effective regulation and transparency critical, especially as the country reviews its wildlife laws under the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill (2025).
Research recommendations
World Animal Protection’s policy recommendations:
- Stronger regulation and traceability of captive breeding and ranching operations.
- Conducting routine welfare audits across captive breeding operations and wildlife trade supply chains, alongside enhancing bio-security measures and pathogen surveillance.
- Developing targeted demand-reduction initiatives in importing countries to reduce demand for wild animals in the pet and luxury markets.
The peer-reviewed paper can be accessed here.
