The live reptile trade is booming in the United State with hundreds of species being imported from dozens of countries. Enthusiasts stream to trade shows where reptiles are bought and sold. Websites offering reptiles for sale have proliferated. Specialized publications fuel desire for unusual species, including protected, endangered ones.

Trade shows also offer a convenient venue for smugglers to sell their goods to reptile enthusiasts. While legitimate sales are taking place inside, deals to buy and sell smuggled animals are made in the parking lot. Pet stores have also been involved in illegal sale of reptiles.

Some of the most common wild-caught live reptiles  in illegal trade in the U.S. in recent years include the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans), the radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata), the Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota), Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), the pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), and the Fly River turtle (Carettochelys insculpta).

THE REPTILE SKIN TRADE

Every year millions of reptiles are killed, processed and manufactured into products for the international skin trade. Often harvested in tropical countries, these reptiles are taken from the wild and their skins are manufactured into various products including handbags, belts, coats, briefcases, shoes, wallets, and watchstraps.  

In recent years reptile skin has been showcased in the world's top fashion industry including such top designers as Prada and Ralph Lauren.  

The illegal trade in reptile skins is unquantifiable, but is considered by conservationists to be widespread either through mis-declaration, under-declaration or non-declaration of shipments.