Urgent International Action Needed to Tackle Illegal Pet Trade in Caribbean Iguana Populations

Lizards in the Neotropical genus Iguana are heavily traded for international pet trade, with unusual colour morphs and rare species commanding high prices. Recent research aimed to understand taxonomy phenotypic variation of Lesser Antilles, those populations now severely threatened by this trade. Although entire has been on Convention International Trade Endangered Species Wild Fauna Flora (CITES) Appendix II since 1977, current levels trade regulation proving be inadequate Caribbean populations, which declining. This paper presents case immediately halting regional commercial safeguard most vulnerable island populations. We further provide recommendations regulations other complexes where nomenclature used legislation industry fall temporarily out step new taxonomic changes.