Report reveals dynamics of red sand boa trade

The illegal sale of the red sand boa is primarily driven by demand as pets and use in dark magic

The Counter Wildlife Trafficking team of the Wildlife Conservation Society-India, has unveiled a comprehensive report shedding light on the rampant illegal trade of the red sand boa snake (Eryx johnii) in India. Titled ‘Illegal Trade of Red Sand Boa in India: 2016-2021', the report seeks to unravel the dynamics of the illicit trade by analysing data gathered from media articles covering seizures.

The red sand boa has emerged as one of the most sought-after reptile species in the illegal market, primarily driven by its demand for the pet trade and its use in dark magic.

Trade mapped

The report uses 172 red sand boa seizure incidents between 2016-2021, which were reported in online media articles, to map and understand the trade. The report also has a partial ‘Crime Script' that examines the different stages of the trade and the role of various ‘actors' involved in it.

Nirmal Kulkarni, senior consultant, WCS-India and an experienced herpetologist, said, "The red sand boa is now acknowledged as one of the most traded reptile species in the illegal trade market, due to its demand in the pet trade, as well as for use in black magic."

Uttara Mendiratta, programme head, Counter Wildlife Trafficking programme of WCS-India, said, "The red sand boa is classified as a Near Threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with a decreasing population in most habitat ranges. This report is an attempt to bring to light the trade in red sand boas, especially online trade, and to develop a better understanding that might help prevent this illegal collection and sale".

The report includes a set of potential short-term and long-term recommendations that could help address the illegal trade of native sand boa species in the domestic market. The recommendations include building the capacity of journalists in India to reduce the scope of misinformation related to the use and consumption of wildlife species.

Need for dialogue

The report also lists the potential of partnerships with social media platforms, which have emerged as a growing space for sellers to advertise the sale of red sand boas in India. The report also highlights the need for dialogue between enforcement agencies, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to help address the illegal trade of this species.

172
Seizure incidents used in the report