Understanding pet reptile preferences in Japan: an analysis using Yahoo! Chiebukuro and Google Trends

The global trade in pet reptiles is substantial, with Japan being a major importer. Understanding pet reptile preferences is crucial for conservation, as over-exploitation of wild populations can occur. This study aimed to determine Japan's most popular pet reptiles, including traded and endemic species, using the largest question-answering website in Japan, Yahoo! Chiebukuro, and Google Trends as data sources. We analysed data from 2004 to 2023, focusing on recent periods (2020–2023) for a comprehensive assessment of public interest in 20 different pet reptile species. Data revealed a significant overlap between the two tools in identifying popular species. Leopard geckos were consistently the most popular, aligning with trade data. Surprisingly, the endemic Japanese grass lizard surpassed the popularity of traditionally favoured species like central bearded dragons. A concerning preference for invasive turtles (Chinese pond turtles, red-eared sliders) was also noted. These findings highlight the popularity of both traded and readily available endemic species within Japan's pet market. This emphasises the need to monitor domestic trends alongside the traditional trade focus to ensure the sustainability of wild reptile populations. Yahoo! Chiebukuro and Google Trends offer valuable tools for such monitoring. Google Trends' regional data pinpointed Okinawa prefecture's high interest in leopard geckos, raising concerns about potential invasiveness. This study demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to understanding pet reptile popularity. The combined use of these tools and the adaptable methodology provide a template for monitoring trends in Japan and other countries, contributing to proactive conservation efforts within the global pet trade. Keywords: reptile trade, invasive species, conservation, leopard geckos, bearded dragons