Market trends and conservation challenges in the U.S. amphibian pet trade

The amphibian pet trade is growing in the U.S. While there are anecdotal reports of an increasing emphasis on selling captive-bred animals, millions of amphibians are imported into the U.S. every year, usually wild-caught, and often bound for the pet trade. The collection of wild amphibians may threaten populations in their native range, and their importation can introduce and spread virulent pathogens. Thus, there is a need to better understand and characterize the composition of amphibians in the U.S. pet trade, including the species sold, their origins, and conservation status, as well as their sales price. In this study, we gathered data from 2131 listings of pet amphibians for sale from 155 online businesses. Most stores and listed specimens were from Florida. While a significant portion of the trade involves captive-bred animals, some of the listed specimens were wild-caught threatened species. We found that the origin of specimens was the most consistent and significant factor influencing their price, with wild-caught specimens generally being less expensive than captive-bred ones. This price difference likely reflects a posteriori higher risk of disease associated with wild-caught animals. Our research highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in the amphibian pet trade to ensure the sustainability of amphibian populations and the health of both captive and wild populations. • The U.S. amphibian pet trade is expanding. Millions of amphibians are still imported annually, primarily wild-caught. • 15.02% of 294 pet amphibian species were listed as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. • The majority of listed amphibians were from breeding facilities, but nearly half of these species also had wild-caught counterparts. • Florida had the highest number of online pet stores and the most listed specimens, including a significant portion of wild-caught amphibians. • Wild-caught amphibians were generally less expensive than captive-bred ones. Price was identified as a potential risk factor for pathogen transmission.