Quantification of the trade in Xenopus laevis from South Africa, with implications for biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Harvesting wild amphibians for animal trade and consequent introductions of exotic species are considered threats to biodiversity. For this study, we evaluated the literature and unpublished data on Xenopus laevis exports from the Western Cape, South Africa, since the onset of the trade in the early 1930s. Exports for medical science have changed from the use of both captive‐bred and wild‐caught animals to the export of wild‐caught animals only. More than 10 000 frogs were exported annually during 1998–2004 to 132 facilities situated in 30 countries. Uncontrolled harvesting, feral populations, and the spread of parasites and disease associated with X. laevis trade, highlight the relevance of this trade to the conservation of amphibian biodiversity.