A new perspective on global reptile pet trade based on key expert testimony from around the world Many reptile species controlled under current policies remain illegally/unsustainably traded to supply the international reptile pet market, with rare and endemic species most threatened. Monitoring of species and populations in question and the provisioning of scientific knowledge to overcome uncertainties is crucial to prevent over-exploitation. Nationally protected species not regulated within the CITES Appendices cannot be adequately protected from exploitation once illegally removed from their range state.