Study links wildlife trafficking ‘crisis’ to social media
IFAW has criticised the promotion of African grey ownership.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has warned that a hidden wildlife trafficking ‘crisis’ could be fuelled by social media.
The organisation has carried out research into public attitudes into exotic pet ownership as it seeks to understand UK attitudes to the practice.
Research conducted by IFAW has investigated public awareness of exotic pet ownership, and the impact of online content on the wildlife trafficking trade. A survey of 620 owners of ‘exotic’ pets found that 57 per cent believed liking or sharing social media posts of such pets increased demand – with 18 per cent engaging with content at least once a week.
The survey also suggested a lack of awareness about pet ownership regulation, including licensing.
Fifty-four per cent of pet owners admitted that they did not know if their current or past exotic pets required a licence. Of those who did know a licence was needed, 84 per cent did not have one.
Samara P. El-Haddad, senior programs officer IFAW UK, “Millions of wild animals are being exploited for the pet trade. This causes suffering and, in many cases, deaths for individual animals, as well as contributing to the decline of wild species populations and undermining conservation efforts."
The organisation quotes data from the UK Border Force, reporting a 73 per cent increase in wild animal seizures since 2023. In one month of 2025, IFAW says the UK Border Force confiscated more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products.
The organisation has particularly criticised ownership of African grey parrots, a species it says has been ‘severely impacted’ by the illegal pet trade.
IFAW reports that ‘around 1.3 million’ wild African greys were traded from 1975 to 2015. It suggests that inspiring people to keep them fuels a ‘cruel and illegal trade’ which threatens the species.
Samara P. El-Haddad added: “This is a clear case of when good intentions go wrong. If an animal is taken from the wild and placed in a home environment, it doesn’t make them domesticated. Even if bred in captivity, it is still a wild animal, not suited to a life in captivity. But unfortunately, this trade thrives on misinformation.
“It presents wild animals as suitable companions while obscuring the true cost to animals, ecosystems, and people”.
Exotic pet ownership remains legal in the UK for many species. It is legal to own an African grey parrot that is ringed or chipped, however paperwork is needed to sell or breed the birds commercially.
Animal welfare groups and conservation organisations continue to debate the ethics and regulations of the trade.
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
