Australia adds 127 reptiles to global treaty in crackdown on ‘cruel and abhorrent’ smuggling

The Australian government has put forward 127 reptile species to be listed on an international convention to prevent illegal wildlife smuggling, including several species of blue-tongue lizard. Photograph: Photo taken by Bradley Dolman of Australian Border Force

Nearly 130 native Australian reptiles targeted by international wildlife smugglers will be added to a global convention in a step the Morrison government and conservationists hope will stifle the “cruel and abhorrent” trade.

The spiny-tailed gecko, shingleback lizard and several blue-tongue lizard species are among the reptiles that the environment minister Sussan Ley has listed for inclusion under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites).