Extinction risk: illegal wildlife trade threat revealed

Illegal wildlife smuggling could push unique Australian species toward extinction, experts say. (HANDOUT/UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE)

Australia's unique reptiles are being stuffed into socks, hidden inside boots and jammed into plastic containers to get them out of the country unseen as big money is made in the illegal wildlife trade.

Experts hope stiffer fines and longer jail sentences will help curb the growing industry, which is being blamed for driving species to extinction.