International trade in reptiles has increased significantly in the last decade and U.S. trade accounts for a substantial portion of that commerce. Reptiles are also a major target for wildlife smugglers. The treaty, supported by some 143 member nations, includes more than 140 reptile listings, some covering entire families. Among these protected reptiles are all alligators, caimans, crocodilians, boas, pythons, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and Geochelone species of land tortoises. All commercial trade of these animals is prohibited because they face an immediate threat of extinction due to over-exploitation.
Noncommercial traffic requires permits from both the exporting and importing countries.
Such controls help ensure that commercialization will not jeopardize the continued survival of these species in the wild. Some 115 reptilian species are also protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act prohibits the import, export, and interstate sale of animals listed as endangered or threatened. Violations of U.S. and international wildlife trade prohibitions can be prosecuted under the Lacey Act. This law makes it illegal to import, sell, or purchase any wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any Federal, state, foreign, or Native American Tribal law, treaty, or regulation.