Report on the Online Trade of Live Tarantulas and Scorpions in the Philippines: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Recent research conducted by the wildlife trade monitoring organization TRAFFIC has uncovered a significant online trade in live tarantulas and scorpions within the Philippines. The study, published in the Journal of Nature Studies, identified over 16,000 arachnids offered for sale on Facebook during 2020 and 2022. This report emphasizes the critical intersections of this trade with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to biodiversity conservation, responsible consumption, and strong institutions.

Key Findings of the TRAFFIC Study

1. More than 14,662 tarantulas (135 species) and 1,387 scorpions (25 species) were documented across nearly 7,000 Facebook posts.
2. Most traded species are nonnative (96% of tarantulas and 64% of scorpions), yet native and threatened species are also being poached and sold, often before scientific description.
3. Many species traded are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), requiring proper permits for legal trade.
4. Over 1,097 unique Facebook accounts were involved, with 200 active sellers predominantly based in Luzon, highlighting regional enforcement priorities.
5. Legal and enforcement gaps exist, with many sellers likely operating without required permits and rare species potentially smuggled via postal services.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 15: Life on Land – The illegal trade threatens biodiversity by overexploiting native and nonnative arachnid species, disrupting ecosystem functions such as pest control and nutrient cycling.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The unregulated trade undermines sustainable use of wildlife resources, calling for improved monitoring and consumer awareness.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Weak law enforcement and regulatory challenges highlight the need for stronger institutions and governance to combat wildlife trafficking.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between online platforms, courier services, law enforcement, and conservation organizations is essential to address illicit trade.

Case Examples and Species of Concern

• Curlyhair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus): Native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, this species remains heavily wild-sourced despite captive breeding potential and CITES Appendix II listing.
• Asian Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus): Native to Southeast Asia including the Philippines, frequently poached from Palawan and smuggled to urban centers.
• Native Philippine Species: Species such as the Palawan blue dwarf tarantula (Phlogiellus johnreylazoi) and Philippine orange tarantula (Orphnaecus philippinus) are increasingly targeted, often before formal scientific description, raising urgent conservation concerns.

Challenges in Regulation and Enforcement

The Philippines’ Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) mandates permits for possession, transport, or trade of wildlife. However, enforcement remains weak due to:

• Insufficient monitoring and investigation capacity.
• Use of private chat groups and coded listings on social media to evade detection.
• Lack of awareness among hobbyists regarding legal requirements.
• Limited collaboration between online platforms, courier services, and authorities.

Recommendations for Addressing the Illicit Trade

1. Strengthen Enforcement: Prioritize law enforcement efforts in high-activity regions such as Luzon and enhance trade monitoring systems.
2. Enhance Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all wildlife trade complies with CITES and national permit requirements.
3. Engage Private Sector: Urge social media companies and courier services to actively monitor and prevent illegal wildlife transactions.
4. Public Education: Implement awareness campaigns to inform hobbyists and the general public about legal frameworks and conservation impacts.
5. Support Conservation Research: Promote scientific description and assessment of native species to inform protection measures.
6. Foster Multi-stakeholder Partnerships: Encourage collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, academia, and private sector to combat wildlife trafficking effectively.

Conclusion

The thriving online trade in live tarantulas and scorpions in the Philippines presents significant challenges to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Addressing this issue aligns with multiple SDGs and requires coordinated efforts to close regulatory gaps, enhance enforcement, and promote responsible trade practices. Protecting vulnerable arachnid species is essential not only for ecosystem health but also for fulfilling international commitments to sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the illegal trade and poaching of tarantulas and scorpions, many of which are native and threatened species in the Philippines, directly impacting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights issues related to wildlife trade regulations, enforcement gaps, and the need for sustainable management of natural resources.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Weak law enforcement and regulatory gaps in wildlife trade control are discussed, emphasizing the need for stronger institutions and enforcement mechanisms.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article calls for collaboration between online platforms, courier services, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to combat illegal wildlife trade.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect threatened species.
   • Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, including reducing illegal wildlife trade.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all, including enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, particularly in combating illegal wildlife trade.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of confiscated wildlife specimens
   • The article mentions seizures of thousands of tarantulas and scorpions, which can be used as an indicator of enforcement effectiveness (related to SDG 15.7 and 16.3).
2. Number of online posts/accounts involved in illegal wildlife trade
   • TRAFFIC’s study documented nearly 7,000 posts and identified over 1,097 Facebook accounts involved, indicating the scale of illegal trade and monitoring progress (linked to SDG 16.6 and 17.17).
3. Compliance with wildlife trade permits and regulations
   • The presence or absence of required permits in online sales posts is an implied indicator of regulatory compliance (relevant to SDG 12.4 and 16.6).
4. Population status and conservation assessments of native species
   • Assessment of species’ conservation status (e.g., IUCN listings) and monitoring overcollection signs serve as ecological indicators (related to SDG 15.5).
5. Engagement and collaboration among stakeholders
   • Level of cooperation between online platforms, courier services, and authorities is an implied indicator of progress towards SDG 17.17.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com