In the case of the New Caledonian gecko, a unique and increasingly popular species in the pet trade, poaching and smuggling has become a major threat. Not-so-fun fact: Many of these geckos are going for thousands of dollars sight-unseen on the internet. This surging, unintended demand has sounded the klaxon for many conservationists and researchers. Scientists are concerned that some people are beginning to breed these animals in captivity. Poaching risks are still acute, as we wrote earlier this year.
Dr. Aaron Bauer, a distinguished herpetologist at Villanova University who has studied this illegal trade fuel extensively, explains the long-term ramifications of this illegal trade. He notes that more and more exotic pet owners are opting for captive bred animals. Today, poaching remains one of the most critical threats to these unique and exotic animals. The problem is only exacerbated by tourists’ booming numbers. In 2023, New Caledonia was visited by close to half a million tourists. This uptick overwhelmed authorities, who could not efficiently track bags and stop trafficking at the same time.
Park ranger Joël Delafenetre has been key in the day-to-day protection of these geckos. What’s more, he keeps the methods he uses to find them secret so that would-be smugglers don’t use his techniques to avoid detection. Delafenetre adds that it’s crucial to protect the geckos’ natural habitats. He’s adamant, “Removing them from their environment would make them domestic animals, and that is not the point.”
The Role of Local Communities
The role of local communities on the protection of New Caledonian geckos has become a double-edged sword. Marianne Bonzon, manager of the nearby local zoological park, has observed a more disturbing phenomenon. In Madagascar, poachers are collaborating with locals to get into gecko-dense areas. She thinks that too many residents of her county are unaware of what it means to have to protect these endemic species.
Tyffen Read, a conservation advocate with Rewild Portland calls on community members living close to potential gecko habitats to stay on high alert. He asks them to contact them whenever they see anything suspicious, such as poaching or animal smuggling activities. As always, if you notice any suspicious activity involving too much gecko inquiry or requests for ultra-special niche spots, alert us immediately. It’s not enough for us to just protect biodiversity; conservation needs everyone to stand up and take action.
These conditions have led local populations to become increasingly invested in the illegal wildlife trade. That creates an additional barrier to our work to educate and engage them in conservation initiatives. Outreach initiatives are crucial to increasing community awareness of New Caledonia’s endemic gecko species. Through these programs, TE will shine a spotlight on their ecological importance and galvanize conservation efforts.
The Impact of Social Media on Demand
The emergence of social media platforms has recently catapulted New Caledonian geckos into the spotlight. Advocate Influencer David Utrera advertises these reptiles online using the business name “TikisGeckos,” displaying their beauty through colorful imagery and educational videos. While Utrera aims to educate potential buyers about ethical purchasing practices and laws regarding ownership, the exposure can inadvertently fuel demand among collectors.
Even Utrera himself, in his internal communications, understands the depth of the damage his guidance will cause. As he explained on his YouTube page, those participating in the illegal pet trade could mistakenly identify a new species. Or they might plan on, say, “I’m going to track it down and sell it on the black market.” His new role as an influencer makes it unclear how to straddle the line between promotion—a big part of conservation’s marketing—and responsible conservation.
Dr. Bauer warns that more heat on these geckos could have lethal consequences. Even before I press send, I’m aware that new species have already entered the pet trade and are out there awaiting their first articles. Elite collectors of reptiles are fighting tooth and claw to pick up the weirdest, the weirdest, the most psychedelic. Without appropriate monitoring and regulation, the fast-paced development of commercial uses for these animals may drive positive changes to their populations to be permanent.
Conservation Efforts and Future Considerations
Yet despite these growing obstacles, conservationists are still fighting to take proactive action that would ultimately protect New Caledonian gecko populations. Dr. Bauer thinks that breeding programs in captivity should take some of the pressure off of wild populations. These programs may offer new avenues to undercut private crass collectors. He sounds a serious note that if we don’t act now to stop poaching, we will lose species forever.
As one of the last rights we have to breed animals and share them with other zoos, genetic mixing is essential to having long-term maintenance of healthy species,” added Oriane Lallemand, emphasizing the importance of zoological establishments in maintaining genetic diversity. She cautions that if poaching persists unchecked, it could have severe consequences for species already struggling in their natural habitats.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 75% of endemic gecko species in New Caledonia are threatened. This shocking review underscores the dire necessity of aggressive conservation action. This sobering projection highlights the need for increased and more efficient conservation action between local governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and international organizations like Global Covenant.
