Nomenclature in the online reptile trade

Abstract The internet has expanded opportunities for wildlife traders to conduct business globally, but monitoring this activity is often challenging. As techniques frequently employ language-based searches particular words, it important understand the language use, particularly nomenclature used refer traded species. We recorded advert data from four UK websites, focusing on reptiles, which constitute a large proportion of international pet trade. analysed whether types by advertisers individual reptiles were associated with certain trader characteristics. found English common names most frequent name type species, regardless geographical location seller and CITES Appendix listing However, scientific in twice as many adverts threatened Near Threatened species non-threatened only three families: Anguidae, Pseudaspididae Sphaerodactylidae. These findings could inform creation tailored keyword detection tools, must account numerous use within online trade communities. Future studies should examine nuances other communities contexts, such different platforms or languages. ultimate aim these tools will be track detail trends reptile trade, offering better understanding potentially unsustainable patterns helping authorities enforce laws against illegal