CROSSING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS: THE TRADE OF SLOW LORISES Nycticebus spp. AS PETS IN JAPAN

Japan’s involvement in the wildlife trade is widely recognised. We investigated the extent and legitimacy of trade of slow lorises, Nycticebus spp., as pets in Japan. We collected data from online videos, pet shops, and selected informants between May and July 2014 in Japan, and supplemented these with data from CITES Trade Database and confiscation records. We recorded 114 slow lorises in 93 Japanese online videos, and across 20 pet shops we recorded the sale of 74 individuals of six threatened species, including 12 Critically Endangered N. javanicus and two hybrids, each costing USD 3,290-8,650, with animals displayed with falsified CITES permits. From 1985 to 2013, CITES data specify that Japan imported more slow lorises than any other country (n=633), and 400 individuals were confiscated entering Japan, between 2000 and 2013. Penalties imposed on law breakers are weak and our investigations highlight inadequacies in Japan’s enforcement of national law and CITES regulation. To combat the illegal trade and demand for wildlife as pets, we emphasise the need for: stronger penalties, improved legislative regulation, provision of educational materials and training programs to border control staff and the public. Finally, we strongly urge the continued monitoring of the slow loris trade in Japan.