Indonesia's Reptile Exports Reach Millions of Dollars, US is Largest Buyer

According to a report by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Indonesia exported reptiles to dozens of countries from January to November 2022, totaling 171.2 tons and valued at USD 2.61 million.

During this period, the United States (US) was the largest buyer of Indonesian reptiles, with transactions reaching USD 1.12 million.

Indonesia also exported significant quantities of reptiles to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Germany, Hong Kong, France, and the United Arab Emirates, with export values as shown in the graph.

According to Ani Mardiastuti, a researcher from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Indonesia has been a long-time exporter of reptiles, both live and in the form of their skins.

Reptile skins are commonly used as materials for fashion accessories such as shoes, belts, bags, and others, while live reptiles are exported for their meat or as pets.

According to Ani, some of the most exported live reptiles from Indonesia include the spitting cobra ( *Naja sputatrix*), reticulated python (*Python reticulatus*), short-tailed python (*Python curtus*), and water monitor (*Varanus salvator*).

In their natural habitats, some reptile species can be dangerous to humans and livestock. Therefore, reptile capture for export is considered a form of pest control.

However, the reptile trade still requires adequate supervision to prevent negative impacts on the ecosystem.

"Several reports indicate that the populations of certain snakes, monitor lizards, and crocodiles have begun to decline, primarily due to habitat destruction and high harvesting rates," said Ani in her research report titled *Indonesia's Reptile Trade in the International Market* (2003).

"Conservation of the habitats of important reptile species needs attention. The trade of endangered reptile species should also be stopped to ensure their continued survival," she continued.