Facebook is ‘epicenter’ of PH wildlife trade

more than 350,000 members when the study began, with numbers growing 11 percent in three months.

Most transactions were completed using Facebook’s Messenger service, the report said, adding that trading continues on the platform despite periodic government raids.

Over half the species bought and sold were protected internationally and by the Philippines’ wildlife act, which carries jail

The radiated tortoise, black spotted turtle, Bengal monitor lizard, and Dumeril’s boa – all threatened with extinction – were among them, as well as the critically endangered Philippine crocodile and Philippine forest turtle.

In one transaction, a trader also used an unnamed ride-sharing service to deliver wildlife to a buyer.

“This small snapshot reinforces how social media has taken over as the new epicenter of wildlife trade,” Chng said.

A statement from Facebook’s PR wildlife trade and is working with TRAFFIC to tackle the problem.

“Facebook does not allow the sale and trade of endangered animals and we will not hesitate to remove any material that violates our community standards when it is reported to us,” it said.

TRAFFIC’s regional spokeswoman Elizabeth John said that Facebook was “seeking additional information in order to take action” and that the watchdog was helping it liaise with Philippine authorities.

Findings from the study were used to launch raids on suspected illegal traders in Manila and other areas last year, TRAFFIC said, with numerous arrests made.

Philippine customs authorities also intercepted packages with illegal wildlife destined for China, Sweden, and the United States.