tegu rosso

The quick read

What's driving the attention

Authorities in Italy are cracking down on illegal exotic animal trafficking, including reptiles like tegu lizards.

There is growing attention on the illegal trade and trafficking of exotic animals and their parts in Italy, with a dramatic focus on the tegu lizard, a species linked to the black market. Recent seizures at Rome's Fiumicino airport include products made from crocodile and python skins and live exotic reptiles, reflecting ongoing efforts by Italian customs and the Guardia di Finanza to disrupt this trade.