Samenvatting

Varanus species are a popular species in the exotic pet trade. Little is known about the distribution of these species and trade could have a negative impact on the status of wild populations. Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have a large diversity of Varanus species and are both known as major wildlife trading countries. By analysing trade in 31 CITES-listed Varanus species, native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), trends in legal and illegal live trade are found and steps can be taken to improve the protection of the species.Three main research questions are: “What does the legal trade in 31 Varanus species, originating from Indonesia and PNG between 2000 and 2012, look like?”, ”What does the illegal trade in 31 Varanus species, originating from Indonesia and PNG between 2000 and 2012, look like?” and “Is it realistic to assume that traded Varanus species that are reported as captive-bred are indeed captive-bred?”.