An investigation by Adam Roberts for Kiripost finds Cambodian wildlife openly sold on Facebook and in pet shops, while enforcement remains unclear.
A trade moving onto social media
This investigation by Adam Roberts, first published by Kiripost and republished with permission, examines how the wild pet trade has moved onto social media in Cambodia. It opens in a Phnom Penh cafe decorated with cages of native songbirds, some dead or in distress.
In July, Kiripost counted 167 Cambodian animals on sale across three Facebook groups and five physical pet shops, with 62 seller accounts and 65 species. Conservationists say the real volume is likely higher. Cambodia Wildlife Care reported rescue calls for mammals jumping from eight in January to 25 in May.
Roberts then looks at enforcement. Several laws apply across different ministries, and officials acknowledge there is no single law on online wildlife trade. A former joint rescue programme has been handed over to the agriculture ministry, to the regret of some conservationists.
He also reports on influencers using animals for views, the role of platforms, and one popular creator who speaks out against the trade.
_This story was written by Adam Roberts for Untold Wildlife, our partner in bringing overlooked conservation stories to more people._