OUT OF THE WILD: Uncovering the Live Animal Trade in Central Asia - A focus on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

The team carried out 37 market surveys, both online and at physical markets across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, between autumn 2024 and summer 2025, together with visits to breeding facilities. 

The findings highlight Central Asia’s prominence in the global trade of live animals.  

Without coordinated and sustained action, the live animal trade in this region will continue to threaten biodiversity and livelihoods.  

Summary of findings: 

• A total of 1,753 sale offers were documented comprising 6,355 live animals and 96 species 

• Online platforms accounted for 80% of all recorded offers, although physical markets remain important hubs for high-volume sales 

• Uzbekistan was the most significant country involved in the live animal trade, responsible for 85% of sale offers and 94% of individual animals recorded 

• Commonly traded species included the CITES Appendix I listed African Grey Parrot, the Appendix II listed Steppe Tortoise and Appendix III listed European Goldfinch 

• More than 40% of species documented were listed in CITES Appendices I or II 

TRAFFIC recommends that strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement and ensuring full traceability of traded live animals are essential steps towards fostering a legal, transparent and sustainable trade system in the Central Asia region.