Nearly 130 native Australian reptiles targeted by international wildlife smugglers will be added to a global convention in a step the Morrison government and conservationists hope will stifle the “cruel and abhorrent” trade.

The spiny-tailed gecko, shingleback lizard and several blue-tongue lizard species are among the reptiles that the environment minister Sussan Ley has listed for inclusion under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites). Ley said: -

“Sadly, our reptiles have become a major international target, and while I stress very clearly that it is already a crime under Australian law to export these animals without specialised permits, this listing will secure additional international support for their protection,”

In the last two years the environmental crime unit at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has convicted 11 people on wildlife trafficking charges, with combined sentences of almost 27 years in prison, Ley said. She said government agencies continue to track down networks involved in the “cruel and abhorrent” trade.

Cites has notified the government the 127 species will appear on a formal list by the middle of this year. Ley said it represented one of the biggest listings of any signatory to the convention since it came into force in 1975.

The unique features and colours of Australian reptiles make them highly sought after globally and a target for wildlife smugglers.

Conservationists at Humane Society International (HSI) proposed the listing of the reptiles in 2020. Despite their export being illegal, the reptiles were being routinely advertised on pet trade websites and Facebook groups in Europe, HSI said.

Alexia Wellbelove, a senior campaign manager at HSI, said: -

“The illegal trade in reptiles is often cruel, where live animals are bound with tape and stuffed into socks or small containers before being shipped abroad with no food or water…Many do not survive the journey. This listing is another weapon in our arsenal against the illegal international trade of live reptiles.”

The reptiles will appear under appendix three of the convention, meaning that countries will have to report imported animals to help Australia track the trade.

Wellbelove said HSI was optimistic the reptiles would in future receive higher protection under appendix one of the convention, meaning a formal ban on their international trade.

There are 1,082 species and 36 sub-species of plants and animals on the Cites banned list. Australia was an original signatory to the convention.