"A recent study reveals a vast and unregulated global trade in invertebrates, posing a risk of overexploitation of some species in the wild.

A group of scientists scoured the internet and discovered that a total of 1,264 species are being traded online.

Tarantulas are particularly in demand, with 25% of species described as new to science since 2000 popular with collectors.

Africa is prominent in this trade as both a source and transit hub for tarantulas and scorpions."

Ryan Truscott reports for Mongabay March 1, 2023. [2]