PANAMA CITY, Nov 20 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) — Costa Rica submitted a proposal to offer more protection to glass frogs at the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) which is on its fifth day of sessions in Panama.
According to the initiative from the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE), the species is expected to be included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Glass frogs are in high demand in the international pet market due to their transparent skin and small size. These characteristics make the species coveted by private collectors, sellers, and breeders throughout the world.
Nearly 50 percent of the various glass frog species evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species are in danger of extinction, experts said.
According to studies, the species is mostly affected by habitat loss, climate change, emerging diseases, and the exotic pet trade.
Costa Rican biologist Shirlely Mendoza, from the MINAE, admitted to the press that she was very concerned about global trafficking, especially in Europe.
Panamanian Deputy Minister of the Environment Diana Laguna stated that the country is committed to the proposal due to the critical danger of extinction of the species. — NNN-PRENSA LATINA
