John,
Nautilus-shell bolo ties. Taxidermized coyote paws and preserved bobcat hearts. Imperiled cacti in pots. Art and jewelry made from butterflies’ wings and threatened sharks’ teeth. The shells and skulls of turtles whose wild populations are rapidly dwindling.
You can buy these things (and many others) on Etsy or eBay — and every sale helps push species closer to extinction.
Despite the companies’ stated wildlife policies, sellers on Etsy and eBay rake in money on wildlife knickknacks, decor, clothing, and more. And the United States is a major consumer of these products.
The global wildlife trade poses a significant risk to animals and plants around the world: Exploitation — including for trade — is a leading threat (after habitat destruction).
Confronting the biodiversity crisis requires curtailing this exploitation, and Etsy and eBay can lead the charge by refusing to participate. Both companies removed imperiled bat listings last year after the Center for Biological Diversity and supporters like you asked. Now it's time to phase out all wildlife from the wild — these creatures belong in the wild.
Call on these platforms to commit to ending these sales by the end of the year.
