Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

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  Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes Abstract Despite the vast biodiversity of Mexican vipers, venom of endemic species has been barely studied. Here we analyzed the venom composition of three endemic species of rattlesnakes: Crotalus aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. ravus . We used quantitative chromato-mass-spectrometry and compared venoms with C. molossus , a species commonly found in North America, in a comparative and phylogenetic framework. In total, we identified 165 proteins grouped in 19 main protein families, consistent with previous reports for viperid venoms. In C. aquilus and C. triseriatus , the most predominant protein-family type was Serine Proteases, and in C. triseriatus and C. molossus it was Snake Venom Metalloproteases. The Label-free quantification revealed a high proportion of Snake Venom Metalloproteases in C. aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. molossus , reaching 28–47% of the total venom. In contrast, in ...

Tracking the hidden trade of non-native pet amphibians in the United States

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Tracking the hidden trade of non-native pet amphibians in the United States

Abstract

The global wildlife trade is contributing to biodiversity loss, with amphibians especially vulnerable and overlooked in trade regulations. The trade in pet amphibians is a growing area of concern, and though there are notable benefits from keeping amphibians, the trade is also associated with introducing invasive species, spreading diseases, and overexploiting wild populations. Despite such risks, we lack a full understanding of the origins of traded species and the ways they enter markets. We combined online ads and import records to analyze the sourcing and pricing of pet amphibians traded in the United States, identifying species likely sourced from domestic production and unrecorded channels. Of the 301 species sold online, we identified 30 advertised more often than expected from import records, indicating they are primarily produced domestically. We also found 18.1% of traded non-native species had no import record and were sold at a 40.4% premium. Brazil, China, and Colombia stood out as countries with native species that were unrecorded in import records. Import at the genus-level was the most common way unrecorded species arrived in U.S. markets, but we also found instances of mislabeling, laundering, and suspected smuggling. The greatest number of imports at the genus-level were from Madagascar, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Our findings show the value of combining classifieds data with import records to identify illicit trade pathways and a need for improved record keeping. To move toward sustainable trade, we advocate engaging with domestic breeders and consumers while improving amphibian identification tools for inspecting wildlife shipments.
Edmonds, D., Du, J., Stickley, S., & Sucre, S. (2026). Tracking the hidden trade of non-native pet amphibians in the United States. Biological Conservation, 315, 111714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2026.111714