Love, trade and illegal practices at the world’s largest reptile fair

for Trouw

Containers with colorful poison dart frogs. Unlike many other frogs, they are active during the day, not shy, and lose their toxicity in captivity. This makes them a popular terrarium animal.

After being closed for over 2.5 years due to the pandemic, Terrastika is back. It’s the world’s largest fair for lovers and traders of reptiles, amfibians and arthropods. Usually held three times a year in Hamm, Germany, lots of money is made over a weekend, and regulations and laws aren’t always strictly followed.

Full story, in Dutch, on Trouw.nl

A child at the reptile fair in Houten is looking to buy a bearded dragon, a lizard that naturally lives in desert-like areas of Australia. Its gentle nature has made it a much-loved pet.

Many families come to the Terraria fair in Houten to view the wide range of animals.