Lizard traffickers exploit legal loopholes to trade at world's biggest fair

Precious but endangered lizards are a lucrative new cargo for German smugglers, ahead of an international attempt to outlaw their trade

Wildlife traffickers are exploiting a legal grey area to trade in highly lucrative protected lizard species at the world's biggest reptile fair, a Guardian investigation has discovered.

Endangered animals from Latin America, New Zealand and south-east Asia are being offered for sale at prices of up to a5,000 (3,200) a pair on the sidelines of the quarterly Terraristika fair in Hamm, Germany. Their trade in Europe is estimated to be worth millions of euros.