Australia adds 127 reptiles to global treaty in crackdown on 'cruel and abhorrent' smuggling

Blue-tongue lizards among species to get stronger international protectionsFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefingNearly 130 native Australian reptiles targeted by international wildlife smugglers will be added to a global convention in a step the Morrison government and conservationists hope will stifle the "cruel and abhorrent" trade.The spiny-tailed gecko, shingleback lizard and several blue-tongue lizard species are among the reptiles that the environment minister Sussan Ley has listed for inclusion under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites). Continue reading...