According to wildlife officials in the United States, komodo dragons are being sold on the black market by wildlife traffickers.
In a report by CBS News, when smugglers offer a komodo dragon for sale the price to buy the animal is reported to be $30,000. Buyers can also purchase a Madagascar tortoises for $30,000 as well.
US Fish and Wildlife Inspectors state that 9 out of 10 exotic animals that are taken to be sold and trafficked die during transit.
(Additional prices of exotic wildlife animals.)
Source: David Hanckock, “Contraband Creatures,” CBS Evening News, January 24, 2002.