“异宠”不能随意宠！“神奇动物”暗藏哪些风险？

Core Insights - The trend of keeping "exotic pets" is rapidly growing among pet enthusiasts, driven by a desire for unique companionship and economic opportunities in the market [1][3]. Market Demand and Growth - The demand and trade of "exotic pets" in China are experiencing significant growth, with approximately 17.07 million people currently keeping these animals, leading to a market size nearing 10 billion yuan [3]. - Various types of exotic pets, including reptiles, amphibians, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and parrots, are becoming increasingly popular in pet markets [1]. Regulatory Environment - Certain species, such as the African Sulcata tortoise, are classified as national second-level protected animals in China, which imposes restrictions on their trade and ownership [4]. - The sale and breeding of some parrot species, like the Fei's rosefinch, require compliance with legal regulations due to their protected status [5][7]. Challenges for Breeders - Breeders face significant challenges, including financial difficulties in caring for large numbers of exotic pets, as seen with a breeder who struggled to feed 8,000 parrots [9]. - The local government has initiated programs to assist breeders by purchasing large quantities of parrots at a nominal price to alleviate their burdens [11]. Legal Compliance and Identification - The National Forestry and Grassland Administration has implemented measures to simplify the licensing process for qualified breeders and introduced special identification for legally bred exotic pets [12]. - As of January 2024, a pilot program for special identification will expand to include 11 parrot species and several tortoise species, ensuring that only animals with proper identification can be sold or transported [12]. Potential Risks - The relatively short history of keeping exotic pets raises concerns about the potential for disease transmission and the ecological impact of these non-native species if they escape or are abandoned [14][15]. - Exotic pets may pose a threat to local ecosystems by competing for resources and disrupting the balance of native species [15].