It is illegal to trade with exotic animals

It is estimated that the illegal trade in animals and plants is the third largest illegal activity in the world, surpassed only by the arms and drug trade.

Animals are being killed for trading on the black market which is reducing our wild-life stock to critical numbers.

Not only are rhinos on the verge of extinction for the illegal use of animal parts in traditional medicine and ornaments, but reptiles are also in the path of danger.

Exotic animals are animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and fish) that are not indigenous (or native) to a country.

Ainsley Hay, manager of the wild-life unit at the NSPCA, says it is not only the illegal trade that is becoming a major problem, but also the legal trade where wild animals, that are not suited for captivity, are captured and taken away from their habitat.

“These wild animals have specific needs and then suffer from incorrect keeping,” says Hay.

She also pointed out that the NSPCA strongly believes no wild or exotic animals should be kept as household pets as this is against their nature.

Tortoises and chameleons are becoming popular pets in the trade as suppliers illegally take them out of their natural habitats and sell them by the side of the road, as reported by the National Council of SPCA’s (NSPCA) on their official website.

It is illegal to own, keep, breed, buy, sell or transport any indigenous reptile without a valid permit issued by the relevant nature conservation authorities.

Yet despite this fact, hawkers at some road intersections are offering tortoises and chameleons for sale where they have been illegally removed from their natural habitats.

These reptiles are captured by local people and kept in very poor conditions without food or water for weeks.

Many will die before they are sold, others will die later from stress.

Exotic animals may only be obtained from reputable, legal outlets and private dealers.

According to www.animal-info.co.za, wild animals are not domesticated simply by being captive-bred or hand-reared by a human “mother”.

It’s a different story with dogs and cats, which were domesticated thousands of years ago, but wild animals will always maintain their wild instinct.

The exotic pet trade threatens the very existence of some endangered species such as blue cranes, crowned cranes and Cape parrots which would fetch high prices on the black market.

It is also very important to note that it is illegal to feed live prey in South Africa.

All exotic animals need to be handled carefully as they are dangerous and can carry diseases which can be transmitted to humans.

Sources: nspca.co.za and www.animal-info.co.za