Growing exotic pet trade in India triggers major ecological threats

Scale of the Trade

India's exotic pet trade has expanded from a small hobby into a major industry, with over 40,000 people across 30 states and union territories declaring their exotic pets under a government disclosure scheme. Conservation researcher Uttara Mendiratta notes that buyers are often drawn by the desire to own unusual animals, the appeal of social media trends, or the search for mental healing. However, as animals grow larger or more demanding, many owners abandon them. A Kerala study shows that 16 percent of respondents released turtles into natural areas when caring for them became too difficult.

Ecological Impact

Releasing exotic species causes serious environmental damage, as invasive animals compete with native wildlife for food and habitat. Red-eared sliders, a North American turtle species popular in India, are listed among the world's worst invasive alien species. They dominate water bodies and have been recorded in states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Kerala. Green iguanas and ball pythons are also appearing in large numbers through seizures and social media. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence data shows reptiles form the highest number of wildlife seizures, highlighted by a 2024 Chennai Customs seizure of 402 baby iguanas arriving from Bangkok.