Ecological risks mount as India's exotic pet trade leads to abandonments and invasive species

India's exotic pet trade has grown into a major industry, with over 40,000 people across 30 states and union territories declaring their exotic pets in a 2020 government scheme, according to a report by Humane World for Animals. Conservation researcher Uttara Mendiratta points out that buyers are often drawn to unusual animals by the desire for status, the appeal of perceived cool pets, or the belief that they are easy to maintain. Consumer studies in Japan also note motives like mental healing and cuteness, while social media helps amplify these trends by connecting buyers with sellers. However, the reality of caring for growing animals often changes. A small reptile, turtle, parrot, snake, or primate can become difficult to house, manage, or feed as it matures, leading owners to abandon them.

The Threat of Red-Eared Sliders

A January 2026 Kerala study found that 16 percent of respondents released pet turtles into open areas when they grew larger, with 54.8 percent buying them out of personal interest and 55 percent purchasing them for children. Among these, the red-eared slider has emerged as a dominant concern. Native to the Mississippi River basin, these turtles are classified by the IUCN as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. They have been recorded in water bodies across states like Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, Goa, and Telangana. In Gujarat alone, they were found in 35 water bodies shared with native turtles. Their diet shifts to omnivorous as they grow, allowing them to compete with native species for food and basking sites. Despite this, the Zoological Survey of India notes that no reptile is currently formally designated as an invasive alien species under the country's biodiversity laws.

Seizures and Other Species

Other exotic reptiles like green iguanas and ball pythons are also increasingly common in seizures and on social media. A 2025 study warned that large parts of India have suitable climatic conditions for green iguanas to establish populations, posing a serious ecological threat. Meanwhile, reptile seizures dominate Directorate of Revenue Intelligence data. In July 2024, Chennai Customs seized 402 baby iguanas from Bangkok, including green, orange, yellow, and 53 protected blue iguanas, with 67 found dead. Additionally, customs authorities seized 12,385 red-eared sliders at Chennai and Tiruchirappalli airports between 2018 and 2020. Beyond release risks, the removal of animals like primates from their native wild habitats also disrupts seed dispersal, forest composition, and disease dynamics.