The developing trade in exotic species in India could potentially cause invasive species to take over the landscape in Tamil Nadu, to warn scientists who have analyzed the species composition of domestic pets selling exotic pets in the state.
The use of modeling techniques to study the suitability of habitats for species such as the Green Legoana (Iguana Iguan), which has already become an invasive species in parts of North America, scientists warned that exotic species, if not properly managed, could end the takeover of large parts of ecosystems in the country. The study gained significant attention, in the light of the recent Siamang Gibbon video, an endangered species that escaped from the house in Chennai.
When investigating pet shops in Tamil Nadu scientists, scientists have discovered selling 148 different birds, mammal, reptile, Arachnid and fish, which have been threatened, 15 classified as “vulnerable” and three as “almost endangered” international Union for nature (IUCN).
Exotic species, many of which are on the decline in their native habitats around the world are increasingly sold in pet stores throughout India, said N. Moinudheen, independent biologist from Nilgiris, along with scientists K. Rishi, A. Abinesh, M. Saran, E. Vignes, A. Shree, M. Shahir, PSEDWARD, A. Samson Study. Their findings entitled “Silent Invaders: Biodiversity AT Risk, the findings of social media in an exotic pet shop in Tamil Nadu and invasive modeling of Legoana” were recently published in Acta Zoologica Lilloan, an open approach, a reviewed scientific scientific journal.
Scientists analyzed videos on video sharing platforms and found that 148 exotic species were sold in 115 stores throughout the state.
They found endangered species, including a European hamster, a European rabbit, a turtle on pigs, blue iguanas, among other things sold in pet stores. A. Samson, one of the authors of the study, said there were several types of wild animals that have already taken over native ecosystems in many parts of India, including a red hinge rider, Koi Kapra and other fish released by pet owners or escape into lakes and water formations.
The study modeled the potential threat of another popular species – green iguana, which became invasive in parts of the country, showing the results that the species could acclimatize to a wide range of habitats, including parts of western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas and coastal regions.
While trade in many types sold in pet stores is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Types of Wild Fauna and Flora (City), Breeding and Trade as soon as they enter the Indian border, not often controlled or monitored, argue experts who study the wilderness trade in India.
In an interview with Hindu, one such researcher studying trade with exotic pets in the country and asks for anonymity, said that exotic pet dealers need only permission from the country of origin, where this species is imported, and also from the main nature guard of the state in which they are based. “As soon as they enter the ground, the local forest department, which should monitor and regulate the breeding and sale of these animals, usually cannot intervene because they are not clear about laws regulating trade in exotic wilderness,” he said.
The species trading in domestic animals throughout the state have shown decreases across their original locations, remarks the authors. “Agapornis Fischeri (Fischer’s Lovebird), once common in the northern central Tanzania, experienced a large decline in the population mainly because of wild birds,” the authors noted, adding that other species traded in India like Burmese Python, “he refused for food, skin and skin and animals. 1980. “
The analysis shows that many species involved in the exotic store with pets in India are either listed within the CITES Annexes II and III, or are not mentioned at all. Only one type of reptile, Cyclura Lewisi (Blue Iguan), is in Annex I, which emphasizes the limited representation of highly protected species. A large number of traded species fall beyond strict international regulation, which increases the risk of illegal trade and poor monitoring, they added.
A prominent conservationist based in Tamil Nadu said that while the number of exotic pets in open markets was surprising that it was just the tip of the iceberg. “With the recent gibbon leak in Chennai, you can see the entire market with exotic species that is completely underground, without supervision.
Published – 11 September 2025 20:32
