Abstract
Humans have been keeping exotic animals as pets for centuries, however the trend of owning wild animals as exotic pets is growing in popularity around the globe and has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Research suggests that the trade in exotic pets has widespread implications for biodiversity both in the areas from which animals are sourced and those to which they are traded to be kept as pets. The demand for pets is a substantial driver of the global wildlife trade and a growing threat to global biodiversity, animal welfare and species conservation. This study provides a background to the exotic pet trade, as well as linking factors which are associated with the exotic pet trade from a global, national and provincial perspective. It gives an indication as to how the exotic pet trade operates at various stages.
A secondary aim of the study is to provide an overview of the environmental legislation governing the exotic pet trade in the Gauteng province. This study focused on small exotic mammals and reptiles in the trade, the findings of the study were polarised into diverse views of different groups. To get an overview of the scale, scope and views of individuals involved in the trade this study made use of a mixed-method study to collect data from multiple sources. The objectives of the study were to make use of semi-structured interviews to get an overview of the nature, extent and characteristics of the exotic pet trade in the Gauteng province. To investigate the attitudes and awareness of government organisations, non-governmental organisations, exotic pet owners and veterinarians towards the environmental legislation pertaining to the trade. To determine what difficulties or challenges there are in the environmental legislation and enforcement pertaining to the exotic pet trade. Online surveys on social media platforms were used to investigate the demand side of the exotic pet trade in terms of who is involved in the trade, what species are prolific on the online trade and what are the motivations for such a trade. Pet Shops in the Gauteng province were visited to conduct a preliminary assessment and create an inventory of species which are traded in pet shops.
The overview of the exotic pet trade in the Gauteng province of this study will show that on an international level South Africa is falling behind on its duties and responsibilities promised to the international community. National legislation in South Africa, which is supposed to govern the movement of wildlife products in and out of the country, as well as protect our indigenous wildlife has limitations. Provincial legislation is needed to afford protection for exotic species coming into the country but is currently non-existent. Overall this study will show that there is a need for better regulation of the exotic pet trade, stronger enforcement of current legislation and more stringent fines for breaking environmental laws of the country. Better legislation and monitoring of the exotic pet trade is needed in the Gauteng province to ensure that exotic animals are afforded the necessary protection when entering South Africa and to protect the biodiversity of the country.
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)