A visitor poses with two bearded dragons perched on their shoulders at the 2025 Hongwei World Pet Expo on August 9, 2025, Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Photo: VCG

A growing fascination with exotic pets is sweeping China, with an estimated 17.1 million pet owners now keeping everything from tortoises and parrots to iguanas, driving a market worth nearly 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion). While this trend fulfills a desire for unique companionship, it conceals significant legal and environmental risks, according to state broadcaster CCTV News.

Many popular species, such as the African leopard tortoise and Fischer's lovebird, are classified as nationally protected animals. Unlicensed trade or ownership can lead to legal consequences. 

To regulate the industry, authorities have launched pilot programs in Central China's Henan Province, using special identification tags to track legally bred parrots and tortoises.

"Buyers must ensure they obtain the mandatory identification tag with their pets," said Xu Li, a wildlife protection official in Henan's Shangqiu. "Otherwise, they could unintentionally break the law," Xu was quoted by CCTV News.

According to the report, beyond legal pitfalls, experts warn of biosecurity threats. Escaped or released non-native species could become invasive, disrupting local ecosystems. Additionally, many exotic animals carry diseases not well understood by science or local veterinarians, posing health risks to owners and native wildlife alike.

CCTV News