Are you informed on the list of illegal pets in South Africa?
The exotic pet trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry as many people own exotic pets today.
The South African nature conservation and environmental department regulates the legal requirements concerning exotic creatures.
List of illegal pets in South Africa. Photo: @order_anarchy85Source: UGC
Johannesburg Zoo education supervisor, Nathi Mvula,stated thatindividuals who run pet shops do it for entrepreneurial benefits.
However, conservationists keep theanimalsto teach people about them and monitor their welfare, as well as health.
What are exotic pets?
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The term exotic is mainly used to refer to something that is not indigenous to a particular country.
However, when referring to pets, it means unusual.
Therefore, exotic pets include animals such as parrots, snakes, iguanas, and monkeys.
Image: instagram.com, @stinky_little_thievesSource: UGC
These are not commonly kept pets, thus referred to as exotic.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you buy a pet from a reputable trader or corporation.
Additionally, they respond well to human affection and interaction.
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They can also be very entertaining.
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These creatures aresmall, measuring between 40 and 60 cm long.
Image: instagram.com, @rigatonitheferretSource: UGC
Males are referred to as hobs while the females are known as jills.
The latter weighs around 0.5-1.5 kg while hobs weight from 1.0-2.5kg.
Their lifespan is about eight to ten years.
Image: instagram.com, @xprincess_lattexSource: UGC
Interestingly, they come in different colors.
Ferrets sleep between 18 to 20 hours every day.
However, they are highly active when awake.
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It is essential to get them toys to keep them physically and mentally occupied.
They enjoy playing with other ferrets, as well as human companionship.
These little creatures are obligate carnivores, thus need meat for survival.
Image: instagram.com, @marmoset_punarakSource: UGC
Interesting to note, Aap is used to refer to a monkey in Afrikaans.
When marmosets are still young and innocent, they are simply adorable and charming.
There arevarious sitesshowing finger monkey for sale South Africa today.
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Therefore, a majority of veterinarians do not encourage people to keep these creatures as pets.
Hedgehogs
In South Africa, African Pygmy hedgehogs have increasingly become popular pets.
Their lifespan is around four to six years, but some live up to ten years.
Image: instagram.com, @hedgehog_heaven_txSource: UGC
While the quills on hedgehogs may look sharp, it is unlikely to get injured or hurt by them.
Reptiles
As you would think, reptiles are very different from cats and dogs.
Another necessity is fresh drinking water and a place to swim if possible.
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A good number of pet shops in SA sell snakes for pets.
In most cases, these are usually multiple-generation captive-bred animals.
Prospective owners should know that most of these snakes are generally reluctant to bite.
Image: instagram.com, @4theloveofdragonsSource: UGC
However, they may bite when in fear or pain from an injury.
This is similar to how a dog can bite when handled in the wrong manner.
Interesting details about the Dracula Parrot
There are various pet shops that sell extremely harmful animals.
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Therefore, when considering to buy a snake, you should be aware of the implications of a bite.
A bite from a venomous snake is potentially fatal and could even lead to death within a short time.
Where can one get wildlife permits South Africa?
Image: instagram.com, @allisSource: UGC
You canapply for wildlife permitsat the CapeNature Head Office or any regional office.
DISCLAIMER:This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances.
Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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Africa boasts of being home to some of the rarest species of animals.
The animals not only grace the parks and game reserves but greatly influence the continent’s tourism industry.
There is, however, a threat to the existence of the animals.
How about pointing out the top extinct and endangered animals in South Africa?
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She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014.
In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She has worked for Briefly.co.za for five years now.
She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports.
Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
