"I've been keeping 'Qingyu' for almost a year now. Every day, I carry it with me and play with it for a while. It has a very docile temperament, so I often take it out to meet with friends who also keep exotic pets."
"Qingyu" is the green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) kept by Huang Liang, a young man from Beijing. He told Hong Kong Wen Wei Po that many of his friends keep exotic pets, with some even having private reptile exhibits in their homes...
On August 4, the Ministry of State Security issued an article warning that the current trend among pet enthusiasts who pursue novelty and exoticism—fueling a craze for keeping unconventional pets—poses hidden risks to ecological and biological security. The article emphasized that while exotic pets can be kept, they should not be raised indiscriminately. Compliance with laws and responsible ownership are crucial.
What are exotic pets?
Exotic pets, short for "non-traditional pets" or "alternative pets," refer to non-native wildlife kept for companionship, display, or commercial purposes, distinct from conventional pets like cats and dogs. This category includes invertebrates such as insects, as well as vertebrates like birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
Globally, the wildlife trade involves billions of animals annually, with increasing attention on exotic pets. Data shows rapid growth in China's exotic pet demand and transactions. According to the 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper (Consumption Report), the number of exotic pet owners continues to rise. Statistics indicate that around 17.07 million people in China now keep exotic pets, with the market approaching 10 billion yuan. On social media, influencers sharing care guides and handling tips are ubiquitous.
Why are they appealing?
Huang, a dedicated exotic pet enthusiast, has kept lizards, red-tailed boas, frogs, and sugar gliders, but his current favorite is the green vine snake. In his view, exotic pets are unique, low-maintenance, and portable—unlike cats or dogs that require frequent walks.
"I can even keep them nearby while working and interact during breaks to relieve stress," he said. "Most importantly, exotic pets are quiet and don't need constant attention. I travel often, and boarding them at reptile centers is hassle-free. Traditional pets are too time-consuming."
Hidden risks
However, the history of humans keeping exotic pets is relatively short, and understanding of the pathogens they carry—as well as the disease transmission risks during trade and breeding—remains limited. The Ministry of State Security's article noted that China's 2023 "No. 1 Central Document" for the first time included measures to strengthen exotic pet management, stressing the need to "crack down on illegal introductions of alien species" and "enhance regulation of exotic pet trade and release."
The article highlighted that, under China's Invasive Alien Species Management Measures, most popular exotic pets are non-native to the country. Without natural predators or ecological constraints, these species can outcompete local wildlife for resources, disrupting ecosystems. Escapes or intentional releases may lead to biodiversity loss, ecological instability, and even disasters.
The Ministry of State Security urged the public to raise awareness of national security risks associated with exotic pets and safeguard ecological and biological security. Key recommendations include:
- Comply with laws on trade, breeding, transport, and release.
- Adopt responsibly—avoid smuggled or wild-caught animals and demand quarantine certificates from sellers.
- Educate yourself before keeping an exotic pet.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: English Editor: Darius)
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