Banned Exotic Animals: The Ten Most Popular

Aquatic turtles and iguanas. Meerkats and lemurs. The list of exotic animals that can be sold, after many battles by animal rights groups, has significantly narrowed. But this doesn't prevent you from having an exotic or wild animal at home. In fact, these specimens in Italy exceed 20 million, with the risk, however, of further harming some species already at risk of extinction. Here are the exotic animals banned in Italy. In Italy, sale import , detention di exotic animals has always been underestimated, even though Europe had already expressed its opinion on the matter well in advance, taking a serious position already with the issuing of the EU Regulation 2016/429In fact, only in 2021 did the country begin to legislate in this regard, with law no. 53 which regulates the exotic animal market, banning, in some cases, their sale nationwide. But which animals cannot be kept at home?

Index of topics

Parrots of South America

Il South America it is the homeland of the parrots and hosts more than 140 different species in pristine areas and wild habitats. Many of these specimens, however, due to human action and the continuous deforestation Both for international trade, they are seriously at risk of extinction. Furthermore, some species have already become extinct and to prevent this from happening more frequently, targeted intervention will be necessary through international regulations aimed at protect habitats and tighten rules on the importation of these exotic animals.

lemurs

These wonderful native creatures of the Madagascar They are among the oldest primates on this planet. These species have been threatened for years due to uncontrolled deforestation on the African island. However, with theestablishment of protected nature reserves, To lemurs, although still in danger of extinction, has been given another chance to survive. In Italy, the possession and importation of these species is prohibited by law.

Sea turtles

Since we were little we have been accustomed to seeing in our homes small aquariums, tanks with fake palm trees, containing sea turtles inside. Well, even sea turtles, due to the serious threat of extinction, are fully included among the protected animals whose possession, importation and sale in Italy are prohibited. In recent decades there has been a sad decline in North American turtle population which year after year continues to worry animal rights associations.

Meerkats

Belonging to the mongoose family, the meerkat It is a small mammal native to theSouthern AfricaIt is a species that prefers the social life and communicates with others with an efficient, elaborate code. Meerkats are among the exotic animals banned in Italy And the reasons are varied. For example, if they are removed from their habitat, they can become destabilized and suffer irreparable trauma.

Bats

I bats They are mammals capable of flight through the use of muscles. A unique exception in the entire animal kingdom. There are hundreds of species in the world and some of them are high risk of extinction. For example, the Australian giant bat, also known as the grey-headed flying fox, is one of these endangered specimens that is prohibited from importing or selling. In Italy it is included among the exotic animals prohibited along with a large list of other animals belonging to the order Chiroptera.

Sugar gliders

One of the most popular pets in recent years and present in hundreds of Italian homes is the sugar gliderThis is a small marsupial known in particular for its characteristics wing membranes which allow him to glide from one tree to another to move around his natural habitatThe species, also erroneously called flying squirrel, is considered inappropriate for apartment or home life as it limits and forces the animal into a confined life which is absolutely harmful for these exotic animals. Furthermore, being a nocturnal animal, during the day it requires a quiet and silent environment to be able to hunt and move in the dark at night. Therefore, the sale and possession of this marsupial is to be considered illegal in all respects in our country.

African hedgehogs

Another fashion item that has seen its life turned upside down in recent years is the African hedgehogThis pygmy hedgehog species is active at night and faces real torture at home, disconnected from its biological and solar life cycle. African hedgehogs are also banned in Italy, and their possession is punishable by hefty fines.

Iguanas

Certainly one of the most popular reptiles purchased by enthusiasts who finally see an end to this despicable trade. Iguanas are animals found in several countries around the world, including Galapagos, Asia e South AmericaThey are very similar to lizards, but larger. However, for years they have been ruthlessly hunted for sale around the world. However, these species are illegal in Italy and their possession is prohibited.

Serval

Un African feline Beautiful, similar to a cheetah, but slightly taller. This exotic animal attracts thousands of collectors who would love to have one in their homes or gardens. However, thanks to international and national regulations, the serval is protected from the market, and its sale, importation, and possession are prohibited.

Monkeys

Another species that falls within the categories of exotic animals whose possession is prohibited is the monkeyUntil a few decades ago, this animal could still live in the home, but thanks to studies and important battles carried out by animal rights associations, today the monkey is no longer a specimen that can be kept in a domestic environment. In this regard, to be more informed about exotic animals, it is possible to rely on Italian Society of Exotic Animal Veterinarians or the Italian Cultural Society of Pet Veterinarians, that is, the largest Veterinary Scientific Society in Italy.