Silent Invaders : Biodiversity at Risk, Social Media findings into Exotic Pet Trade in Tamil Nadu and Invasion Modeling of Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758)

Rishi Kesavan; Anbazhagan  Abinesh; Moorthi  Saran; Elangovan Vignesh; Arunkumar  Shree; Mohammed  Shahir; Edward Phillmon Smart; Nizamudheen  Moinudheen; Arockianathan Samson; Sadiq  Ali

doi:10.30550/j.azl/2198

Authors

Rishi Kesavan Department of Zoology, Government Arts College, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9939-968X
Anbazhagan Abinesh Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University 605001, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0337-7666
Moorthi Saran Department of Wildlife biology, Government Arts College, Ooty 643 001, Tamil Nadu, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3135-1369
Elangovan Vignesh Department of Zoology, Government Arts College, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6377-9864
Arunkumar Shree Department of Wildlife biology, Government Arts College, Ooty 643 001, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0166-1364
Mohammed Shahir Department of Zoology, Government Arts College, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3243-9997
Edward Phillmon Smart Centre for Landscape Ecology, Fedstan GMC Register Private Limited, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, In- dia 600040 https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1066-0375
Nizamudheen Moinudheen Independent Biologist in Nilgiri Hills Tamil Nadu 643 001, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5887-2395
Arockianathan Samson Bombay Natural History Society, Vulture Programme, Vulture conservation Breeding center, Bhopal 462 044, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0804-7941
Sadiq Ali Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643105, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2198

Keywords:

Exotic pet fauna, Global invasion, Climate warming, Reptile SDM, Social media, Reginal conservation

Abstract

This study investigates the exotic pet trade in Tamil Nadu by analyzing YouTube videos, which revealed the presence of 148 pet species being sold in pet shops. Among these, 12 species were classified as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable, 3 as Near Threatened, 101 as Least Concern, and 18 as Not Assessed, according to the IUCN Red List. The CITES status of each species was also examined to assess their trade regulations. Additionally, the presence of invasive alien species recorded in the videos and already existing in the wild in India was mapped. Species distribution modelling using MaxEnt was conducted for Iguana iguana globally, evaluating both current and future habitat suitability. Results indicated a high potential for the species to establish itself and reproduce in India, posing a serious ecological threat. A questionnaire survey among pet shop owners disclosed limited awareness of pet trade regulations and breeding practices. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pet trade laws, increased public awareness, and proactive measures to prevent potential invasions by exotic species.

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