Understanding the drivers of illegal exotic pet ownership in India
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Evidence
VALUE £99,946
WHERE India
Summary
Demand for wildlife species as exotic pets is growing in India, with parrot and reptile species being amongst the most popular. Current approaches to tackle this, relying mainly on enforcement to reduce supply and deter purchasing, are not addressing demand. The project will identify species involved, provide trade baselines, identify consumer groups, and develop strategies including effective messaging to change consumer behaviour. Results will inform an evidence-based behaviour change strategy for key consumers of target
species.
Over 600 arrests and more than 500 convictions in wildlife crime since 2017, alongside a decline in ivory trafficking cases and an increase in elephant and rhino populations.