Abandoned rare animals rising across city; experts warn non-native pets spread diseases, threaten local wildlife
Police constable Sachin More (right), with the rescued snake, with a building resident. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Last week, a ball python (a non-venomous constrictor snake) was rescued from a Mumbai building by Police Constable Sachin More, a wildlife enthusiast. On December 4, More, from the LA-1 Naigaon police station, received a call from a Mahim resident about a snake outside their sixth-floor flat. “It wasn’t a native species but an exotic ball python,” said More. “I checked with the building residents, but no one claimed it. I rescued the snake and handed it over to the forest department with my friend Atul Kamble.”
Conservationists say such incidents are becoming increasingly common, often because owners cannot manage the care of exotic pets. They warn that escaped non-native species can pose zoonotic disease risks and disrupt local ecosystems.
Pawan Sharma, president, NGO RAWW, told mid-day, “Illegal wildlife trafficking has always been a matter of serious concern in India and around the globe. This is not the first time an abandoned, escaped, or deliberately released exotic animal has been rescued from the city”.
A hidden ball python in Mahim building before the rescue
We have already seen non-native and invasive species like the Red-eared Slider establishing themselves in local habitats and causing significant, yet still unassessed, ecological damage. He added that alien species are often found in drains, ponds, lakes, and creeks, affecting native aquatic life, including turtles and their prey.
Sharma further said the illegal exotic wildlife trade is an extremely cruel industry, often run by organised networks and trafficking syndicates. “These groups pose threats not only to wildlife but also to national security, with links to illegal arms, narcotics, human trafficking, hawala routes, and even terror financing.”
Experts urge stronger public awareness and government policies, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of releasing exotic animals.
Did you know?
Releasing or allowing an exotic pet to escape violates the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Those responsible can face legal action, particularly after recent amendments that regulate the trade of non-native species.
Exotic species rescued in Mumbai
Iguanas, ball pythons, African grey parrots, conures, and alligator snapping turtles.
About ball pythons
The ball python is one a non-venomous constrictor. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the Eastern Hemisphere. The species originates from West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. The snake prefers warm, secure hiding spots and often takes refuge in underground burrows.
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