A win for the environment in Florida!
Florida has enjoyed a fairly relaxed time when it comes to keeping exotic pets but the state has just cracked down on those who want to own them, including iguanas and pythons.
Those who currently own any of the 16 exotic species listed will be allowed to keep them but anyone looking to pick one up in the future is out of luck.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has ruled that ownership and breeding of the 16 most evasive and non-native animals in the state will be outlawed within two weeks – a great move if you ask us.
Calls for the ban came after continued damage to the eco-system by non-native animals had reached unacceptable levels.
The outlawed species also includes Burmese pythons; reticulated pythons; scrub pythons; Northern African pythons; Southern African Pythons; amethystine pythons; green anacondas; Nile monitor lizards; tegus (all species) and green iguanas.
Despite this, some pet owners were unable to recognise the importance of the native eco-system over invasive species – seems obvious?
Now the local wildlife stands a better chance of survival.
