Conservation of species in the wild

You might wonder where your pet was born or where their ancestors and relatives are from. Ancestry.com doesn’t exist for exotic pets, but your pet store, rescue center, or breeder should be able to show you where their animals come from. Sourcing animals for the pet trade is a complicated topic - they can be harvested directly from the wild, raised in “ranching” facilities, or bred in captivity. While some species can be successfully bred in captivity, others are incredibly difficult due to stress, space limitations, or inability to provide the animal’s needs. Much of the pet trade is legal and sustainable and some wild-caught trade can be beneficial to the species and ecosystems in cases where it is sustaining communities and encouraging them to protect wildlife habitats. However, there is evidence of unsustainable and illegal sourcing of animals from the wild for the pet trade, which is a significant threat to global wildlife populations. As a consumer, it can be hard to know where your pet came from. A captive-bred pet from a reputable facility is the safest option when it comes to conservation, health, and safety concerns. But some pets like aquarium fish can be hard to find from a captive-bred source. You will be able to make the best decision by doing research and asking questions before obtaining a pet and finding a reputable seller that follows best practices and can prove your animal came from a legal source.