A1 Journal article (refereed)
Assessing preferences and motivations for owning exotic pets : Care matters (2023)

Hausmann, A., Cortés-Capano, G., Fraser, I., & Di Minin, E. (2023). Assessing preferences and motivations for owning exotic pets : Care matters. Biological Conservation, 281, Article 110007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110007

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hausmann, Anna; Cortés-Capano, Gonzalo; Fraser, Iain; Di Minin, Enrico

Journal or series: Biological Conservation

ISSN: 0006-3207

eISSN: 1873-2917

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 21/03/2023

Volume: 281

Article number: 110007

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110007

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86145

Abstract

Understanding drivers of demand for exotic pets may help inform adequate conservation strategies to address unsustainable trade. Here, we used a best-worst scaling approach to understand the variety of preferences and motivations for owning exotic pets. Respondents (316 from 33 countries) preferred exotic pets that were captive-bred, had rare aesthetic features, and were common in the wild and abundant in the market. Species that were at risk of extinction, in short supply, sourced from the wild, and under trade restrictions were the least favoured by respondents. Feelings of care, such as attachment, affection, nurture, as well as curiosity and being passionate about the species, were dominant motivations for pet keepers. Respondents were willing to support the conservation of species in the wild. Our findings highlight that relational dimensions are among the most important aspects influencing decisions to own exotic pets. Certification systems of origin that supports animal welfare and conservation may help consumers support sustainable trade in exotic pet species. However, attention should be paid to challenges throughout the supply chain and not to incentivize consumers' preferences for rare genetic features as this may pose a risk to the conservation of species in the wild. When planning conservation initiatives and policies, considering relational dimensions may provide novel insights to better foster meaningful expressions of care with animals in the wild, as opposed to animals as exotic pets. Fostering care, as a normative human sense of kinship with non-humans, could help channeling “demand for ownership” towards “stewardship relations” with nature.

Keywords: pets; rarities; endangered animals; demand; international trade; protection of fauna; species protection; relation to nature; survey research

Free keywords: wildlife trade; best-worst scaling; rarity; relational values; ethics of care; human-nature relations; certification

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2