Exotic Animal Café (EAC) is a facility where you can enjoy eating and drinking while seeing and touching various “exotic animals” that are different from common domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters. Point.Previous studies have reported that Japan has the highest number of EACs among Asian countries.However, no studies have been conducted on the diversity, conservation status, and trade regulations of the species covered by the Japanese EAC, and on the impact of the EAC on biodiversity conservation, public health, and animal welfare.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University (at that time) and environmental conservation experts conducted an online survey (identifying EAC websites and social media sites through keyword searches), and as of 2019, there were 139 EAC stores operating across Japan. I made sure it was inside.The locations ranged from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and a total of 419 animals of 3,793 species were handled.The research team recorded the IUCN Red List evaluation of these animals, the Washington Convention regulations, and the presence or absence of specific alien species designation by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, and as a result, 12% of the animals are endangered species. and
Birds accounted for 62% of the taxonomic groups handled by Japan's EAC, with owls accounting for 40%.This was followed by reptiles (21%), mammals (15%), and a small number of amphibians (2%).In addition to species designated as regulated by the Washington Convention and designated as invasive alien species, it has also been confirmed that the Pancake tortoise, a near-extinct species whose international trade is prohibited, and the endangered Sundas slow loris are also handled. , the possibility that it was illegally brought into Japan cannot be denied.
In general, Japan's lax regulations on EAC business have raised concerns about risks to biodiversity, infectious disease risks, the possibility of illegal trade, and animal welfare issues, and it is also considering strengthening related regulations. It is said that it is desired.
Paper information:[Conservation Science and Practice] Exotic animal cafés in Japan: A new fashion with potential implications for biodiversity, global health, and animal welfare
