Forest Dept Directs Exotic Pet Owners in Chennai to Register on Parivesh Portal

The forest department has directed pet owners and traders in Chennai possessing exotic pets without authorization to mandatorily register their animals on the Union government's Parivesh 2.0 portal or face departmental action. Awareness drives were conducted across retail hubs including Kolathur, George Town, and Pallavaram to notify handlers of the legal framework.

Under the directive, existing owners in possession of unregistered exotic species—such as macaws, parakeets, lemurs, and specific primates—have been given a six-month window to complete their registration. Individuals acquiring an exotic pet moving forward must complete the registration process within one month of acquisition.

Department officials reached out to commercial establishments during the enforcement drive. According to a forest ranger, more than 10 pet shops across Kolathur, George Town, and Pallavaram were briefed on compliance protocols, including documentation procedures for imported animals and reporting requirements in the event an animal gives birth.

The enforcement push follows a recent incident where social media reels featuring actor Vikram with a Lar gibbon gained widespread attention. The Lar gibbon is classified as an endangered primate listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, species listed under CITES are classified as exotic animals. Keeping such species requires mandatory registration on the Parivesh portal as well as a no-objection certificate issued by the chief wildlife warden prior to import.

In addition to digital registration, the department issued strict maintenance guidelines for keepers. Owners must arrange mandatory veterinary health check-ups for their animals every six months. Handlers have also been instructed to prevent the interbreeding of exotic species with native wildlife and to immediately alert authorities if an animal escapes or dies.