Cape Nature has issued a warning against keeping ferrets amid concerns about growing environmental threats. (Belinda Speed)
With their elongated bodies and fluffy faces, ferrets are becoming increasingly popular as pets in South Africa.
According to Cape Nature, the chief custodian of the Western Cape's natural environment, ferrets are relatively new to the country and interest in ferrets is being driven by “those who are adventurous in choosing a furry friend.” It is said that it shows.
But there are several reasons why these small predators, members of the mustelid family, don't make ideal pets, the organization said. Ferrets, unlike dogs and cats, have not been domesticated for thousands of years, so there is a lack of research and knowledge about the diseases they can carry.
This makes it extremely difficult for veterinarians to ensure that animals are free of disease, CapeNature said.
“Some diseases can be transmitted to native wildlife such as polecats, African weasels, ratels, clawless otters, and mongooses, as well as to humans.”
In North America, there is evidence that some of the diseases associated with the endangered American black-footed ferret are due to ferret importation.
“They have been found to carry rabies, but there is no proven vaccine for rabies. In other parts of the world, ferrets have been found to be carriers of bovine tuberculosis.”
The potential ecological threat from establishing feral ferret populations, whether sterilized or not, cannot be underestimated. For example, in New Zealand, wildlife is classified as 'undesirable' and the ecological impacts include devastating mortality rates for some native wildlife species.
“For these reasons, ferrets are largely banned worldwide and, unfortunately, are considered highly undesirable imports in many other parts of the world where they were originally allowed to be imported,” Cape Nature said. said.
The Western Cape considers ferrets to be “highly undesirable” and points out that all activities involving the animals, including buying, selling and possessing them, require a permit in the province.
“If you are found to be keeping a ferret without a permit, you may be in breach of the provisions of the Conservation Ordinance and will face legal action if found guilty.”
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of ferrets being kept as pets at home or caught in the “wild.”
“The increase in pet-ferret encounters in the Western Cape is sadly evidenced by the number of people importing, breeding or importing ferrets without regard for the dire environmental risks these activities pose to the province's precious biodiversity. It shows that we are trading,” said CapeNature CEO Ashley Naidoo. Said.
He appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal collection and trade of animals and plants and to work with organizations to curb wildlife crime.
According to the National SPCA Council (NSPCA), ferrets are known to severely destroy native species and are “escapist artists.” Jack Peacock, the association's spokesperson and legal officer, said the association opposes keeping native wild and exotic species as pets.
“Wild animals should remain in their natural habitats and roam freely, as it is inhumane to force them to live in captivity that does not meet the unique needs of their species.
“We further oppose the private and commercial breeding of all animals, including native wild and exotic species, for the pet trade,” Peacock said.
“The SPCA's opposition to the breeding of wild animals as companion animals is based on the fact that it is inappropriate and inhumane to force a life in captivity on a wild animal that cannot meet the unique needs of the species. ”
He added that wild animals are not domesticated and are often denied the five freedoms when forced to live in captivity.
“Ferrets are devastating our native wildlife and we therefore understand CapeNature’s position. As far as we are aware, Gauteng province has a similar policy regarding ferret breeding. ”
A 2021 research paper by the DSI-NRF Center for Excellence in Invasion Biology and the Center for Functional Biodiversity at the University of KwaZulu-Natal focuses on predicting the potential distribution of exotic mammal species sold in the South African pet trade. It is stated as follows: The pet trade is one of the major routes for the introduction of several mammals around the world.
Domesticated ferrets were among the 14 species evaluated, and the researchers noted that while some of the species evaluated are not commonly sold in the pet trade, gerbils , domesticated ferrets, sugar gliders and other animals have been found to have environmental and socio-economic impacts.
They found that the bioclimatic variables of temperature and rainfall may also play a role in the distribution of domestic ferrets in South Africa, which is highly suited to coastal areas.
“However, this species is related to Western Europe and New Zealand and may occupy lowland habitats, where it is an invasive species. If domesticated ferrets were to successfully invade South Africa , which can have a negative impact on the biodiversity of coastal areas.
“In New Zealand, in the absence of predators, domesticated ferrets have been reported to be successful invaders, preying on native penguins and ground-nesting birds,” the study said.