Illegal exotic pet trade boom

This is a radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), a totally protected species. But despite laws with more bite put in place in February to curb the sale of exotic wildlife like this, the racket is booming since moving online, recording a sharp increase in sales in 2022. - Photo: 123rf.com

PETALING JAYA: It’s the thrill of it that keeps Ron (not his real name) in the exotic pet game.

He was first bitten by the bug when he got a Mexican black kingsnake several years back.