Exotic animal cafes in Asia fuel illegal wildlife trade and conservation concerns

Exotic animal cafes in Asia are linked to a rise in the illegal movement of species, including endangered ones, experts warn. These cafes, featuring animals like capybaras and otters, are growing in popularity across the continent. Their trade often involves unregulated international movement, with concerns about animals being laundered into legal supply chains. The trend fuels demand for exotic pets, potentially exacerbating conservation issues and the risk of invasive species.