The veterinarian who specialised in birds says that she has a wide variety of exotic birds at their home – such as macaws, grey parrots, amazons, cockatoos, conures, lorikeets, pionus, rosellas, lovebirds and more. "So make sure you are capable of looking after the pet first,” she concludes. This is just one case. Just because you have money to buy an exotic animal, that does not make you eligible to look after it. Besides, there are do’s and don’ts that one must follow, says veterinarian and China PVC sheets keeper of Sara’s Exotic Birds Centre, Dr Rani Maria Thomas. 

For example, some birds make loud noises. In most cases, they live for decades, so they are not a short-term commitment for responsible owners. Birds, fish, iguanas, lhasa apsos, monkeys and many more are at her home in Alappuzha, and she says it is not a mini zoo. "All our pets, whether domesticated or exotic, deserve respect and the proper care. They deserve all we can provide for them when they are in our care.There are do’s and don’ts that one must follow while keeping an exotic pet. Always keep the best interests of the animal in mind. But they require special care and attention as well. If they are injured or tired, they won’t let you understand the situation sometimes. Think whether you can provide all that the animal requires to live comfortably. 

If you are planning to keep exotic animals as pets, it is best to do your homework first.” Rani’s pet farm, which she inherited from her father, is home of a number of exotic animals and birds. It is quite a challenge, and demands a lot of time and effort to keep a ‘non-native’ friend with you. Consider the life span of the animal, its special needs and the local laws. This is one of their defensive mechanisms which help them from the predators. "These exotic animals, has a masking phenomenon that they develop in the wild. So if you have an exotic pet, that is tamed and under your custody, it might use this sometimes.When people come to buy these animals and birds, she gives them some tips forehand, which are very important to keep in mind because you are dealing with not any common pet and she doesn’t want them to make any false moves. If you can’t bear loud noise, you may not want to consider a large bird. Research what the animal needs as far as its habitat and diet are concerned. Why do people keep exotic animals and birds as their pets? For gaining some kind of personal benefit, is one of the main reasons.” She also recommends that you consult a veterinarian or an expert whenever you find something odd. "Exotic birds such as parrots, conures, macaws and cockatoos are beautiful. It is applicable to all the exotic birds and animals. And it’s important to be aware of their bevaviour in certain environments. Keeping an exotic pet has become a trend, which may result in unexpected consequences if you are not ready to welcome your new friend home,” says Rani.. All types of animals are available in pet shops nowadays, not just dogs and cats. The last thing we need for the animal is it ending up being released in the wild or living the rest of its life at a local animal shelter,” Rani says

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Exotic pets should be kept in captivity until their death or you should provide alternative arrangements for such a time, when one can no longer provide for them, as releasing them into our backyard is illegal and will create an ecological imbalance. As a responsible pet owner, one should commit to selecting a pet that is suitable for your household/home. In case of exotic pets, please keep a record on the type of food you feed, the amount of food you feed and the time at which it’s been fed.While keeping an exotic pet, one should fulfill all legalities pertaining to the species, including local ordinances, licensing, handling requirements and so on. 

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Principal Scientist and head in-charge, Fishery Environment Management Division, Dr Kripa states, "Pollutants upset primary food production in water bodies by preventing the entry of sunlight into water, thus affecting the productivity of the region.M. Have you ever wondered where the plastic waste ends up? You probably won’t believe it if someone answers ‘inside a young male sperm whale that was found dead off the coast of Spain’. 

Marine life is in great danger and the prime reason for it is us, humans."According to recent studies, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, if governments don’t take immediate action. Plastic microparticles are getting into the flesh of the fish we consume. This has been the case of Kochi. Consumption of plastic by marine creatures causes severe digestive problems, which go mainly untreated. Plastic bags, bottles and other disposable items are the most common littered objects, polluting and destroying entire ecosystems that are vital for the planet. They lack stringent law to prevent littering and plastic usage. 

 Though people are not throwing the plastic waste into oceans, they are not aware of the danger of dumping it in public places. People have to show some civic sense,” says retired associate professor and environmental activist Dr C. Also, littering in beaches impacts tourism.Plastic pollution is poisoning oceans, endangering marine life and ecosystems, thus, affecting health. "Our governments have failed to tackle the issue. Believe it or not, it is true. Government will have to urge and make plans to implement it,” he added. The waters are polluted with plastic like never before. Fishes have a tendency to eat whatever tiny pieces similar to their natural prey, even if plastic, float in the sea. Ghost nets, that are left behind by the fisherman, also cause trouble. Large amounts of plastic waste are washed into the ocean every year, jeopardising the natural ambience of the marine life. The only way is to reduce the use of plastic.

The plight of rivers across Kerala is another example of plastic waste that never PVC sheets goes away. The fate of the sperm whale maybe just another incident among marine species, as the use of plastic and unscientific dumping causes problems everywhere. She explains, "Marine debris is any man-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly via rivers, streams and storm drains.”Fisheries Department’s research wing conducts a number of awareness classes and symposium about marine debris and its issues, but it still remains as a threat.More than eight million tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean each year, which is equivalent to dumping a truck filled with plastic into the sea every minute. In addition to causing intestinal injury and death to shellfishes, plastic also triggers the risk of extinction of bigger fishes and other marine mammals across the food chain.”While it is our duty to ensure that we are not littering, activists like Purushan Eloor says governments have a key role in this. 

Once again, it is a dire reminder that pollution has a great price, and that price is often paid by wildlife. Tons of plastic fragments — like grocery bags, straws and soda bottles — are carried into the oceans every day. Reports suggest that the consumption of plastic by all kinds of fishes amounts to several tonnes every year.Marine ecosystem has been facing threats from plastic pollution. Proper waste management is the only solution. If we need to see a change, we should start working towards it. Because these plastic wastes reach oceans eventually. Representative image: students observe an installation made of plastic bottles

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