Regulate China’s pet squirrel trade

In recent years, the popularity of pets has increased substantially in China (<i>1</i>), and squirrels have emerged as a favored choice among pet lovers (<i>2</i>). At least six species of squirrels—<i>Sciurus vulgaris</i>, <i>Tamias sibiricus</i>, <i>Callosciurus erythraeus</i>, <i>Tamiops swinhoei</i>, <i>Spermophilus dauricus</i>, and <i>Marmota </i><i>himalayana</i>—are widely bred and traded in China (<i>2</i><i>-</i><i>4</i>). Two species of flying squirrels (<i>Trogopterus xanthipes</i> and <i>Pteromys volans</i>) are occasionally encountered in pet markets and farms (<i>2</i>,<i> 5</i>). However, the pet squirrel trade has raised conservation, public health, and animal welfare concerns (<i>2</i>,<i> 6</i>). China should take urgent action to implement strict supervision of the pet squirrel market.