Regulate China’s pet squirrel trade

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