Degu - potential invasive species? (1 Viewer)

[angusmcoatup]

I went into one of those Pet supermarket warehouse places this afternoon on an errand and came across something I hadn't seen before. Several cages of Degus, otherwise known as Brush tailed rat.

Anybody know how long these have been on sale in the UK and does any public body (DEFRA?) risk assess the legal sale of such animals as pets? From what I saw and what I've just read they appear to be intelligent lively creatures and are fairly sizeable.

Would they be capable of surviving in the wild in the UK or do they have too complex a diet, breeding cycle or habitat? They were kept next to a cage of Chinchillas which seem never to have established themselves in the UK and I don't recall hearing of Guinea pigs being a problem, perhaps surprisingly.

No witchhunt intended, I was just surprised to come across a "new" animal in a pet shop and am interested to know how the pet industry operates when it finds a potentially new animal as commodity?

Wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degu

 

[Farnboro John]

I went into one of those Pet supermarket warehouse places this afternoon on an errand and came across something I hadn't seen before. Several cages of Degus, otherwise known as Brush tailed rat.

Anybody know how long these have been on sale in the UK and does any public body (DEFRA?) risk assess the legal sale of such animals as pets? From what I saw and what I've just read they appear to be intelligent lively creatures and are fairly sizeable.

Would they be capable of surviving in the wild in the UK or do they have too complex a diet, breeding cycle or habitat? They were kept next to a cage of Chinchillas which seem never to have established themselves in the UK and I don't recall hearing of Guinea pigs being a problem, perhaps surprisingly.

No witchhunt intended, I was just surprised to come across a "new" animal in a pet shop and am interested to know how the pet industry operates when it finds a potentially new animal as commodity?

Wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degu

There are (or were) Guinea-pigs living wild in Britain. Its not my place to say where, and its two years since I passed the site en route to a Sykes's Warbler.

It may be significant that to date Gerbil and Hamster spp have set up colonies that have all died out within a few years.

Keep feeding your urban foxes!

John

 

[angusmcoatup]

I remember seeing a Chipmunk sp. in Cheshire many years back, though whether it was a solo escapee or part of a small colony I don't know. It seems there's a fair number in the South east. Also read there are several Racoon dogs, which would liven up my camera trap viewing no end.

 

[Welsh Peregrine]

Seem to recall a mass dumping, and consequent mass dying of degus in the Ainsdale area a couple of years ago.

 

[dantheman]

Seem to recall a mass dumping, and consequent mass dying of degus in the Ainsdale area a couple of years ago.

Would be interesting if it happens again - could be a case of degu view for some keen mammal spotters for sure ...


And been seeing them in a well known 'pet superstore' for a few years now.

 

[Welsh Peregrine]

After a tiny search - Feb 2002, at least 50 found dead, 11 (or possibly 13) found and taken to a rescue centre.

 

[angusmcoatup]

Would be interesting if it happens again - could be a case of degu view for some keen mammal spotters for sure ...


And been seeing them in a well known 'pet superstore' for a few years now.

It's a long long time since I've been in a pet shop. A bit of an eyeopener for me. Thanks all for the information.

 

[Farnboro John]

I remember seeing a Chipmunk sp. in Cheshire many years back, though whether it was a solo escapee or part of a small colony I don't know. It seems there's a fair number in the South east. Also read there are several Racoon dogs, which would liven up my camera trap viewing no end.

I don't know about Raccoon Dogs in the UK (though I've seen feral ones in Finland and Jos sees plenty in Lithuania) but Raccoons occasionally escape: one was photographed in a Southampton garden during the Big Garden Birdwatch a year or two ago.

John

 

[Mysticete]

I wouldn't worry about Degus as invasive species, but I would definitely worry about raccoons...

 

[Farnboro John]

More oversexed, overpaid and over here:

 

[Sangahyando]

^ I could see skunks as a potential problem. Although, if Great Horned Owls eat them, Eagle Owls will probably do so as well.

I wouldn't worry about Degus as invasive species, but I would definitely worry about raccoons...

In Germany, they're already an invasive pest.

 

[Jos Stratford]

I don't know about Raccoon Dogs in the UK ... Jos sees plenty in Lithuania

They are very common here. Abundant on my land. Also, I conduct a roadkill survey on a 80 km stretch of road and Raccoon Dog is the number one species recorded.

PS I don't see huge numbers though - they are nocturnal and I suppose I see one during the day only about once a month.