The Saskatchewan government has modernized and strengthened rules related to importing and possessing native and exotic wildlife in the province.

This includes pets, those cared by wildlife rehabilitators and held in zoos.

The Captive Wildlife Regulations have been updated to help protect native wildlife and ecosystems, as well as public health and safety.

Environment minister Warren Kaeding says a lot has changed since the regulations were introduced in 1982.

The growing interest in exotic wildlife as pets and rehabilitation of native species has raised concerns about public safety, animal welfare and ecosystems.

The amended regulations focus on areas of highest risk to people and the environment.

The moderization includes a list of species that can be held without licensing and the licensing requirements for facilities to hold restricted wildlife in captivity.

A panel was set up including a veterinarian, a pet industry representative, a conservation officer, a reptile ecologist and a wildlife health specialist.

The changes ensure that exotic wildlife in the pet trade are suitable based on established risk criteria.

More than 600 exotic wildlife species that pose minimal risk make up the allowed list of species.

Domestic dogs, cats and farm animals are not regulated as wildlife.

People with species on the restricted list must notify the ministry by November 30th.

The list has 2 divisions and division one are considered dangerous and must be removed by the end of November.

Division 2 are pets and may be kept for the remaining life of the animal, but only if the ministry is notified by November 30th.