Pet owners in Japan should hold on to their pond slider turtles and red swamp crayfish even after they are officially designated as invasive alien species this summer.
As the creatures have a negative impact on the ecosystem, the government will implement a decree designating them as invasive alien species "with conditions" under the Invasive Alien Species Law on June 1.
The newly created designation means these species can still be kept as pets, but releasing them into the wild will be prohibited.
