Storyline: Exotic pets fuel new niche market in China [Voice_over] From lizards to turtles to colorful parrots, exotic pets are populating more and more Chinese households, giving rise to an emerging niche market. Data shows that more than 17 million people in China now keep animals other than traditional cats or dogs, fueling an exotic pet market that’s valued at about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars. In places like central China’s Shangqiu City, exotic pet breeders are springing up to meet demand, some requiring licenses to breed animals that are protected. People like Han Chu, who specializes in breeding leopard tortoise, an African reptile that holds a Class II protection status. [Sound_bite] Han Chu, head, tortoise breeder: "Judging by its patterns, those with more intricate markings can command a higher price, generally ranging from 2,800 to 4,200 U.S. dollars. There are quite a number of buyers." [Voice_over] Experts say whatever the pet, more and more animals and birds are providing companionship to a growing number of people. [Sound_bite] Xu Li, head, Wildlife Protection Division, Shangqiu Natural Resources and Planning Bureau: "As our society and economy develop, there is a rising need for emotional companionship. This demand, primarily driven by young people, is substantial and has spurred a new market." [Voice_over] Data from iiMedia Research shows that the market size of China's pet industry is expected to top 113 billion U.S. dollars by the end of the year. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]