State Forest Departments across India have no record of African grey parrot trade, reveal RTI responses, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Indian State Forest Departments possess no records of African grey parrot trade, despite their availability in pet markets.
• The African grey parrot is listed under Appendix I of CITES and as 'Endangered' by the IUCN.
• Only Kerala's Forest Department reported receiving 17 applications for breeder licenses.
• Tamil Nadu Forest Department is compiling inspection reports despite claiming no registered breeders.
• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are emerging as hubs for exotic species trade.

Factors Contributing to Exotic Species Trade.png

Detailed Insights:

• The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) requires special permits for trade, including CITES registration and import certificates.
• Extensive capture for the pet trade has decimated African grey parrot populations in Central Africa.
• Breeding CITES Appendix I species requires a valid breeding license under the Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023.
• Obtaining a breeding license requires a CITES import permit, a Directorate-General of Foreign Trade import license, and a no-objection certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
• Maintaining registries of exotic species is crucial due to the potential for spreading zoonotic diseases and becoming invasive species.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CITES: An international agreement ensuring that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• Invasive Species: Non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.