Parrots are birds characterised by a curved beak, colourful feathers, upright stance and clawed zygodactyl feet. There are over 400 species of parrots, including parakeets, cockatoos, lovebirds and macaws, grouped in 101 genera. Parrots are found in tropical and sub-tropical regions like Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and Oceania. They commonly inhabit woodlands, rainforests, savannas and some urban areas. Life span of parrots range between 10-80 years, depending upon the species and care.
Parrots are known for their intelligence, comparable to a 3-5 year old child. They are capable of problem-solving, tool use and imitating human speech. 33% of parrot species face the threat of extinction due to illegal pet trade, hunting, competition from invasive species and habitat loss.
Legal Status in India
Native species of parrots are effectively banned as pets in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which was enacted to protect wild animals, birds and plants from damaging human activities. Schedule IV of this act prohibits the capture, trade, possession and keeping of indigenous species of parrots and other birds. Indigenous or native species of parrot include Rose-ringed parakeet, Plum-headed parakeet and Alexandrine parakeet.
Consequently, it is illegal to not only capture and trade the native species of parrots, but also keeping them as pets. Indian citizens unknowingly keeping native species of parrots at home are required to either release or submit them to the forest department.
Violations of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 can lead to a prison term of up to 3 years or a fine up to Rs. 25,000 or both.
Exceptions to the Ban
Owning foreign or exotic species of parrots is permitted in India. However, there are certain rules and regulations associated with keeping exotic species of parrots as pets. Popular exotic species of parrots in India include African Grey Parrots, Quaker Parrots and Cockatiels.
Exotic parrot species can be imported into India under CITES rules only. CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Furthermore, under Section 49M of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, owners of exotic species of parrots or any other animal or bird listed by CITE are required to register possession, transfer, birth or death of the said species on the government’s parivesh portal.
Native parrot species can be kept by authorised zoos, aviaries and conservation facilities only.
Challenges
Illegal trade in native parrot species is a major challenge for the authorities in India. Criminals capture parrots in rural/wild areas and pass them on to middlemen in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and others. International smuggling of exotic parrot species is carried through the porous borders with Bangladesh and Nepal.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
