Trade in African Grey Parrots and Regulatory Gaps
Background
African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is widely available in Indian pet markets but virtually all trade is illegal.
No registered breeders or authorised pet shops exist in most States despite its large market presence.
Findings emerged from RTI applications filed to multiple Forest Departments.
Conservation Status
Listed in Appendix I of CITES:
Strictest protection; commercial international trade is prohibited without special permits.
Classified as Endangered by IUCN.
Native populations in Central Africa have sharply declined due to capture for the pet trade.
RTI Findings across States
RTIs were sent to 19 States/UTs.
Kerala:
Reported receiving 17 applications for breeder registration.
Stated that pet store registration falls under the State Animal Welfare Board.
Most other States:
Gave generic responses claiming no data.
Some divisions replied that the species “is not found in the division”.
Tamil Nadu:
Officially claimed no registered breeders or pet stores,
But is conducting inspections and audits of breeding facilities and pet shops.
Licensing Requirements (Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023)
To legally breed CITES Appendix I species like African Grey Parrots, the applicant must have:
Application to Chief Wildlife Warden.
CITES Import Permit.
DGFT Import Licence Number.
No-objection certificate (NOC) from State’s Chief Wildlife Warden for import.
Compliance with all documentation before applying for breeding licence.
Regulatory Lapses Identified
States are not maintaining registries of exotic species (mandatory requirement).
Lack of coordination between importers and Forest Departments.
Large number of parrots in markets suggest:
illegal imports, or
illegal captive breeding without licence.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), consider the following statements:
It is listed under Appendix I of CITES.
It is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
Commercial international trade in the species is permitted with breeder certification only.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct — The species is listed in CITES Appendix I and is Endangered under IUCN.
Statement 3 is incorrect — Appendix I species cannot be traded commercially even with breeder certification; only special permits for non-commercial purposes are allowed.
Q. Under the Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023, which of the following documents are required to obtain a licence to breed CITES Appendix I species such as the African Grey Parrot?
CITES import permit
Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) import licence number
No-objection certificate from State Chief Wildlife Warden
Registration under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
Requirements include CITES permit, DGFT import licence, and NOC from Chief Wildlife Warden.
Registration under the Biological Diversity Act is not required for exotic species.