People caught buying or selling wild parrots in Fiji could face fines of $20,000 or up to four years’ imprisonment under the Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has issued the warning following reports of parrot chicks being taken from nests in the wild and offered for sale to members of the public.
The Ministry says all of Fiji’s native parrots and lorikeets are protected under the Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
These include the collared lory, known as the kula, the masked, red and crimson shining-parrots, known as kaka, and the blue-crowned and red-throated lorikeets.
The Ministry is urging people not to buy any wild bird offered for sale, even out of sympathy, warning that every purchase encourages more birds to be taken from the wild.
It says buying or selling a wild parrot without being registered with the Fiji CITES Management Authority carries a fine of $20,000 or four years’ imprisonment, while a company can face a fine of $100,000.
It adds that keeping, displaying or offering a wild parrot for sale can result in a fine of $5,000 or two years’ imprisonment.
The Ministry says anyone keeping a wild parrot must prove that the bird is being held lawfully, while breeding protected wildlife in captivity carries the same penalties as selling it.
It says birds held illegally will be confiscated, while any cage, vehicle or money used in committing the offence may also be forfeited to the State.
The Ministry also reminds the public that taking a wild bird, its nest or eggs is an offence under the Birds and Game Protection Act.
People who are offered a wild parrot or witness protected wildlife being taken, kept or sold are urged to report the matter to the Ministry, and a reward may be approved if a report leads to a conviction.
It stresses that protecting Fiji’s wildlife is a shared responsibility and appreciates the public’s cooperation.
For further information, members of the public can email the Principal Environment Officer of the Resource Management Unit at krishneel.nand02@environment.gov.fj.
