In News:

RTI responses from 19 States and Union Territories reveal that State Forest Departments have no records of registered breeders or authorised pet shops dealing in the African grey parrot, despite the species being widely available in Indian pet markets. This has raised concerns about illegal and unreported exotic wildlife trade in India.

About the African Grey Parrot

• Common Name: African grey parrot
• Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
• Natural Range: West and Central Africa (savannas, mangroves, forest edges and clearings)
• Subspecies:
  • Congo African Grey (CAG) – bright red tail
  • Timneh African Grey (TAG) – maroon tail
• Distinctive Traits:
  • Among the most intelligent parrots; exceptional mimicry and contextual speech
  • Grey plumage, orange eyes; highly social and sensitive
• Ecological Role: Important seed disperser in African ecosystems

Conservation Status

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I
  • Commercial international trade prohibited
  • Requires individual CITES permits and strict documentation

Legal Framework for Trade in India

• Import & Breeding Requirements (for CITES Appendix I species):
  • CITES import permit
  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) import licence
  • Prior approval / No-Objection Certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden
  • Breeding licence under Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023
• Obligation of States: Forest Departments are mandated to maintain registries of exotic species.