Conservationists have raised alarms over the potential dangers of commercial parrot breeding, warning it could harm wild populations rather than protect them.
These concerns were highlighted during a public lecture in Kampala organized by NatureUganda and World Animal Protection.
The event, attended by over 100 participants from conservation and animal welfare organizations, shed light on the unintended consequences of captive parrot breeding.
Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, emphasised that commercial breeding might exacerbate conservation challenges.
“Even if we set aside the animal welfare and public health risks, expanding parrot farming could jeopardize ecosystems and accelerate species decline,” she stated.
The discussions came shortly after a study in Conservation Biology evaluated the effectiveness of parrot farming for 16 threatened parrot species.
The study found that while captive breeding could theoretically reduce demand for wild-caught parrots, it often leads to increased demand for rarer species and opens avenues for illegal trade.
Dr. Rowan Martin, the study’s senior author and Director of Bird Trade Programmes at the World Parrot Trust, warned, “Large-scale parrot farming can normalize the trade, putting further pressure on endangered species.”
The event underscored the need for evidence-based policies to protect vulnerable species like the African Grey Parrot.
Achilles Byaruhanga, executive director of NatureUganda, urged policymakers to prioritize biodiversity preservation over profits.
“Protecting Uganda’s parrots means safeguarding a vital part of our biodiversity. With strong actions, we can secure the future of these endangered birds,” he said.
The lecture concluded with a call for policymakers to reconsider parrot farming as a conservation strategy and focus on alternative solutions to protect these iconic species.