A review of commercial captive breeding of parrots as a supply-side intervention to address unsustainable trade

Can parrot farming help save wild parrots? A new study by the World Parrot Trust and World Animal Protection, published in Conservation Biology, reveals that the answer isn’t as simple as it might seem.

While large-scale commercial breeding of parrots is sometimes proposed as a way to reduce pressure on wild populations, the research found serious risks and gaps in our understanding of the effects on wild populations.

Major concerns? If not effectively regulated, parrot farming can connect to illegal and unsustainable trade, creating more problems for wild parrots. On top of that, it has the potential to raise animal welfare issues, spread disease, and introduce invasive species that harm agriculture and human health.

The takeaway? Regulating parrot farming is complex and requires careful thought. Without solid data and a robust evidence base, there’s a risk of creating policies that could unintentionally hurt endangered parrots and allow illegal trade to thrive.

Want to know more?
Read the scientific paper in Conservation Biology