The Hidden Costs of the Illegal Parrot Trade

In the forests of the Philippines and Indonesia, the sights and calls of colorful parrots are signs of thriving ecosystems. Unfortunately the quiet trafficking of these and other species continues to threaten our forests and unique wildlife.

The illegal wildlife trade or IWT is the second biggest threat to species survival globally. The smuggling of live birds between Indonesia and the Philippines is an example, and remains a persistent and devastating challenge.

A legacy of exploitation

The cross-border trade between Indonesia and the Philippines is not a new phenomenon; it has been documented for more than 30 years. Species found only in Indonesia are frequently smuggled into the Philippines to satisfy the high demand of the pet trade. In 2022 alone, 763 birds intended for trade were seized by the Indonesian Ministry for Environment with help from our BirdLife Partner Burung Indonesia.

This demand does more than just move birds from one country to another; it causes wild populations to decline and impacts forest ecosystems. When exotic parrots escape or are released, they compete for limited forest resources with local birds.

When we lose native birds like the Colasisi (Philippine Hanging Parrot) or the Blue-naped Parrot, we lose the “gardeners” of our forests who help spread seeds and keep the ecosystem healthy. Whether birds are taken for export, or escape to forests abroad – the long term impacts hurt everyone.

The illusion of “legal” ownership

A common misconception is that having a permit makes everything okay. But we should always remember, “Just because you can, does not mean you should.”

A permit might give you a legal right, but it does not take away the ethical responsibility we have toward these animals.

Parrots are not “low-maintenance” pets. They are highly intelligent, social creatures that can live for decades. In the wild, they move freely through the forests and live in complex family groups. In a cage (including large enclosures) a parrot becomes bored, lonely, and stressed. This leads to heartbreaking behaviors like “feather plucking,” where a bird tears out its own feathers because of health issues and/or the mental toll of captivity.

“Legal” illegal trade of birds

The “legal” market often acts as a front for illegal activity. We have seen reports of birds sold as “captive-bred” when they were actually stolen from the wild and given fake labels to hide their origin.

Furthermore, the impact on bird populations is staggering. For every single parrot that survives the journey to a pet store, many others die from the stress of being trapped in nets or the cramped, suffocating conditions of being smuggled across borders. When you buy a wild bird, you are unknowingly funding a trade built on this loss.

Some illegal wildlife trade is also fueled by limited opportunities in some areas. The collection and sale of wildlife can become a desperate means of survival for some with limited ways to earn a living.

One of the solutions is working with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism or nature-based products. In doing so we help communities, including former collectors, become the birds’ trusted protectors. True conservation means ensuring that a forest ecosystem that is home to wildlife is worth more to a community than birds in cages.

Our mission to protect parrots

Haribon is working hard to stop this cross-border trade. We are gathering data to push for stronger laws and better enforcement to close the loopholes that smugglers use.

We are also working with local communities to turn them into the primary guardians of these birds. We aren’t doing this alone—we are proud to work with partners like BirdLife International, March Conservation Fund, and Mandai Nature to ensure the Philippines meets its international promises to protect nature.

What you can do

The choice to own a parrot is a choice that affects the future of our forests.

• Stop the purchase: The best way to end the trade is to stop the demand. Choose not to buy wild-caught birds.
• Be a voice for wildlife: Share the message that birds are most beautiful when they are free – and are part of ecosystems we rely on.
• Support conservation: Help us empower local communities to protect the habitats where these parrots belong. Join a local birdwatching event, or start your own.

Let’s ensure that the vibrant calls of parrots continue to echo through our forests, instead of cages, for generations to come.

Support the call to end illegal wildlife trade. By working with local communities, markets, and enforcement – even across borders – we can keep wildlife in the wild. Support our work by donating below, or partnering with us: partnerships@haribon.org.ph.

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