SALE OF FIJIAN RARE SPECIES “ILLEGAL
The captivity or sale of indigenous and rare species is illegal, says National Trust of Fiji project officer Jone Niukula. This came to light after a post on social media showed people selling rare parrots for $400 each or $700 pair. The parrots are found in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lomaiviti and Kadavu.
Mr Niukula said the person involved in the illegal activities such as selling the parrots should be fined and taken to task because the birds were endangered and are a rare species of Fiji.
“We have very few parrots in Fiji and they are not found everywhere.
“It is not legal to breed and sell the endangered and rare birds. The birds are kept in wildlife areas as they are wildlife species who adapt and survive better in the forests than in captivity,” Mr Niukula said.
Kula Eco Park director Ramesh Chand reiterated that keeping the endangered species was also illegal. “Kula Eco Park has obtained a licence for wild adventure to keep the birds. We had seen the post on social media and the birds are endangered which should not be kept in captivity,” Mr Chand said. Animals Fiji is reminding the public that the sale, purchase or trade of wildlife such as the rare parrot species is illegal. Members of the public were advised to report the matter or such cases to Ministry of Environment.
The enforcement provisions of the Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species (EPS) Act 2002, lists the
offences and penalties involved. They include the following:
for forging permits - $5000 or two years’ imprisonment (section 23(1))
having possession or control, offers or exposes for sale or displays to the public, any specimen mentioned in section three without being registered - fine of $5000 or to two years’ imprisonment (section 23(2)) - note too that the burden of proof of the lawful possession of a specimen mentioned in section 3 lies with the person in possession or control of the specimen (section 23(3)).