Bangkok: Bird breeders are celebrating following the Cabinet's approval to remove the Red-whiskered bulbul from the protected wildlife list, a move anticipated to provide a significant economic boost.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet's decision to remove the "Red-whiskered Bulbul," also known as the "Cage Bulbul," from the protected wildlife list is aimed at supporting breeding and propagation efforts in alignment with current conditions. This initiative is expected to promote the bird's development as an economic asset, generating income for the public. Nevertheless, the Cabinet emphasized that capturing these birds from the wild for personal ownership remains strictly prohibited to prevent the species from being relisted as protected wildlife.
Mr. Dusit Phrom-on, a prominent figure in the Trang Province Bulbul breeders' network, expressed his happiness over the decision, highlighting that network members have advocated for this change for over two decades. Breeding bulbuls is deeply rooted in the local culture of southern Thailand, with its popularity gradually spreading across the nation. Due to their previous classification as protected wildlife, the breeding and trading of bulbuls were significantly restricted. Mr. Dusit anticipates that this decriminalization will invigorate the economy within the bulbul industry, fostering increased financial circulation and generating income for breeders and their communities.
Mr. Dusit further urged network members nationwide to cooperate by refraining from capturing wild birds. He stressed the importance of reporting any information regarding illegal hunting or trading of wild birds to the authorities promptly.