Community Bird Breeders Rejoice as Wildlife Committee Backs Plan to Declassify Red-Whiskered Bulbul

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

In a long-awaited move, Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has agreed in principle to remove the red-whiskered bulbul, known locally as nok krong hua juk, from the country’s list of protected wildlife species. The decision marks the first step in a process that could legalise the widespread breeding and trade of the popular songbird.

 

The committee’s endorsement paves the way for a dedicated working group to assess the current population status of the species in the wild, develop anti-poaching measures, and establish protocols to prevent the release of captive birds into natural habitats. The outcome of this study will underpin the final decision on whether to officially declassify the bird from protected status.

 

Decades-Long Campaign

 

The decision follows over 20 years of advocacy by breeders, particularly in Thailand’s deep south, where the bird is not only cherished for its melodious calls but is also a source of local pride and economic activity.

 

Mr Wichai Maden, a representative of breeders from five southern border provinces, formally thanked the government for its efforts. He submitted a letter through Democrat MP Pol Maj Gen Surin Palare, to be passed to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Mr Chalermchai Sri-on, urging swift action to complete the declassification process.

 

Pol Maj Gen Surin stated that Minister Chalermchai was fully committed to the move and had appointed new experts to the committee to replace those whose terms had ended. He noted that although the bird is widely bred, current laws still consider such activity illegal, creating unnecessary risks for those involved in the trade.

 

“Eight more procedural steps remain before the bird can be formally declassified, which should take around three months,” he said. “This will allow for regulated breeding and legal export, especially to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, markets where the bird is in high demand but currently smuggled illegally.”

 

A New Economic Frontier

 

Mr Preecha Sukkasem, an expert member of the wildlife committee, described the agreement as an “opening of the first door.” He noted that the red-whiskered bulbul differs from many other animals on the protected list because it is not hunted for food, but rather kept and cared for as a beloved pet.

 

“The bird represents a new form of economic animal,” he said. “Scientific knowledge has progressed significantly. We can now breed birds for colour and traits, and concerns over inbreeding and genetic weakness can be effectively managed.”

 

Preecha estimated that the industry currently generates 4–5 billion baht annually, despite its unofficial status. He said legalisation would not only boost the economy but also reduce pressure on wild populations, as breeders would no longer be incentivised to catch birds from nature.

 

Drawing from past cases, he argued that removing animals from the protected list does not equate to population decline. “Species such as the masked palm civet and dusky langur have seen numbers increase after being delisted,” he added.

 

Industry Welcomes the Move

 

Mr Wichan Amro, owner of “Charn Hat Yai Farm,” welcomed the decision, predicting that legalisation could increase the industry’s value fivefold. He emphasised that breeders and wildlife traffickers are entirely separate groups and that legitimate breeders are willing to cooperate with authorities in cracking down on illegal wildlife trade.

 

“This is only the first step,” he said. “But it’s a step in the right direction, not just for breeders, but for the birds themselves.”

 

If finalised, the red-whiskered bulbul’s removal from the protected list would mark a landmark shift in Thailand’s wildlife policy, balancing conservation with cultural and economic realities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-29

 

 

 

[sammieuk1]

The Chinese will be sharpening their chopsticks and licking their lips Pangolin and a Red Whiskered Bulbul for starter's 🤔