Differences Between Wild and Captive Birds & Japan's Breeding Regulations | Easy Explanation of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act
Capturing and breeding wild birds is essentially prohibited under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the fundamental differences between wild and captive birds, an overview of the law, exceptional cases, and which bird species can be legally kept as pets.
Key Takeaways
Capturing and breeding wild birds is essentially prohibited under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the fundamental differences between wild and captive birds, an overview of the law, exceptional cases, and which bird species can be legally kept as pets.
How Are Wild Birds and Captive Birds Different? Essential Knowledge to Know
Many people may think "I wish I could keep them at home" whenever they see sparrows or crows in parks. However, in Japan, the capture and breeding of wild birds is strictly regulated, and doing so unknowingly can result in penalties. This article explains the fundamental differences between wild and captive birds, an overview of the law, and exceptional cases where permits can be obtained.
Fundamental Differences Between Wild and Captive Birds
Instincts and Habits of Wild Animals
Wild birds have evolved to live in wild environments, with vast home ranges, seasonal migration, securing wild food sources, and predator avoidance built into their instincts. When placed in captivity, these instincts are not satisfied, causing severe stress and often leading to rapid decline in a short period.
Captive birds (pet birds) are "domesticated and selectively bred varieties" that have been bred under human management for many generations. While budgerigars originated in Australia, the individuals currently sold as pets have markedly different behavioral characteristics from wild individuals and have adapted to coexistence with humans.
Differences in Diet
Wild birds are highly specialized by species, with many eating only specific insects, seeds, or fish. Accurately replicating these diets in captivity is extremely difficult. In contrast, captive birds have adapted over many years to receive proper nutrition from artificial pellets, seeds, and vegetables.
Infection Risk
Wild birds may carry zoonotic diseases (such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and chlamydiosis). Handling wild birds poses infection risks, so the principle is not to touch even weakened wild birds with bare hands.
Overview of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act
In Japan, the "Law on the Protection and Management of Wildlife and the Proper Execution of Hunting (Wildlife Protection and Management Act)" essentially prohibits the capture, breeding, and killing of almost all wild birds.
Scope
Almost all wild birds living in Japan are protected (including sparrows, crows, swallows, brown-eared bulbuls, Japanese white-eyes, and nightingales). Migratory birds are also included.
