The Punjab Wildlife Department has introduced a new policy requiring all parrots across the province to be registered, in a bid to safeguard endangered species and curb illegal trading.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger for the Lahore Region, Adnan Warraich, said owners must pay a fee of Rs1,000 per bird, after which each parrot will be tagged with a ring carrying a unique identification number.

The policy applies to commercial breeders, shopkeepers, and individuals keeping parrots as pets.

In the case of breeding, offspring must also be registered separately, officials said.

The department reiterated that the open sale of wild birds and animals remains prohibited, including at Lahore’s Tollinton Market, historically a major hub for the bird trade. Only licensed breeders and registered dealers will be permitted to operate under the new regulations.

Wildlife experts have long warned about the dwindling populations of several native parrot species in Punjab, citing illegal capture and trade as a key threat.