Warning over imported parrots, snakes and tortoises

Permits are required to import most species of parrot into the Isle of Man

People are being urged not to import endangered wildlife products and animals including many species of parrot into the Isle of Man without a permit.

The Isle of Man Government said the restrictions were in place to help "protect global biodiversity and prevent illegal wildlife trade".

The restrictions apply to tortoises and many snakes, as well items like coral, with regulations enforced by the island's Endangered Species Act.

Those with doubts about importing a specific item or species have been asked to contact the government's ecosystem policy team for advice.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said that people should check which species and products require permits, and do so well in advance of travelling in order to allow time for permit applications.

Permission is required for tortoises, many snakes, and most parrots and products derived from endangered animals, such as ivory, European eel, and sturgeon.

Coral, hunting trophies, and various plants, including snowdrops, cacti, euphorbias, and orchids, with some exceptions, also require a permit.

Prevent decline

Defa explained that the Manx regulations were enforced under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

It means certain endangered species, and their by-products, "require specific permits to ensure that international trade does not threaten their survival".

It was important to note that some items, such as ivory, cannot be certified under CITES and the origin and provenance of items must be verifiable for certification to be issued, he added.

Environment minister Clare Barber said: “By regulating the trade of endangered wildlife products, we’re helping to prevent species decline and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both nature and future generations."