Plan to delist songbird worries Thai conservationists

>>A decision by the Committee on Preserved and Protected Wildlife to consider removing the red-whiskered bulbul from Thailand's protected species list has raised concerns among conservationists.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

They fear the move could become a de facto hunting licence that pushes the already-declining bird population towards extinction.

Earlier this month, the committee, which is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, met for the first time in two years to discuss, among other matters, the proposal to delist the red-whiskered bulbul, or the crested bulbul, also known in Thai as nok krong hua jook.

Proponents argue this perching bird could be reclassified as an “economic animal” to boost income for local communities involved in bird breeding.

The committee has ordered three subcommittees to conduct further studies before reaching a final decision.