Why Java Sparrows should be Legalized
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is Not to demean or de-legitimize the role of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but to provide an insight to an act which I do not believe is Legitimate or necessary. The USFWS is an important role in the Government of the United States and by no means should it be deemed unnecessary or illegitimate.
The Java Sparrow, also referred to as the Java Finch, Java Rice Bird, Paddy Bird, Rice Bird, Java Temple bird, and Java Rice Finch, is a small passerine Bird which originated in Java, Indonesia. Their diet consists of a mix of seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables, and they are particularly drawn to rice, hence they are called the "Rice Bird", and are commonly found in the wild in Oriental countries. They are very common cage birds in places like China, Indonesia, the UK, India, and especially Japan. They were also popular cage birds in the United States from the late 1960's until around 1970, when their importation was banned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for being "perceived agricultural threats". Their importation and possession remain completely illegal in three states because of this, These three States being California, Georgia, and Wyoming.
But how much of a threat are they really? We know that California is very agricultural, however, it lacks the resources necessary to healthily sustain these birds, because California is a desert state where a wild population of tropical birds would not thrive to the extent of agricultural or environmental harm. As well as the fact that Rice-dependent countries such as Japan and China all do not appear to be bothered or disrupted by the Java Sparrow, indicating that they may not be the agricultural threat that the USFWS perceives them to be.
My proposal is not to allow pet stores or rescues to sell these birds as if they are any other bird, because they could still be potentially harmful, even if the supposed harm has yet to be seen. I think a good measure of ensuring the responsible keeping of these birds is to have potential caretakers of the Java Sparrow pass a written test on the proper care needed to healthily sustain a Java Sparrow as well as ensure that they will not lose possession of the bird. This way, not only are we lowering the risk to the environment and our agriculture by making sure the Java Sparrow(s) do not escape, we also ensure that the birds in captivity are being properly cared for. Study and research material should be provided before as well as after the test takes place to ensure the caretaker has all the information needed at any given time.
The Java Sparrow, also referred to as the Java Finch, Java Rice Bird, Paddy Bird, Rice Bird, Java Temple bird, and Java Rice Finch, is a small passerine Bird which originated in Java, Indonesia. Their diet consists of a mix of seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables, and they are particularly drawn to rice, hence they are called the "Rice Bird", and are commonly found in the wild in Oriental countries. They are very common cage birds in places like China, Indonesia, the UK, India, and especially Japan. They were also popular cage birds in the United States from the late 1960's until around 1970, when their importation was banned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for being "perceived agricultural threats". Their importation and possession remain completely illegal in three states because of this, These three States being California, Georgia, and Wyoming.
But how much of a threat are they really? We know that California is very agricultural, however, it lacks the resources necessary to healthily sustain these birds, because California is a desert state where a wild population of tropical birds would not thrive to the extent of agricultural or environmental harm. As well as the fact that Rice-dependent countries such as Japan and China all do not appear to be bothered or disrupted by the Java Sparrow, indicating that they may not be the agricultural threat that the USFWS perceives them to be.
My proposal is not to allow pet stores or rescues to sell these birds as if they are any other bird, because they could still be potentially harmful, even if the supposed harm has yet to be seen. I think a good measure of ensuring the responsible keeping of these birds is to have potential caretakers of the Java Sparrow pass a written test on the proper care needed to healthily sustain a Java Sparrow as well as ensure that they will not lose possession of the bird. This way, not only are we lowering the risk to the environment and our agriculture by making sure the Java Sparrow(s) do not escape, we also ensure that the birds in captivity are being properly cared for. Study and research material should be provided before as well as after the test takes place to ensure the caretaker has all the information needed at any given time.
The Java Sparrow is also incredibly territorial and food-driven. They guard their nests, homes, young, and sources of food and water with an amount of aggression I have witnessed scare off birds twice their size (Cockatiels). Which leads me to believe that under the right care, (provided to each person by the test and information given to pass) it would be nearly impossible to lose a Java Sparrow(s), since once they establish themselves in their new home, they would refuse to leave their territory. Not to mention that Java Sparrows also make great pets, they sing unique little songs made of chirps and whistles, they have incredibly diverse personalities, and are relatively easy to care for (depending on your situation: Financial/personal availability). The males will even do little dances that involve them hopping up and down. Sometimes, if two males want the attention of their human or a female, one will dance while the other may try to stop the dancer.
Good news! I have created a petition to enact these laws for Java Sparrows, feel free to sign here.
Good news! I have created a petition to enact these laws for Java Sparrows, feel free to sign here.