Kinship analysis of
protected bird species

BopCo uses genetic kinship analysis to verify parent-offspring relationships of various CITES-listed parrots and birds of prey. This is done in support of the CITES inspectors at FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.

Legal or not?

Belgium is home to several breeders of CITES-listed birds such as parrots and birds of prey. Some of these species are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, which has unfortunately led to illegal practices in the past, such as collecting and raising of eggs or chicks taken from the wild.

To stop these illegal practices and to safeguard wild populations, breeders must document their breeding activities and prove that each bird was born in captivity.

DNA analysis to the rescue

Commissioned by the CITES unit at FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, BopCo compares the DNA profile of the young birds to that of the putative parents, to verify parent-offspring relationships. If the genetic profiles match, the parentage relationship is confirmed and the breeders receive their CITES documents.

Endangered species

Some of the CITES-listed bird of prey species commonly bred in Belgium are the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), and the Barn Owl (Tyto alba).

Birds on the CITES list are often endangered or declining in the wild, which makes protecting them even more critical.

Need our support?

Do you want to verify parent-offspring relationships of parrots or birds of prey, fill in the ‘Identification Request Form‘ or contact us directly to discuss how we can assist you.