In the British Indian Ocean Territory, particularly on the atoll of Diego Garcia, local lore suggests there was once a rule prohibiting the feeding of wild birds. While the territory is primarily a military base with limited civilian presence, this old regulation purportedly aimed to prevent dependency and preserve the natural foraging behavior of native seabirds. Feeding wild animals is often discouraged globally to avoid disrupting ecosystems, but what makes this rule curious is the territory's extreme remoteness and controlled environment. Whether this was a strict legal mandate or more of an informal guideline passed down through military administration remains uncertain. Documentation is scarce due to the strategic importance and restricted access to Diego Garcia, so much of what is known comes from anecdotes of retired personnel. Nevertheless, this alleged rule remains a fascinating glimpse into how even isolated places have unusual animal-related regulations that echo universal ecological principles, albeit with odd local twists.
Source / verification note
Based on anecdotes and retired military personnel accounts; no official public documents confirm the rule.