Illegal trade of songbirds: an analysis of the activity in an area of northeast Brazil

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the chain and dynamics of the trade of wild birds between keepers and traders in an area of northeast Brazil. Profit from the purchase and sale of these animals in the trade chain was also estimated.

Methods: The information was obtained through interviews with direct participants in the wild bird trade chain.

Results: We recorded a total of 34 bird species involved in illegal trade. In general, the purchase and sale values of songbirds are associated with the attractiveness and songs of the birds. Regarding the commercial potential of the species, those with high numbers of traded individuals had higher average purchase values and, especially, sale values. Birds with lower purchase values showed higher sale profits and were sold in large numbers. The purchase and sale values of songbirds in the present study show a significant economic return for those involved in this activity.

Conclusions: The results of this study may provide data to support future studies on the conservation of wild birds, assisting in monitoring illegal trade, a persistent problem in the region studied.

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; Ethnozoology; Song attractiveness; Wild birds.

Fig. 1

Location of the Lagoa Seca municipality, Paraíba Agreste mesoregion, Brazil

Fig. 2

Rarefaction curves comparing the number of bird species observed (Sobs) with species richness estimated in the region studied (Chao 1 and Jackknife 1); calculated with 100 randomizations

Fig. 3

Wild bird trade among local keepers and traders. Interviewee trading a bird with other keepers and traders at a certain strategic point (a); interviewee trading a bird with another keeper and trader in front of his residence (b). Photos: Wallisson Sylas Luna de Oliveira

Fig. 4

Area surveyed and nearby cities that make up the trade route in the region. (1) Lagoa Seca, (2) Esperança, (3) São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roça, (4) Alagoa Nova, (5) Matinhas, (6) Boa Vista, (7) Campina Grande, (8) Puxinanã, (9) Queimadas, (10) Soledade, (11) Pocinhos, and (12) Olivedos

Fig. 5

Record of species considered rare in the study area that were found in the interviewees’ homes. aSpinus yarrellii. bTurdus amaurochalinus. cSporophila bouvreuil. dIcterus jamacaii. eGnorimopsar chopi. fAmazona aestiva. Photos: Wallisson Sylas Luna de Oliveira

Fig. 6

Songbird illegal trade chain in the semiarid region of Paraíba

Fig. 7

Correlation of profit and average purchase value for illegal songbird trade in the Lagoa Seca municipality, Paraíba

Fig. 8

Average profit and gain among songbird species traded by the interviewees in the present study (average gain (US$) = sale value − purchase value; average profit (%) = gain value/purchase value × 100)