Abstract

GOMEZ-ALVAREZ, Graciela; REYES-GOMEZ, Sabel René  and  VILLEGAS, Alejandro. Bird trade in the markets of Mexico City for ornamental and companion use. Huitzil [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.1, e652.  Epub Oct 20, 2023. ISSN 1870-7459.  https://doi.org/10.28947/hrmo.2023.24.1.691.

Birds are among the most exploited animals due to their melodious songs and attractive plumage, but few studies explore the clandestine bird trade at local markets. To assess the bird trade in Mexico City, we recorded the number of individuals of each species for sale in three markets during two periods of 2012-2013 and 2015-2016. We recorded 74 bird species for sale, with a total of 20,388 individuals in 2012-2013 and 20,004 individuals in 2015-2016 of all species in the three markets. This included 11 species of native Psittaciformes whose sale is prohibited in Mexico, as well as eight internationally endangered or threatened species, and six species in CITES Appendix I prohibiting their trade. The overall number of birds for sale, and the number of non-native (̴15,000 - 18,000) birds for sale, remained constant between the two periods. However, we found a significant increase in the number of individuals of native bird species for sale, from 1,892 birds in 2012-2013 to 4,506 native birds in 2015-2016. We recorded 24 species of songbirds that also increased significantly between periods as almost all songbirds were native species. Our results demonstrate that the sale of companion, ornamental and songbirds has persisted in Mexico City markets, with non-native species selling in consistently high numbers, and a significant increase in the number of native birds for sale. This indicates a high demand for singing and ornamental birds, with associated risks of introducing non-native species, and illegal trade of species at risk that affects threatened populations.

Keywords : CITES; illegal bird trade; IUCN Red List; native and non-native birds; passerines; Psittacidae; songbirds; wildlife trade.

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