Abstract
The rearing of wild birds as pets is directly related to cultural and socioeconomic issues, as well as to population declines for the species involved. This study aimed to inventory wild birds that are reared as pets and analyze aspects of their commercialization and the sociocultural context of this activity in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. The data were obtained through interviews and semistructured questionnaires comprised of questions regarding wild birds kept in captivity. Thirty men with a mean age of 45 years were interviewed. The birds were identified through direct observation of the species. The Use Value Index, which is a quantitative index that lists species by importance based on usage citations, was calculated for each species in three different ways: UVgeneral, UVcurrent, and UVpotential. Thirty-six wild bird species distributed among 10 families and 26 genera were recorded. The birds were raised because of beautiful plumage and birdsong, ability to mimic sounds, and fighting potential. Trade on wild birds is a widespread activity. Twenty-one (70%) interviewees had obtained their animals from illegal trade, which encompassed all recorded species. Nine respondents were authorized to legally raise and breed these species in captivity. Bird trade is a widespread activity throughout the study region, where individuals of many species are sold at prices ranging from R$ 5.00 (US$ 1.29) to R$ 5000.00 (US$ 1288.85). The results demonstrate the need to implement effective public policies aim at mediating the use and conservation of avian biodiversity, and improving the implementation of management plans for its conservation.
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Abbreviations
- UVg :
-
Use value index
- UVp :
-
Use value potential
- UVc :
-
Use value current
- CAAE:
-
Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Consideration
- CBRO:
-
Brazilian Ornithological Records Committee
- IUCN:
-
International Union for Conservation of Nature
- IBAMA:
-
Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources
- ICMBIO:
-
Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation
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The authors would like to thank all the local breeders who were studied for their warm reception and for agreeing to participate in the study.
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HKLS and VMSS collected the data and wrote the manuscript; SFL performed the statistical analysis and contributed to the writing of the manuscript; RFPL participated in writing and correcting the manuscript; RRDB coordinated the field research and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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The authors interviewed 30 respondents, who were informed about the aim of this scientific research and agreed to sign the informed consent, according to the standards necessary for this purpose and as described in the methodology through the protocol number.
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The aim of this study explained to each informant, who was then asked to sign the consent form required by the National Health Council and the Research Ethics Committee (Resolution 466/12). The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the State University of Paraíba (Protocol CAAE-44495115.8.0000.5187).
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de Lucena Soares, H.K., dos Santos Soares, V.M., de Faria Lopes, S. et al. Rearing and trade of wild birds in a semiarid region of Brazil. Environ Dev Sustain 22, 4323–4339 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00386-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00386-5