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Date: April 25, 2024 Thu
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11 results foundAuthor: Raine, Andre F. Title: The International Impact of Hunting and Trapping in the Maltese Islands Summary: Ring recoveries were used to analyse the international importance of Malta’s position along one of the main European-African bird migration routes. International ring recoveries came from 1,188 individuals, representing 120 species. Birds from a total of 48 countries, 36 in Europe and 12 in Africa, were found to pass over Malta during spring and autumn migration. Birds that had been ringed overseas and shot by hunters in Malta were analysed separately. Ring recoveries from a total of 75 species, representing 35 countries, were found to have been killed in Malta. The majority of these ring recoveries came from protected, non-huntable species, with a significant proportion being Annex 1 species the EU Birds Directive. It was also found that a large proportion of these recoveries were of birds of prey that had been ringed as nestlings, further highlighting the impact of illegal hunting on conservation efforts throughout Europe. Ring recoveries for six of the seven main trappable finch species were also analysed separately. These came from 19 countries, with the majority of ring recoveries being from birds trapped by trappers and not released. Finally, the issue of spring hunting was investigated by considering ring recoveries of Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) and Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix). This analysis showed that these species originate from key countries within Europe and not from the entire European population. By analysing ring recoveries, this study has demonstrated the key importance of Malta on one of the main European-African migratory flyways and the international impact of hunting and trapping activities in the country. Details: Ta’Xbiex, Malta: BirdLife Malta, 2007. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 3, 2013 at: http://www.birdlifemalta.org/photos/otherfiles/206.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Malta URL: http://www.birdlifemalta.org/photos/otherfiles/206.pdf Shelf Number: 128200 Keywords: BirdsIllegal Hunting (Malta)Wildlife Crimes |
Author: Ahmed, Abrar Title: Live Bird Trade in Northern India Summary: In 1991, trade in live birds in India was totally banned in India. However, illegal activities have continued and it is alarming indeed that several endangered bird species are found in trade. TRAFFIC-India was set up in 1992. One of its priorities has been to undertake a countrywide survey of the bird trade in India and examine the ramification of the legal ban. This report is part of the detailed countrywide study. It accounts for more than 300 species, including some exotics, in trade. Details: New Delhi: TRAFFIC-India, 1997. 113p. Source: Accessed April 25, 2013 at: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Year: 1997 Country: India URL: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Shelf Number: 128499 Keywords: BirdsIllegal Wildlife Trade (India)Wildlife Crimes |
Author: FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) Title: International Trade in Wild Birds, and Related Bird Movements, in Latin America and the Caribbean. Summary: This report summarizes the results of a consultancy on market trade in live wild birds and related bird movements, in line with four FAO projects on Emergency Assistance for Early Detection and Prevention of Avian Influenza in 33 countries of the Caribbean, Central America, Andean and South Cone subregions. The survey aimed to assess the magnitude and dynamics of trade in wild birds, and the conditions under which local regulations are enforced. Each country participating in the projects received a survey form and instructions in its official language; statistics on international trade in wild birds were also analysed. Of the 33 countries consulted, 27 replied. The information gathered was compiled in a trade database, allowing the role of each country and region to be evaluated. Only four countries provided statistics, but it was possible to evaluate the trade volumes and dynamics of other countries using statistics from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade database. Of the 33 countries, Mexico is the main importer of wild birds originating in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Argentina, Guyana and Suriname are the main exporters, followed by Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. In the recent past, most native bird exports from these countries were exported to Europe. However, formal operations have been drastically reduced since the European Union (EU) imposed a ban on wild bird imports, resulting in closure of this important market. At present, legal trade is directed mainly to Mexico, followed by Asia and Africa. Mexico absorbs most wild bird imports from both within the region and elsewhere, and is not an active wild bird re-exporter, implying no further movements of exotic birds within the subregions covered by the survey. The majority of countries declared taking precautionary measures by preventing the import of birds originating from countries in which avian influenza (AI) has been reported. Although most countries have animal health regulations and procedures in place, not all of them have specific guidelines for the early detection and control of AI, and not all require animal health documentation as a condition for trade. Owing to low trade volumes, many countries do not apply quarantine of imported birds, but quarantine is required in countries where sanitary measures are strict. Most countries consider that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entry is low or medium. In spite of this, countries expressed particular concern about the consequences of illegal trade and migratory birds on the dispersal of AI. Details: Rome: FAO, 2011. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Animal Production and Health Paper No. 166: Accessed May 20, 2013 at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i0708e/i0708e00.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Central America URL: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i0708e/i0708e00.pdf Shelf Number: 128756 Keywords: BirdsIllegal Wildlife Trade (Caribbean, Latin America)Wildlife CrimeWildlife Law Enforcement |
Author: BIO Intelligence Service Title: Stocktaking of the main problems and review of national enforcement mechanisms for tackling illegal killing, trapping and trade of birds in the EU. Final Report Summary: The European Union (EU) is rich of a diversity of over 500 wild bird species. These species have been facing several threats for a long time: fragmentation and reduction of their habitat, diminution of their food supply linked to an intensification of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as direct threat to their population due to a massive use of pesticide, unregulated hunting and the development of illegal practices like poaching. Many species which suffer under an unfavourable population status are impacted by illegal killing (see annex 6). This is important because it increases threats to populations already threatened, but many common species with favourable status are also impacted, which may lead to an unfavourable status of these populations in the future. The Birds Directive (BD) is the legal EU text protecting birds. It has the overall goal to preserve all species of birds naturally occurring in the wild (articles 1 and 2), while allowing sustainable hunting activities for listed bird species (article 7). However, no reporting on this overall goal was found in the summary of the main findings in the report from the European Commission (EC) on the implementation of the Bird Directive (Period covered: 2005 – 2007, EC2009). Similarly to other biodiversity targets at EU and international levels, and considering the population status of several bird species, this overall goal can be considered however not (yet) achieved. The European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds, co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Game Fund of Cyprus (Ministry of Interior) in July 2011 concluded that “despite efforts by many governmental authorities, illegal taking and trading in wild birds is still a serious pan- European problem with clear regional patterns, having a considerable negative impact on biodiversity across the continent. In some European countries, the driver for such activities is mainly direct or indirect financial profit for individuals or organised crime, generating illegal (untaxed) benefits not related to basic survival needs. Considering the multiple dimensions of illegal killing, trapping and trading of birds in Europe, such as the ecological/environmental, legal, economic, social and political aspects, a combination of measures, policies and strategies is necessary to solve the problem.” Details: Paris: European Commission (DG Environment, 2011. 215p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2013 at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Shelf Number: 128757 Keywords: BirdsIllegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes (Europe) |
Author: Raine, Andre Title: 2008 Illegal Hunting and Trapping Report Summary: This report outlines all illegal hunting and trapping incidents received by BirdLife Malta in 2008. Incidents are only included in this report if they were seen by BirdLife Malta staff members and volunteers, or individuals directly known by BirdLife Malta, and therefore should not in any way be taken to be the total number of illegal hunting and trapping incidents that occurred in the Maltese islands in 2008. A total of 106 protected birds (of 30 species) with gunshot injuries (compared to 81 in 2007) were reported to or brought into the BirdLife Malta office in 2008, with birds of prey once again being the main targets of poachers (65.1% of the total). The three most common species with gunshot injuries were Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus), in that order. These are the same top three shot protected species received in 2007. Many of the protected birds targeted by illegal hunters were of conservation concern in Europe, with a large proportion (56.7%) given additional protection under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive. The ban on spring hunting resulted in a significant decline, of 80.5% from the previous year, in the number of shot protected birds received by BirdLife Malta during the peak spring migration period of April and May (only 8 birds received in 2008 compared to 41 in 2007). This trend was reversed in the autumn with a significant increase, of 147.8% from the previous year, in the number of protected birds received (57 birds received in September and October 2008 compared to 23 in 2007). It is thought that this is due primarily to the mentality of some hunters who threatened to take their ‘revenge’ on birds in autumn because of the spring hunting ban. A total of 2,401 illegal hunting and trapping incidents were also recorded in 2008, representing a significant increase on the 741 reports in 2007. These consisted of 2,054 illegal hunting incidents (under twelve categories), 243 illegal trapping incidents and 104 illegal electronic lures (being used by either hunters or trappers). The majority of illegal reports consisted of hunters illegally shooting during the closed season in spring, with illegal incidents being concentrated in key areas and on peak migration days. Illegal hunting incidents observed by BirdLife Malta staff, volunteers or individuals known to BirdLife, involved 38 protected species, with the most common species being Marsh Harrier, European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Honeybuzzard, Barn Swallow (hirundo rustica) and Common Kestrel, in that order. The report also highlights how widespread illegal hunting was in 2008, with shot protected birds that were delivered to BirdLife office originating from 68 locations in Malta and Gozo and illegal hunting incidents being recorded in 128 locations (compared to 84 locations in 2007). The data shows that the three worst areas for illegal hunting incidents were the limits of Luqa International Airport, Delimara and Miieb. Illegal trapping reports were also significantly higher in 2008, with 243 illegalities recorded. The vast majority of these reports were of trappers trapping illegally in spring. It can therefore be seen that illegal hunting and trapping, particularly during closed seasons, and the shooting of protected species, was once again widespread and at a very serious level in Malta in 2008. However it is equally apparent that the fact that the spring hunting season was not opened in 2008 resulted in an immediate and significant decline in the shooting of protected species, despite the fact that some hunters ignored the ban and attempted to hunt in spring regardless. The presence of BirdLife Malta surveillance teams in spring, working in close co-ordination with the ALE, undoubtedly served to reduce the hunting pressure substantially during the peak spring migration period. Details: Ta’Xbiex, Malta: BirdLife Malta, 2009. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 3, 2013 at: http://www.birdlifemalta.org/photos/otherfiles/1294.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Malta URL: http://www.birdlifemalta.org/photos/otherfiles/1294.pdf Shelf Number: 128928 Keywords: BirdsIllegal HuntingIllegal TrappingWildlife ConservationWildlife Crimes (Malta) |
Author: Bio Intelligence Service Title: Stocktaking of the Main Problems and Review of National Enforcement Mechanisms for Tackling Illegal Killing, Trapping and Trade of Birds in the EU. Final Report for the European Commission (DG Environment) Summary: The European Union (EU) is rich of a diversity of over 500 wild bird species. These species have been facing several threats for a long time: fragmentation and reduction of their habitat, diminution of their food supply linked to an intensification of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as direct threat to their population due to a massive use of pesticide, unregulated hunting and the development of illegal practices like poaching. Many species which suffer under an unfavourable population status are impacted by illegal killing (see annex 6). This is important because it increases threats to populations already threatened, but many common species with favourable status are also impacted, which may lead to an unfavourable status of these populations in the future. The Birds Directive (BD) is the legal EU text protecting birds. It has the overall goal to preserve all species of birds naturally occurring in the wild (articles 1 and 2), while allowing sustainable hunting activities for listed bird species (article 7). However, no reporting on this overall goal was found in the summary of the main findings in the report from the European Commission (EC) on the implementation of the Bird Directive (Period covered: 2005 – 2007, EC2009). Similarly to other biodiversity targets at EU and international levels, and considering the population status of several bird species, this overall goal can be considered however not (yet) achieved. The European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds, co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Game Fund of Cyprus (Ministry of Interior) in July 2011 concluded that “despite efforts by many governmental authorities, illegal taking and trading in wild birds is still a serious pan- European problem with clear regional patterns, having a considerable negative impact on biodiversity across the continent. In some European countries, the driver for such activities is mainly direct or indirect financial profit for individuals or organised crime, generating illegal (untaxed) benefits not related to basic survival needs. Considering the multiple dimensions of illegal killing, trapping and trading of birds in Europe, such as the ecological/environmental, legal, economic, social and political aspects, a combination of measures, policies and strategies is necessary to solve the problem.” This study describes the situation in the EU related to illegal killing, trapping and trade of birds and reviews the enforcement mechanisms of Member States (MS) legislation implementing the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC and 2009/147/EEC). The information provided through the European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds forms an excellent resource to achieve this goal especially the materials collected by the Council of Europe and BirdLife International. The present report is composed of five main chapters. After a presentation of the main issues related to illegal killing of birds in Europe, the study reports the feeling of the different Member States concerning this issue. In the third chapter, a “country profile” assesses and summarises for each Member states the implementation and the enforcement of the Bird Directive. A focus is then realised on some examples of successful and failed enforcement. Finally, the main findings as well as the proposed recommendations to make more efficient the fight against the illegal killing of birds are available in the last chapter. The Birds Directive is the main EU text, which ensures the protection of threatened bird species. This Directive was adopted first in 1979 and “relates to the conservation of all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies. It covers the protection, management and control of these species and lays down rules for their exploitation. It shall apply to birds, their eggs, nests and habitats” (article 1). The overall goal of the Birds Directive is, that “Member States shall take the requisite measures to maintain the population of the species referred to in article 1 at a level which corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements, while taking account of economic and recreational requirements, or to adapt the population of these species to that level” (article 2.1). The Birds Directive allows hunting in certain conditions, recognising that it is an important recreational activity in some areas, that it can constitute an acceptable exploitation of species where populations can be maintained, and that it may be used as a tool to reduce ecological damage caused by birds. Hunting is a traditional recreation activity in most EU countries. Given how widespread it is, hunting is also an important economic activity, over and above providing an occasional source of income for landowners, and hunters, if the specimens are sold. The Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE) has estimated that hunting accounts for 100 000 jobs in the EU, based on the approximation that 65 hunters are needed for the creation of one job (Pinet, 19952). In September 2010, FACE says there were 6,571 millions of hunters were recorded in the EU3. Hunting is differentiated from trapping since whereas hunting implicitly refers to the lawful pursuit and killing of wildlife for food, recreation or trade, trapping is usually considered separately since it does not involve the pursuit of the animal (note that trapping is legal under certain conditions). Lawful hunting and trapping of birds if properly managed can constitute a sustainable use of wild species for at least two reasons. Hunting can contribute to the restoration or maintenance of natural areas, through activities carried out by the hunters, and can be enhanced through the revenues raised from the sale of hunting licences. In France for example, the national hunting agency ONCFS manages 31 protected areas4. Hunting can also contribute to regulating or eradicating populations of some damaging species. For example, in France, the Great Cormorant and the Canada Goose can be hunted under a derogation year around for this reason. Not all killing and trapping of birds is performed in accordance with the law. Illegal killing, trapping or trade in the EU may be a significant driver in the decline of some wild bird populations and a cause of wider ecosystem disturbance (see examples in section 1.2). Illegal killing, trapping and trade encompasses: killing/shooting/trapping protected species (most of the species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, but also most of the species not listed in Annex I, unless authorised for hunting (Annex II) or under a derogation), capture of protected species, killing/trapping/capture in areas (e.g. bird sanctuaries) and/or periods during which hunting/trapping is forbidden (e.g. during the spring migration period, without derogation), use of methods prohibited under the Birds Directive without derogation (see annex 1), involuntary killing (using illegal products), killing/shooting/trapping game birds without a hunting licence, and nest robbery or nest destruction. Reasons for illegal killing/ trapping and trade of birds vary. In Mediterranean countries, some traditional delicacies involve songbirds (Franzen, 20105). Despite bans on songbird killing, there is still significant demand from restaurant owners. This demand has encouraged poaching and illegal trade since the sale of songbirds is well remunerated. Throughout the EU, raptors are illegally killed (mainly by the use of poisoned bait), as hunters often consider birds of prey to be “competitors”6. Farmers or fishermen may also consider that birds are reducing their yields. The poisoning of protected birds can also be an indirect, involuntary consequence of other practices. For instance, some hunters used to spread poisoned bait for foxes before breeding since they are considered a pest in several countries. Unfortunately, this bait is eaten by raptors and can kill them. In Ireland, over 20 protected birds of prey have been tested positive for exposure to poisons over the last three years. Many other species are poisoned but never found, which makes it hard to estimate the effect of poisoned bait on local population decline. Trophy hunting and taxidermy are also motivations for poachers. Trophy hunting is an old practice in southern and central Europe, going back to historical times when the head or pelt of an animal was displayed as a sign of prowess. An argument in favour of trophy hunting is based on projected economic benefits for the environment and local communities. Lindsey et al. (2007) developed for example the theory that trophy hunting is viable in countries that receive few conventional tourists. They have shown that compared to the ecotourism, trophy hunting can generate 14 times greater revenues. Consequently, they demonstrate that hunting can potentially generate considerable income without the environmental disagreement usually generated by the tourism (littering, fossil fuel use, habitat conversion for infrastructure development, etc.). The Capercaillie7 in several EU countries and also the migratory bird species on the Greek island of Zakynthos8 are both hunted to serve as trophies. While legal trophy hunting may provide interesting revenues in rural localities, illegal activities must be banned. Illegal trophy hunting and taxidermy can generate high benefits and are often associated with illegal trade. Details: Paris: Bio Intelligence Services, 2011. 215p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2013 at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/BIO_BirdsIllegalKilling.pdf Shelf Number: 129203 Keywords: Animal PoachingBirdsIllegal HuntingIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime (Europe) |
Author: Birdlife International Title: The Killing Summary: The BirdLife Partnership presents "The Killing", a review based on the first ever comprehensive scientific study to quantify the scale and scope of illegal killing across the Mediterranean region. The results are gruesome. Despite legal protection, illegal bird killing is taking place at quite extraordinary and unsustainable levels. While many turn a blind eye, an estimated 25 million birds are being illegally massacred annually. In some countries such as Cyprus, Syria and Egypt, more than two million birds are illegally shot, glued or trapped each year. The report identifies three individual locations - the Famagusta area in Cyprus, the Menbej-Tishreen Dam area in Syria and the El Manzala area in Egypt - where, staggeringly, more than half a million birds are being illegally slaughtered each year. Populations of 40 different migratory songbird species that were once abundant in Europe are declining and some are now in free-fall. Many have already disappeared from much of their former range. European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) has declined by 30% throughout Europe since the start of the millennium and in some countries by as much as 90% in the same period. Yet more than one million are still illegally killed each year. Details: Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International, 2015. 15p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2015 at: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/01-28_low.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/01-28_low.pdf Shelf Number: 136882 Keywords: BirdsWildlife Crime |
Author: Chng, Serene C.L. Title: In the Market for Extinction: An inventory of Jakarta's bird markets Summary: TRAFFIC found over 19,000 birds representing 206 species for sale in the Pramuka, Jatinegara and Barito markets over a three-day period. The vast majority of the birds counted - 98 per cent - were native to Indonesia and harvested outside of the national harvest quota system or in direct violation of laws protecting select species. Most were considered to be wild-caught. While Indonesia's law allows trade in unprotected bird species, it has put in place a 'no harvest' quota for native birds since 2002. This makes capture or trade of any wild birds in Indonesia illegal regardless of whether the species is protected or not. The only exception to this rule is for the capture of small quantities of a few species for breeding stock in commercial breeding operations. Researchers found that a fifth of the birds observed were endemic to Indonesia - species found nowhere else on earth. Eight native species for sale are assessed as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List: the Bali Myna and Black-winged Myna (both Critically Endangered), Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush (Endangered), Java Sparrow, Sumatran Laughingthrush, Chattering Lory, Straw-headed Bulbul and Javan Coucal (all Vulnerable). The Pramuka market, the largest bird market in the country, had over 10 times more birds than Barito and Jatinegara markets. This is the first time a full inventory of the city's three largest bird markets has been carried out at once. Earlier surveys in Indonesia's bird markets have largely focused on selected species, only partially uncovering the scale of the bird trade in the country's capital. Bird-keeping has cultural significance in Indonesia, and the number of birds found in these markets reflects that. Songbird competitions have also added to the demand of certain prized birds, and increased pressure on these species in the wild. As a result, a number of species are in real danger of being wiped out by the trade. The study found that laws for native species generally afforded good protection, but monitoring and enforcement in the markets were lacking. Accordingly, TRAFFIC recommends that prosecution of traders found openly selling protected species is made an enforcement priority. Details: Selangor, Malaysia: TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, 2015. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2015 at: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Year: 2015 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.traffic.org/birds/ Shelf Number: 136922 Keywords: BirdsEndangered SpeciesIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife Crime |
Author: Ortiz-von Halle, Bernardo Title: Bird's-Eye View: Lessons from 50 years of bird trade regulation & conservation in Amazon countries Summary: In 2014, TRAFFIC's South America office discussed with WWF the importance of assessing the status of trade in wild birds in Amazon countries in the lead up to the fiftieth "anniversary" of policy and legal changes that were urgently implemented to regulate the trade that seriously depleted many of the most sought-after species in demand by booming post-war economies. Six Amazon countries were visited by the author, although Venezuela and Bolivia were omitted due to budget constraints, consideration of the role of these two countries in the wider conservation context, and in relation to the trade dynamics of their neighbors is covered here. The author interviewed key stakeholders, including national and subnational governments, police forces, NGOs, zoos and rescue centers, bird experts, traders and breeders. These interviews and some field visits offered different perspectives about bird trade issues, mechanisms in place and the solutions needed to reduce any threats from the poaching of birds on their conservation status. During the 1970s, trade prohibition spread to most Amazon countries, and by the mid-1980s, every one had developed its own institutions and laws to manage and contain the problems generated by demand for illegal wildlife under the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which entered into force in 1975. This report is constructed from the institutional experience of TRAFFIC's South America office, which operated from Quito, Ecuador, from 1999 to 2015, and the personal experience of the author, dealing with species and habitat conservation in the region during the last 30 years. This culmination of wildlife conservation experience related to wildlife trade, its dynamics, socioeconomic linkages, institutional and legal elements, CITES included, helped structure the design of this research examining the reality and outlook for bird trade in the Amazon countries. The personal interviews in different countries, bibliography and web searches offer an updated insight into the bird trade status in each country, its linkages to other environmental and socioeconomic dynamics, and the way forward not only to resolve bird trade issues, but more importantly, to guarantee the conservation of birds and their habitats throughout Latin America. The conclusions presented are a compilation of issues the author considers worth highlighting to understand better where things are and in what direction they are going regarding bird trade and conservation beyond protected areas. This document presents country chapters for Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and combines in a single chapter Guyana and Suriname, as there are enough commonalities between these two countries to consider a joint analysis. One initial chapter compiles an overview of the birds of South America in relation to trade-legal or illegal, and another chapter dedicated to the USA as the former main market of Amazon country birds for more than two decades until it banned the import of CITES-listed species in 1992. The USA then turned into a major commercial breeder of South American bird species after this process was "exported' to the rest of the world-South American countries banned the trade while others legally profited from breeding and trading in the species. Banning the bird trade surely saved millions of birds, but it did not bring any incentives to conserve habitats or species as a whole. This exludes Guyana and Suriname, whose economic interest in conservation is left for non-consumptive uses like bird tourism, which is also an important economic activity in some rural portions of most Amazon countries. The reduction of the bird trade to current (2017) levels, which are a fraction of what they were just five or ten years ago, offers hope for a better future for birds and nature, other threats and pressures appear or increase as human populations grow, encroaching into pristine regions of the continent. Local conservation efforts have made enormous differences in many areas, even reversing the destruction of nature and the extinction process of species. Stakeholders still need to design and install the appropriate tools to contain deforestation and the impacts of climate change as we move further into the 21st century. The urgency of the situation requires the revision of currently failing conservation strategies, and above all, giving local stakeholders the economic conditions and motivations to appreciate, value and respect the invaluable avian treasures that enrich each South American country. Birds have been treated over the last 150 years as sources of money for whatever international business demanded them for their feathers, meat as pets or for sport. Attitudes towards their conservation have certainly changed, but there still needs to be a stronger boost to prevent further destruction and irreplaceable loss. Details: Cambridge, UK: TRAFFIC, 2018. 198p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 28, 2019 at: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11517/birds-eye-view.pdf Year: 2018 Country: South America URL: https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/11517/birds-eye-view.pdf Shelf Number: 154452 Keywords: BirdsEnvironmental CriminologyIllegal Wildlife TradeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Brochet, Anne-Laure Title: Illegal killing and taking of birds in Europe outside the Mediterranean: assessing the scope and scale of a complex issue Summary: The illegal killing and taking of wild birds remains a major threat on a global scale. However, there are few quantitative data on the species affected and countries involved. We quantified the scale and scope of this issue in Northern and Central Europe and the Caucasus, using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. The issue was reported to be widespread across the region and affects almost all countries/territories assessed. We estimated that 0.4-2.1 million birds per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region. The highest estimate of illegal killing in the region was for Azerbaijan (0.2-1.0 million birds per year). Out of the 20 worst locations identified, 13 were located in the Caucasus. Birds were reported to be illegally killed/taken primarily for sport and food in the Caucasus and for sport and predator/pest control in both Northern and Central Europe. All of the 28 countries assessed are parties to the Bern Convention and 19 are also European Union Member States. There are specific initiatives under both these policy instruments to tackle this threat, yet our data showed that illegal killing and taking is still occurring and is not restricted to Mediterranean European countries. Markedly increased effort is required to ensure that existing legislation is adequately implemented and complied with/enforced on the ground. Our study also highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing and taking of birds in the region. It is a priority, identified by relevant initiatives under the Bern Convention and the European Union, to implement systematic monitoring of illegal killing and taking and to collate robust data, allowing stakeholders to set priorities, track trends and monitor the effectiveness of responses. Details: Cambridge, UK: Bird Conservation International, Volume 29, Issue 1 March 2019 , pp. 10-40 (open access) Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DE4D06F3BD4273B94FD3C9621C615A0A/S0959270917000533a.pdf/illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_europe_outside_the_mediterranean_assessing_the_scope_and_scale_of_a_complex_issue.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DE4D06F3BD4273B94FD3C9621C615A0A/S0959270917000533a.pdf/illegal_killing_and_taking_of_birds_in_europe_outside_the_mediterranean_assessing_the_scope_and_s Shelf Number: 156241 Keywords: BirdsEnvironmental CrimeWildlife ConservationWildlife Crime |
Author: Birdlife International Title: Assessing the scope and scale of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean, and establishing a basis for systematic monitoring Summary: Overexploitation, in particular illegal killing and taking, is one of the main threats driving birds towards extinction globally and is known to be a particular and growing issue of concern, especially across the Mediterranean. The first report to review the killing of migratory birds in the Mediterranean as a whole was published in 1979 by ICBP (now BirdLife International). It estimated that hundreds of millions of migratory birds were killed annually in the Mediterranean region. Illegal killing of birds in the Mediterranean is known to remain an issue, but there is little quantitative information available. As this threat may be having a negative impact on the populations of some bird species, a quantitative assessment is needed to estimate how many individuals may be killed illegally each year, which species may be the most impacted and where the worst locations may be. In 2014/15 BirdLife International led a 1.5-year project aiming to review all aspects of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean. National legislation of the 27 assessed Mediterranean and peri-Mediterranean countries/territories was reviewed to define what was illegal at national level. Information on the species affected and the number of individuals illegally killed/taken each year, the worst locations and the illegal practices used in these countries/territories were then compiled using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. These data were analysed to quantitatively assess the approximate scale and scope of illegal killing and taking of birds in the region and identify some of the species of greatest concern, and the highest priority locations at which urgent remedial action is required to tackle this threat. We estimated that 11-36 million individual birds per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region, many of them on migration. At the 20 worst locations with the highest reported numbers, 7.9 million individuals may be illegally killed/taken per year, representing 34% of the mean estimated annual regional total number of birds illegally killed/taken for all species combined. For species such as Blackcap, Common Quail, Eurasian Chaffinch, House Sparrow and Song Thrush, more than one million individuals of each species are estimated to be killed/taken illegally on average in the region every year. This assessment also highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing and taking of birds in the region and the need to establish standardised monitoring. Best-practice guidelines for systematic monitoring of illegal killing of birds were developed to generate more reliable quantitative national-scale estimates of the number of birds illegally killed/taken per year. A road-map was developed to guide subsequent efforts by the BirdLife partnership, engaging with other stakeholders, to tackle the illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Future steps will include (a) a programme of investment in and support to relevant stakeholders to strengthen and expand actions on the ground to reduce the illegal killing and taking of birds, targeting the worst locations, and involving enforcement of legislation, awareness-raising, education, advocacy, communications and publicity activities and (b) establishing, expanding or strengthening coordinated and systematic monitoring of illegal killing and taking of birds in the worst affected countries and locations where such monitoring is currently lacking, or incomplete. Results of this project would help relevant stakeholders, including government departments and agencies, hunting groups, international policy instruments and NGOs to strengthen efforts and coordination to tackle this pressing issue for bird conservation. Details: Cambridge, UK: Author, 2014. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/project_report_final_version.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Europe URL: http://www.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/attachments/project_report_final_version.pdf Shelf Number: 156241 Keywords: Birds Environmental Crimes Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime |