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Despite strict regulations and an import ban on wild birds in the EU, a new report by Pro Wildlife, Monitor Conservation Research Society and Copenhagen Zoo, uncovers ongoing legal loopholes, enforcement gaps, and the persistence of illegal trade. 

Until 2005, the EU had been the world's largest importer of wild-caught birds but upon implementation of the EU wild bird import ban in 2005, the trade in wild-caught birds significantly reduced but the interest in keeping and trading of birds remains highly popular – affecting millions of animals. 

Among the key findings of the report are:

• Loopholes in existing legislation, such as exemptions for the import of wild-caught birds for zoos or privately kept birds, continue to facilitate illegal bird trade within the EU.
• The laundering of wild-caught birds as captive-bred specimens remains an issue of concern.
• Due to the lack of monitoring systems, the exact scope of bird species traded and kept within the EU remains unknown.
• Enforcement inconsistencies and lack of standardised penalties weaken the impact of regulations.
• The trade in birds can pose significant risks to biodiversity, public health, and animal welfare.

There is an urgent need to

• Close loopholes in existing laws 
• Introduce deterrent penalties and ensure full application of the law 
• Enhance cooperation between national and international enforcement agencies
• Implement systematic record keeping of bird imports and seizures
• Increase awareness of the bird trade and associated concerns among enforcement authorities, judiciary, and the public. 

Links:

• Download the report

We recently conducted a study which shines the spotlight on the rapid emergence of a trade in New Guinea’s butcherbirds in Indonesia. Conducted jointly with Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, Lincoln Park Zoo and the EAZA Silent Forest Group, the key findings were:

• Since 2016, the trade in butcherbirds has escalated significantly, with 235 butcherbirds recorded in 57 surveys across Java, Bali, and Lombok.
• The highest numbers were found in cities closer to their natural habitats, such as Mataram and Denpasar.
• Despite existing regulations, the trade remains largely uncontrolled, posing a serious threat. 

In light of these findings, the researchers make several urgent recommendations:

1. Enhanced Enforcement of Trade Regulations: The study found that current efforts to regulate the trade in butcherbirds are insufficient. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring strict compliance with existing laws is crucial. This includes monitoring both physical and online markets to curb illegal trade activities.
2. Inclusion of Butcherbirds in Protected Species List: Butcherbirds are not currently included in Indonesia’s protected species list. Given the increasing threat, it is imperative that these species be added to the list to provide them with legal protection against hunting and trade.
3. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about the conservation status of butcherbirds and the impact of the songbird trade is essential. Educational campaigns targeting hobbyists, traders, and the general public can help reduce demand and promote sustainable practices.
4. Research and Monitoring: Continuous research and monitoring are necessary to track the population trends of butcherbirds and assess the effectiveness of conservation

“The illegal and unsustainable songbird trade is a major threat to the survival of a growing list of species.” said Dr Chris R. Shepherd, Executive Director of Monitor and lead author on this paper. “In Asia, Indonesia has the largest trade in illegally and unsustainably sourced songbirds, and we therefore strongly encourage the Government of Indonesia to take firm action against poachers, illegal sellers and anyone buying such species.”

“The recent emergence in popularity of the butcherbirds exemplifies the ever-growing and constantly changing demand,” said Shepherd. “Monitoring of the trade is essential to stay on top of trends and to try and reduce the threat as much as possible.”

Monitor works with partners around the world to reduce the threat of illegal and unsustainable trade to songbirds and many other groups of threatened species. All authors of this study are members of the IUCN SSC Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group, which was established to tackle the threat of trade to Asia’s passerines.

A newly emerging trade in New Guinea’s butcherbirds (Cracticinae) in Indonesia was published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research