EU trade ban brings down global trade in wild birds by 90 %
Trade of wild birds has dropped about 90% globally since the EU banned bird imports in 2005. A study published today in the recognized scientific journal Science Advances demonstrates how the EU’s ban decreased the number of birds traded annually from about 1.3 million to 130.000. International trade of wild birds is a root cause of exotic birds spreading worldwide. The study was led by scientists from the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen and CIBIO-InBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto.
Birds are the most traded animals in the world. Historically, Europe has been the main importer of wild birds globally. Before 2005, when the EU banned
- When wild birds are caught and sold to another country it has consequences in both areas. In the country the birds are captured, it can lead to biodiversity loss. Likewise, our study shows that international bird trade is
"(...) our study shows that international bird trade is a main cause of exotic birds spreading around the world. The birds can damage local ecosystems, destroy crops and outcompete local birds.
Dr Diederik Strubbe
Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
Before 2005, almost all wild bird exports were concentrated around two groups of birds. Passerines, which include popular pet birds such as the yellow-fronted canary and the common waxbill, constituted almost 80% of exported birds while parrots accounted for about 18%. After the EU trade ban, the picture reversed. Today, passerine birds constitute less than 20% while parrots have increased to almost 80% of all traded birds. Parrots are the most threatened group of bird species, and the bird most likely to establish in countries it not naturally occurs.
Trade routes have shifted away from Western Europe
West Africa’s role as
- Worryingly, we document a shift in wild bird trade towards areas with a high biodiversity. For example, several south-east Asian nations have emerged as important bird importers. These regions are now exposed to a higher risk of bird invasions. Thus, our results clearly speak for a global wildlife trade ban, if we want to reduce the number of traded birds, and minimize the risk of exotic birds spreading. The positive thing is that our study shows such a policy will likely be effective.
Read the paper: Networks of global bird invasion altered by regional trade ban (link)
Contact
Dr Diederik F. R. Strubbe
Phone: (+45) 268 05 709
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Contact
Dr Diederik F. R. Strubbe
Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
e-mail: diederik.strubbe@snm.ku.dk
Phone: (+45) 268 05 709
Twitter: @DiederikStrubbe
Dr Luis Reino
CIBIO-InBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto
e-mail: luis.reino@cibio.up.pt
Phone: (+351) 964 515 213
Twitter: @Lcollurio
Communications officer Lotte Nymark Busch Jensen
Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
e-mail: lotte.jensen@snm.ku.dk
Phone: (+45) 21 17 91 40
Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
University of Copenhagen
Natural History Museum of Denmark
Universitetsparken 15
Building 3, 2nd Floor
DK-2100 Copenhagen
Twitter: @Macroecology