Trafficking article by smithsonian

[Jtbirds]

I just thought I'd share this article even though it is rather old(2009). It gives a really good inside look on what the illicit pet trade is all about. It is sad and makes me kind of angry, but it is always great to know why people do it. It answered a lot of my questions when I first looked at it about a year and a half back.

Here's the article:Wildlife Trafficking | People & Places | Smithsonian Magazine

 

[sodakat]

Almost all legal activities are done for financial gain, IMO.

I think there are a couple things that we should think about after reading this article, regardless of the sadness we feel.

First, thank goodness these parrots live as long as they do because maybe they will still be around to produce more chicks if conservationists and educators can stop the illegal trade.

Second, realize how important it is that we who own companion birds who are bred in captiivity, make sure that there are always some who are able and willing to reproduce. Someday their offspring may be needed to populate their ancestors' homeland.

Many hand fed baby parrots do not accept other parrots as companions and especially not as mates. They are imprinted on humans and prefer the company of humans.

So many parrot owners are critical of breeders, wanting to put an end to breeding and requiring that everyone buy their parrots as adults from rescues. Please consider that parrot breeders may be the ones preserving some of these species.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I agree that it is important some are in captivity, but I in no way support smuggling. It is a terrible thing and only about 20% of the parrots even survive. Parrots as pets should only be captive bred babies, and wild birds should only be captured for breeding to help the wild population, like the ara foundation.

Someone on the parrot forum recently bought a wild caught African gray for the challenge, I find it very sad he knowingly supported that terrible trade.

 

[Jtbirds]

Someone on here bought a wild caught for the challenge?! That is really upsetting. I have come across many wild caughts through rescue and that is a challenge that is very hard and you must know what your doing. My grey that passed was a wild caught and so was my umbrella too. Whoever did that has no idea what they got themselves into, because those birds are terrified and distrusting from the start. Not to mention that they don't belong with us at all. As well supporting a illegal trade that is on the same plane as buying drugs IMO.


Yes cooper I agree any wild birds caught should be used in breeding and release programs, not as someone's form of challenge or pet...

A swell thank you soda for pointing allow that out as it is extremely true.