Illegal capture and trade of songbirds and ornamental birds in the municipality of El Salvador, Guantánamo, Cuba

Abstract

The research was conducted in the municipality of El Salvador, Guantánamo province, with the objective of diagnosing the situation of the wild bird trade. Surveys were conducted among 50 individuals engaged in the illegal hunting and trade of wild birds, and a total of sixteen species belonging to four orders and 12 families were identified. Socio -economic and environmental indicators were evaluated, with the majority of respondents attending pre-university level. Seventy-two percent of the species are used as pets, 12% for sale, and 8% for religious activities; selling prices range from 500 to 1,500 pesos in national currency. The most in-demand commercial birds are Myadestes elisabeth, Melopyrrha nigra, and Passerina cyanea. Of the bird species identified, 10 are Permanent Residents, and 3 are Winter Residents. The threat level: 11 species are of Least Concern, and two are in the Vulnerable category.