The need
The trade in wild-caught songbirds poses a significant threat to several species, yet it has received far less attention compared to other forms of wildlife trade, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. While much of the focus has been on the supply side of the trade, there is limited data on the demand from diaspora communities who maintain bird-keeping traditions as part of their cultural heritage.
In Guyanese communities in New York, ‘bird racing’ competitions are widespread, creating a continuous demand for wild songbirds. Understanding the motivations behind this demand is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies that address unsustainable trapping and trade.
Duration
2024 – 2028
Location
Guyana and the United States of America (USA)
What we’re doing
This four-year project is aimed at understanding and influencing demand for songbirds in diaspora communities. Our key activities include:
1
Investigating consumer demand for wild-caught songbirds in Guyanese communities in the USA.
2
Exploring the cultural significance of bird-keeping and racing traditions.
3
Developing participatory methods to engage communities in sustainable bird-keeping practices.
4
Identifying pathways for change that reduce the impact of trade on wild songbird populations.
The team
This project is a collaboration between:
CIFOR-ICRAF, University of Alabama, University of Oxford
Project leads:
Supporters
This project is supported by
