Illegal Online Trade in Endangered Parrots
Parrots are one of the most threatened types of birds, with wild populations of many species traded to supply the global pet trade. The threats to wild populations have almost led the entire order to be protected under CITES, an international agreement that commits governments to regulate the trade in endangered species.
Despite the international recognition of the threat to parrots, wild populations continue to be overexploited. The trade in wild parrots increasingly occurs on social media platforms, which allow new traders to expand their networks on the global marketplace at relatively little cost, while also providing increased anonymity.
This study analyzes the online trade in wild parrots over a four year period, providing new insights into the scope and scale of the trade, trade routes, modes of transport and the extent of compliance with national laws and international agreements. It also highlights the significant role social media plays in facilitating the trade in wild parrot populations.
Authors:
Rowan Martin