Understanding the motivations for keeping wild birds in the semi-arid region of Brazil

摘要: Birds are kept as pets around the world, and bird-keeping is an ancient widespread practice, constituting one of main reasons for decline some species. In semi-arid region Brazil, this practice very common continues despite being designated illegal in recent decades. This study aimed to identify species families songbirds used characterize maintenance exploited captivity, evaluate sociocultural context associated with practice. Data were collected from a total 62 wild bird-keepers area through interviews using semi-structured forms informal conversations. A 34 bird bred area. Thraupidae was most represented family followed by Icteridae, together, these accounted 61.7% local specimens. As reported respondents, birds acquired capturing them rural areas or regional markets. The number identified respondents did not differ according respondent income, educational level, age (p > 0.05). Maintaining cages includes care, such providing feed, medicine, cases, training improve their song learn songs other highest use values (UVs) Sporophila albogularis (UV = 0.83), Paroaria dominicana (0.82), nigricollis (0.79), indicating importance animal pets. have strong cultural high economic value people involved bird-keeping. sense, ethnoornithological studies fundamentally important since they can provide basic information inform plans actions promote conservation sustainable management avifauna, including essential element environmental education strategies.