Illegal domestic bird trade and the role of export quotas in Peru

摘要: Abstract Legal international trade of wild animals is controversial because some experts speculate that it facilitates illegal domestic in source countries. Wild-caught birds are commonly traded as pets, both legally and illegally, for markets. We used Peru’s native bird a case study to explore the relationship between legal trade. current quota system started 2001 designed permit limited export wild-caught birds, while largely prohibited. surveyed 40 markets nine cities (March 2007–July 2011), where we examined tabulated government seizure records quotas, compared proportions with without quotas seizures. Sixteen independent variables were evaluated using generalized linear models explain abundance observed thriving market 130 species (n = 35,279 birds) offered sale; parrots most abundant birds. found no evidence facilitated trade; authorities confiscated regardless their status. While did not influence abundance, historic did. market, likely other Neotropical markets, developed consequence high exports, now appears driven, part, by tradition which harvesters accustomed trapping fullfill demand. Improved enforcement wildlife legislation would be more effective decreasing than eliminating quotas.