Stopping imports of African finches/waxbills

[Rox]

So our local importer warned me that there is a good chance that imports into SA will be stopped at the end of this year. If the ban hits us, I'm pretty sure it will hit the rest of the world as well.

Has anyone else heard anything about it?

[Sally]

I have not heard anything for the U.S., but that would probably affect us. Even if we still were allowed imports of African birds, my understanding is that many of the shipments in the past came through Johannesburg. I was told several years ago that was the reason we weren't seeing African imports at that time, that the South African government was not letting shipments go out of Johannesburg. Many of the more experienced breeders in the U.S. have been warning that this day is coming. I need to win the lottery so I can stock up!!

[lovezebs]

Rox & Sally

So does that mean, no more birds coming or going between any countries? That is so crazy. Why would they do that? I can see if they want to preserve the wild populations, but if people want to exchange blood lines of their own birds, what Is the problem?

[cindy]

If it happens it is likely just the wild caught African species exports.

We have still been able to import in by way of Europe, Canada and Puerto Rico.

[Sally]

It would mean that no import shipments could pass through South Africa, which could affect us as far as African species. After the CITES restrictions were lifted in 2007, we saw lots of African imports, and prices for those species once again became more normal. Before the CITES restrictions were lifted in 2007, I paid $250 for a pair of Goldbreasts and was thrilled to be able to purchase any at all. Those were domestic of course, since there had not been African imports for years. Once the CITES ban was lifted, prices dropped, and now you can find pairs of Goldbreasts for as low as $50.

Remember, it was just a few years ago that all of a sudden, imports from Africa disappeared. You couldn't find BCCBs nor many other species anywhere. I was told by a broker that it was because South Africa had stopped allowing bird shipments bound for the U.S. or other destinations to pass through South Africa, which had been the main point of departure. That meant that no one was getting these species, even other countries.

[lovezebs]

Sally

That's too bad Sally. What are the reasons (if there are any) which are given for these actions?

[Rox]

lovezebs

Elana, it is being done for conservation reasons, which I fully support. The trapping of birds is causing some species to be listed on CITES. If the trapping continues (and it will as long as there is a demand), some species will be wiped out in the wild and we can't allow it. The death toll is in incredibly high for these trapped birds.

South Africa already made huge headway with the stopping of importing wild caught African Grey parrots. I do believe that captive bred birds will still be allowed to be exported but it would have to be proved by having closed bands etc.

As soon as I have more info, I will let you know.

[Rox]

An old article but will give you an idea of what it's about

http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/technology ... jG1Qn78KM8

[cindy]

I have seen on other groups cages of Purple Grens newly captured and just received from brokers in Africa...never saw that many before all in one cage....that was just one cage can't imagine how many other cages full there were that were sold to other buyers.

They do need to conserve the species in the wild and we here need to breed the rarer species already in this country, get the numbers up here. Buying one pair of a rarer species will not accomplish this, you need several pairs to get and keep them going to build an active colony or two. Trading offspring with other breeders for new blood instead of buying imports.

A good number of the wild caught do not even make it through capture, quarantine and shipping to the states.... that is very sad and heartbreaking for the species.

[lovezebs]

Rox

Thanks for the Information Roxanne, and the article.

I fully agree with banning wild caught birds, a practice which I really have a problem with. It just seems wrong somehow, most especially with the high mortality rate which you mentioned.

That said, I think banning exports, will only drive the trade further underground, making the conditions in which captured birds will be kept, and transported even worse. Possibly a better method, would be to nip it in the bud, and come up with harsher laws for the people trapping these birds in the first place..... which has been tried with other animals, but still goes on (as in lions, elephants and so on, sigh.....)

Honestly, I don't know what the answer is....

I think eventually, the survival of many species of animals (birds included) will come down to responsible breeding in captivity (which is oh so sad).

[lnlovesorange]

Why can't eveyone be like us? And love birds and not want to see them harmed....? That is why I like birds more than people mostlly.... and also, I think they are going to rule the world one day, that's why i'm making friends with them now, so years down the line the Crow king will Grant the Ellen Family pardons..... Phew .... got my bases covered...

[lovezebs]

lnlovesorange

Holy Crow woman, what have we been drinking?

Seriously though, our world is is ruled by greed, and that's the problem .

[Rox]

Sally

Sally, I have just had confirmation from a UK importer that Uganda is officially stopping exports of all animals from 01.01.2016.

This definitely seems to be the start of the ban.

[Sally]

Rox You are right, this may be the start of it, as other countries may follow their lead. I wish I had the money and the space to add lots more birds to my collection, but that is just wishful thinking.

[Jen]

Oh my....this is all heartbreaking stuff. The photos that lovezebs posted recently confirmed the horrifying conditions of these wild caught birds. This just makes me want to care for the birds I have to hopefully increase their population.....sigh..........