Sakhawat Ali
Institute of Natural and Management Sciences, Pakistan
Title: Effect of local birds trade in diminishing wild bird’s populations: Survey report from Rawalpindi city, Pakistan
Biography
Biography: Sakhawat Ali
Abstract
Bird trade at local and commercial level has been witnessed profitable in commerce because of widespread and large population sizes, diversity and trade worth of many species. It is presumed that bird trade at local level in addition to commercial scale business is affecting the population dynamics of many species. Present study was designed to investigate the number and proportion of different birds species used for trading at local level. The data was collected from the local hunters, traders and birds markets through surveys and interviews. During the one year survey a total of 50 different species were enlisted which were used for local business. Out of 50, only 13 species were identified with greater proportional representation in local trade. These species include Bank myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) 15%, Red Munia (Amandava amandava) 11.89%, House sparrow (Passer domesticus) 9.17%, Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) 9%, Spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata) 7.86%, Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 5.2%, Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) 5%, Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) 4.87%, Rock pigeon (Columba livia) 4.8%, Streaked weaver (Ploceus manyar) 3.3%, Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) 2.81%, Citrine wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 2.54% and Pied myna (Gracupica contra) 2.24%. These birds has greater market value because of their usage as a cage bird mostly however they were also used in diet for their exceptional medicinal and energy values. It is concluded that the current trade ratio of different bird’s species in local markets is one of the most overlooked prospect which may seriously affect the wild population of different species.