Beijing's Poaching Problem

Historically, over 466 species of birds could be found in the Beijing area. Today the number is much lower. Let’s talk about one cause:

It is a common sight in Beijing, the old man sitting in the park or walking down the street with the bamboo bird cage by his side. Inside perches a little bird, often a sparrow, tit, or even perhaps a waxing or grosbeak. Where did this bird come from?

Beijing’s Poaching Problem

The Beijing area is an important stop for many species on their migration route. Some people take advantage of this by trapping birds for food or to sell as pets.

Many of the native bird species sold in pet markets are not bred in captivity but captured from the wild. These include sparrows, tits, warblers, grosbeaks, and other small perching birds.

Captured birds often die quickly due to mishandling and unhygienic conditions upon capture. Many birds also have specialized diets that are not met when kept in captivity. Often through ignorance, many owners are unable to provide the proper care to meet the needs of their pet.

People often forget the hidden effects when buying a wild captured pet. Activists estimate that for each bird that makes it to the pet market, 20 birds have died.

Meet Slevin

Slevin is an Olive Backed Pipit

(Anthus hodgsoni) and a consequence of poaching.

He permanently injured his left leg as he struggled to get free in the net and now, can never stand or perch again. As such, he cannot survive in the wild. Pipits are not meant to be “pets” as they migrate from Siberia to Southeast Asia and back every year. Their preferred habitat are large grasslands. Slevin is now a permanent resident of AVFA and will be used to educate against poaching.

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