Breeding and management of wild birds in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil.

Abstract

The breeding of wild birds as pets is directly related to cultural, socioeconomic and decline issues of the species involved. In this perspective, the study surveyed the knowledge of local breeders of captive wild birds, as well as the management practices and commercialization aspects of the animals and the socio-cultural context involved with this activity in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. Data were collected from four informants through semi-structured questionnaires, addressing aspects of captive breeding of wild birds. Three species were recorded: Sporophila angolensis, S. bouvreuil and Sicalis flaveola. The species are kept mainly because of the beauty of their songs and the potential for their use in rinhas (bird fighting), factors also responsible for the commercialization of the species. The aspects involved in maintenance vary among breeders and according to interspecific factors. However, the selection and reproduction of the species are related to behavioural factors (singing ability and potential for rinhas). The data show that the breeding and management of wild birds is a complex activity in a socio-cultural and economic context, with more studies required to understand the dynamics involved in this process including whether or not these forms of management interfere with the genetics of the birds species through the artificial selection process.