부산대학교 도서관

The Asian Songbird Crisisdthe recognition that the cage bird trade is the number one threat to manysongbirdsdhas focussed on either individual bird markets or specific taxa. We here show, throughsustained monitoring, that even species that were not thought to be traded are also at risk from overexploitation. The Javan crocias Laniellus albonotatus is endemic to the montane forests of western Javaethis remoteness was thought to be the reason why it had escaped from being at risk. We surveyed21 bird markets over a 44-month period; the number of crocias recorded in markets (1.29 birds/survey)was negatively related to the distance to its habitat. The size of the bird market had no effect on thenumber of crocias we recorded. Prices (US$26.70/bird), when corrected for inflation, did not change over12 years suggesting supply can keep up with demand. Turnover is high (50% sold after 8 days), and weestimate the total trade at 1,200 to 1,500 birds/year. Legal protection of Javan crocias seen in isolationthus far is proven to be ineffective. A more inclusive approach where government bodies, conservationagencies and society participate, is needed to curb the trade in this and other imperiled songbirds.