A more‐than‐human political ecology of Indonesian songbird trade

Abstract

Since its inception, conservation science has considered wildlife trade a problem. In focusing on conservation outcomes, conservationists almost completely ignore the welfare of traded animals and plants and the harms they endure. We developed a political ecology approach that incorporates the interconnectedness of people with animals and natural habitats (more than human) to study the Indonesian bird trade, which is deeply culturally embedded, monetized, and speciose. We used marketplace observations of harm, one‐on‐one interviews with experts, and focus groups with law enforcement to examine the trade flow of birds and the interactions and power dynamics in the Indonesian bird trade. We considered human perspectives and recognized birds as active participants in their own experiences. We examined previously unconsidered harms experienced by birds, such as feather plucking, dismemberment, sinus infections, overcrowding, suffocation, and death. Different forms of harm occurred to birds in different parts of the supply chain, and the harm depended on the human actors the birds interacted with. Loss of freedom occurred at harvest, and physical and physiological harm occurred during transit and at the point of trade. However, highly sought‐after species were subject to fewer harms. These species are difficult to source and are well cared for by affluent collectors, but more harms came to these species when demand was high, and supply‐side factors lead to broad harvesting and less consideration of welfare. Men of different classes engaged with birds for various reasons, such as socialization, investment, and connecting with Javan traditions. Our results highlight the harms birds experience in the wildlife trade, relating to the five domains welfare model. Critical to understanding the harms traded wildlife endure are issues of class, gender, and culture in Indonesia.

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