Molecular markers and feather microstructures of select traded avian species in Assam

Abstract

The illicit trade of birds is widespread across the globe, causing the major concern of population declines of several elusive and endemic species. It is the fastest growing business with ease of moneymaking with minimum effort. The major driving factors of the illegal bird trades vary and include traditional beliefs, traditional medicines, different socio-cultural issues. superstition s. and the easiest connectivity among the participants in the trade. 11 is a serious matter of concern where the ongoing scenario always remains clandestine. This study provides information for the first time on illegally traded avian species in Assam. The state of Assam is a "Gate-way" of travel and transport and is marked as the "Transitory Route" for illegally traded birds in India due to its transboundary nature. Moreover, different socio-cultural practices followed by the local tribes also plays significant role in the illegal bird trade scenario in Assam. Using the snowball sampling method, a systematic market survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire for illegally traded birds and local people's perceptions towards issues associated with the traded birds