Stable isotope analyses as a forensic tool to monitor illegally traded African grey parrots. (9th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alexander, J.; Downs, C. T.; Butler, M.; Woodborne, S.; Symes, C. T.
• Is Part Of: Animal conservation. Volume 22:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2018-09-09
• Subjects: stable isotope analyses -- African grey parrot -- Psittacus erithacus -- illegal wildlife trade -- forensics; Conservation biology -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; Conservation de la biodiversité; Conservation de la faune; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 333.95416
• DOI: 10.1111/acv.12445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-9430

Abstract

Abstract: Stable isotope analyses are a powerful tool in understanding diets, defining trophic networks, inferring geographical origins of animals and in forensic tracing of the origins of deceased humans or illegally traded animal and plant material. African grey parrots Psittacus erithacus are one of the most traded animal species in the world, and the origin of confiscated illegal or deceased specimens are often unknown. We measured stable isotope values ( δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 2 H) in different African grey parrots ( n = 32) and determined feather type (i.e. primary, tail, breast) standardization values for comparing individuals. δ 13 C and δ 2 H values differed between known wild ( n = 42) and captive ( n = 50) birds when standardized for feather type, but not for δ 15 N. δ 13 C and δ 2 H values in feathers from a consignment of African grey parrots ( n = 100), all of which were deceased, aligned significantly with that of known wild birds. We suggest that further analyses of feathers, across a range of spatial and temporal scales, will enhance stable isotope analyses as a valuable tool in monitoring and combatting the trade of African grey parrots. Furthermore, the use of stable isotope analyses may improve the monitoring of illegally traded bird species, and other wildlife, across the globe. Abstract : Illegal trade in wildlife species is a global concern, and stable isotope analyses can be a powerful tool in forensics, tracing the origins of illegally traded animal and plant material. African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus ) are one of the most traded animal species in the world, and the origins of confiscated illegal or deceased specimens are often unknown. We demonstrate how stable isotope analyses can be used as a forensic tool to monitor illegally traded African grey parrots and potentially other wildlife, across the globe.