The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) has launched a campaign to stop the sale of wild birds destined for cages or the pot.
"Say NO to birds in the cage and on the plate," aims to draw attention to the illegal capture and sale of migratory birds, a practice that threatens bird populations.
"Diga NÃO aos passarinhos na gaiola e no prato" is the result of a partnership with environmental groups Aldeia, Cervas, Rias, A Rocha and Quercus.
A recent study released by SPEA found that warblers, robins, goldfinches and chaffinches are some of the most affected birds in the Faro, Porto and Lisbon regions where there has been the most cases of illegal capture and killing.
"The capture of birds to be sold as snacks in cafes and restaurants, and the sale of birds online on sites like OLX, threatens populations of migratory birds in Portugal and abroad. These are two strong reasons for us conducting this campaign," said SPEA in a statement released today.
Although the capture of wild birds to cage or eat is illegal, it is carried out across the country under the heading of 'traditional.' "Too little has been done regarding public awareness," added SPEA which now has new laws to back up its activities and inspections by the authorities at regional fairs have staretd to produce results.
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