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University of Oxford
School of Geography and the Environment

 School of Geography and the Environment

Project Details

  • Duration: 2005-2008
  • Funded by: Darwin Initiative
  • Researchers: Dr Paul JepsonDr Richard Ladle
  • Partners: Fahrul Amama, Burung Indonesia; Made Prana, Indonesian Bird Association; Sujatnika, Aksenta, and Farquhar Stirling, Nielsen Indonesia
  • Contact: Dr Paul Jepson
Girl and bird Transporting birds by motorbike Lads and bird Sorting Larvae Kalatin - bird rearing Contemplation

Research: Biodiversity: Research Projects

A market-led response to domestic bird trade in Indonesia

Lady, child and bird

The practice of bird keeping in Java and Bali, Indonesia threatens wild-bird populations. In Indonesia there is little evidence to suggest that regulatory policy instruments are having any meaningful effect on the practices of keeping and trading that generate large domestic markets for wild-caught birds. Given this we initiated a project to develop and assess a non-state, market-based instrument aimed at reducing the volume of wild-caught birds in domestics markets through promoting a switch to captive bred alternatives.

We assembled a project team involving Burung (formerly BirdLife(Indonesia)), The bird-keeper association Pelestari Burung Indonesia, the market research company Nielsen-Indonesia and the social enterprise Aksenta. Together we implemented mixed methods research involving: 1) a questionnaire survey and media analysis to generate overview data on the scale and attributes of birdkeeping and scope out the key actors and networks and motivations that need to be influenced, and 2) in-depth interviews and workshops that aimed to reveal insights on the contemporary culture of bird keeping in Indonesia and identify and engage influential actors within the bird-keeper fraternity in the development of a suitable and effective policy approach.

We identified seven distinct communities of practice who shape fashions, trends and practises in the hobby. Together we developed a prestige led, voluntary market-based instrument that aims to bring about a switch from keeping wild caught birds to captive bred alternatives. This instrument comprises five components: 1) creation of a national system to certify breeders, 2) creation of networks of breeders, 3) promoting the prestige of ring classes at song contests, 4) promoting regular informal communication between breeders, leading hobbyists, bird related businesses and conservation NGOs and 5) a social marketing campaign targeting the general bird keeper.

Output

Project web-links
Publications