About the Songbirds
in Trade Database
The Songbirds in Trade Database (SiTDB) is the world’s first global open-source database of its kind. It is a unique compilation of national and international commercial trade data for live songbirds that indicates the conservation implications of trade for as many species as possible. The SiTDB’s data are regularly updated to ensure a complete and current dataset.
Background
Illegal and unsustainable trade is a growing threat to an increasingly long list of songbird species around the globe. When trade is unregulated, there are also risks and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare, the introduction of invasive alien species, zoonotic disease, and community exploitation. While some songbird species are traded for consumption, the vast majority are exploited for their song, plumage and in some cases, perceived rarity.
An improved understanding of domestic and international live songbird trade dynamics is crucial to flag conservation concerns, inform effective policy and enforcement interventions and catalyse conservation actions. The SiTDB was created to provide an open-access overview of our current trade knowledge pertaining to songbirds. The SiTDB can be used by professionals and non-professionals alike to delve into the songbird trade, identify knowledge gaps, support conservation efforts and policy change, and contribute to a sustainable future for songbirds.
Methodology
Data in the SiTDB is obtained from a carefully selected collection of sources, including peer-reviewed literature, published and unpublished trade notes by professionals in the fields of ornithology, aviculture and conservation, expert opinion, and direct observations made by members of the SiTDB Core Team. The SiTDB only includes trade records for live songbirds from 2006 onwards. More details and an overview of the SiTDB metadata can be found here. The SiTDB is curated by Simon Bruslund (Copenhagen Zoo Head of Conservation, EAZA Silent Forest Coordinator) and hosted by Monitor Conservation Research Society.
How to cite the SiTDB
When referencing the SiTDB in your work, please use the following suggested citations:
General citation: Bruslund, S. et al. (year). Songbirds in Trade Database (version 1.0). Monitor Conservation Research Society. Accessed on [date] at https://www.sitdb.org/.
Individual species citation: Bruslund, S. et al. (year). [species scientific name] in Songbirds in Trade Database (version 1.0). Monitor Conservation Research Society. Accessed on [date] at https://www.sitdb.org/.
Disclaimer
Trade threat assessments in the SiTDB are executed by the SiTDB Core Team and are based on data gathered from the sources mentioned in the methodology and metadata. These assessments should be interpreted as expert opinion.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, suitability, or availability with respect to the SiTDB website or the data contained herein.
Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of, or inability to use, the data on the SiTDB website.
The data on the SiTDB website might be subject to change without notice. We do not guarantee that the website will always be available or that access will be uninterrupted. We also reserve the right to modify, update, or remove the data without prior notice.
Links to external websites or resources are provided for your convenience and do not imply endorsement or approval of the content on those sites. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of external sites.
It is your responsibility to ensure that any data obtained from the SiTDB website meets your specific requirements. You should verify the accuracy and reliability of the data before making any decisions or taking any actions based on it.
By using the SiTDB website, you agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. You also acknowledge that any unauthorized use of the website or its data may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offense.
We reserve the right to update or modify this disclaimer at any time without prior notice. It is recommended that you review this disclaimer periodically to stay informed about any changes.
Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction where you access the website.
If you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer or the use of data on the SiTDB website, please contact us here or directly at info@sitdb.org.
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