The use of birds as pets in Mexico
Abstract Background The use of birds as pets has been a historical tradition in Mexico since prehispanic times. It has survived through bird traders, called pajareros, which is a local name given to the trade (derived from pájaro, the Spanish word for bird). However, the trade of birds has not been...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2017-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13002-017-0161-z |
| _version_ | 1811260115803701248 |
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| author | Blanca Roldán-Clarà Víctor M. Toledo Ileana Espejel |
| author_facet | Blanca Roldán-Clarà Víctor M. Toledo Ileana Espejel |
| author_sort | Blanca Roldán-Clarà |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The use of birds as pets has been a historical tradition in Mexico since prehispanic times. It has survived through bird traders, called pajareros, which is a local name given to the trade (derived from pájaro, the Spanish word for bird). However, the trade of birds has not been sufficiently described; therefore, the goal of this paper is to analyze the bird trade in Mexico using the components of an ethnoecology scheme known as kosmos-corpus-praxis complex. Methods Qualitative research techniques were used, including ethnographic immersion, participative research, and interviews of 79 pajareros in 22 localities in nine Mexican states. Results The activity of the pajareros occurs within their households, with each member having distinct roles. The roles involved in bird trading are capturing, acclimation, maintenance, and sale. Their assignment depends on gender, age, and residential location (rural or urban). Beyond their households, the pajareros are well organized in trade unions and are represented by a leader, who acts as an intermediate between them and the government officers who are involved in the authorization of federal permits. The pajareros use 96 species of birds, most of which are native to Mexico. Practicing the trade requires highly specific knowledge of the biology, ecology, habitat, nutrition, diseases, and behavior of the birds, as well as the abiotic components of their environment, such as climatology and geography. The cosmovision of pajarero households is embedded in their identity, making them proud of their trade. Conclusions Our paper provides the first comprehensive description of the pajarero trade, showing evidence of local communitarian management in the places where the wild birds are captured. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T18:41:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a6491ce76e8d43ab969155efcc3e2105 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1746-4269 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T18:41:46Z |
| publishDate | 2017-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
| spelling | doaj.art-a6491ce76e8d43ab969155efcc3e21052022-12-22T03:20:45ZengBMCJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine1746-42692017-06-0113111810.1186/s13002-017-0161-zThe use of birds as pets in MexicoBlanca Roldán-Clarà0Víctor M. Toledo1Ileana Espejel2Laboratorio de Etnoecología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoLaboratorio de Etnoecología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoUniversidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)Abstract Background The use of birds as pets has been a historical tradition in Mexico since prehispanic times. It has survived through bird traders, called pajareros, which is a local name given to the trade (derived from pájaro, the Spanish word for bird). However, the trade of birds has not been sufficiently described; therefore, the goal of this paper is to analyze the bird trade in Mexico using the components of an ethnoecology scheme known as kosmos-corpus-praxis complex. Methods Qualitative research techniques were used, including ethnographic immersion, participative research, and interviews of 79 pajareros in 22 localities in nine Mexican states. Results The activity of the pajareros occurs within their households, with each member having distinct roles. The roles involved in bird trading are capturing, acclimation, maintenance, and sale. Their assignment depends on gender, age, and residential location (rural or urban). Beyond their households, the pajareros are well organized in trade unions and are represented by a leader, who acts as an intermediate between them and the government officers who are involved in the authorization of federal permits. The pajareros use 96 species of birds, most of which are native to Mexico. Practicing the trade requires highly specific knowledge of the biology, ecology, habitat, nutrition, diseases, and behavior of the birds, as well as the abiotic components of their environment, such as climatology and geography. The cosmovision of pajarero households is embedded in their identity, making them proud of their trade. Conclusions Our paper provides the first comprehensive description of the pajarero trade, showing evidence of local communitarian management in the places where the wild birds are captured.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13002-017-0161-zBird-keepersEthno-ornithologyMexican birdsTraditional bird use |
| spellingShingle | Blanca Roldán-Clarà Víctor M. Toledo Ileana Espejel The use of birds as pets in Mexico Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine Bird-keepers Ethno-ornithology Mexican birds Traditional bird use |
| title | The use of birds as pets in Mexico |
| title_full | The use of birds as pets in Mexico |
| title_fullStr | The use of birds as pets in Mexico |
| title_full_unstemmed | The use of birds as pets in Mexico |
| title_short | The use of birds as pets in Mexico |
| title_sort | use of birds as pets in mexico |
| topic | Bird-keepers Ethno-ornithology Mexican birds Traditional bird use |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13002-017-0161-z |
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