Observation of threatened pinyon jays Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus in the EU pet market as a potential additional threat

Abstract

The pinyon jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its continued decline in the wild caused by impacts to its unique pinyon-juniper woodland habitat. Recent reviews do not mention commercial trade as a threat and no information is given on use and trade at all. Here we provide evidence of recent international trade in pinyon jays observed in the European Union. We recommend listing the species in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to enable the monitoring of international trade. Additionally, the desirability of a listing in a higher appendix of CITES at the next Conference of the Parties, as a more restrictive measure, should be assessed, as it may provide a necessary tool to prevent illegal international trade from becoming an additional threat for this unique North American songbird.