CITMA Warns of Dangers of Illegal Bird Trapping in Cuba

Expert Warns Illegal Bird Capture Now a Greater Threat Than Climate Change to Cuban Avifauna
Dr. Hiram González Alonso, a biologist at the Cuban Biodiversity Institute of the Environment Agency within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), warned that the illegal capture of birds today constitutes a greater threat to the national birdlife than climate change, according to information shared by Minister Armando Rodríguez Batista from his Facebook profile.

Alarming Increase in Geographic Scope
A census conducted by the institution revealed that in just over four years, the practice doubled in geographic scope, rising from 98 locations in 2021 to 199 in the last quarter of 2025.

González Alonso, with five decades of experience, explained that the activity has evolved from a cultural tradition into a massive commercial business, with severe impact on endemic and migratory species.

Most Affected Species and Destructive Methods
Among the most affected birds, he mentioned the Cuban Parakeet (catey), the Cuban Parrot (cotorra), the Cuban Grassquit (tomeguín del pinar), and the Cuban Blackbird (negrito), whose populations are declining due to destructive methods such as the felling of trees and palms where they nest.

Strong Legal Framework, Weak Enforcement
Cuba has a strong legal framework to protect biodiversity, including the Constitution, the Penal Code, and Law 150 on the System of Natural Resources and the Environment, in addition to international conventions. Sanctions range from heavy fines to imprisonment.

However, the specialist noted that legislation is not being enforced and called for greater support from police and local authorities for the Ranger Corps to apply the regulations nationwide.

Ecological Functions at Risk and Intimidation of Scientists
The expert recalled the vital ecological functions of birds, such as pest control, seed dispersal, pollination, and nutrient transfer between ecosystems, the loss of which would cause an environmental disaster.

He also denounced the threats and offenses received by scientists who disseminate information about the problem, while reaffirming his commitment to the defense of biodiversity.

Sustainable Alternatives and Clarifications
As a sustainable alternative, he proposed promoting birdwatching tourism, an activity that already generates employment in local communities and contributes to conservation.

He clarified that species like canaries, goldfinches, and budgerigars have historically been bred in captivity and do not represent a danger to Cuban biodiversity.

Final Call to Action and Governmental Efforts
The final appeal included the need to rigorously apply the law, strengthen environmental education in the media, facilitate channels for citizen reporting, and block international trafficking in coordination with the General Customs of the Republic.

CITMA authorities and competent agencies are working in a coordinated manner on the Governmental Plan to Combat Illegal Activities Related to Forest Resources, Flora, Fauna, and other natural resources, as well as on the National Program on Biological Diversity, projected until 2030.