Songbird Slaughter: Inside China's Illegal Pet Trade
Part of composite article China's Push for Self-Sufficiency Reshapes Global Trade View full article →
The BBC has captured footage of a man illegally trapping wild songbirds in China. This practice is driven by high profits, as many people keep the birds as pets.
Trapping and selling these birds is a lucrative business. Popular species can sell for high prices in the country's thriving underground pet market.
The trade threatens rare species and violates wildlife protection laws. However, strong consumer demand continues to fuel the illegal hunting.