CITES

International trade in endangered animal and plant species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Within the European Union, this agreement is implemented through the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, in which species are listed in different annexes, each with its own rules concerning trade and possession.

For tanagers of the genus Tangara, the vast majority of species are not listed under CITES. This means that these species can generally be kept and bred without CITES documentation, provided that they have been legally obtained and that national regulations are respected. For example, in Germany the keeping of Piranga olivacea requires that owners maintain a register that can be presented to the authorities, and the birds must be fitted with closed identification rings.

There is, however, one important exception: Tangara fastuosa.

This species is listed in CITES Appendix II. This means that international trade is still permitted, but it is strictly controlled through export permits and, in some cases, import permits. The species occurs only in a limited region in northeastern Brazil and is also classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

For breeders in Europe, this means that importing birds from countries outside the EU is only possible with the appropriate CITES documentation. Once the birds are legally present within the EU and bred in captivity, they can usually be traded within the EU, provided that their legal origin can be demonstrated. In practice, this means that the birds should carry a closed leg ring, be accompanied by a transfer and origin declaration, and that the owner keeps a CITES register recording acquisitions and transfers.

 

TRACES

When birds are transported between different countries within the European Union, the system TRACES plays an important role.

TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) is a digital platform of the European Commission used to register and monitor the transport of live animals and animal products. Through this system, competent authorities in different countries can verify where animals originate and where they are being transported.

For commercial movements of birds, for example when a breeder sells Tangaras to someone in another EU country, an animal health certificate usually has to be created in TRACES. This certificate typically includes the origin of the birds, the identity of the sender and the recipient, the destination of the transport and the health status of the animals.

This system allows authorities to better monitor the spread of avian diseases and to prevent illegal trade.

For small numbers of birds transported by private individuals (for example after purchasing birds at a bird fair), less strict rules may sometimes apply, provided the movement is considered non-commercial.

More information about TRACES can be found at:

Belgium: TRACES | Federaal Agentschap voor de veiligheid van de voedselketen
Netherlands: TRACES | NVWA

 

RINGING

In addition to international legislation, bird identification is an important element in European aviculture. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that captive-bred birds are fitted with a closed leg ring.

A closed ring is placed on the leg of a young bird when it is only a few days old and cannot later be removed without damaging it. This makes the ring a reliable indication that the bird was bred in captivity, identifies its year of birth, and links it to a specific breeder.

For species listed under CITES, such as Tangara fastuosa, a closed ring combined with a transfer document can help demonstrate the legal origin of the bird. Even for species that are not listed under CITES, ringing captive-bred birds is strongly recommended, as it significantly improves traceability within aviculture.

Many breeders also keep their own records including:

• ring numbers

• parent birds

• dates of birth

• transfers or sales

Such records are useful not only for administrative purposes but also for the genetic management of breeding lines.