This preliminary project on the Law on the Protection and Rights of Animals, presented last October, has sparked a variety of controversies. The draft Animal Welfare Act gathers prohibitions and obligations that remain subject to change, and social media reactions have been mixed. Prominent points that drew attention include debates around animal identity and compulsory education for dog care, as well as controversial measures such as banning the use of animals in nativity scenes, parades, and public displays.
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What is silvestrism?
This practice involves the hobby of catching, breeding, and keeping certain wild bird species in captivity, especially finches. Silvestrism is defined as a sport focused on training wild birds for song after capture. It is a tradition with deep roots in southern Spain, often passed down through generations.
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Silvestrism unfolds in several stages: capturing songbirds, selecting the best specimens for singing training, and presenting skilled birds in singing competitions.
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Finches: the most common songbird in the wild
This family of songbirds is widely used in silvestrism, particularly the finch group. Common examples include several species that thrive in various habitats and are known for their melodic songs.
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Most common songbird in the wild: goldfinch
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Goldfinches are a prevalent songbird in Europe and are part of the Fringillidae family. They are typically found in southern and eastern regions and are known for vivid colors and social behavior in mixed flocks. They prefer seeds and can adapt to a range of habitats, including parks and gardens.
Decapitated canaries or just remnants of feathers in the cage… What attacks them and how are they protected?
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Wild canaries have been a symbol of the Canary archipelago. They are native to the Canary Islands as well as parts of the Azores and Madeira. Captive breeding and selective coloring have produced the bright hues seen today. Protection measures are in place to safeguard such species from overexploitation and harm in both wild and captive settings.
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Wild canaries are emblematic of the Canary archipelago. Though they are found in other regions, these birds have been selectively bred for color since the 17th century. This has led to the distinctive appearance seen in captivity today. Native canaries are subject to regulations designed to prevent exploitation and ensure humane treatment.
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Canaries tend to form flocks and nest in groups, feeding mainly on ground seeds. They inhabit diverse ecosystems, including pine forests and dunes, and are commonly found in parks and gardens today.
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Budgerigars, along with other finches, are among the most familiar songbirds in Europe. They display a variety of colors and form social flocks, often thriving in human-made habitats like parks and gardens.
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The finch group includes several species, commonly found in wooded and urban environments. These birds are omnivorous, feeding on seeds and insects to rear their young. Their distribution includes multiple European regions where human landscapes provide suitable habitats.
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The European greenfinch is a songbird in the Fringillidae family. It is widespread across Europe, robust in size, and typically shows a mix of green and yellow tones. Females are generally paler and less vibrant. Greenfinches occupy wooded areas as well as human settlements and rely on seeds helped by their strong beaks for feeding.
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The European cool finch, a close relative in appearance to the canary, is a small songbird with brown and yellow plumage. It commonly inhabits open woodlands and tree-lined parks.
Why will Silvestrim be banned?
This practice raises concerns among wildlife experts. Harvest methods used in silvestrism lack selectivity, and nets or traps often capture multiple species, including protected ones. Experts warn that such activities threaten endangered birds. Breeding captive songbirds is also criticized for fueling the market.
Until now, silvestrism was legal in Spain as an exception to the general ban on wild bird capture for pets. Europe has monitored this practice for years. The 2009 European regulation prohibits the deliberate capture of all wild birds. Permits issued by autonomous communities allowed capture for research, repopulation, and resettlement. The new animal protection law proposes a strict prohibition of these practices. For those passionate about singing birds, keeping one in captivity remains possible, but regulated under new guidelines.