Stocks of sturgeono used for caviar are on the decline worldwide with some species now in danger of extinction. This situation has been caused partly by excessive fishing of sturgeon, but also by the destruction of sturgeon habitats and water pollution. Today, this situation is further exacerbated by the smuggling of sturgeon and caviar, by bartering and by related illegal activities.
The practice of keeping live birds in captivity has been widespread throughout this century and has increased considerably as the 20th century comes to a close. In the last decade or so, the increased trade in live birds from Tanzania has given rise to a number of concerns regarding the sustainability of the trade, its effects on bird numbers, and illegal trafficking.
