Aviculture and bird imports during the Taisho and Early Showa periods and risk avoidance of invasive species establishment

Abstract

Several non-native bird species established in Japan are believed to have originated from pet birds that were accidentally or intentionally released. Many initial sightings of these non-native birds in the natural environments in the Japanese archipelago were reported during the Taisho-Showa period (1920s to 1980s). We investigated pet bird-keeping practices in Japan during this period by examining magazines and books on the subject published at the time. Our survey revealed that over 40 titles of pet bird magazines were published during the Taisho and early Showa periods. Pet bird keeping was popular for various reasons, including as hobbies, side jobs, academic interests, and speculative investments. However, proper techniques and knowledge for bird keeping were underdeveloped. Additionally, domestic and international political and economic instability, including wars and economic depression, likely led many owners to release their birds into the wild.