Aesthetic values predict bird trade, but the association varies across product types and trade regions

Understanding the drivers of wildlife trade is crucial for designing conservation interventions. Animals are traded for various reasons, including their visual aesthetic appeal to humans, and trade often varies due to specific characteristics of the species. Here, we explored the association between a questionnaire-derived aesthetic value score of 9228 bird species from all extant bird orders, and their presence in the wildlife trade. We combined five complementary data sources of legal and illegal bird trade information to gain a comprehensive understanding of which bird species are traded. We used a general aesthetic value score, including the full diversity of birds' visual traits to improve understanding of how aesthetic value is linked to wildlife trade. Across the whole diverse group of birds, we found that the visual aesthetic value of birds was positively correlated with the presence of birds in trade. However, this association depended on the type of traded products. Aesthetic value was most strongly positively associated with the trade of live birds, both in international and domestic markets. For other products, in domestic markets, trade in decorative derivatives of birds (e.g. clothing, feathers) was linked more positively to aesthetic value than trade in e.g. medicine or meat. We showed at a larger scale than previously for birds that understanding the traits and social values associated with bird trade can help predict and identify potential species targeted for trade in the future and thereby contribute to halting unsustainable use of wildlife. • Aesthetic value predicts trade of bird species. • Aesthetic value is important especially for live bird trade. • Aesthetic value plays a mixed role for derivatives in trade, depending on product and extent of trade. • Large range size and body mass are associated with presence of trade in bird species. • Species traits connected to trade help identification of future trade interest.