Exploring the Animal Market on Facebook: A Case Study of the Syrian Wildlife Trade

Syria contains rich ecosystems and habitats that support the presence of rich biodiversity. However, several threats have significantly declined species composition and population size, including hunting for trade purposes. Despite the legislative framework to control hunting and protect species, the Syrian conflict since 2011 has profoundly impacted wildlife species. This study highlights the illegal wildlife trade in Syria, mainly through the social media platform Facebook. The findings reveal that birds are the most frequently traded animals, driven by cultural traditions and economic incentives. Species such as the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) and the European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) are notably among the most traded animals, with substantial numbers harvested, sold, and smuggled to adjacent countries. The presence of threatened species, including the Endangered saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis), underscores significant conservation concerns. Mammals, such as the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) and various gazelle species, also feature prominently in the trade. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders and continuous wildlife trade monitoring are essential to protect Syria's biodiversity and ensure sustainable conservation outcomes.