Fetish markets and feathers: Analyzing a growing threat to biodiversity in Africa

Abstract Wildlife trade poses a significant threat to global biodiversity and continues to escalate in regions such as West Africa. We investigated birds for sale in the Akodessewa Fetish Market (for belief‐based use) in Lomé, Togo—reported to be among the largest in West Africa—by conducting market surveys and trader interviews during four visits from 2022 to 2024. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) to analyze factors influencing species presence and relative abundance in the market. Our findings reveal a >200% increase in market volume and >400% increase in the diversity of birds for sale compared to previous surveys. The market featured 82 species from 38 avian families, including seven globally threatened or near threatened species, and 25 Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)‐listed species. At least one‐third of traded species are known to have declining populations. Larger‐bodied species and those with higher estimated abundance were more likely to be offered for sale and in greater quantities. In contrast, species with latitudinal distribution midpoints farther from the market were less likely to be present and, when present, were offered in lower numbers. CITES‐listing was associated with the likelihood of species occurrence, while IUCN conservation status was negatively associated with the number of individuals for sale. Trade likelihood varied among taxonomic families, with hornbills (Bucerotidae) showing the highest probability of appearing in trade, whereas owls (Tytonidae and Strigidae) had the highest number of individuals for sale. All traders in the market originated from neighboring Benin, indicating cross‐border trade operations. Species occurrence and abundance in markets were associated primarily with availability, accessibility, and body size rather than conservation status, with CITES‐listed and threatened species appearing in trade despite nominal regulatory protection. We recommend that policy and legal interventions address regional wildlife trade networks operating as global markets rather than as local traditional practices.