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ESJ Natural/Life/Medical Sciences
www.eujournal.org 323
Socioeconomic and Cultural Importance of The Yellow-
Fronted Canary (Serinus Mozambicus) in Northern Benin
Adoté Hervé Gildas. Akueson
Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of
Agronomic and Water Sciences, University of Parakou,Parakou, Benin
Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), Laboratory of Studies and
Research in Forestry (LERF)
Marcel Gbaguidi Alia
Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), Laboratory of Studies and
Research in Forestry (LERF)
Sissou Zakari
Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of
Agronomic and Water Sciences, University of Parakou,Parakou, Benin
Laboratory of Hydraulics and Environmental Modeling (HydroModE-Lab),
Faculté d'Agronomie, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
Arcadius Yves. Justin. Akossou
Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of
Agronomic and Water Sciences, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin.
Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), Laboratory of Studies and
Research in Forestry (LERF)
Doi:10.19044/esj.2021.v17n37p323
Submitted: 07 August 2021
Accepted: 26 October 2021
Published: 31 October 2021
Copyright 2021 Author(s)
Under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND
4.0 OPEN ACCESS
Cite As:
Akueson A.H.G., Gbaguidi Alia M., Zakari S. & Akossou A.Y.J. (2021). Socioeconomic and
Cultural Importance of The Yellow-Fronted Canary (Serinus Mozambicus) in Northern Benin.
European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 17(37), 323.
https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2021.v17n37p323
Abstract
The species yellow-fronted canary undergoes a real traffic due to its
song and medico-magical properties in order to supply local commercial
networks. This study aims to assess the socioeconomic and cultural
importance of this bird in order to identify the cohorts of actors involved along
this activity chain. In this context a survey was carried out among 400 breeders
in four agroecological zones of Benin (ZAE II; ZAE III, ZAE IV and ZAE V).
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The questionnaire also focused on general characteristics of the respondents
on aspects related to general knowledge of the bird, its social importance,
purchase and sale price, cultural importance and breeders’ perceptions. Canary
traders, mostly with primary education level (63.25%) and Muslim (97.5%),
were on average 44 years old and an average experience of 27 years. They
exercised this activity in part-time (96.5%). The knowledge about canary is
shared is different depending on the ethnic group. The activity was profitable
for all of them (100%) with 128,624 FCFA (233.18 USD) net profit per month.
The trader's education level, whether or not he belonged to ZAE II, the number
of birds he had in his possession, the daily amount he invested in their food,
their selling price, the number of years he made the activity, his experience in
the business were the factors that determine the net profit of the canary’s
trader. However, canaries' breeding in north-Benin is based on a complex
system with actors who develop many myths around medico-magical
practices. This study was necessary to better assess the pressure on the species
in order to anticipate its conservation.
Keywords: Communities, Knowledge, Profitability, Yellow-Fronted Canary,
Benin
Introduction
Background
Animals are of social as well as economic interest for people. For
example, poultry used in cockfighting and horse used for racing and rodeos.
Others like the pangolin present an ethno-zoonic and commercial interest
(Zanvo et al., 2021). Thus, animals have a very important place in the daily
life of populations and each one values them according to his own feelings
(Mongne, 2012). Birds play a very important role in the urbanization of cities
(Konan et al. 2014). They are of particular interest in the social sciences
(Guillo, 2015). Among these animals, birds are of particular importance and
this depending on the use that humans make of them. They are valuable
biological indicators for assessing certain types of disturbance in the natural
environment (Yabi et al., 2017). They are also the best taxonomic resolution
for studying changes in gallery forests (Seymour et al., 2015) and play a very
important ecological role by dispersing seeds to ensure the survival of plants
(Dorst, 1947). Bird watching has also been translated into mathematical
equations for the purposes of scientific research (Markowitz et al., 2013). But
it is not uncommon to find that the exploitation of avifauna is carried out
blindly, without a clear conscience, without knowledge of the exact social and
economic value that it provides (Bi et al., 2015). Among these birds, one has
the yellow-fronted canary.
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Yellow-fronted canary is mainly sought after for its song. It is used,
like the rooster during cockfights. When betting games on the songs of two or
more males, breeders look for the bird whose song is the most melodious and
which has more so-called “sexy” syllables. Due to this game, breeding this
bird becomes an important and popular activity in northern Benin.
In the face of the alarming deterioration of biodiversity, due in large
part to human activities, and the observation of global changes, particularly
climatic changes, it is imperative and urgent to conserve biodiversity
(Gosselin et al., 2006). In fact, humans represent the main force of rapid
change affecting livestock systems in general (Darghouth & Gharbi, 2011).
Thus, knowledge of birds like the yellow-fronted canaries must necessarily be
done in a participatory manner with grassroots populations in order to better
understand their habits and customs and, in turn, to succeed in species
conservation (Yaokokore-Beibro et al., 2010).
The conservation of resources is a topical concern and the success of
this process requires the provision of a database aimed at enriching the
scientific world with information on the biology and demography of most
species (Akpona et al., 2007). In Benin, some studies were performed on the
ethnozoological knowledge of some bird species (Lougbegnon, 2015), on the
biodiversity and ecological distribution of avifauna (Lougbegnon et al., 2007)
but no indexing has made any case of the importance of the use of Yellow-
fronted canaries in sports activities which can generate considerable income.
This study provides thus an overview on the use of yellow-fronted canaries as
a source of income for the populations of North Benin.
Main Text
Methods
Study Area
This study was conducted in the Districts of Bembèrèkè (10°13’30’’N,
2°40’05’’E), Djougou (9°42’00’’N, 1°40’00’’E), Kalalé (10°12’47’’N,
3°08’20’’E), Kandi (11°07’43’’N, 2°56’13’’E), N’dali (9°51’39’’N,
2°43’05’’E), Nikki (9°56’00’’N, 3°12’30’’E), Parakou (9°42’00’’N,
1°40’00’’E) and Tchaourou (8°53’00’’N, 2°36’00’’E). These localities are
distributed in four agroecological zones in the Northern Benin (Figure 1). We
chose these areas on the basis of their proximity with dense vegetation and
watercourses. The presence of associations of breeders of this bird in the
different agroecological zones was also considered. A total of eleven (11) sites
were selected for the present study, and the sites spread across the eight (8)
municipalities (Table 1).
The region of Kandi has a Sudanese climate with a dry season
(November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). The region of
Bembèrèkè, on the other hand, has a south-Sudanese continental climate
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which gradually changes to the North Sudanese type in the far north. This
climate is characterized by the succession in the year of a dry season
(November to March) and a rainy season (May to October with maximums
between July and August). The region of Kalalé has a savannah climate with
much more rainfall in summer than in winter. N’dali has a lot of rainfall in the
dry season than the rainy season, with an estimated average temperature of
26.8°C (over the year) and an average of 1023.6 mm of rainfall. In the region
of Nikki, the rainy season is oppressive and overcast while the dry season is
partly cloudy and the climate is very hot throughout the year. The region of
Djougou is characterized by a savannah climate. As for Parakou, the dry
season is humid and partly cloudy and the climate is very hot throughout the
year, with a temperature varying from 17°C to 39°C during the year. In
Tchaourou, the dry season is wet and partly cloudy and the climate is very hot
throughout the year.
Figure 1. Map showing municipalities under study
Table 1. Locations visited by department
Departments
Municipality /
Areas
Sites
Overall
interviewed
Alibori
Kandi
Kandi Centre
50
Borgou
Bembèrèkè
Bembèrèkè
Centre
50
N’dali
N'dali Centre
30
Tamarou
20
Nikki
Nikki Centre
50
Kalalé
Bouca
50
Parakou
Parakou Centre
50
Tchaourou
Sanson
25
Kpéssou
25
Donga
Djougou
Afon
20
Djougou Centre
30
Overall
400
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Data Collection
According to the methodology of Bi et al. (2015), the present study
carried out a field survey from November 2019 to January 2020. Four hundred
(400) people were purposely selected from the sampling sites (Table 1) were
interviewed using semi-structured interviews with the breeders and direct
observations in the breeders’ houses. Apart from few people, the interviews
were mostly done with groups of 4 to 5 breeders, without interference of the
interviewer in the interlocutors’ answers. A questionnaire considered aspects
related to the general knowledge of yellow-fronted canaries, its social
importance, its economic importance, its cultural importance and the
perception of breeders on the breeding of yellow-fronted canaries. We used a
flexible guide question checklist where new questions or lines of inquiry
emerged throughout the interview.
Data Analysis
The data analysis was performed using R statistical software (Version
4.0.0, R Core Team, 2020). The socio-professional characteristics were
described using descriptive statistics tools (frequencies, means and
coefficients of variation). Chi-square test was performed to check the
relationship between different forms of knowledge sharing and sociolinguistic
groups. Correspondence analysis (CA) was then carried out on these two
variables using the following R packages: corrplot (Wei & Simko, 2017),
ggplot2 (Wickham, 2016), FactoMineR (Lê et al., 2008) and factoextra
(Kassambara & Mundt, 2020). The traders' operating account was established
to analyze the commercial margins of canary’s farmers in the different
municipalities. The net margin of each trader was estimated using the
following formula:
MNi = 100 × PNi
CAi
With CAi = PVi × NVi and PNi = CAi - CTi
Where, MNi = Net margin of the i-th trader, PNi = Net Profit of the i-
th trader, CAi = Turnover of the i-th trader, PVi = Average selling price of a
bird by the i-th trader, NVi = Number of birds sold by the i-th trader, and
CTi = Total charges of the i-th trader
Mean comparisons were computed using Student Newman-Keuls
(SNK) test with agricolae package (de Mendiburu, 2020). A multiple linear
regression model was fitted, combining variable selection method, to
determine the factors that influence the net profit generated by the sale of
canary. Finally, the frequency histograms were used to bring out the
perceptions of the respondents on the different characteristics of the canary.
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Results
Characterization of yellow-fronted canary traders according to
municipality
The analysis of the socio-professional characteristics of the traders
(Table 2) revealed that the majority of traders (63.25%) reached primary
school except in Tchaourou where most of them (80%) had no level of
education, but attended Koranic school in a literacy class. The traders were
mostly married (94.25%) and belonged to Muslim religion (97.5%). They
breed and sell canary as a secondary activity (96.5%), and were on average 44
years old with around 27 years of experience in this activity. The comparisons
show that the traders from Kandi were significantly older than those of the
other municipalities (p < 0.05, Table 3). The traders from Kandi also had more
birds and professional experience compared to those from the other
municipalities.(p < 0.05, Table 3).
Table 2. Qualitative characteristics (frequencies in %) of respondents following the
municipality
Variables
Bembèrèkè
Djougou
Kalalé
Kandi
N’dali
Nikki
Parakou
Tchaourou
Overall
Educational level
None
6
12
2
10
16
20
14
80
20.00
Primary
92
48
78
72
66
74
56
20
63.25
Middle /
high
school
2
28
16
14
12
2
20
-
11.75
University
-
12
4
4
6
4
10
-
5.00
Non-formal education
Literacy
class
60
-
30
10
30
10
12
100
31.50
Koranic
school
96
8
100
100
100
96
12
100
76.50
Marital status
Single
10
4
12
-
2
-
16
2
5.75
Married
90
96
88
100
98
100
84
98
94.25
Religion
Animist
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
0.75
Christian
-
-
-
6
-
-
2
6
1.75
Muslim
100
100
100
88
100
100
98
94
97.50
Ethnic group
Bariba
98
10
50
22
86
100
80
80
65.75
Dendi
-
42
-
54
14
-
6
6
15.25
Boo
-
-
50
-
-
-
-
-
6.25
Yom
-
36
-
-
-
-
2
-
4.75
Mokollé
-
-
-
24
-
-
-
-
3.00
Others (*)
2
12
-
-
-
-
12
14
5.00
Main activity
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Breeders
-
10
-
14
2
-
2
-
3.50
Non
breeders
100
90
100
86
98
100
98
100
96.50
Note: Others (*) = Ethnic groups represented by less than 10 individuals in the sample
(Yoruba, Lokpa, Fon, Adja, Otamari)
Table 3. Quantitative characteristics (mean and coefficient of variation = CV in %) of
respondents following the municipality
Variables
Bembereke
Djougou
Kalale
Kandi
Ndali
Nikki
Parakou
Tchaourou
Age
Mean
40.68c
47.64b
40.92c
54.06a
37.76c
46.14b
48.42b
36.04c
CV
(%)
26.80
23.47
24.21
19.90
25.95
16.43
28.28
28.95
Number
of
residence
years in
area
Mean
38.66b
45.32a
39.30b
43.76a
37.28b
45.30a
45.92a
34.74b
CV
(%)
27.80
25.00
24.85
24.25
27.45
17.47
29.19
27.42
Number
of birds in
possession
Mean
13.82cd
11.92cde
21.28b
29.54a
14.70c
12.28cde
10.52e
11.42de
CV
(%)
32.45
34.09
23.10
41.20
21.65
20.15
33.11
26.85
Number
of years in
the
activity
Mean
23.96cd
31.78ab
26.94bcd
34.58a
22.22d
27.80bc
30.24ab
17.72e
CV
(%)
42.56
36.68
34.24
38.93
41.82
28.22
42.77
49.33
Number
of
working
days per
week
Mean
7.00a
6.08c
7.00a
6.92a
7.00a
6.48b
6.58ab
6.68ab
CV
(%)
0.00
22.99
0.00
4.87
0.00
16.40
15.53
15.97
The values on the same line, followed by the same letters, were not significantly
different at the level of 5% following the test of means comparison.
Local names of yellow-fronted canary and meaning
Yellow-fronted canary was well known by the local populations of the
study area. The name of the species varied from one ethnic group to another
(Table 4). It was generally called Tita by Bariba,Boo, Dendi, Mokollé, Ibaka
by Yoruba, and even canary by Fon and Bariba. For other ethnic groups, the
common name of canaries changes according to ethnic groups
Table 4. Local names of yellow-fronted canary and their meanings according to
sociolinguistic groups
Sociolinguistic
groups
Local names
Meanings
Bariba,
Yoruba
Gbèdikou/Tita
Ibaka
Which likes millet
Which likes millet
Fon
Serin/Agbolivi
Which sings well
Boo,
Dendi
Ti taê/Effekaénan
Tita/Boulangakiro
Bird with powerful melodies/millet
destroyed Bird
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Bird with powerful melodies/ Bird of
Vitellaria Paradoxa
Adja,
Hévi
Which sings well
Mokollé
Tita/Kiro
Which sings in the rainy season
Lokpa,
Otamari,
Yom
Kome
Inorbi
Tamgnira
Birds very useful
Which sings during the shea season
and eat fonio
Bird of Vitellaria Paradoxa
Sociocultural importance of canary in the Northern Benin
Regarding to the cultural practices, the figure 2a shows that among the
ethnic groups Otamari, Lokpa, Yom, and Fon, more than 50% of the
population use yellow-fronted canary, unlike the ethnic groups Yorouba,
Dendi, Bariba, Mokole and Boo. The knowledge acquirement about Yellow-
fronted canary (figure 2b) was mainly by inheritance or gift (65.3%) and
curiosity or self-learning (29.8%). Most of the families were native (96.3%,
figure 2c) and this bird is used in traditional practices (29.5%, figure 2d) such
as helping a child who does not speak quickly, starting with do it; for an adult
to have a speech that catches the attention of his audience; the feathers would
attract good luck; to be successful when you request a service or you go to
your creditor or you apply for a post; during a long trip, a feather would protect
you from possible road accidents. A large part of the captured yellow-fronted
canaries were also used for singing competitions (62%, figure 2d), to see the
bird with the most melodious song and resorting to a duel (figures 3a and 3b).
Figure 2. Cultural value and characteristics of knowledge about the Yellow-fronted
canaries: a) proportions of each sociolinguistic group making cultural practices; b) mode of
acquiring knowledge; c) family origins; d) used of the bir
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Figure 3. Winners of the Yellow-fronted canaries singing competitions
In order to summarize and visualize the relationships between the
sociolinguistic groups and the different forms of knowledge sharing
(regarding the canary) as well as origins and mode of acquiring knowledge,
the Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was performed (Figure 4). It
emerges that the sociolinguistic groups Lokpa and Otamari from Djougou
acquire their knowledge about the canary mainly through paid initiation; the
sociolinguistic groups Adja, Boo, Fon, bariba, yoruba and Lokpa from
Parakou, Ndali, Nikki, Tchaourou and Bembereke acquire their knowledge
about the Canary mainly through curiosity or self-learning; finally the
sociolinguistic groups Dendi and Mokollé from Kandi acquire this knowledge
mainly through inheritance or gift or free initiation. In addition, the ethnics
Adja and Fon share the acquired knowledge on the Canary with their close
relative, children, parents, family and friends. The ethnics Lokpa, Yom and
Otamari share them with their relatives, parents, family and friends. Boo and
Mokollé share them with their children, parents and family. Bariba do it with
their children while Dendi do it with their family. As for the Yoruba, they
share this knowledge with their children and parents.
(a)
(b)
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Figure 4. Relationship between knowledge sharing about the canary and ethnic groups in
the first factorial map
Analysis of the trade margins of Canary farmers in the municipalities
of northern Benin
The number of canary sold, their selling price, gross income, overall
costs and the net profit of traders in the municipality of Kandi were
significantly higher than those in other municipalities (p-value < 0.05) (table
5). However, the estimated net margin for traders in the municipality of Kandi
was similar to that of traders in the municipalities of Bembèrèkè, N’dali, Nikki
and Tchaourou. The average profit per month from the sale of canary was
128,624FCFA in the study area.
Table 5. Monthly operating accounts of traders according to agroecological zones
Variables
Bembèrèkè
Djougou
Kalalé
Kandi
N’dali
Nikki
Parakou
Tchaourou
Quantity
sold
Mean
5.46cd
4.80d
8.76b
11.40a
6.74bc
7.42b
7.96b
8.38b
CV
(%)
63.78
44.29
45.69
67.74
38.21
35.36
38.84
31.83
Sale price
(in
thousands
of FCFA)
Mean
27.40b
6.80f
15.60c
33.60a
15.98c
10.68de
13.36cd
8.00ef
CV
(%)
38.32
25.47
47.22
28.86
46.40
91.83
45.21
29.92
Gross
income
(thousands
FCFA)
Mean
139.90b
30.12d
144.21b
374.80a
103.38bc
80.60bcd
107.60bc
67.67cd
CV
(%)
67.54
31.26
79.48
73.59
48.01
93.43
61.34
50.98
Mean
2.81c
1.52e
3.29b
3.69a
2.00d
1.51e
3.23b
1.26f
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Overall
charge
(thousands
FCFA)
CV
(%)
9.80
33.99
14.48
15.13
18.36
32.68
17.13
37.59
Estimated
net margin
(in %)
Mean
97.40a
94.22b
95.16b
98.24a
97.45a
97.22a
95.46b
97.79a
CV
(%)
1.24
3.52
6.98
1.54
1.68
1.97
3.53
1.30
Net profit
(thousands
FCFA)
Mean
137.09b
28.60d
140.93b
371.11a
101.38bc
79.09bcd
104.37bc
66.42cd
CV
(%)
68.90
32.96
81.25
74.27
49.04
95.16
63.25
51.85
The values of the same line, followed by the same letters, were not significantly different
at the level of 5% following the test of means comparison, CV=Variation coefficient
Determinants of the net profit generated by the sale of canary in the
agroecological zones of North Benin
The outputs of the regression model estimated to identify the
determinants of the net profit of canary traders, are presented in Table 6.
Analysis of this table showed that the regression model was highly significant
(p-value < 0.001). Thus, 52.75% of the variations in the net profit of the traders
surveyed were explained by the variations of the variables introduced into the
model. The results obtained indicated that two qualitative variables (ZAE II
and niv_instr) have a significant effect (p-value < 0.001) on the seller’s net
profit. Thus, the profit depends on the one hand on whether or not it belongs
to agroecological zone II and, on the other hand, on whether or not having
received an educational instruction. According to the quantitative variables,
the average selling price and the daily amount invested in food were
significant. In addition, the number of birds in possession had a positive and
significant effect (p-value < 0.05) on the net profit of the seller.
Table 6. Determinants of net profit from canary sale: results of the multiple linear
regression model
Variables
Description
Estimate
Standard
error
t-value
p-value
Intercept
AEZ2
Belonging to
agroecological zone II (0
= no, 1 = yes)
99728.76
24458.22
4.08
<
0.001
niv_instr
Education level (0 = none,
1 = other)
-35657.46
13856.53
-2.57
0.010
nb_oiseau
Number of birds in
possession
2293.46
862.57
2.66
0.008
prix_moy_vente
Average selling price of
the species in FCFA
5.97
0.56
10.64
<
0.001
mont_invest_alim_jr
Daily amount invested in
food in FCFA
2303.56
649.11
3.55
<
0.001
Response variable
Net profit of the trader in
FCFA
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Number of
observations
400
Fisher’s F statistic
(F value)
62.53
Degrees of freedom
(DFs)
(DF1 = 7 ; DF2 =
392)
p-value
< 0.001
Adjusted coefficient
of determination
(R²a)
0.5275
Perceptions of breeders on the characteristics of the canary
The majority of respondents declared that Canary coexisted with the
tit (35.5%) and the sparrow (33.5%) closed to rivers (Figure 5a). In the rainy
season it was also present in watercourse (31.8%) and gallery forests (29.8%)
(Figure 5b) while in the dry season it was found in watercourse (21.6%) and
bush (21.1%) (Figure 5c). It fed mainly on sand, grasses, insects, fruits and
leaves (19.9%, figure 5d). Its predators were mainly raptors and reptiles
(43.1%, figure 5e). It preferably nested on plant species of the following
taxonomic genera: Vitellaria sp (38.2%), Parkia sp (37.4%) and Gmelina sp
(22.7%) (Figure 5f). Its nesting period took place during the rainy season
(49.9%) or shortly before (44.2%) (Figure 5g). Finally, when he sings, the
frequency peaks in the time slots were noted from 8 am to 12 pm (25.8%) and
from 3 pm to 5 pm (22.3%) (Figure 5h).
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Figure 5. Perceptions of breeders on the characteristics of the canary :(a = cohabitation; b =
habitat in rainy season; c = habitat in dry season; d = food, e = predators; f = trees for
nesting; g = nesting periods; h = singing periods)
Discussion
Biodiversity in general and for birds in particular play an important
role in the functioning of ecosystems and in the economic and social life of
populations around the world. According to Blendel and Desmet (2018), as
research models, birds have contributed more than any other group of animals
to the construction of our knowledge of evolution, biogeography, ecology and
systematics. On the other hand, if there is one area of knowledge about which
we do not know much, it is that of the direct and indirect advantages and
benefits that they provide us in everyday life, but also of the prejudices that
they can sometimes cause us (Blendel and Desmet, 2018).
In Benin, the literature gives no information on the socio-economic
and social importance of yellow-fronted canary. This fact can be explained by
the myth that surrounds the breeding of the species, especially in the medico-
magical field, thus making this breeding an activity generally reserved for
insiders. Yellow-fronted canary is a bird species well known by the
populations of the study area. The latter have a great deal of knowledge about
the species (type of predator, nesting period, period of vocal intensity, type of
habitat, type of diet, birds with which it cohabits). This is reflected in the local
names that have been attributed to the species, often relating to its habitat,
season of abundance, type of diet and vocal strength. In fact according to
Mongne (2012) the names of birds are composed of associated roots
(according to the agglutinant principle of the tongue) resulting from the
description of the animal: appearance, color of the feathers, cry, gait, flight,
food and habitat. With a few exceptions, the canary is referred to as "Tita" by
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most ethnic groups in the study area although these groups come from
different geographic areas. This is contrary to the assertions of Sanni et al
(2017) and Zanvo et al (2021) who think that the uniformity of common names
among ethnic groups located within the same geographic region could be due
to the genealogical relationships between the sampled ethnic groups, which
originate from the same ancestors and share similar languages. This
uniformity could rather be explained by the demographic dominance of the
Bariba and Dendi ethnic groups and by whom the first breeding was started
and who very early attributed this vernacular name to the canary. Thus, other
ethnic groups who probably had no knowledge of the animal were forced to
adopt this term "Tita".
The knowledge listed by the local populations corroborates that
mentioned by (Fry and Keith, 2004; Sinclair and Hockey, 1996). Indeed,
according to Fry and Keith (2004), yellow-fronted canary prefers open
woodlands and grasslands below 2300 m, but may also be found in a variety
of other habitats including coastal scrub, mangroves, and sand dunes. They
frequent cultivated lands where they take advantage of abundant sorghum,
millet, and other grains. In terms of food, yellow-fronted canary feed primarily
on seeds and insects. Termites, aphids, grasshoppers, and other insects are
especially important during the breeding season when chicks demand a
relatively high-protein diet. Other food items include leaves, fruit, petals, and
nectar.
The knowledge of this bird, as well as its way of life by these ethnic groups
can also be explained by the cohabitation and the transmission of endogenous
knowledge between these groups evolving in the same geographical area for
years on the one hand, and by the wide distribution of the species in its range
on the other hand (Habou et al., 2020). The vast majority of actors operating
in the exploitation of yellow-fronted canary in northern Benin do so primarily
because of singing and secondly because of traditional practices. Unlike some
species such as the pangolin, where it is the meat that is used in traditional
medicine (Boakye et al 2014), in yellow-fronted canary it is feathers or parts
of organs such as the tongue that enter into medicinal and magical
compositions. This knowledge of animals by local populations has been
highlighted by other authors, notably Yaokokore et al. (2010) who, by
studying the ethnozoology of the mammalogical fauna of the Badenou
classified forest, were able to show that the populations at the base have a very
in-depth knowledge of the fauna in their environment. The methods of
acquiring knowledge mentioned by the populations are, among others,
transmission by inheritance, self-learning and initiation.
In the area of the present study, the invitation to capture yellow-fronted
canary is made at a relatively advanced age (ie an average of 17 years). This
is contrary to the assertions of Bi et al. (2015), who believe that the first contact
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with animals, especially birds, occurs during childhood for the vast majority.
The advanced age relative to first contact with the species can be explained by
the fact that the latter is a very dressed and small species. This, therefore
requires a certain maturity to be able not only to observe it, but also to capture
it in the wild and take care of it. This relatively advanced age that breeders
reach before embarking on this activity is an advantage for the protection of
the species, because it helps to reduce anthropogenic pressure on it and to
anticipate possible threats. Indeed, yellow-fronted canaries are categorized as
a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List and a CITES Appendix III
species. This classification is designed to "prevent or restrict exploitation"
which, in this case, may result from excessive capture for the pet trade.
Yellow-fronted canary also plays an important ecologically and economically
role. Indeed, yellow-fronted canaries are important as seed predators and may
act as prey for small raptors, snakes, and small, carnivorous mammals.
Yellow-fronted canaries are a popular cagebird throughout the world. Yellow-
fronted canaries may assist in controlling insect numbers around cultivated
fields (Fry and Keith, 2004). However, Yellow-fronted canaries frequently
feeds on cultivated grains. Although abundant and widespread, yellow-fronted
canary generally forage in small groups and thus never threaten to wipe out a
crop, but consistent feeding in farmlands may contribute to lower crop
harvests.
Yellow-fronted canary is marked in the habits and customs of the
Otamari, Lokpa, Yom, and Fon ethnic groups. The fact that most breeders
have a minimum of education allows a form of protection of the animal,
because the latter protect the animal against any slaughter, but instead opt for
its breeding because of their song, which they believe would be, very
therapeutic for humans.
The breeding of yellow-fronted canary has thus become an important
activity in northern Benin. In addition to the socio-cultural aspects, the species
is mainly sought after for its song. Thus, the most captured specimens are
mostly young males due to their song. Because it’s the young males can who
sing mainly. Its importance due to the high profit that the local populations
derive from it. This constitutes additional income and allows them to meet the
various needs of their family. This activity takes on its importance especially
in certain categories which do so to counter the drop in yield due to the effects
of climate change. However, the activity is more important and generates more
profit in agroecological zone II (Kandi municipality). This is linked to the
abundance of the species in the area and would be due to environmental
conditions and a much more diversified diet (insects, seeds, fruits, and so on).
The presence of a stream (Alibori River) which crosses the area makes this
abundance more important. The presence of the species in the area will be
permanent and will constitute an advantage for the breeders, because yellow-
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fronted canary is generally considered a resident species, even if the species
may migrate short distances to stay close to the best food sources and to avoid
bad weather conditions. These seasonal wanderings are particularly
pronounced in the northern limits of their range (Fry and Keith, 2004;
Moulton, 1993). Beyond the simple profit that the populations can make, there
is, a not only cultural but also social attachment towards this bird. Recent
studies by BirdLife International (2018) have shown that there are several
reasons for the interest in birds and its reasons are as much cultural, artistic,
philosophical as economic.
Conclusion
This study conducted in the North of Benin focused on the
ethnozoology of yellow-fronted canary and revealed the importance of the
traditional (medicinal and spiritual) and economic values of yellow-fronted
canary for local communities. Our results suggest that the local populations
have a good knowledge of yellow-fronted canary and breed the species to
obtain additional income. This breeding of yellow-fronted canary is becoming
an increasingly profitable and expanding activity in the northern part of Benin.
In order to anticipate possible threats to the species due to the scale of
commercial activity, conserving yellow-fronted canary in Benin will require
considering the multiple, cultural and economic drivers of the market. The
study suggested the promotion and popularization of sustainable harvesting
techniques to sustain the uses of the species.
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