Meet the Winners:
2019 BioOne Ambassador
The BioOne Ambassador Award recognizes early-career researchers who excel at communicating the importance and impact of their specialized research to the public. Nominees were asked to provide a 250-word plain-language summary of their research which responded to the question:
The Sorry Story of Pet Parrots
This summary is in reference to:
The Legal International Wildlife Trade Favours Invasive Species Establishment: The Monk and Ring-Necked Parakeets in Spain
Ardeola, 65(2):233-246. 2018.
Lucrecia Souviron Priego, Antonio Román Muñoz, Jesús Olivero, J. Mario Vargas, and John E. Fa.
Funding for this research was partially provided by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment Spanish National Parks Network (Project 1098/2014).
I am a biologist who works on different conservation issues. After finishing my degree in Biology, I completed a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Research and Hunting Resources at the University Institute of Wildlife Research (Spain).
In April 2019, I read my PhD at the University of Malaga (Spain) which is focused on the international wildlife trade worldwide.
The questions I am trying to answer include which animal species are more in demand, what are they mainly used for (e.g., pet trade, traditional medicine or ornament), and what is the role of each country in this business, as well as the consequences of trading exotic animals (i.e., the threat to these animals in their native environments and the introduction of invasive species).
Currently I work for the technical office of the Spanish IUCN committee and Aula del Mar de Malaga, involved in various projects related to species conservation, climate change and citizen science. Furthermore, I am collaborating with other researchers to create an online database focused on monitoring the illegal use of cetaceans for consumption and other uses around the globe.
What drew you to your current research field?
Animals have always fascinated me since I was a kid, so I decided to specialize in Biology. After finishing my course of studies, I decided to take a very important step in my life, which was to start a career in the scientific world. I wanted to work on something important that could be beneficial for both ecosystems and society, so when my former director (now retired) asked me to do a PhD about the problematic of wildlife trade, I had no doubt about taking the challenge.
Who most inspired and/or influenced your career?
First of all, I must mention my family, especially my father Francisco, who encouraged me to go a step further in my professional life. Secondly, to several colleagues of my research group, as well as to researchers that I have met in national and international congresses throughout all these years.
What one thing would you like the public to remember or understand about your research?
Wildlife trade (both illegal and legal) is nowadays one of the major threats for biodiversity and conservation, and it affects lots of species worldwide. It is not just elephants, rhinos or tigers, but also reptiles, birds, fish, insects, etc.
If you had one piece of advice for someone who wants to pursue research in your field, what would it be?
Investigating animal trafficking is not easy, but it is not impossible either. It is important to have patience, perseverance, and above all to be cautious and not to be carried away by feelings even if it is difficult.
ContactInformation
Dr. Lucrecia Souviron Priego
lucsoupri@uma.es
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