Songbird competitions are a cherished tradition across Malaysia, but behind the melodic chirps and prized trophies lies a booming - and troubling - trade. Recent investigations have revealed how demand for birds like the Oriental Magpie-robin and Red-whiskered Bulbul is pushing wild populations to the brink, all while legal protections lag behind. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest two-part series on songbirds, and we speak with the researchers and journalists behind this story - Low Choon Chyuan, independent journalist, Wong Siew Lyn, editor, Macaranga, Dato' Dr Amar Singh-HSS, editor, Malaysian Bird Report - to understand what’s driving the craze, the costs to conservation, and what can be done before it’s too late.

Image Credit: Mukhriz Hazim | Macaranga

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