Twelve years of exotic bird importation in Chile: implications for biological invasions and pathogen transmission

The international trade of exotic birds is a growing phenomenon with important ecological and sanitary implications, particularly for countries with high biodiversity and expanding pet markets. In this study, we provide the first comprehensive characterisation of legal exotic bird imports into Chile, analysing their taxonomic and geographic diversity, temporal trends, intended use and potential biological risks. We compiled and examined official import records from 2013 to 2024, documenting 255 species from 37 families and 17 countries. Trade activity fluctuated markedly over time, increasing during the mid- and late 2010s, peaking in 2018–2019, and declining during the period affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The most frequently imported species included Serinus canaria, Platycercus elegans and Psittacula krameri, all of which are considered invasive in other countries or regions. We also assessed the phylogenetic relatedness between imported and native Chilean avifauna, identifying several exotic taxa closely related to native species. Many of the imported birds are known to harbour infectious agents, posing potential risks to native bird communities and public health. Overall, this study provides critical baseline data to support future research and inform ecological and sanitary risk assessments related to exotic bird trade in Chile, while also offering a framework that may be applied in other countries facing similar challenges.