麻豆社

The goldfinch population in France is plummeting, as organised crime networks have discovered that trafficking in the pretty songbirds can be as lucrative as drug-dealing. It's illegal to capture and sell goldfinches - but their striking red, gold and white plumage and enchanting song means the tiny birds can fetch high prices and this has led to an explosion in poaching, sometimes using particularly cruel methods. David Chazan reports from Paris.

(Photo: The Goldfinch. Credit: Adrian Smart)