Over 8,000 specimens seized and 129 arrests in five countries, reports the biannual wildlife trafficking news monitoring by WCS in the Andes-Amazon Region

Over 8,000 specimens seized and 129 arrests in five countries, reports the biannual wildlife trafficking news monitoring by WCS in the Andes-Amazon Region

September 4, 2023 11:34

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), within the framework of the Alliance for Wildlife and Forests, highlights the results of biannual news monitoring concerning wildlife seizures from January to June 2023. The figures reveal the ongoing threat faced by biodiversity in the Andean-Amazonian countries.

Every semester, WCS consolidates a regional report highlighting significant progress in confiscating specimens from illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. Data is collected and analyzed by reviewing news portals and social media accounts from environmental authorities and other government agencies responsible for the biodiversity protection in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil (states of Acre and Amazonas). 

               

News records from January to June 2023 indicate that confiscated specimens belong to 237 species grouped into mammals (40.51%), birds (39.24%), reptiles (14.77%), amphibians (1.27%), fish and other unidentified species (4.22%). Of the total specimens seized, 8,037 were living animals, potentially destined for the pet market, private collections, or human consumption.

 

Among the most frequently seized species were the boa (Boa constrictor), caiman (Caiman yacare), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), and tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella). These species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning they are not necessarily endangered but could become so without strictly controlled international trade. Additionally, the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus), a species not listed in CITES, was regularly found in the seizures.

 

Regarding seizures in specific countries, the news report revealed that:

 

  • In Colombia, in February, over 100-night monkeys (Aotus sp.) were rescued from a laboratory in Valle del Cauca department, in an operation led by GELMA of the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, the National Army, and the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca. The primates were allegedly being used in malaria research.

 

  • In Ecuador, in May, 2 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 21 birds were seized in an operation led by the Attorney General of the State across four provinces of the Ecuadorian coast, where 5 people were arrested on charges of alleged money laundering.

 

  • In Peru, in May, over 180 wildlife parts and 7 taxidermied armadillos were confiscated during two operations in the Alasitas Fair in the cities of Puno and Juliaca by the National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR).

 

  • In Bolivia, in May, 20 jaguar (Panthera onca) parts and derivatives, such as purses, caps, skins, belts, and hats, were seized in the department of Beni by the Forest Police and Environmental Preservation (POFOMA) during three operations where 2 people were arrested.

 

  • In Brazil, in May, over 780 kg of bushmeat of species such as Cuniculus paca, Tayassu pecari, Cervidae, Tapirus terrestris, and Crax sp., were confiscated in the state of Amazonas by the Environmental Police. 2 people were arrested.


As part of the legal processes for illegal wildlife trade, the figures revealed that:

 

  • 8 cases of wildlife trafficking are at prosecution stage during this period in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

 

  • 3 of the cases have a conviction sentence imposed. Of these, the highest prison sentence for wildlife trafficking in the period was 3 years and 10 months, and a fine of USD 223 in Peru.

 

  • A total of 12 suspects were processed between January and June of 2023 in these countries.

 

Despite the control efforts by the authorities, these data demonstrate the continuity of illegal wildlife trade in the region, and it is important to keep in mind that these are possibly only a fraction of what is actually occurring due to difficulties in detection.

 

This criminal practice not only threatens the continuation of these species but also represents a risk to public health due to the potential spread of diseases to humans. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has indicated that wildlife crimes could also compromise individual and national security, as they are linked to criminal networks involved in other crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms, money laundering, and corruption (UNODC, 2020). For all these reasons, the community is encouraged to protect wildlife in their natural habitat and to participate in conservation initiatives.

Infographic News Report on Wildlife Trafficking in the Andean-Amazonian Countries (January – June 2023 Period)

Download the infographic

Here

About the Alliance for Wildlife and Forests


The Alliance for Wildlife and Forests is a regional action promoted by the European Union and implemented by WCS and WWF that seeks to combat wildlife and timber trafficking, through the commitment of civil society in strengthening the application of the law and cooperation with and between the authorities of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and tri-border areas with Brazil. 


 


For media contact:


Dora Arevalo. Senior Communications Specialist – AAO Wildlife Anti-Trafficking Program. wcs. darevalo@wcs.org +(57) 3164783045.

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