The illegal wildlife trafficking continues to establish itself as one of the main threats to biodiversity in Argentina. A recent survey exposed the extent of this clandestine activity and its impact on numerous native species.
The study was presented by the environmental organization Aves Argentinas and is based on the analysis of seizures reported in digital media over the last twelve years. From these records, the scope of a business operating in different parts of the country was reconstructed.
In addition to revealing alarming figures, the report helps to understand how the criminal chain that sustains the illegal trade of animals and derivatives operates.
Consequently, the data obtained warns of the need to strengthen controls and promote a greater social awareness in the face of this environmental crime.
More than fifteen thousand animals seized in a decade
The survey identified a total of 15,597 individuals belonging to 226 different species. Among them are both native animals and exotic species that are also part of the illegal trade circuit.
On the other hand, the analysis showed that trafficking is not limited to live specimens. About 11% of the seizures recorded corresponded to wildlife derivatives. These products include skins, leathers, taxidermy, butchered meat, and even tusks. These pieces often enter illegal commercial circuits that feed clandestine markets.
Moreover, the capture and transportation of the animals are carried out under extreme conditions that severely affect their survival. In this context, estimates indicate that 9 out of 10 animals die after being captured, either during transport or in the first days of captivity.
Species and provinces with the highest incidence of trafficking
The report indicates that birds represent the group most affected by illegal trade in Argentina. Among them, the Red-crested Cardinal stands out as the most frequently trafficked species.
Other vulnerable species are also recorded, such as the Yellow Cardinal and the Argentine Tortoise, which face additional pressures due to illegal capture. However, biodiversity trafficking is not limited to fauna. Some plant species are also part of this clandestine circuit.
Among the most affected plants are the Palo Santo and the Cerro Pine, both considered species of high ecological and commercial value. Regarding the geographical distribution of operations, the provinces with the highest number of seizure records are Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Mendoza.
A criminal network that spans the entire commercial chain
The wildlife trafficking operates through a complex criminal structure involving different actors. First, there are the captors, who extract animals directly from their natural habitat.
Subsequently, gatherers intervene, concentrating specimens from different areas. These animals are then transported by carriers who take them to urban centers or clandestine marketing points.
Finally, the specimens reach illegal sellers and consumers who fuel the demand of the black market. This circuit may involve local networks, but also connections with international trafficking. The constant extraction of individuals has direct consequences on wild populations and alters the balance of ecosystems.
For this reason, specialists and environmental organizations warn that combating wildlife trafficking requires strengthening controls, improving environmental education, and reducing the demand for illegally captured species.
