The illegal trade of wildlife in Latin America is reaching alarming levels, driven by the growing demand for exotic pets and the use of the internet as a sales channel. This phenomenon endangers numerous species and fuels one of the most lucrative criminal activities globally.
Threat to parrots, jaguars, and reptiles
In the framework of the International Day against the Illegal Wildlife Trade, the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the damages of this illicit activity and promote collaboration between organizations and citizens.
ALPZA highlights the growing trade of animals through digital platforms, which requires a coordinated response to protect species at risk of extinction.
Criminal organizations are devastating biodiversity in the region. The systematic theft of exotic bird nests such as parrots and macaws supplies a black market that threatens native wildlife with extinction.
The digital environment facilitates this clandestine trade, turning social networks into global showcases for mafias trafficking protected wildlife, laundering money, and committing other crimes.
Annually, it is estimated that between 400,000 and 800,000 psittacine eggs are looted in Latin America to feed the illegal pet market, severely impacting already vulnerable populations.
According to ALPZA, illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to the conservation of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, whose future is compromised by commercial exploitation.
This illegal business ranks fourth among the most lucrative criminal activities in the world, generating between 7,000 and 10,000 million dollars annually, and exceeding 20,000 million when including illegal logging and fishing.
ALPZA’s campaign warns that digital platforms are a key channel for the sale of wild animals captured in nature.
Trafficking has evolved into markets that are more difficult to control, where the sale of protected species quickly spreads to international buyers.
Strengthening surveillance over these channels and increasing cooperation between governments, technology platforms, and security forces is a priority to combat this trade.
The report highlights the connection between this crime and other criminal activities such as drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, increasing its global impact.
Additionally, illegal trafficking is driving the sale of parts of large felines, such as jaguar fangs, used as a substitute for the tiger in certain Asian markets.
Experts warn that the selective extraction of individuals is accelerating the decline of sensitive species, putting the balance of ecosystems at risk.
The consequences of this trafficking are devastating. ALPZA estimates that nine out of ten captured animals die before reaching their destination due to stress and poor transport conditions.
Trafficking has reduced up to 71% the populations of some species, threatening their future conservation.
To protect biodiversity, it is essential to decrease the demand for wild animals and strengthen rescue and environmental education programs.
Under the slogan «Together against illegal trafficking» and the hashtag #NoAlTráficoIlegal, the campaign seeks to involve everyone in the fight against this crime.
For ALPZA, the solution lies in a joint strategy based on science, environmental education, and international cooperation.
Accredited zoos and aquariums rescue thousands of animals each year and encourage citizens to not acquire wild animals, a crucial action to curb this market.
The cruelty of trafficking is evident; almost all captured animals die in transit. The growing demand for jaguar fangs in Asia exacerbates this crisis.
Stopping this catastrophe requires the support of technology and an absolute rejection of buying wild animals as pets.
The increase in illegal trade confirms that protecting biodiversity requires a coordinated response between governments, organizations, and society. Reducing demand and improving surveillance are essential to protect threatened species and weaken criminal networks.
For ALPZA, combating illegal trafficking also means preserving ecosystems and protecting the natural heritage of Latin America.
It is the trade, transport, or capture of protected animals to sell them as pets or parts of their body.
Parrots, macaws, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and large felines like the jaguar are among the most threatened species.
The association warns of the growth of illegal trade on the internet and social networks, calling for a coordinated international response.
According to ALPZA, around 90% of captured animals do not survive until they reach buyers.
By not buying wild animals as pets and reporting any case of illegal trade of protected species.
