Title
Setting the Scene: An Overview of Wildlife Trafficking Across Latin America.
Author(s)
Reuter, Adrian
Published
2017
Abstract
Latin America covers only 16% of the globe, yet it is home to 40% of the world’s biodiversity. As the most bio-diverse region in the world, existing species face several threats including illegal harvest, use and trade to cover existing national and international demand, making it a prime target for illegal wildlife trade. Threats not only impact the species involved, but also existing biodiversity and human livelihoods through potential introduction of diseases and/ or invasive species. In addition, an increasing interest in certain species from Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) for markets in Asia and other parts of the world pose an expanding challenge to authorities responsible to tackle illegal activities with extremely limited resources. With over 40 countries and overseas territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, gaps and needs to effectively tackle illegal wildlife trafficking (IWT) in the region significantly vary from country to country and region to region, from small scale trade for local markets to significant transactions of highly sought after illegal goods for international markets involving criminal organizations. This presentation will provide a general overview of wildlife trade and trafficking in the LAC region, its potential impacts at different levels, some of the existing challenges, and opportunities to contribute in efforts to combat this threat.
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PUB26997