Nine out of ten wild animals captured for illegal traffic die during the transfer to their destinations: with this data the Latin American Association of Parks, Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) tries to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of this practice, coinciding with the International Day against illegal wildlife trafficking.
“Wild animals are not pets,” the parks warn, which demand “concrete actions to combat one of the most urgent threats for biodiversity.”
Alpza published on Wednesday, as a campaign launch, the image of a bird tied with a rope, from which it hangs a label with its price. “Being your pet is your worst condemnation,” he warns of possible buyers. “Wildlife mascotism promotes illegal species traffic. Do not buy, find out and protect,” he adds.
The association estimates that this crime “moves billions of dollars annually, competing with drug trafficking, weapons and people.”
Latin America, the region with the greatest biodiversity in the world, “is particularly affected, which underlines the urgency of visible this problem.”
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According to data offered in a statement, illegal fauna traffic has caused a decrease of up to 71% in some populations.
“To this alarming figure is added a devastating reality: 9 out of 10 animals captured by illegal trade die during the transfer. These statistics reflect the pressing need to act to stop this global threat against biodiversity,” they emphasize.
The Zoological Parks of Latin America highlight that the captured species suffer extreme conditions, have high mortality rates and are remote from their ecosystems, with the consequent ecological imbalance.
But, in addition, illegal traffic “represents significant health risks for people,” they indicate.
Alpza claims the “crucial” role of their parks “in the rehabilitation of fauna victim of illegal trafficking and in the leadership of conservation programs both ex situ and in situ”, as well as in scientific research for the survival of species and in the awareness of their millions of visitors.
The campaign, to which zoos and aquariums of other continents were added, is activated on this international day but will last for a month with different actions in the participating institutions.
With EFE information
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