Abstract
Wildlife trade is illegal in Brazil. The issues associated with this problem are always difficult to resolve. Based on questionnaires, public and private reports, interviews and personal visits, the quantity and characteristics of captive capuchin monkeys (genus Sapajus) in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil are described. Questionnaires were sent to public and private institutions throughout the state to assess the captive groups of Sapajus spp. and identify possible routes of illegal traffic. Results showed a total of 105 captive capuchins. At least 15 individuals were identified as a byproduct of illegal trade. Six species were identified, three of them native of Bahia. Our study confirms the presence of critical routes for animal trafficking. Major points of illegal sales are the street markets in seven cities. Welfare, biological and sanitary conditions of captive capuchin monkeys need serious revision and improvements throughout the State. A list of management suggestions to captive Sapajus groups in Bahia, extensive to captive capuchins in all Brazil, is presented.Key words: public policy, wildlife traffic, illegal routes, capuchin monkeys.
Highlights
Wildlife trade is a historically complex and difficult issue considering the need of involvement within almost all sectors of society
Sixteen institutions in fifteen counties within Bahia were identified as housing Sapajus spp. (Figure 1)
Most of them believed that all individuals they housed at the time belonged to the same species, Cebus (=Sapajus) apella, probably with different subspecies, being unable to define clearly what that meant
Summary
Wildlife trade is a historically complex and difficult issue considering the need of involvement within almost all sectors of society. There is a clear understanding that national laws must be supported by international policies to improve the effectiveness of enforcement and control measures (Traffic North America, 2009). To control this trade, the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) exists since 1976. Federal environmental agencies and public zoos are the institutions that receive most animals rescued from wildlife traffic or illegal trade (Vidolin et al, 2004). They represent the final destination of approximately 60% of all wildlife (exotic or native) apprehended in the country (Giovanini, 2006). Other considerations may be ecological (e.g., introduction of alien species), logistical, financial or sanitary - including the transmission of diseases to wild populations (IUCN, 2000)
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