Wild animals seized in a state in Northeast Brazil: Where do they come from and where do they go?

Abstract

Wild animals are involved in a commerce chain in various parts of the world, even in countries where such practices are prohibited, such as Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the origin and destination of wild animals seized in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), located in Northeast Brazil, through the analysis and quantification of the vertebrates sent to the Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS/RN; Wild Animal Triage Center/RN). Data on the entry and exit of wild animals between 2005 and 2016 were provided by CETAS/RN. During this period, a total of 16,316 animals were received, 12,893 of which came from seizures, 1302 collected from urban environments and 2026 from voluntarily delivery. Of the animals received, birds represented 84.80%, with a total of 13,837 specimens; an additional of 1539 reptiles and 940 mammals were also received. The bird family Thraupidae was the most seized (67.25%), followed by Cardinalidae (7.92%), Psittacidae (7.72%) and Icteridae (7.54%). Thirteen of the species of seized vertebrates are included in the IUCN red list of threatened species and nine are included in the Brazilian list. A total of 64.84% of the seized animals were released in areas of the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes in the state. The prohibition of illegal trade, associated with environmental education programs, can reduce the number of animals that arrive at CETAS. Furthermore, more efficient inspection is necessary since illegal trafficking of animals in the region occurs clandestinely, even in the face of prohibitive legislation.