DOES ANIMAL TRAFFICKING GENERATE CONSECUENCES FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS?

GABRIELA SOPHIA DUARTE PATIÑO

CATALINA SARMIENTO ALVERNIA
MARIANA PÁEZ ARÉVALO

Estrategia Pedagógica Novus Transdisciplinar

2023 – 2024
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER I:

1.1 Problem

1.2 Research question

1.3 Objectives

1.4 Justification

CHAPTER II:

2.1 Social perspective

2.2 Economic perspective

2.3 Political perspective

CHAPTER III

3.1 Conclusions / Personal Reflexion

3.2 References

3.3 Bibliographic archeology

 ANIMAL RIGHTS

Introduction

“The wild animals we hunt, the laboratory animals we use in experiments and the farm

animals we consume are no less deserving of their lives than our pets are.”

– Diane Adams.

From the point of view of the UNODC, World Wildlife Crime Report 2020: Trafficking in

Protected Species. In the nineties was where animal trafficking became more known and

nowadays it is very easy for people to carry out this type of crime, but also because it is

more known also the authorities are more aware and have more precautions having

knowledge of this crime. The most common reasons for this crime is the demand of live

animals for pets in homes, zoos and for laboratories, in this category also enters having

wild and/or wild animals as domestic pets as it is becoming very common nowadays.

Moreover at the end of this project can answer if there are Consequences and Impacts of

Animal Trafficking on Biodiversity and Ecosystems.

 Chapter I
1.1Problem
Animal mistreatment, also called animal cruelty or animal abuse, refers to behaviors that

are caused by causes such as unnecessary pain or animal stress. Such behaviors range from

neglect of basic care to mutilation, torture and even intentional death (Johnson SA. Animal

cruelty, pet abuse & violence: the missed dangerous connection. Forensic Res Criminol Int

J . 2018;6(6):403-415. DOI: 10.15406/frcij.2018.06.00236). This problem could be

classified with a really alarming one, because nowadays it is seen that societies from global

to national level have lost a high degree of sensitivity towards the care of domestic animals.

According to former National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Richard Klausner, “We have

cured mice of cancer for decades, and it simply didn’t work in humans.”8 This conclusion

was echoed by former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni, who

acknowledged that experimenting on animals has been a boondoggle. “We have moved

away from studying human disease in humans,” he said. “We all drank the Kool-Aid on

that one, me included. … The problem is that it hasn’t worked, and it’s time we stopped

dancing around the problem. … We need to refocus and adapt new methodologies for use

in humans to understand disease biology in humans.”

Wildlife trafficking threatens diverse populations of a variety of species worldwide, with

large numbers of wildlife at risk as a result of poaching to meet international demand for

their parts and products. In addition, this destruction leads to the extinction of native flora

and fauna, causing changes in life cycles. Human society is also affected. These natural

changes affect economic activities due to climate change, creating an imbalance of natural

plagues, droughts, storms, etc.

Another reason is that by introducing wild species in other countries, these animals can

alter the native wildlife becoming the messenger of diseases and parasites. The local flora

and fauna are not prepared for these invaders and natural imbalances are created,

sometimes irreversible.

Unfortunately, although there have been many projects, campaigns and other activities

aimed at raising awareness in society about the care of these beings, there are still many

cases of mistreatment towards them. It is for this reason that the need arises to conduct a

research that analyzes this issue.

1.2 Research question

Does animal trafficking generate consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems?

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

 ● Identify the consequences and damages that animal trafficking can cause in

biodiversity and ecosystems.

1.3.2 Specific objects

● Raise awareness on how it affects ecosystems and on the forms of animal

trafficking.

● To expose the penalties that can be incurred for corrupting animal rights.

● To find solutions to stop animal trafficking and damage to ecosystems.

1.4 Justification
llegal wildlife trafficking is recognized as one of the most lucrative illegal businesses

worldwide and is also declared the fourth organized commercial crime in the world, where

the percentage of crimes discovered is minimal. This problem occurs mainly for the benefit

and satisfaction of human beings. One of the causes of the trade in the species is for use in

fashion, animals such as snakes and crocodiles are used for their skin. They make clothes,

bags and accessories that are considered expensive and important garments. These animals

are also used for tourism and entertainment of people in circuses, hotels, zoos and

aquariums. ( Bluas viajes de voluntariado).

Due to these causes of trafficking of species, fauna and flora are affected in many ways

since it is not done with the purpose of protecting or caring for animals and the

environment. These environmental crimes impact every nation on Earth and have a

catastrophic effect on our planet's biodiversity, with far-reaching consequences for our

climate, public health, and international security and stability (wildlife justice).
Threats to wildlife and plant species come from multiple sources, such as pollution,

deforestation, destruction of natural habitats and climate change, wildlife trafficking

contributes significantly to the problem through poaching, harvesting, or depleting

significant quantities of already endangered or at-risk species. Trafficking in wildlife,

animal parts, and plants has far-reaching implications, not only for the species involved, but

also for human livelihoods, biodiversity, and governance. The diverse and significant

implications of wildlife trafficking, in turn, mean that the protection of wildlife, forests, and

fish 'must be part of a comprehensive approach to achieving poverty eradication, food

security, sustainable development, including the conservation and sustainable use of

biological diversity, economic growth, social well-being and sustainable livelihoods' (UN

General Assembly, 19 August 2015).

Trafficking in wildlife can diminish species populations and cause local or even global

extinction. When endangered species are involved, any poaching or harvesting of that

species to supply the illegal trade risks the species becoming extinct. Further worsening the

problem is the fact that the demand for larger and more ornate specimens means that

hunters and collectors often aim for the fittest individuals from the breeding population,

with serious consequences for subsequent generations (Rosen & Smith, 2010).

Furthermore, many endangered species are fragile and require expert and delicate handling.

The ways in which many animals and plants are caught, transported, and kept, however,

frequently cause injury, death, or attrition, resulting in further losses especially when living

animals or plants are trafficked (UN ECOSOC, 4 March 2003).

Educating yourself on the topic, the environmental issue of species, is very important to

create a need to take protective measures towards the fauna that needs help in many ways.

The problem mentioned in this project is significant since it has the objective to enlighten

girls on topics that are not widely talked about but necessary. Human beings have the

purpose of pleasing their needs and with this they end up harming the rest of nature with

their inventions and actions. It is necessary for students to understand environmental

problems so that they become aware and change their attitudes or actions about some things

that may be harming them. to these species.

Taking this as a reference, we have decided to focus our research on this topic because we

hope that the girls of Cantillana, with a little help, can be increasingly aware of the real

importance of this. With this project we also want to generate a change in the way of

thinking about girls by informing them about the causes and horrible consequences that this

issue causes in animals. This project has a great social impact since it educates girls and

spreads knowledge and awareness about the real importance of helping and protecting

species. Besides that, it may encourage people to stop purchasing products that contain

animal products, also the purchase of brands which support and practice the illegal practice

of species.

Chapter II - Framework

2.3 Political perspective - Gabriela Sophia Duarte Patiño

Environmental protection goes beyond a mere romanticized affection for Mother Nature;

rather, it is a necessary response to a pressing issue. If left unaddressed and allowed to

escalate unchecked, it could ultimately present a question of life or death. The

contamination of rivers and seas, the gradual extinction of wildlife and vegetation, the

transformation of the air in numerous urban centers into a toxic, unbreathable mixture due

to pollution, the depletion of the ozone layer, the greenhouse effect, noise pollution,

deforestation, heightened erosion, the use of harmful chemicals, industrial waste, acid rain,

nuclear accidents, and the depletion of the Earth's genetic diversity are all critical concerns

that demand a resolute and unanimous global commitment from the world's populace.

Furthermore, it is vital to recognize that a country's natural heritage, much like its historical

and artistic legacy, belongs not only to its current inhabitants but also to future generations.

Therefore, it is our responsibility and challenge to pass on the inheritance we have received

in optimal conditions to our descendants.

Additionally, it is relevant to mention the content of Sentence C-045 of 2019 from the

official document "NATIONAL ANIMAL PROTECTION AND WELFARE POLICY"

(2022). This sentence explicitly prohibits sport hunting in all its forms due to the harm and

exploitation inflicted upon various species. "(...) the jurisprudence of this Corporation has

outlined the constitutional standard of prohibition of animal abuse as the scope of the
obligation to protect animals. the diversity and integrity of the environment. This obligation

derives from a conception that is not utilitarian, that is, that does not see animals simply as

a resource available for the satisfaction of human needs, but rather as the object of

autonomous constitutional protection. This standard has defined that the prohibition of

animal abuse constitutes a limitation on the rights to culture, recreation, sports, education,

free development of personality and free private initiative (...)".

Similarly, in Sentence T-095 of 2016, it referred to the protection of animals, indicating

that "(...) the protection of the environment of the biodiversity of the natural balance of the

species and, in safeguarding them from suffering from diseases without a legitimate

justification (...)".

In the state council section of the book ("NATIONAL ANIMAL PROTECTION AND
WELFARE POLICY", 2022) communicates about the protection and care of wild animals,
the State Council stated in Sentence 2015-01496, the following: "Regarding of wild fauna,
the State is the owner. The possibility of accessing their property can only be done legally
when it is done through livestock farms or hunting in permitted areas, with a permit,
authorization or license. Therefore above, it is evident that the concept of property with
respect to wildlife is made more flexible within the Colombian legal system, so its use is
subject to avoiding the quantitative and qualitative decrease of animal species so that there
is no environmental deterioration. "In this ruling, the Council of State denied the protection
filed over the howling monkey based on rulings C-439 of 2011, on the right to health,
ruling T197 of 2003, T-367 of 2004 and T-818 of 2008, respectively.
Wildlife trade poses significant threats to the variety of animal species and the balance of

ecosystems. This article aims to explore the implications of wildlife trafficking from a

political standpoint, emphasizing its impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. By examining

a variety of sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the gravity of this issue and the

urgent need for political intervention.

Wildlife trafficking undermines and threatens the ability and efforts by States to manage

their natural resources. It can result in severe economic losses, which particularly affect

developing countries that rely on revenue generated by legal trade (Rosen & Smith, 2010).

Additionally, Those involved in wildlife trafficking, such as poachers and hunters,

frequently carry firearms or other weapons. These weapons are not only used to kill or

capture wildlife, but they are also used against individuals who protect or live near

endangered animals or plants, including rangers, conservation officials, police, and local

communities. Over the last decade, some 1,000 rangers have died in the line of duty in

Africa alone. Threats and violence can often escalate - along with the scale of depletion - if

organized criminal groups become involved in wildlife, forest, and fisheries crime.

Furthermore, wildlife trafficking can lead to imbalances in the sex ratios of populations, as

certain species are targeted more than others. This imbalance hampers reproductive rates

and reduces genetic diversity, making species more susceptible to environmental pressures.

Additionally, poaching methods often involve destructive practices that damage habitats
and harm non-targeted wildlife. For instance, the use of cyanide bombs to capture tropical

fish for the aquarium trade can devastate coral reefs and inflict harm on other marine

species. Such habitat destruction exacerbates the negative impact on ecosystems.

Wildlife trafficking not only affects biodiversity but also has economic consequences.

Many local communities heavily rely on wildlife tourism as a significant source of income.

The decline in wildlife due to trafficking directly impacts tourism, causing a ripple effect

on local businesses and livelihoods. Moreover, the illegal wildlife trade increases the risk of

zoonotic diseases, which can have severe implications for human health. Wet markets,

where wildlife is sold, serve as breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases, as seen in the case

of the Coronavirus outbreak. Preventing wildlife trafficking is crucial in mitigating the risk

of future pandemics.

In brief, wildlife trafficking has severe implications for biodiversity and ecosystems,

necessitating political action to address this issue. The loss of species, disruption of

ecosystem functions, and negative impacts on local economies and human health

underscore the urgency of implementing effective measures to combat wildlife trafficking.

By raising awareness, strengthening law enforcement, and promoting sustainable

alternatives, we can safeguard biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, and ensure a sustainable

future for all.