Content
- Wild animals: definition, examples and importance in nature
- Differences between wild and domestic animals
- Examples of wild animals
- Wildlife trafficking: definition and impact on Brazilian fauna
- The importance of combating animal trafficking
O wild animal trafficking it remains one of the biggest threats to the survival of several species and the balance of the ecosystems in which they operate. Currently, this practice is considered the third largest illicit activity in the world (behind only arms and drug trafficking), moving more than 1 billion dollars each year.
In Brazil, despite being prohibited since the 60s by Law 5197 for the Protection of Fauna, the wild animal hunting it is still responsible for annually removing more than 38 million native species from their natural habitats. And the worst thing is that, of every 10 wild Brazilian animals captured to be offered alive in the illegal market, only 1 manages to survive in captivity.
This new article by PeritoAnimal aims to raise awareness of the terrible impacts of this illicit activity in Brazil and in the world. And for a start, nothing better than understanding what are wild animals and why they are so important for the balance of ecosystems. Read on to learn more!
Wild animals: definition, examples and importance in nature
The concept of wild animal encompasses all species of the Animal Kingdom that are born and develop their life cycle in natural ecosystems, like the jungles or the oceans, for example. These animals make up the autochthonous fauna of a country or region, fulfilling certain functions within the food chain and its ecosystem to ensure the balance between the species of all the kingdoms that inhabit it, preventing the appearance of pests, overpopulations and other environmental imbalances.
Wild animals can be classified as native or exotic, always taking as a reference the autochthonous fauna of a certain country or region. When an animal is part of the native fauna of a place, it is considered native. However, when its natural habitat is not found within the native ecosystems of that same place, the species is called exotic. If we analyze the Brazilian fauna, the maned wolf and the jaguar would be some examples of wild animals native to Brazil, while a lion or a brown bear could be mentioned as exotic wild animals, as their natural habitat is not found in any of the Brazilian ecosystems.
Differences between wild and domestic animals
Unlike wild animals, domestic animals are those that are used to living with human beings and whose life cycle develops correctly outside of natural ecosystems, in places that have been modified by human intervention. Furthermore, these species have developed a dependency relationship and mutual contribution with humans. While they depend on man for certain basic needs (such as food, warmth and shelter), their creation also offers benefits to human beings (company, food, transport, etc.).
Although, not all species that live in captivity or get used to being close to people can be considered domestic animals. Just to mention one example: let's think of wild animals that are rescued from illegal captivity and, for some reason, are no longer able to return to nature. This does not mean that this species ceased to be wild and became domestic, but rather that some individuals were prevented from living in their natural habitat and must remain in controlled environments to survive.
In this sense, it is essential to understand that the domestication process goes beyond an occasional or purposeful change in an animal's habitat. Today's domestic animals have gone through a long and complex transformation, which includes not only the environment around them, but also their habits, behavior and even the genetic structure and morphology that characterize their species.
These transformations, in part, happen naturally due to the need to adapt to a new environment and lifestyle, but they are also often driven or even induced by human beings themselves, with the intention of obtaining benefits derived from the physical, sensory and cognitive characteristics of different animals.
If we think about dogs, for example, it is not difficult to see that the differences in relation to wolves or wild dogs (such as the dingo, for example), go beyond the habitat in which each species develops its life cycle. Although these species are genetically related, we notice clear differences in appearance, behavior and also in the functioning of the organism of each one of them. We also noticed that humans performed a series of interventions in the development and reproduction of dogs to highlight certain desirable characteristics, such as hunting and protection instincts, giving rise to different canine breeds with particular aesthetic and behavioral traits.
Something similar happened with other domestic animals, such as horses, cows and oxen, pigs, cats, etc. And it is worth remembering that not every pet is necessarily a pet, that is, it is not always created with the objective of keeping company and protecting human beings. For many years, the food industry, fashion, agriculture, livestock and many other economic activities depend directly and indirectly on the raising of domestic animals. Not to mention sports and entertainment events that use animals, such as horse riding or dog aesthetic competitions, for example.
Examples of wild animals
It would be impossible to provide a complete list of wild animals in just one article, not least because there are still many unknown species whose existence has not been officially registered by science. On the other hand, we also find several wild animals in extinction, whose existence can no longer be observed in their natural habitat.
Just to give you an idea, the Brazilian fauna comprises approximately 10 to 15% of the existing biodiversity worldwide. In the immense Brazilian territory, it is estimated that more than 11 thousand species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish live, and approximately 30 million species of insects. So imagine how many wild animals live all over the world, in different ecosystems and climates...
Below, we present some species of wild animals in greatest danger of extinction, which could literally disappear in the coming years:
- Northern white rhinoceros
- Amur Leopard
- Rhino of Java
- South China Tiger
- Vaquita
- Cross River Gorilla
- Kouprey (wild ox from Indochina)
- Saola
- North Atlantic Right Whale
- Sumatran rhinoceros
Examples of wild Brazilian animals at risk of extinction
- Blue Arara
- otter
- pink dolphin
- jacutinga
- Guara wolf
- Golden Lion tamarin
- savannah bat
- Northern Muriqui
- Jaguar
- Yellow Woodpecker
- Leather turtle
- armadillo ball
Wildlife trafficking: definition and impact on Brazilian fauna
The term “trafficking” is used to denote illegal trade activities. In the case of wild animal trafficking, we are talking about illicit purchase and sale of various kinds who are cruelly hunted and taken from their natural habitat to be offered alive as pets exotic or sacrificed for the production of collectibles and products with high commercial value (clothes, shoes, rugs, ornaments, objects, etc.).
The wildlife trade has been devastating the autochthonous fauna not only in Brazil, but also throughout the world. According to the 2016 "Live Planet" Report (The Living Planet Report 2016), which is organized every two years by theZoological Society of London (ZSL) in partnership with the organization WWF (World Nature Fund), biodiversity on our planet has decreased by nearly 58% since the 70s.
Unfortunately, wild animal trafficking in Brazil is one of the most alarming cases, as it is estimated that approximately 70% of the species trafficked internationally come from Brazilian ecosystems, mainly from the North, Northeast and Midwest regions. Currently, more than 38 million Brazilian wild animals are illegally hunted each year. Therefore, it is considered that the trafficking and loss of habitat are, nowadays, the main threats to the survival of the Brazilian fauna.
On the “other face of this coin”, we find countries that import wild species, that is, those that buy animals or products derived from them, which are illegally offered by trafficking. According to the National Report on Wildlife Trafficking, carried out by the National Network to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (RENCTAS), some of the countries that “consume” this illegal activity the most are: United States, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Switzerland, among others.
Before proceeding, we need to make a brief observation: not all alien species that are bred in captivity participate in the illegal market. In several countries, the raising of some wild animals in captivity for sale is permitted and regulated by law. However, establishments dedicated to this activity must be registered and authorized to operate, in addition to complying with a series of legal requirements and health and safety standards.
In these cases, the commercial operation must be carried out in a completely transparent manner and the buyer receives an invoice with all the details of the establishment and the animal purchased to certify its legal origin. In addition, these animals must be delivered to the new owner with a definitive identification, which usually consists of a microchip implanted under the skin.
The importance of combating animal trafficking
With everything we've seen so far, you've probably already understood that wild animals comply. specific functions in their natural habitat, allowing the different ecosystems of our planet to remain in balance. When the population of an animal becomes extinct or radically decreases, an environmental imbalance occurs that harms all other species and the natural resources of that environment, also affecting human beings (directly or indirectly).
In addition to the impacts generated by environmental imbalances, hunting wild animals can also negatively impact productive activities and human health. The eradication of certain animals (or their radical reduction) tends to favor the proliferation of other species, which can end up turning into pests that harm livestock activities and/or transmit diseases to humans and other animals.
This is an easy-to-understand logical question: when we eliminate the predator, we allow multiple prey to multiply wildly, generating an overpopulation. When we eliminate birds and amphibians, for example, we open the doors for thousands of insect species to reproduce freely, without the natural control of a predator. These insects will quickly migrate to productive fields and cities in search of food, which can harm the harvest and act as vectors of numerous diseases, such as dengue, for example.
On the other hand, the introduction of exotic species into the territory of a country can also threaten the balance of the native fauna, especially when the animal "escapes" from a controlled captivity and manages to reproduce in native ecosystems, competing with native species for territory and food. In addition, these animals can be carriers of zoonoses (pathologies that can be transmitted between humans and other species), becoming a public and environmental health problem.
For all these reasons, it is essential not only that there are laws that prohibit illegal hunting and the trafficking of wild animals, but also that public policies be promoted. awareness of the dangers of this illicit activity and campaigns to encourage complaints about trafficking. These initiatives must be combined with more effective enforcement strategies to ensure that the law is enforced and stricter penalties for those who commit this crime and endanger the environment and the well-being of countless species, including humans.
In addition, each of us can contribute to the eradication of wildlife trafficking. Like? First, not ignoring its existence and reporting it to the competent authorities. In second place, never acquiring pets exotic on the Internet, with private sellers or in establishments that do not have a valid license to operate. And finally, being aware that there are many animals waiting for the opportunity to have a family and a home filled with love. Therefore, instead of spending too much and ending up running the risk of financing illicit activities, encourage yourself to look for a animal refuge and adopt a best friend!
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