Illegal trade in wild cats and its link to Chinese-led development in Central and South America
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Transnational Organized Crime
Keywords
Wild cats, jaguar trade, illegal wildlife trade, illegal wild cat trade
Description
International trade threatens various wild cat species, including tigers, leopards, pumas, and jaguars. Tigers are targeted for their skin, teeth, meat, and bones, used in luxury food and medicine. The emerging jaguar trade is less well-understood. A study analyzing seizure reports from 2012 to 2018 found a recent increase in jaguar trade, with less stable trade in pumas and ocelots. The demand for jaguars may be more critical than domestic demand, potentially reducing jaguar populations. The study also found that larger jaguar extent and Chinese private investment in countries are related to increased jaguar trade. Neotropical wildcats face threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and conflicts with humans due to livestock predation. The Chinese-led development in this market is also a concern.
Illegal trade in wild cats and its link to Chinese-led development in Central and South America
International trade threatens various wild cat species, including tigers, leopards, pumas, and jaguars. Tigers are targeted for their skin, teeth, meat, and bones, used in luxury food and medicine. The emerging jaguar trade is less well-understood. A study analyzing seizure reports from 2012 to 2018 found a recent increase in jaguar trade, with less stable trade in pumas and ocelots. The demand for jaguars may be more critical than domestic demand, potentially reducing jaguar populations. The study also found that larger jaguar extent and Chinese private investment in countries are related to increased jaguar trade. Neotropical wildcats face threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and conflicts with humans due to livestock predation. The Chinese-led development in this market is also a concern.
