IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Reuter, A.; Maffei, L.; Polisar, J.; Radachowsky, J. | |
| Jaguar hunting and trafficking in Mesoamerica - Recent observations | |
| 2018 Full Book | |
Prior to 1975, a thriving international market in jaguar hides for the fur trade drove hunters into remote reaches of Mesoamerica and the Amazon, significantly depleting jaguar populations and putting the species at risk. In 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) entered into force, prohibiting commercial trade and transport of jaguars and parts across international boundaries. CITES successfully shut down the fur trade and associated poaching, and jaguar populations began to rebound. Since that point, the main threats to the jaguar have been the destruction and degradation of jaguar habitat, reduction of natural prey through over-hunting, and direct killing of jaguars due to conflicts with ranchers. These factors have continued to place pressure on jaguar populations, but have been countered by the establishment of protected and managed areas using a mix of law enforcement and incentives to accomplish conservation goals. Where well executed, those efforts have led to jaguar population stability, and population increases in some areas. However, in 2010 evidence emerged that trade in jaguar parts in Latin America was resuming. First were reports of jaguars killed in the Guianas presumably to satisfy Asian demand of parts for jewelry, meat, and medicinal purposes. In 2014 in Bolivia, more than 750 canine teeth destined for China were intercepted, indicating a potential bold market for jaguar parts. In order to ascertain whether such an emerging trade existed in Mesoamerica, WCS contacted experts and authorities to solicit information on jaguar poaching and trafficking from across the region, from Mexico through Panama, and summarized 24 responses. For each country, we also collated relevant legislation, information on how to report a potential violation to authorities, examples of interceptions and legal cases, and management recommendations. Although the data presented have the inherent limitation of being second hand reports and observations rather than a focused investigation, this effort represents a significant step forward in our understanding of this situation in Mesoamerica. |
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