The Dark Side of Social Media: Wildlife Trafficking Exposed

Wildlife trafficking ranks as the fourth most significant crime globally, trailing drug trafficking, human trafficking, and counterfeit goods. According to the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the illegal wildlife trade generates between 7 and 23 billion dollars annually. In Mexico, wildlife trafficking also ranks fourth, following drug, arms, and human trafficking. This illicit trade poses a grave environmental threat as Mexico is home to 10% of the world's flora and fauna biodiversity, as highlighted by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa).

Wildlife trafficking results in irreversible biodiversity loss and disrupts the balance of ecosystems. It also fuels corruption networks and poses public health risks. Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, originating from animals. The wildlife trafficking process, encompassing extraction, collection, transport, distribution, and commercialization, puts immense pressure on various species, pushing them towards extinction.

The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources lists the following species as the most threatened by this illegal activity:

• Yellow-headed parrot (Amazona oratrix)
• Scarlet macaw (Ara macao)
• Military macaw (Ara militaris)
• Yellow-breasted toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
• Spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
• Howler monkey (Aulluata palliata)
• Red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)
• Black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
• Green iguana (Iguana iguana)
• Rattlesnakes (Crotalus sp.)
• Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
• Cacti of the Mammilaria genus
• Palms of the Chamaedora genus
• Species from the orchid family.

Rodolfo Raigoza, president of the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA), reveals that highly organized criminal organizations with potential government ties and regional or global influence are involved in global wildlife trafficking. These traffickers often resort to bribing officials and complex fraud structures, as stated in the FATF's "Money laundering and illegal wildlife trade" report from June 2020. Alexandra Guerra, ALPZA's executive director, points out that the digital age's rise has made social networks a double-edged sword, often facilitating the acquisition of these animals as pets.

To raise awareness about this global issue, the Association has designated June 25 as the International Day Against Wildlife Trafficking. A recent study by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity revealed that wild animals like toucans, monkeys, and bears are openly sold on social media in Mexico. Other animals, such as jaguars and sea cucumbers, are also sold on these platforms.