Wildlife crime in Hispanic America

This study set out to compile and analyse data on wildlife seizures and poaching incidents reported in the media between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022 in the 18 countries of Hispanic America. It provides important baseline information on illegal exploitation of reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians in this biodiverse region.

A total of 1,945 seizures and poaching incidents were identified, affecting a minimum number of 102,577 wild animals. Of these, 59% impacted reptiles; 28% birds; 9% amphibians; and 4% mammals.

The illegal wildlife trade in Hispanic America is a major contributor to the decline of some wildlife species and is driving some species to extinction. Forty of the 690 species found in illegal trade (6% of all species identified) are classified as ‘Endangered’ by IUCN, and 13 species (2% of all species) as ‘Critically Endangered’, meaning they face a high risk and an extremely high risk, respectively, of extinction in the wild.

Executive summary is available here in English and Spanish.