DIAGNOSIS OF THE INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE TRADE IN LORETO, PERÚ

Abstract

The international trade in wildlife has a long history resulting in the near disappearance of some populations. This activity is an important economic alternative, both for the conservation of the species and for their sustainable use by the rural communities. A diagnosis of exports was carried out between 2001 and 2017, evaluating the value chain, commercialized species, export modalities, supply and demand, destinations, national and international threat categories of the main species and perception of those involved in wildlife. Information on international trade was obtained through the customs operation system, the perception through interviews and the current status of the species through the national and international levels of threat. In the value chain weaknesses were identified to be improved, such as avoiding data loss, guaranteeing the traceability of the resource and improving the articulation between public and private institutions allowing better control of trade. The value of exports amounts to US $ 16, 672,657.00, four items make up 93.1% of this value, taricaya (Podocnemis unifilis) is the main one, whose destination is China and Hong Kong, followed by pecari hides (Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu) to Italy, red head iguana (Dracaena guianensis) to the United States and matamata tortoise (Chelus fimbriata) to China and Hong Kong whose demand has increased in almost all cases. Trade in these species does not put their natural populations at risk and is considered an important activity for the regional and national economy