Breeding and trade of wildlife in Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Abstract

The wildlife trade is becoming increasingly more relevant in discussions concerning conservation biology and the sustainable management of natural resources. The aim of this study was to document the trade and breeding of wildlife in Santa Catarina state, in southern Brazil. Data was collected from annual reports (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008) of wildlife breeders which were sent to IBAMA. By the end of 2008, there were 79 wildlife breeders and 11 wildlife traders distributed in Santa Catarina. Commercial breeding accounted for the highest number of breeders (51%). In total, there are 213 species of wild animals bred in the state: 177 birds, 19 mammals and 17 reptiles. Of these, 48% are native to Santa Catarina, 32% occur in other Brazilian states and 20% are exotic to Brazil. Nine percent of the species bred are vulnerable or endangered. It was observed that some breeders reported breeding unauthorized species. Altogether, 93 species are bred illegally by 19 breeders. Of these species, 48 are native to Santa Catarina and three are classified as vulnerable or in danger of extinction. We hope the data presented in this paper contributes to the development of conservation strategies and conscious use of wildlife resources in Brazil.Keywords: legal breeding, pet trade, conservation, endangered species. Criação e comercialização de animais silvestres no estado de Santa Catarina, BrasilResumo O comércio de animais silvestres está se tornando cada vez mais relevante em discussões sobre conservação e manejo sustentável de recursos naturais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi documentar esse comércio e a reprodução de animais silvestres no Estado de Santa Catarina. Os dados deste trabalho foram coletados de relatórios encaminhados anualmente ao IBAMA (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008). Ao final de 2008, existiam 79 criatórios e 11 comerciantes de fauna em Santa Catarina. A criação comercial é a categoria com maior número de criatórios (51%). Ao todo, são criadas 213 espécies de animais silvestres no Estado, sendo 177 aves, 19 mamíferos e 17 répteis. Destas, 48% possuem distribuição original para Santa Catarina, 32% ocorrem em outros Estados brasileiros e 20% são exóticas do Brasil. Nove por cento das espécies criadas estão vulneráveis ou ameaçadas de extinção. Foi observado que alguns criatórios relatavam a criação de espécies não autorizadas. Ao todo, 93 espécies são criadas ilegalmente em 19 criatórios. Das espécies criadas ilegalmente, 48 possuem distribuição original para Santa Catarina e, destas, três estão classificadas como vulneráveis ou ameaçadas de extinção. O presente trabalho poderá subsidiar o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação e uso consciente dos recursos da fauna silvestre brasileira.Palavras-chave: criação legal, comércio de animais de estimação, conservação, espécies ameaçadas.

Global Trade in Exotic Pets 2006–2012

“…; Kuhnen et al. ), increasing affluence (McNeely et al. ) is expanding the consumer community for exotic pets (Ding et al.…”

Wildlife trade in Brazil: A closer look at wild pets welfare issues

“…In 2004, there were about 700 wildlife commercial breeders in Brazil (IBAMA, 2004), while in 2010, this number nearly doubled in some states (Kuhnen et al, 2012). For each Brazilian state there is an Wildlife Center responsible for the management, licensing and inspection of all categories of breeders, traders and zoos.…”

“…As part of the IBAMA licensing process all facilities are inspected, but once the license is given the monitoring is done through annual written reports on the number of animals that entered and left the stock. Although the exact numbers are unknown at the present time, many of the reports submitted have inaccurate data, incomplete or dubious information and not all facilities submit their annual reports regularly (Kuhnen et al, 2012). In general, inspections at licensed facilities are only done in case of complaint.…”

“…In Brazil, several species of wild animals and their products are sold for different purposes such as food, medicinal, magic religious rituals, ornaments and companionship (Alves and Pereira Filho 2007;Alves and Rosa, 2010;Alves et al, 2012Alves et al, , 2013Dias et al, 2011;Rosa et al, 2011;Kuhnen et al, 2012). Wild animals have been kept for companionship for centuries, it is currently one of the most popular hobbies in the world and the demand is increasing every year (Carrete & Tella, 2008).…”

“…For example, over one million exotic birds are legally traded around the world on an annual basis (Gilardi, 2006). In Brazil the purposes of companionship represents the majority of wild species legally trade (Kuhnen et al, 2012;Alves et al, 2012).…”