Edging Toward Extinction: The Status of Wildlife in Latin America

Transcription

Humane Society Institute for Science and Policy
Animal Studies Repository
ISAP Special Reports
Institute for the Study of Animal Problems
1980
Edging Toward Extinction: The Status of Wildlife
in Latin America
Douglas R. Shane
The Institute for the Study of Animal Problems
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Recommended Citation
Shane, Douglas R. and The Institute for the Study of Animal Problems, "Edging Toward Extinction: The Status of Wildlife in Latin
America" (1980). ISAP Special Reports. Paper 3.
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By
DOUGL,AS Re SHANE
Research Consultant
Sponsored By
Washington, DoCo
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UNITED STATES
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La protecci6n a los animales forma parte esencial de Ia moral y Ia cultura
de los pueblos civilizados.
-
Benito Juarez -
Destroyed buildings can be rebuilt; destroyed works of art may possibly
be replaced by new creations; but every animal and every flower which
becomes extinct is lost forever in the most absolute of all deaths.
-
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Copyroght. American Map Co., Inc., r•lew York, No. 18468
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Joseph Wood Krutch -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SECTION I -
THE STATUS OF WILDLIFE IN LATIN AMERICA
A) Dimensions of the Problem
B) On a Country-by-Country Basis
SECTION II -
INTERNATIONAL AND UNITED STATES
ACTIVITIES AND LAWS CONCERNING LATIN
AMERICAN WILDLIFE
A) International Activities and Laws
B) United States Activities and Laws
Edging Toward Extinction:
A Report on the Status of Wildlife in Latin America
Published by:
(A Division of The Humane Society of the United States)
2100 L Street, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20037, U.S.A.
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the
author and are not necessarily endorsed by either the
Institute for the Study of Animal Problems or The
Humane Society of the United States.
Copyright 1980.
The Institute for the Study of Animal Problems.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
SECTION Ill -
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SECTION IV -
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PERTINENT REFERENCES
SECTION V -
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Relevant Institutions and Contact
Individuals Concerned with Animal Issues in Latin
America
Appendix B - Bibliography of Legislation of Latin
American Nations, the United States of America,
and International Treaties and Conventions
Pertaining to Latin American Wildlife and Domestic
Animals
Appendix C - List of Endangered Animal Species in
Latin America
Appendix D and Spanish
Project Questionnaire Form, English
Appendix E - A Discussion of the Status of
Domestic Animals in Latin America and
Recommendations to The Humane Society of the
United States
INTRODUCTION
Edging Toward Extinction: A Report on the Status of Wildlife in Latin America,
is the result of a three month research project undertaken on behalf of The Institute for the Study of Animal Problems (ISAP), a division of The Humane Society
of the United States (HSUS). The project was a preliminary study with the following objectives. First, it provides ISAP and HSUS with a broader base of information on international matters pertaining to man's relationship with animals.
Second, the report includes recommendations concerning the role which HSUS
could perform within the growing international conservation movement. Third,
the report mav. serve as a basis for a more detailed study if considered desirable.
It is the author's premise that the efforts of any U.S. or international agency be it governmental or private - in the less developed nations can only be as effective as the contact organizations and individuals in each country. This is true
whether the proposed activity is the creation of a national park to protect a nation's threatened fauna and flora, or a development project aimed at enhancing
the socio-economic quality of human life. This notion is further discussed in Section Ill.
One of the first objectives of the project was the designation of and approach
to organizations and individuals in Latin America and other countries who share
HSUS's concern about wildlife and animal welfare issues in Central and South
America. To this end a total of 156 questionnaires (see Appendix D) were sent to
the twenty-one nations of Latin America, three to European-based organizations,
and two to authorities in the United States. Additional questionnaires were
enclosed in each mailing together with a request that they be forwarded to other
appropriate authorities. By the end of the project period, only a limited number
of completed questionnaires had been received from Latin America and Europe.
Further responses are anticipated because the majority of the correspondents are
known by the author to be concerned with and responsive to the issues with
which the study deals. Concurrent with other research activities, twenty-two interviews were conducted in the Washington, D.C. area with officials of U.S.
government agencies involved with domestic and international legislation and activities pertaining to Latin American wildlife; with representatives of private conservation organizations, some of whom operate in Latin America; with
spokesmen for the pet industry;· and with officials of the Organization of
American States.
The questionnaire included a section on legislation and activities concerning
domestic animals in Latin America. However, due to time constraints and the
slow response to the questionnaire from Latin American animal welfare agencies,
it was not possible to include a detailed analysis of this type in the report.
Nonetheless, because of the importance of the domestic animal welfare issue in
Latin America, an addenda concerning this area has been included as Appendix E.
SECTION I THE STATUS OF WILDLIFE IN LATIN AMERICA
A. Dimensions of the Problem
The wild I ife of Latin America is as rich and diverse as the lands which comprise the 21 nations of Central and South America. Ranging from the dark beauty
of the condor soaring above Andean peaks and the swift-running rhea of the
Argentinian pampas to the resplendent quetzal of Central America's cloud
forests and the magnificent spotted cats that stalk the lowland tropical rain
forests, each species has adapted marvelously to its particular environment.
Within each ecosystem, a succession of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants interact to sustain one another in Nature's timeless plan.
However, the increasing encroachment of man and his activities now threatens
the future existence of virtually all wildlife throughout Latin America.
Historically, aboriginal peoples survived by engaging in such varied activities
as hunting, fishing, small-scale shifting cultivation and the harvesting of wild
fruits and nuts directly from the forests and other areas in which they lived.
Since habitat destruction by man was minimal and the animals were not usually
hunted excessively, wildlife populations remained fairly stable.
In the years following the European arrival in the New World, habitats were
burned and cleared by the colonists as a wide variety of domesticated plants and
animals were introduced to the Americas. By the late nineteenth century,
large-scale forest exploitation for timber, tannin, resins and dye wood for local
and international markets led to a conspicuous alteration of Hispanic America's
environment. Profitable markets in North America and Europe, encouraged the
conversion of still more virgin lands were converted to the production of cash
crops such as bananas, coffee, sugar cane and cotton.
In the second half of this century, the ever-increasing pressure of man's activities is destroying the stability of wildlife populations in wilderness areas and
regions underexploited by aboriginal peoples. The forces that bring man into conflict with wilderness and wildlife must be recognized before we can begin to deal
with the issues of conservation and preservation in Latin America. The problems
include explosive birthrates of 3.5 +%, high unemployment, inflation, sluggish industrial growth, ownership of the most productive lands by a minority for the
cultivation of crops for export, demands for land reform by the rural and urban
poor, and pressure from small, but powerful ruling classes to resist change.
Under these circumstances, the majority of Latin America's governments view
the settlement of wilderness areas as an expedient solution to national problems.
Most of the previously uninhabited or sparsely populated lands are unsuitable
for intensive settlement and agricultural endeavors. Therefore, the unfortunate
results of settling wilderness areas are that, not only are colonization and most
agricultural schemes ineffective, but the wild fauna and flora are being
destroyed at ever-accelerating rates. Other development projects, such as the
construction of highways and hydroelectric dams or intensive logging and mining
operations, offer advantageous financial gains at the expense of habitat destruction and loss of wildlife.
While loss of habitat due to intensive settlement and development is the
primary factor causing diminishing wildlife populations, hunting and trapping to
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maintain subsistence lifestyles also contribute significantly to the problem.
Large-scale colonization projects, promoted by governments and private
cooperatives, may cause the resettlement of thousands of people within a few
miles of one another while the spontaneous movement of additional thousands
of individuals seeking new homesleads places further pressure on ecosystems. As
the colonists forage into areas adjacent to their new homes in search of meat,
animal populations are further depleted. It is not unusual for hunters to seek
meat for several days before encountering wildlife. With few exceptions notably members of the cat family and tree sloths - virtually all mammals, reptiles and birds are hunted and trapped for their food value.
Although each of the nations of Latin America have enacted some form of legislation covering which animals can be hunted, when they can be hunted, and by
what means, problems persist. While most provide penalties for violations, enforcement is at best minimal. The reasons are both obvious and real. Agencies
charged with wildlife protection, which are usually under departments of
renewable natural resources within federal ministries of agriculture, operate on
restricted budgets and too few personnel. Well-trained enforcement officers are,
for the most part, an unattainable luxury. Also, wildlife protection programs must
often yield to the development schemes of the larger agricultural departments.
Another problem deals with the reality of the subsistence lifestyle of the
"violators" - the peasants compelled by hunger to hunt any edible animal
regardless of legally defined seasons. In many instances, the hunters are unaware
of the existence of hunting laws. Even if they knew the laws, it is extremely
doubtful that they would obey legislation that would keep food from their
tables. In countries not generally known for the compassion of their officials,
Latin America's wildlife protection officers are aware of the realities of the situation. Even modest enforcement of game laws would produce volatile social and
political situations with which governments would rather not have to deal.
Perhaps most tragic for both humanity and wildlife, the concept of "sustained
yield" means little to the hunter dependent on wildlife as a food source; he cannot conserve for his grandchildren tomorrow what his children need today.
1n addition to habitat destruction and overhunting, another problem closely
associated with the depletion of wildlife populations is the collecting of live animals and their products for commerce. No one is certain how many thousands of
live animals - birds, mammals, reptiles and tons upon tons of tropical fish are exported legally and illegally-from Latin America each year. These animals
are purchased by private individuals as exotic pets, by both the legitimate and
roadside zoos, and by biomedical research institutions. Similarly, the sale of
animal products - the skins, hides, feathers, teeth and paws - is a multimillion
dollar business.
Despite the ratification by 51 nations of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), instituted in 1973 to control the export and import of rare and endangered animals and plants, enforcement officials and conservationists say that the volume of trafficking in animals
and animal products, regardless of their legal status, continues to rise annually.
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service statistics, legal imports into the
United States of wildlife products from around the world, such as fur coats,
leather goods, carvings and jewelry, rose from 1.7 million items in 1972 to 91
million in 1976. Skins and hide imports increased from 900,000 in 1973 to 32.5
million in 1976. These figures represent only legal U.S. imports. How many live
3
animals and their products are imported illegally into the United States or to
other countries is strictly a matter of conjecture.
The people of the developed nations are the leading consumers of the world's
wildlife. They are, therefore, the major supporters of the illicit smuggling trade.
But in their desire to adorn themselves with furs, leathers and trinkets or the urge
to satisfy a whim for an exotic pet, these people fail to comprehend the consequences of their actions. For the Latin American peasant living a marginal life,
the opportunity to shoot and snare birds, mammals and reptiles represents
sorely-needed income. But the hunter cares little whether the animals he seeks
are pregnant females, nurslings that will die without special care, or members of
species that are rare or endangered. Techniques of live capture and the ability to
keep animals alive and healthy are largely unknown to the market hunter.
Brutality during the procurement process is a horror about which most people remain ignorant. The wild animals that survive the burning of their habitat, the
traps and the gunfire that are employed to capture them are often either beaten
unconscious, bound with wire, nailed to trees or crammed into cages and boxes
to restrain them until they are collected by the local buyer. Feedings are
sporadic and meager and the animals are transported by any means available.
Once the animals are in transit to their respective destinations, the standard of
accommodations varies considerably. If the shipment is legal, the animals are
generally caged and crated according to packing guidelines based on International Air Transport Association (I AT A) regulations. While numerous authorities
maintain that these shipping procedures are grossly inadequate, the conditions
under which illegally transported animals are moved are far worse. Traffickers attempt to conceal their illegal shipments in a variety of ways which include stuffing smaller animals behind false panels in shipping crates and vehicles, burying
them under legally transported articles, falsifying documents so that protected
species appear as something else, and, when possible, by bribing officials at ports
of exit and entry. Many animals perish and it has been estimated that as many as
75% of all animals captured die before arriving at their final destinations, and
that for every animal which reaches its destination, ten others have died in both
capture and transport.
As with the enforcement of game laws, official protection of wildlife against illegal trafficking activities is minimal throughout Latin America. Inadequate
operating budgets, lack of trained personnel and allegations of corruption at all
levels are factors which, when linked with the ingenuity of the smugglers, make
the animal trafficking situation appear hopeless.
With so much money at stake, it may appear naive to present moral and even
ecological arguments on behalf of wildlife conservation. Can we expect the
underprivileged and deprived to entertain metaphysical arguments on the commonality of life and the concept of man as a responsible steward of this planet's
natural resources? At the very least, the planners and policy makers responsible
for the future of their nations must be made to understand the consequences of
unassessed development projects that will further disturb the already precarious
balance between man and his environment. Man must realize that the preservation of the essential interdependencies of all life promotes his own well-being as
well as that of other life forms. We already know that the extinction of a given
species may well result in the collapse of a particular ecosystem and that there
can be dangerous consequences to man, such as the rise of disease vector
populations. The preservation and conservation of natural life forms must be
4
viewed as important elements in the proper management of forestry, agriculture,
water and soil resources - not as obstacles to be overcome in pursuit of irrational economic development.
B. On a Country-by-Country Basis
The following information deals with the status of Latin American wildlife on a
cour.try-by-country basis. The material which is presented was gathered from
available resource materials, responses to the project questionnaire, and the
author's own experiences in 13 Latin American nations. Each section details the
particular country's pertinent legislation, activities of government and private
agencies, national parks programs, the status of important animal species and the
known extent of trade in live animals and animal products.
For additional information a listing of relevant institutions and contact personnel concerned with animal issues in Latin America is given in Appendix A. A
bibliography of all the legislation pertaining to Latin America's wildlife (and
domestic animals) which has been gathered to date may be found in Appendix B.
A list of endangered animal species in Latin America, compiled from a variety of
authoritative souces, makes up Appendix C.
Argentina
Argentina's wildlife-related legislation includes game laws regulating the
seasons in which fauna may be hunted, a ban dating back to 1949 prohibiting the
hunting of otters throughout the country, agreements with Peru and Bolivia
regarding conservation of vicuna, and limits on the number of red deer and European wild boar which may be hunted by sportsmen. Several other laws cover the
establishment and security of national parks and preserves, which are essential to
the preservation of wildlife.
Argentina has signed the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, but has not ratified the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The Department of Investigation and Protection of the National Office of
Wildlife, Subsecretary of Renewable Natural Resources and Ecology, is the
federal agency charged with wildlife management and protection in Argentina.
There are some seven private organizations concerned with animal welfare,
although their main interests seem to center on domestic animal issues.
All of the country's wildlife may be considered threatened due to increasing
encroachment on wilderness areas by man.
Among the wildlife products which Argentina exports in large quantities are
the skins of otters, boa constrictors and tegu lizards. Argentina also exports live
animals, including birds such as the endangered Red-capped parrot and reptiles,
although precise figures are not available.
Belize
The game laws of Belize date back to 1944 when the tiny Central American nation was known as British Honduras. The wildlife protection ordinance specified
which animals may be hunted with and without hunting licenses, established
seasons on game animals, and made provisions on the law's enforcement. Inde-pendent since 1973, Belize is planning to implement a national parks program.
An estimated 65% of the country's territory consists of tropical forests and is
habitat for a rich array of wildlife.
5
The Department of Lands and Forests, under the Ministry of Agriculture, is
reponsible for wildlife matters in Belize.
To date, Belize has not ratified the Convention of Nature Protection and Wild
Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, but has ratified the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
A handful of private organizations are working to improve attitudes and
legislation relevant to animals.
Although development projects are less expensive in Belize than in most other
Latin American countries, wildlife and their habitat should be considered
threatened until comprehensive protective legislation, national parks programs,
and ratification of the two Conventions mentioned above are promulgated.
The export of live animals and animal products is subject to the 1ssuance of
licenses by the Customs and Forestry departments. Traditionally, animal products
- mostly skins of jaguar and caiman - from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras
have passed through Belize for onward shipment.
Bolivia
Bolivia has made numerous legislative efforts over the last 16 years to protect
its wildlife and natural resources from overexploitation. Laws banning the hunting of certain animals, establishing seasons on others, and the implementation of
taxes and regulations governing the use of other animal resources have all been
largely ineffective. Bolivia's unstable political situation has not helped and
government enforcement of wildlife protection measures has been ineffective.
Laws prohibiting the hunting and trading of vicuna and members of the cat family are generally disregarded.
The Department of Wildlife, under National Parks, Hunting and Fishing, within
the Center for Forestry Development, is charged with enforcement of Bolivian
legislation regarding wild fauna.
Although a member nation of the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild
Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, Bolivia has not ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Private sector activities relating to animal issues were unknown when this
report was compiled.
Both legal and illegal exports of animals and animal products from Bolivia include all monkey and marmoset species found within the country, crocodillians,
lizards, birds and cats. Many authorities consider Bolivia to be one of the largest
exporters of wild fauna in Latin America.
Brazil
Although Brazil has enacted several wildlife protection laws, including several
agreements with neighboring countries, the intensive development occurring in
the Amazon Basin and other parts of the country make adherence and enforcement impossible. Hunting seasons on certain species, established by the lnstituto
Brasileiro de Desenvolvimento (IBDF), vary among Brazil's states. Trapping,
although prohibited by law, is done illegally.
Brazil has some 18 national parks and six biological preserves administered by
the I BDF officials, an agency primarily concerned with forestry development
IBDF officials admit that the allotted park areas will continue to be reduced in
size as development activities encroach on their perimeters.
A second system of national parks and preserves exists in Brazil and is admin-
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istered by the Fundacao Nacional de Indio (FUNAI), the government agency
charged with protection of Brazil's aboriginal peoples. Unfortunately, the fate of
both the park areas and the Indians themselves is in question as development activities continue to claim Indian lands.
Among the numerous government agencies involved with the management and
protection of wildlife in Brazil are the Special Secretariat of the Environment,
under the Ministry of the Interior; a section of the National Council for Scientific
and Technological Development; the Division for the Protection of Nature, under
the Brazilian Institute of Forestry Development, and several other governmentsponsored research organizations.
There are many private organizations concerned with animal welfare, but most
are apparently involved with domestic animal matters. One, the Fundacao
Brasileira para a Conservacao da Natureza, is involved with wildlife issues.
Brazil has ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
According to the Special Secretariat of the Environment, no live animals may
be legally exported from Brazil. Similarly, commerce in skins and other animal
products.is prohibited except for those derived from animals bred in captivity.
Authorities say they cannot verify that animals and products for export were
bred i~ captivity. Illegally exported items include caiman species, monkeys,
jaguar, giant otter, and a wide variety of bird species. Illegally exported products
are said to be received by Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay and French Guiana
whence they are usually forwarded to markets in North America and Europe.
Chile
Chile's wildlife legislation includes laws prohibiting the hunting of vicuna and
birds during nesting season, the establishment of hunting seasons for wild game,
and enforcement regulations. Hunting seasons generally extend from April to
August, although seasons vary among species. Rabbits, hares and beavers are
among the mammals which may be legally trapped. The use of steel or leg-hold
traps is prohibited.
Chile has ratified both the Convention of Nature Protection and Wild Life
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The wildlife section of the
National Forestry Corporation is charged with protection of the country's fauna.
Chile has one of the oldest national parks programs in Latin America, having
designated its first area in 1925.
There are at least eight private organizations which deal with the welfare of
both wild and domestic animals.
Animals and animal products legally exported from Chile include rabbits,
hares, foxes, nutrias and seals, most of which pass through West Germany. Illegally exported items include chinchillas, sea otters and fresh water otters which,
according to some sources, exit via Argentina. Most exports, both legal and illegal, are destined for European markets.
Colombia
Although currently undergoing a full revision, Colombia's wildlife regulations
include the protection of all fauna subject to hunting, trapping and commercial
expioitation. In an effort to commit the nation to the rational utilization of its
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renewable natural resources, the government established INbERENA, the Institute for the Development of Renewable Natural Resources, in 1968. A superagency charged with the management of the nation's forests, fisheries, national
parks programs, flora, fauna, soils and waters, INDERENA has come under attack
from some conservationists and scientists for failing adequately to protect Colombia's forests and wildlife. INDERENA admittedly views the country's forests as
a "cash crop" to be exploited and many are fearful that, without intensive
reforestation efforts, the forests and their inhabitants will soon disappear.
Colombia has ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and, according to INDERENA offcials, the
country plans to ratify the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
There are 24 national parks and preserves, all of which have been created in
this decade.
Some four private agencies dealing with the welfare of domestic animals are
located in Colombia's major urban centers.
Before the government ban on the exportation of live animals and animal
products in 1974, Leticia, a city of some 14,000 residents situated on the Amazon
River in southern Colombia, was one of Latin America's main trading centers.
Five years later it remains one of the region's most important conduits for illegal
trafficking. Although there is an INDERENA office in Leticia, blackmarket activities in the animal trade persist. According to authoritative sources in Leticia,
average skin prices paid by dealers from North America and Europe are $65 for
ocelot, $100 for jaguar, and $50 for margay. Live animals are less expensive than
skins due to curing costs. Prices for live primates are $43- $90 for an immature
Capuchin monkey, $90 for a wooly monkey, $30- $45 for a squirrel monkey, and
$30 - $60 for a marmoset. Live tropical birds range from $150 - $300 for a
macaw, $60- $150 for an Amazonian green parrot (more if tamed), and $75 for a
toucan.
In addition to the lucrative sale of skins, hides, tropical fish and live animals
for the pet and zoo trades, more than one million primates were exported from
Leticia between 1953 and 197 4 to laboratories in North America and Europe for
cancer and other biomedical research activities.
Barranquilla, on Colombia's northern coast, is another town through which illegal animal trafficking is said to flourish. Countries receiving illegally exported
wildlife and animal products from Colombia include Panama, the Netherlands,
japan, West Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States.
Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica has one of the most progressive wildlife protection and
parks programs in Latin America:authorities say that the high rate of development in tropical forest areas accounts for the country's rapidly declining wildlife
populations. Passed in 1970, the Conservation of Wildlife Law establishes hunting
seasons for the country's game animals, confers upon the Ministry of Agriculture
and Cattle Ranching the responsibility for the management and protection of
Costa Rica's wildlife, and establishes the national parks and preserves program.
The nation's wildlife regulations are currently being revised.
In addition to the National Parks Service, there is a Wildlife Division which
also deals with wildlife matters. Both agencies are under the mandate of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle Ranching.
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A nongovernment institution, the Tropical Agronomy Center for Research and
Teaching (CATIE), located in Turrialba, Costa Rica, includes a Wildlands Management Unit within the organization's Forestry Department. The Wildlands Management Unit offers technical assistance to many Latin American countries on
wildlife management and national parks planning and management. Several
other private agencies deal with animal welfare issues in Costa Rica, including an
Audubon Society chapter in the nation's capital, San jose.
Costa Rica has ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild
Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and the Convention on International
Before a vigorous government crackdown around 1975, smuggling of wildlife
and animal products was a serious problem in Cost Rica. Today, according to
government officials and conservationists, virtually no animals or products are
exported from the country. Those caiman and cat skins which do leave Costa
Rica are said to exit to Nicaragua.
Ecuador
Ecuador's Forestry and Agricultural Development Law includes regulations on
hunting and game animals. In 1969, the country first prohibited the export of
wild animals. The Wildlife Protection Law, implemented in 1970, establishes
guidelines for commerce in wild species, while the national parks and preserves
act was enacted in 1971. The Wildlife Section of the General Office of Forestry
Development, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle Ranching, is charged
with protecting Ecuador's fauna.
Ecuador currently has six national parks, including the Galapagos Islands National Park and three areas in the country's Amazon Basin region.
Despite having ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Ecuador, like that of other
Amazon Basin countries, faces a threat to its wildlife through development activities.
Several private organizations concerned with animal issues operate in the
country, including a national branch of the World Wildlife Fund.
In 1977, the government issued regulations governing the export of wild
animals and their products. Based on current information, it can only be determined that sea turtles are illegally exported from Ecuador. Legally exported
animals include birds and mammals which are shipped to the United States,
West Germany and the Netherlands.
El Salvador
The only law on wildlife or conservation shown in the Index to Latin American
Legislation for El Salvador is one enacted in 1977 prohibiting the utilization in
any way of turtles and their eggs. (Laws are listed daily in the country's Diario
Oficia/.)
El Salvador, with less than 3% of its densely populated territory forested, has
an extensive list of threatened endangered, and extinct species. The Parks and
Wildlife Department is charged with the protection of the nation's fauna and
habitats. Although it has ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild
Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, El Salvador has not ratified the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
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Among the animal products exported from El Salvador are live iguanas and the
skins of boa constrictors. It is unclear from the information available whether
these exports originated in El Salvador or were forwarded, legally or illegally,
from another country.
French Guiana
A department of the Republic of France, French Guiana is subject to the laws
of the motherland, according to the Embassy of France. Specific regulations
governing hunting and other wildlife matters were unavailable at the time of
writing. It is presumed that the Departmental Office of Agriculture manages
wildlife affairs in French Guiana, but to date no responses to inquiries have been
received.
France has not ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, but did ratify the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora with the reservation that it may import as many crocodile and turtle products as it wishes.
It is known that French Guiana exports the skins of crocodiles and caimans. In
1978, the United States imported more than 11,500 caiman and crocodile skins
from French Guiana. Other export information was unavailable at the time of
writing.
Guatemala
Guatemala's hunting laws were enacted in 1971 to protect 16 endangered species of mammals and birds. The widespread destruction of habitat and inadequate reforestation efforts have greatly diminished the range of forest dwelling
species in Guatemala. Despite their protected status, the majority of the
country's wild I ife are nonetheless subject to hunting pressures. The only protected species not hunted is the quetzal bird, but widespread clearing of its
forest habitat contributes to the dwindling population trend.
Guatemala's National Parks Service maintains protected areas and manages
the country's wildlife populations.
Several private organizations and the University of San Carlos i-n Guatemala
City are involved in welfare issues concerning the country's wildlife and domestic
animals.
Although Guatemala is a member of the Convention on Nature Protection and
Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, it has not ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Among the species legally and illegally exported by Guatemala, both alive and
for their products, are boa constrictors and a variety of other snakes, iguanas,
jaguar, ocelots, margay and numerous species of birds. Puerto Barrios, on the
Carribbean coast of Guatemala, is said to be an important conduit for illegal animal trafficking from Guatemala and other neighboring Latin American countries.
ty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guyana. No information was available
on private sector activities.
Guyana has not ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere but has signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The government
banned primate exports in 1976.
No information was available to aid in distinguishing which species and animal
products are exported either legally or illegally. Several Latin American countries
and conservationists have alleged that Guyana serves as a conduit for illegal
animal trafficking. Statistics published by the Wildlife Permit Office of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service list Guyana and Surinam as t~e countries of origin for
three shipments of caiman skins in 1977 totalling 6,643 specimens.
Honduras
The six-year old Department of Renewable Natural Resources, under the
Ministry of Natural Resources, includes units concerned with wildlife, ecology
and fisheries. Members of the Wildlife Unit work on the formulation of protective legislation for wildlife and their habitat. Marine turtles are protected by law,
although enforcement is so poor that large numbers of turtles and their eggs are
taken annually.ln 1977, the legal sale of live cats and their skins was banned.
The Wildlife Unit has recently conducted an inventory of 14 prospective national park sites. Honduras' first national park may soon be created on 7,000 hectares of cloud forest at La Tigre near Tegucigalpa, the nation's capital. A
long-range plan exists for the creation of a wildlife refuge in the Rio Platano
region of Colon and Gracias a Dios departments.
No information regarding organizations concerned with animal issues was
available at the time of writing.
Honduras has not ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere or the Convention on International
While the export of live animals and their products is believed to be minimal,
some smuggling is said to occur from the Mosquitia, a wilderness area in northeastern Honduras rich in caiman, boa constrictors, jaguar, ocelot and bird
species. In 1977, Honduras legally exported 618 live iguanas and 68 live boa constrictors to the United States. Export figures to other countries are unavailable.
Mexico
Legislation found to date on Guyana's wildlife dates back to the period prior
to the nation's independenc~ from Great Britain. Some sauces say that Guyana is
formulating. new laws to deal with wildlife and national parks, but at the time of
writing, no information has been received from correspondents in Guyana.
Although Mexico's federal hunting and game laws are among the oldest and
most thorough in Latin America, enforcement is a serious problem. With one of
the highest birthrates in the world, Mexico's people continue to move into the
nation's wild areas in search of land and food. Animals, such as the tapir, which
are protected year round, are nonetheless hunted for their meat. Foreign sportsmen continue to seek trophies in Mexico with the result that jaguar and other endangered species are still hunted, both within the legal seasons established by
the government and illegally. Mexico is said to be redrafting its wildlife laws. The
1936 Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals between Mexico and the United States, supplemented by the addition of 32
phylogenetic families in 1972, remains in effect.
Government agencies known to deal with wildlife matters in Guyana are the
Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Museum and Zoological Park, and the Facul-
The Ministry of Agriculture's Subsecretary of Forestry and Fauna is charged
with managing and protecting the nation's wildlife. Other government agencies
Guyana
10
11
and institutions, such as the Natural History Museum of Mexico City and various
universities, conduct research on wildlife problems. There are 47 national parks
and preserves in the country.
Mexico has ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and is said to be near to ratifying the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wiid Fauna and Flora.
More than a dozen private animal welfare organizations operate through Mexico, but their activities appear to be concerned mainly with domestic animal
issues.
In addition to the hunting of jaguar, both legally and illegally, Mexico exports
raw skins, hides and manufactured animal products such as watchbands, shoes,
handbags and belts fashioned from crocodillians, iguanas and other lizards. Sea
turtles and parrots are among the many other animals that are exported, legally
and illegally, from Mexico.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua's hunting legislation, enacted in 1956, was updated in 1972 to
establish seasons on most wildlife and prohibit indefinitely the hunting of those
species which are most endangered (however, members of the cat family remain
on the seasons list). In early 1977, legislation was passed prohibiting the hunting
and capture of certain animal species for commercial purposes. Exploitation of
other species is still permitted on a seasonal basis. The same law prohibited the
exportation of turtle eggs for a ten year period. Despite the 1977 legislation,
many rare animal species can still be hunted and trapped legally. Nicaragua lists
14 mammals and 17 birds as being in danger of extinction as development of the
country's eastern tropical forests continues to destroy wildlife habitat.
The Wildlife Department of the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the
management and protection of Nicaragua's wildlife. However, with three distinct
government agencies responsible for the utilization of natural resources, and virtually no coordination among them, wildlife is often the loser to forestry, water,
cattle ranching and agrocolonization projects.
A National Parks Service, under the natural resources agency CAT ASTRO, has
designated an area in the tropical forest region of north~astern Nicaragua as a
protected area which may become a national park. Existing parks in the country
focus on Nicaragua's numerous volcanos, some of which include cloud forests.
Nicaragua has ratified both the convention on Nature Protection and Wild life
Although no records of Nicaragua's exporting of live animals or their products
was available at the time of writing, both neighboring Honduras and Costa Rica
maintain that animals from their respective countries are exported illegally
through Nicaragua.
Panama
Panama's 1967 game laws, which provide for the protection of 17 species of
animals, are currently being updated by officials of RENARE, the Department of
Renewable Natural Resources, under the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Most edible birds, mammals and reptiles are theoretically protected by law,
however, hunting pressures are high and enforcement is said to be nonexistent.
Members of the cat family - viewed by farmers and ranchers as a threat to their
12
livestock - are not protected. At the public market in Panama City, jaguar skins
sell for about $50 dollars each.
The country's first national park was created in late 1978 in an effort to protect the main watershed around the Panama Canal's Gatun Lake from deforestation by peasants seeking new homesteads. Plans are also underway to establish
Frontier National Park in Darien Province adjacent to the Colombian border. In
the Canal Zone there are two biological preserves, Barra Colorado Island in
Gatun Lake, administered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and
Madden Forest Reserve near Panama City.
In addition to the work of RENARE, the Museum of Natural Sciences conducts
research projects relating to Panama's wildlife and their habitats.
Private organizations involved with wildlife issues include the Panama
Audubon Society and the Sociedad Amigos de Ia Naturaleza.
Panama has ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and, in October of 1978, ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES).
Despite its ratification of CITES, Panama is still reputed to be one of Latin
America's major stopovers for illegally exported live animals and animal products. When asked which species of animals are illegally exported from Panama,
one official simply replied, "You name it." Parrots and other birds, all species of
monkeys, a wide variety of crocodillians, iguanas and other reptiles, turtle products and virtually any mammal that can be caught, skinned and transported are
smuggled out of Panama to markets in the United States, Japan and Europe. In
1977, part of Panama's legal exports to the United States included more than 245
live baby caimans, 371 live baby boa constrictors, 3500 live baby iguanas and
350 watchbands made from caiman hides.
Paraguay
With no response to the project questionnaire received at the time of writing,
the only hunting or conservation law located for Paraguay in the Index to Latin
American Legislation (1950- 1979) was a decree regulating the hunting of certain
species of wild fowl.
It is known that a National Parks and Wildlife division exists within the Department of Forestry Management.
To date there is no information on private sector agencies dealing with wildlife
or domestic animal matters.
Paraguay has ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere as well as the Convention on International
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service records show that in 1978, 9000 iguana skins
were imported into the United States from Paraguay. It is also known that snake
skins are exported.
Peru
Peru's forestry and wildlife law,"enacted in 1975, prohibits the hunting of a
variety of endangered species, including jaguar and tapir, and establishes hunting
seasons on other species such as capybara, white-lipped and white-collared peccaries and brockett deer. (As in most other Latin American nations, the more
than 50 aboriginal Indian tribes of Peru's Amazon basin are not required to abide
13
by the hunting laws.) Some Peruvian officials maintain that the nation's wildlife
and its habitat are not currently threatened because of the lack of intensive
development efforts throughout the country. Other authorities, however, maintain that Peru is a major source and conduit of illegally exported animals and
animal products.
The Conservation Branch of the General Office of Forestry and Fauna in the
Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the protection and management of
Peru's wildlife.
A national parks program was instituted in Peru in 1968, although some areas
were designated as protected as early as 1961. Peru currently has five national
parks, four national reserve areas and two national sanctuaries. An additional
two parks, two national reserves and three national sanctuaries are planned.
In addition to bilateral conservation agreements with other countries whose
territories contain expanses of the Amazon basin, Peru has ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western
Hemisphere and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora.
Two private agencies work with domestic animal welfare issues, and there is
also a national branch of the World Wildlife Fund in Peru.
As has been noted, Peru is reputed to be an important stopover and source
country for a wide variety of smuggled wildlife and animal products. Two
Amazon basin towns, lquitor and Pucallpa, are said to be major collection and
distribution points for virtually every animal species found in the region's
tropical rain forests. While documentation on legally exported animals shows few
exports - e.g., 50 tamarins exported to the United States in 1977 - illegally exported mammals, reptiles, birds and insects are conservatively said to number in
the tens of thousands.
Surinam
No information on Surinam's wildlife legislation was received by the time of
writing. A territory of the Netherlands, Surinam is known to have a Ministry of
Agriculture in which an office of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries operates.· Conceivably, this office is also involved with wildlife matters. A private agency, the
Foundation of Nature Preservation in Surinam (STI NASU) is known to operate
within the country.
diction of the Forestry Office. In the same year the Office of Legal Control was
established within the Ministry of Livestock and Agriculture to implement "management" plans for the nation's wildlife.
Two private organizations are involved with animal welfare issues in Uruguay.
Uruguay has ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life
While exact numbers on Uruguay's export of wildlife and animal products are
not readily available, one authority has said that the country's wildlife export
figures were so large that they could not be enumerated by Uruguayan officials.
One figure available from the U.S. Department of the Interior shows that in 1978
the U.S. shoe industry imported 5,158 boa constrictor skins from Uruguay.
Venezuela
Wildlife legislation enacted by Venezuela in 1970 established seasons and
other restrictions on the hunting and commercial utilization of wildlife by all but
the aboriginal peoples living in the Orinoco River basin.
Three government agencies, the National Wildlife Council,' the National Center
of Wildlife Investigation (under the Ministry of Agriculture) and the Ministry of
Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, deal with matters concerning the
nation's wildlife. Due to minimal efforts to develop Venezuela's southern region,
there are relatively few pressures on wild animal species in that area.
Venezuela has 24 national parks and natural monuments. In addition to
government agencies, .there are six private organizations which deal.with wildlife
and domestic animal issues.
Venezuela has ratified both the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild
While information relating to the export of wildlife and animal products had
not been received at the time of this writing, it is known that Venezuela legally
exports caiman and crocodile hides.
The Netherlands, despite its interests in Surinam, has not ratified the Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere.
Neither has the Dutch government ratified the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
While the exact extent of legal and illegal animal exports from Surinam is not
presently known, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service statistics show that in 1977, the
United States imported more than 6,643 caiman hides shipped jointly from
Surinam and Guyana. How much of Surinam's wildlife trafficking is channeled
through the Netherlands is unclear at this time.
Uruguay
Uruguay's wildlife legislation regulates the hunting, exploitation and sale of all
native and migratory species. Over the years, laws have been enacted to protect
ostriches, waterfowl, otter, foxes and wolves throughout the country.
In 1970, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was created within the juris-
14
15
SECTION II INTERNATIONAL AND UNITED STATES
ACTIVITIES AND LAWS CONCERNING
LATIN AMERICAN WILDLIFE
A. International Activities and Laws
The first people to wonder at the wildlife of Latin America were those who
migrated from Asia through North America and into Central and South America.
They marveled at the animals and, in addition to utilizing those that provided
food, clothing and adornment, they incorporated the most strange and colorful
creatures into their beliefs. Then, almost four centuries ago, a new influx of immigrants began. Searching for wealth and renown, the adventurers - the Spanish
and Portuguese followed by the Dutch and the English - told tales not only of
dazzling treasures and enticing new lands, but of animals unknown to European
man. It was not long before the naturalists began their explorations, breathlessly
collecting, cataloging and sketching the life of the tropical rain forests, the
savannas, and the Andean highlands.
Centunes later man knows more about Latin America's wildlife. At the same
time we realize how much more there is to learn before man can claim to
understand the intricate workings among these life forms. One thing we do
understand now is that due tb man's everincreasing encroachment on wildlife
habitat and his ceaseless exploitation of the animals themselves, the future of
Latin American fauna is in question.
In less than four hundred years - a very short span of time from an evolutionary viewpoint - man's question has changed from 'what is it?' to 'how can
we save it?' The problem of disappearing species is one that is now being con. sidered on a global scale. In response to this and corresponding questions, international organizations and laws have been formed which, ideally, support national and regional efforts to address the problems. The following is a survey of
some major international activities and laws which, in addition to their broader
range of considerations, address the problems confronting the wildlife of Latin
America.
The Convention on lntern<ttional Trade in Endangered.Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) is the first major international attempt to preserve endangered
wildlife and plants. Initiated in 1973, CITES establishes a system of import, export and reexport regulations designed to prevent the commercial overexploitation of animal and plant species considered to be endangered.
CITES views the protection of wild animals and plants from the standpoint of
how trade - the import, export or reexport - of a given species would effect its
status in its native country. Under the terms of CITES, "trade" includes all international shipments, whether private, commercial, scientific or other. Also included are marine mammals imported from the high seas. "Species" is defined to include "any species, subspecies, or geographically separate population thereof,"
thereby recognizing the problem that a particular subspecies might nevertheless
face extinction although the species itself is not threatened.
CITES recognizes that many species need protection now, while safeguards are
urgently required to protect others which could be threatened by rising demands.
Wild fauna and flora are listed in three appendices to CITES and are accorded
varying degrees of protection depending upon their appendix listing. Appendix I
lists species which face extinction and are, or may be, affected by trade. Appendix II includes species which, although not presently threatened with extinction,
may become so if trade were not carefully regulated to prevent their overexploitation. This appendix also lists other species which closely resemble those in
need of protection. Appendix Ill represents a special category in which any
party-country can list indigenous animal or plant species that are protected
domestically but which also require international protection. In addition to formal meetings of CITES parties held every few years, there are provisions for submitting amendments to the document's appendices. Parties can also enter a
"reservation" on a species which means that they will be treated as nonparties
regarding trade in that particular species.
Some 982 species of wild animals and plants have been listed as endangered
by the 51 nations which have ratif.ied CITES.
Among the problems confronting member-parties of CITES is that, while most
exporting nations have regulations, importing nations may have none. Thus, the
problems which the source countries have in enforcing laws and monitoring the
flow of animal exports are aggravated by the worldwide demand for animal products which encourages smuggling and discourages effective controls. Another
problem is the reservation clause, a diplomatic nicety, which enables a country
to be both a CITES member as well as a consumer of whatever animal products
mean profitable business to special interests.
The Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the
Western Hemisphere, implemented in 1940 under the auspices of the Pan
American Union, provides for the conservation of species and genera of flora
and fauna native to the Americas in their natural habitats. The Convention also
promulgates the creation of national parks and preserves as well as the preservation of nature monuments, strict wilderness preserves and migratory birds. The
control of international trade of specially protected species of wildlife is also
provided for in Article IX by requiring a certificate of lawful exportation from the
country of origin.
With the majority of Western Hemisphere nations having ratified the Convention, many conservation-minded scientists and planners sought stricter
adherence to the substance of the agreement in recent years.
The Convention Between the United States of America and The United Mexican States For the Protection of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals, implemented in 1936, permits under regulation the rational use of certain migratory
birds; provides for enactment of laws and regulations to protect birds by
establishing closed seasons and refuge zones; prohibits the killing of insectivorous birds, except by permit when they are deemed detrimental to
agriculture; and provides for the enactment of regulations on transportation of
game mammals across the United States-Mexican border. The United States implemented the treaty by amending the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, an
agreement between the United States and Great Britain (acting for Canada),
which established regulations regardi.ng the exploitation of migratory birds.
The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) was begun in 1970 under the
auspices of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). Intergovernmental in structure and oriented towards the management
of problems arising from the interactions between man's activities and natural
systems, MAB activities cover 14 international projects including tropical forests,
17
16
.
temperate forests, grazing lands, arid zones, fresh water, mountains, islands,
biosphere reserves, pesticides/fertilizer, engineering works, urban ecosystems,
demographic change, perception of environmental quality and pollution.
Certain of these project areas have particular relevance to the status of
wildlife in Latin America. MAS's tropical forest project involves studying and
documenting the ecological effects of increasing human activities on tropical
and subtropical forest ecosystems. The biosphere reserves project promotes the
conservation of national areas and the genetic diversity they contain. The ongoing results of the MAB projects, may help alleviate the pressures being exerted
on wildlife habitat throughout Latin America.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN), is an international organization whose activities concern Latin America's
wildlife and the preservation of its habitat. With headquarters in Morges,
Switzerland, IUCN is a private organization which studies and monitors changes
in global environment due to human activities. Included among IUCN's many
works are the in-process World Conservation Strategy, which seeks to establish
priorities for the protection of representative samples of ecosystems and their inhabitants; the Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA),
which is reviewing the status of protected areas throughout the world; the Trade
Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC), which monitors
and makes recommendations regarding international trade of wild animals and
plants; and the maintenance of the Red Data Book, which lists those species of
animals and plants which are considered endangered, rare or vulnerable.
The World Wildlife Fund, with international headquarters in Morges,
Switzerland, works closely with its national affiliates throughout the world. In addition to the World Wildlife Fund-U.S., which funds numerous research projects
relating to wildlife and their habitat in Latin America, there is a national branch,
PRODENA-WWF, in Peru.
The International Society for the Protection of Animals (!SPA), with its main office in London and field office, in Massachusetts and West Germany, is active in
promoting animal welfare activities throughout Latin America. In addition to conducting animal rescue projects where dams have flooded vast areas of jungle,
ISPA officials consult with representatives of Latin American governments and
private animal welfare agencies on matters concerning both wildlife and
domestic animals. ISPA is planning to open a field office in Bogota, Colombia,
and another in either Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The World Federation for the Protection of Animals (WFPA), located in Zurich,
Switzerland, has council members and regional correspondents from around the
world. Working in cooperation with the International Society for the Protection
of Animals, the two organizations undertook a global survey in 1977 on animal
protection legislation and slaughter, but the response to the project questionnaire was disappointing (only one response was received from Latin America).
Nonetheless, WFPA continues to work with numerous private animal welfare
organizations in Latin America as well as with international bodies whose concerns include Central and South America.
B. United States Activities and laws
Despite an exhaustive battery of legislation designed to protect international
wildlife, adherence to the major international conventions on wildlife protection
18
and commerce, and conservation and protection activities by both a vigorous
private sector and various government-sponsored agencies, the United States is
the world's largest importer of wildlife and animal products. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service statistics show that in 1977 the United States imported 100
million tropical fish, 500,000 reptiles, 100,000 mammals and many thousands of
exotic birds. But even the seemingly insatiable demand for live animals is surpassed by the volume of trade in wildlife products - the coats, shoes, belts,
watchbands, jewelry and other accessories made from the skins, hides, teeth and
other parts of the world's wildlife.
The Lacey Act: At the end of the last century man began to understand that
his activities were responsible for the extinction of scores of wild I ife species
around the world. Concerned about the recent extermination of the passenger
pigeon and the depletion of other species due to excessive market hunting, the
U.S. Congress passed the Lacey Act in 1900. This was an early effort to prevent
further depletion of wild I ife resources, and hence extinctions. The Lacey Act
sought to bolster the wildlife conservation laws of the states and to protect
agriculture and horticulture by banning the importation of certain species of
wildlife deemed to be detrimental to agriculture. On the conservation side, the
Lacey Act supplemented state laws for the protection of game and birds, with
the added dimension of implementing regulations regarding their use in interstate
commerce. The "importation of injurious wildlife" provisions of the Act did not
cover "natural history specimens for museums or scientific collections" nor did
the Act consider the destructive effects that the importation of wildlife products
had on wildlife populations.
Over the years various amendments to the Lacey Act expanded the provisions
of the original legislation to include broader interpretations of both native and
injurious wildlife. But it is only since 1969 that the movement to protect endangered wildlife species, both in the United States and abroad, began to gain
momentum. While the Lacey Act was an important first step, it is limited in both
the species of wildlife it protects and the kind of protection it offers.
The Endangered Species Act: The passage of The Endangered Species Act of
1973 was the culmination of numerous attempts by private and government
agencies to have substantial legislation enacted to cover both domestic and
foreign species of wildlife. The 1973 Act has two antecedents: The Endangered
Species Preservation Act of 1966, which authorized the protection of endangered
species habitat within the United States but offered no protection for foreign
wildlife, and The Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, which
strengthened the domestic provisions of the 1966 Act and also authorized the
listing of wildlife "threatened with world wide extinction." Furthermore, the 1969
Act prohibited the importation into the United States of such threatened species,
except for certain limited purposes such as zoological, educational and scientific
activities and captive breeding for the preservation of species. The 1969 Act also
amended section 3 of the Lacey Act to expand the scope of the ban on interstate
and foreign commerce in unlawfully obtained wild animals and birds to include
reptiles, amphibians, molluscs and crustaceans.
The Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 also authorized consultations through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOl), in cooperation with the
U.S. Department of State, with foreign countries to determine which species of
foreign wildlife were threatened. The intention was to encourage foreign governments to provide protection for their native endangered species (and to take
19
steps to prevent additional species from becoming endangered), to provide
technical assistance to other countries for the development and implementation
of protection programs, and to promulgate bilateral and multilateral treaties for
the protection of endangered wildlife. To this end, the 1969 Act directed the
departments of the Interior and State to promote an international ministerial
meeting for the purpose of implementing "a binding international convention on
the conservation of endangered species." The agreement which this meeting produced was the basis of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is discussed earlier in this section.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, which repealed the Endangered Species
Conservation Act of 1969 and amended the Endangered Species Preservation Act
of 1966, also implemented CITES. In addition to implementing CITES, the 1973
Act directs the President to implement the 1940 Convention on Nature Protection
and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere. The 1973 Act also directs
the DOl to encourage foreign nations to implement their own endangered
species protection programs and authorizes the granting of U.S. financial and
wildlife personnel assistance to achieve these ends. Under the Act, the DOl is
also authorized to conduct law enforcement investigations and research in consort with foreign countries.
While it is recognized that U.S. control over activities injurious to wildlife carried out by foreign countries is limited, the 1973 Act not only prohibits the importation of endangered and threatened wildlife species through U.S. adherence
to CITES, it also stipulated that the actions of the U.S. government may not imperil the continued existence of endangered or threatened species in foreign
countries.
A few years later, taking this facet of the 1973 Act at face value, several
private U.S. conservation groups brought suit against the U.S. government over
the financial assistance which it was providing to Panama for the construction of
the Pan American Highway through the rain forests of the country's Darien Province. The effects of the highway, the groups argued, would not only be injurious
to Panama's wildlife, but could permit the spread of foot-and-mouth disease to
Central and North America through the transport of infected livestock.
As a result of this and other actions, an amendment was added to the Foreign
Assistance Act in 1977 which required that any development projects funded and
administered by the U.S. government must provide environmental impact statements showing that the planned activities will not be ecologically damaging to
the nations involved. Even broadly interpreted, this provision could include
adverse affects upon endangered wildlife species and their habitat.
By 1978 the World Bank, funded in part by the United States, had also included provisions for environmental impact analyses in its mandate.
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOl): Both the National Park Service and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are agencies of the DOl which work with Latin
American governments. The National Park Service funds the Division of International Park Affairs which provides consultation to foreign governments concerning national parks and preserves and other critical habitats of wildlife. The DOl's
Fish and Wildlife Service funds: a) the Office of International Affairs, which consults with foreign nations on matters pertaining to wildlife protection and management; b) the Division of Law Enforcement, whose agents enforce federal laws
regarding hunting and the importation of foreign animals and animal products; c)
the Federal Wildlife Permit Office, which issues or denies permits for the impor-
tation of foreign species of wildlife and animal products and serves as a management authority on U.S. laws and the importation of foreign species; and d) the
Endangered Species Scientific Authority (ESSA), an autonomous authority created
in 1977 whose duties include advising the Federal Wildlife Permit Office on matters concerning the import and utilization of endangered species of animals and
plants.
Enforcement of wildlife legislation is done by agents and inspectors of the
Division of Law Enforcement with assistance from Customs and other federal
agencies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated eight ports of entry
for the importation of wildlife and animal products: Mi.ami, New York, Chicago,
San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Seattle and Honolulu, with most of the
legally imported Latin American wildlife and animal products entering the United
States at Miami. While designation of the eight ports of entry was made because
of the small number of agents and inspectors, customs officials halt those
unauthorized shipments of wildlife which they catch at other ports. There are
only six wildlife law enforcement agents at New York, and fewer in Miami.
Although import and export forms are collected and kept at the ports of entry,
they have not been monitored and totalled on a national scale since
1972,according to an official of the ESSA. ESSA is presently undertaking the implementation of a computerized monitoring system.
During the period of October 1,1976, to September 30, 1977, 1 ,205 cases involving wildlife importation violations (from all countries) were compiled by the
Division of Law Enforcement. Agents seized some 21,110 specimens which the
importers conservatively estimated at a value of $209,571. Despite enforcement
efforts, it is widely known - if not accepted - that a considerable amount of
wildlife traffic enters the United States illegally. The lack of funding for additional enforcement personnel is considered to be the major stumbling block to
curtailing illegal entries. One government official, pessimistic about the future of
world wildlife, maintained that as long as there is a large market for wild animals
and their products, traffic will continue to "move freely." There is also a feeling
among government officials that environmentalists in the private sector expect
dramatic results from· federal agencies charged with stemming the flow of illegal
imports. Noting their inability to "perform miracles," government authorities say
that the private agencies criticize the government for not having the information
which they themselves do not have. Although the government finds itself accused of being both ineffectual and too strident by disparate wildlife interests, it
is trying, nonetheless, to improve its monitoring and enforcement capacities.
The U.S. Department of State has several activities which concern Latin
America's wildlife. These include the operations of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; the Man and the Biosphere Program office, which liases with UNESCO's international program; and the environmental review activities of potential projects before the Bureau of Latin
American and Caribbean Affairs.
Other Organizations: Among U.S. government-funded activities which involve
the status of wildlife in Latin America are the Smithsonian Institution's Office of
Biological Conservation in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute in Panama, which conducts a wide variety of research projects
relating to the wildlife of the humid tropics.
The Peace Corps continues to provide personnel who work with officials of
departments of renewable natural resources and national parks programs
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20
throughout Latin America, although the highly acclaimed technical assistance
program operated in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution was terminated
in 1978.
preservation of species. Conservation, say the pet interests, involves the managed
harvesting, captive breeding, and translocation of displaced animals while preservation dictates that animals incur no disruptions whatsoever.
Despite the desire and effort to provide effective assistance on matters regarding the problems of wildlife in Latin America, the personnel of relevant U.S.
government agencies are generally frustrated by the magnitude of the problems
and a lack of both adequate funding and staffing. As the number and complexity
of federal and international laws grow, additional monies and manpower are required for full compliance. However, the monitoring and enforcement of legislation suffer from a serious shortage of both.
Non-Government Organizations (NGO): The majority of the numerous private
sector conservation and animal welfare organizations in the United States limit
their activities to domestic concerns. Essentially, the reasons for this restriction
have to do with inadequate funding, the attention required by problems within
the United States, and what one U.S.- based conservationist terms "the enormity
and seemingly hopeless plight of wildlife in the less developed countries."
While the importance of captive breeding programs are generally supported by
pet trade advocates, most acknowledge that the current demand for exotic pets
cannot be met by such activities. Managed harvesting of live specimens, they
say, will prevent increasing deaths due to habitat destruction and provide money
for both primary co(lectors and indigenous conservation efforts.
Of those NCO's that do operate outside the United States, their international
programs are for the most part narrow extensions of the organization's domestic
activities. This is not to say that their activities are either token or ineffectual. International conservation activities, such as the funding and legal assistance made
available for the creation of national parks in other countries by such organizations as the World Wildlife Fund-U.S. and The Nature Conservancy not only
result in tangible results, but are important indeveloping the credibility and
recognition by government and private wildlife agencies located in the host
countries.
Because the destruction of habitat is the major threat to wildlife in Latin
America, NCO assistance with land acquisitions for national parks and preserves
is of primary importance. However, as discussed earlier, neither a national park
nor a federal statute is assurance that wildlife can be protected. Among the important activities which require increased support from the NCO's are public
education programs, such as those promoted by the Rare Animal Relief Effort
(RARE) in Surinam and other countries.
Another crucial endeavor to which the NCO's can contribute is the increased
production of educational films and literature concerning the plight of wildlife in
the less developed countries and the ways in which the United States, through its
private business sector, encourages habitat destruction and trafficking in wildlife
and animal products. While several private conservation organizations currently
produce outstanding materials, such as the National Wildlife Federations' magazine, International Wildlife, increased efforts are needed to stimulate public
awareness in the United States and other developed countries.
In a statement issued to the delegates attending a meeting of CITES held in
San jose, Costa Rica, in March of 1979, a spokesman for the PIJAC, which
represents 18 member associations and some 1,000 institutional members, said:
... the useless killing of many species in the wild, especially those
which transgress to agricultural areas, rather than their managed taking and export is unwarranted and contrary to the spirit of conservation and this Convention; it is also inhumane ... while the pet trade to
some may be luxury, it is a natural resource for many countries - a
natural resource which can and should be properly managed. Certain
species have also been determined to provide sociological and
thereapeutic benefits to man.
The pet industry is ready, willing and able to work with any management authority to assist in encouraging and establishing captive
breeding programs and managed harvesting programs for export
similar to those established in the United States and other countries.
According to Marshall Meyers, General Counsel for PIJAC, captive breeding is
not necessary for all species of animals since some, like fish and certain birds,
reproduce prolifically in the wild.
CITES is impossibe to administer because of all of its regulations, says Meyers.
All nonhuman primates were placed on the list regardless of their status. In many
of the countries where they occur, nonhuman primates are shot as pests because
of their numbers.
Referring to the pet trade, Meyers says that individual situations should determine whether a person should be permitted to keep an exotic animal as a pet.
Permits should be issued according to an individual's knowledge and the
facilities available for the animal(s). The pet trade has been blamed for many of
the negative situations found in zoological parks. However, zoos have become
more sensitive to these problems and are attempting to rectify them. Mindful of
existing differences, the pet trade would I ike to improve its relationship with the
conservation and environmental groups.
Consumer Organizations: Another aspect of the U.S. private sector's involvement with Latin American wildlife is the "consumer organizations"; those whose
concerns lie with promoting the importation of either animals or animal products
for commercial purposes. Among the organizations which encourage commerce
in living wildlife are the U.S.-based Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Great Britain's Pet Trade
Association Limited (PTA), and the International Pet Trade Organization (I PTO),
headquartered in the Netherlands.
Among the arguments advanced to promulgate the importation of live animals
is that CITES is a document which promotes the conservation rather than the
22
23
SECTION Ill CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The American naturalist Joseph Wood Krutch has written that for a species to
become extinct is for it to be "lost forever in the most absolute of all deaths."
Our awareness of extinction is a frightening concept, new to man's consciousness. Some maintain that it is an awareness born of luxury; that for the primitive
man who slew the last mammoth or the subsistence peoples who excessively
hunt the animal inhabitants of their world, survival is the only concept to be
understood. But all must agree that the total extermination of a species not only
endangers the ecosystem to which that species belonged, it diminishes the soul
of man. Evolution has taught us that all life is a struggle to survive and that
some species are bound to perish in that contest. But even if we consider man as
a component of the natural world - which we should - there can be no
justification for his extermination of other species. Ignorance can be no excuse
when rational alternatives exist.
In order for a species to survive, it must adapt to the changes in its environment - the loss or introduction of other species, climate, and other subtle factors which historically have occurred over long periods of time. The rule is simple: adapt or die. But the rise to dominance of Homo sapiens has been accompanied by their ability to dramatically alter environments with dire consequences
for nonhuman life forms. It has been estimated that in the eighteen centuries
prior to 1600 (the beginning of the modern age), some 120 kinds of mammals and
150 types of birds had disappeared. It is calculated that only a quarter of these
lost animals were lost through natural causes; that the rest were exterminated by
man and his activities. Studies show that since the seventeenth century, the rate
of extinction is increasing with the passage of time. The number of extinctions in
the twentieth century is said to be one species lost every year. Based on current
information and future projections, the prognosis for the surviving species is grim.
At the current rate of development, it is estimated that the tropical rain forests
of Latin America - those great reservoirs of biological diversity - will be
destroyed by· early in the next century. Not only would we lose the myriad
species of animals and plants, many of them undiscovered which live there, but
it is postulated that the destruction of the forests themselves could have immense repercussions on the global environment. Similarly, man's activities in
other geographical regions of Latin America threatens native species of animals
and plants, edging them even closer to extinction. It is, therefore, with these
points in mind that the following recommendations concerning the preservation
and conservation of Latin America's wildlife are made.
1) Because the efforts of any U.S. or international organization aspiring to
work with Latin American counterparts in solving problems can only be as effective as the contact agencies and individuals to be dealt with in each country, it is
essential that liasons be carefully considered and developed. It is recommended
that the organizations and contact individuals noted throughout the report and
listed in Appendix A be supported and consulted as new programs and activities
are undertaken. Using their expertise in legal, fundraising and other areas, private
organizations within the United States can help to strengthen existing organizations with similar concerns.
24
2) Each Latin American nation should conduct environmental impact studies
prior to the implementation of development projects. This may not only save
some degree of wildife and habitat, but could prevent the expense and waste of
ill-conceived planning. In the past and present, many countries have promoted
costly projects in agriculture, colonization and engineering only to discover later
that soils and other environmental factors were unsuitable. Priority should be
given to implementing land-use surveys and inventories in order that rational
decision-making can be employed within the framework of national and local
development activities.
When a specific project has been approved, care should be taken to preserve
adjacent areas of habitat and its wildlife. The careless use of powerful herbicides
and insecticides throughout Latin America has become a severe problem affecting man, wildlife and vegetation. Regulations regarding the import and production of pernicious chemicals and their use need to be implemented and enforced.
3) With or without the assistance of international aid institutions, development
activities which can serve as alternatives to the destruction of existing wilderness
areas should be promulgated. Improved management of arable lands already
under cultivation and the conversion from cash crops for export to food products
for domestic use could help to alleviate the food shortages suffered by many
Latin American countries. At the same time, alternate industries in fisheries,
forestry (with reforestation activity), and manufacturing which would not only
provide employment but goods for domestic use and export, could be developed.
All governments have a responsibility to resist economic exploitation by business
interests, both domestic and foreign, and to ensure that large profits derived
from their activities do not leave the country to be invested elsewhere.
4) Increased activity in the area of public education is essential if the problems relating to the conservation of wild I ife and their habitat are to be rectified.
Public education programs dealing with birth control in Costa Rico and wildlife
conservation in Honduras and Brazil have already shown successful results.
5) Although further study is required, research activities demonstrating the
feasibility of widlife husbandry have already indicated that such animals as
tapirs and manatees offer substantial nutritional benefits. Moreover, it is maintained by ecologists and other scientists that wildlife farming is more productive
than the yield gleaned from ranching activities involving domestic animals. By
pursuing wildlife husbandry with a variety of species, habitat destruction for
relatively unproductive cattle ranching activities would be lessened, and
ecosystems preserved.
6) The establishment of departments of renewable natural resources, usually
enacted when a country's environmental awareness is beginning to bloom, means
institutional leadership for the formulation of future conservation legislation and
activities. The continued and increased support of these departments by appropriate U.S. and international agencies is urged.
While the problems associated with the enforcement of conservation laws and
the protection of national parks and preserves are recognized, additional financial and technical assistance is needed for the training of management and enforcement personnel, shelter and transportation facilities, and environmental
25
awareness programs such as those promoted by the national park~ ser~ices ~nd
wildlife. agencies of various countries. The economic asset of tounsm m nat1onal
parks where healthy wildlife populations thrive freely has already been demonstrated in several less developed countries.
7) Ratification by all Latin American nations and compliance with both the
Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western.
Hemisphere and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Spec1e~ of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) should be vigorously promoted by those countnes
which are already members and by international organizations involved with
Latin America such as the Organization of American States, The World Bank, and
appropriate agencies of the United Nations and the U.S. government.
8) Enforcement of national and international conservation and wildlife laws
must be pursued more actively. It is recommended that an international. body, to
include officials of member nations of CITES, authorities of the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource's TRAFFIC group,
and other appropriate technical advisors, form a monitoring and enfor~ement
agency to operate wherever required. In Latin America, this agency, w1th the
cooperation of the various governments, would operate in such key export a~eas
as Leticia and Barranquilla, Colombia; lquitos and Pucallpa, Peru; Panama City
and Colon, Panama; Bluebell, Nicaragua; Puerto Barrios, Guatemala; Belize City
and Stann Creek, Belize; and along the Mexico-United States border.
Failing the establishment of such an enforcement body, increased assistance
for inspection at major export points should be made available to those countries expressing an interest in curtailing illegal trafficking operations. Funding for
these activities could come from a variety of sources including the implementation of special taxes levied on the sale of wildlife and animal products. Some
authorities, appalled at the magnitude of wildlife exports streaming from Latin
America, some authorities have proposed a moratorium on wildlife trade for a
six-month to one-year period in order to allow wildlife propulations to
.
re-establish themselves. Failing the implementation o~ so "drastic" an action, it
is suggested that efforts be made to improve the regulation of trading activities
and distribute the profits more equitably among the chain of people involved.
One of the more obvious ways that this could be accomplished - at least as far
as legal trade is concerned - is for national and/or state governments to nationalize trade activities.
9) In order to curtail injuries and deaths, humane methods of capturing and
confining wild animals should be developed. The use of tranquilizers (in guns and
bait) should be required and improved methods of netting s~ould be devel~ped.
Despite the economic disadvantages, Latin American countnes s~?uld ~ons1d.er
prohibiting the bunting of their wildlife by foreign sportsmen. ~allmg th1~ a~t1on,
they should limit the number of hunting permits issued to fore1gners while Increasing I icense fees.
10) While it has been noted that U.S. government foreign assistance activities
are bound by law to consider the environmental impact of new development projects, no such requirement exists for U.S.-based companies who sell their products or technical assistance to foreign countries. It is urged that the U.S. govern-
26
ment impose legislation requiring U.S. companies operating abroad to adhere to
the environmental laws of the United States when pursuing commercial interests
overseas. Similarly, host countries should require that foreign companies operating within their national territories adhere to exisitng laws on conservation and
the environment. Bound by U.S. regulations, companies could no longer engage
in the sale of chemicals and other products harmful to the environment. U.S.
companies should also be required to submit environmental impact studies to
the governments of the host country and the United States prior to the final sale
of heavy machinery to be used for large-scale development projects which
would alter existing wilderness areas.
11) The U.S. government should consider prohibiting the import and sale of all
live animals and animal products for commercial purposes. Importation of live
animals for certain scientific activities - which must be narrowly defined - can
be considered by appropriate authorities. It is the author's feeling that the confinement of most wild animals by the public serves no worthwhile purpose.
While tropical fish and smaller lizards and snakes may be exceptions, larger reptiles and all members of the cat family do not make acceptable pets and suffer
high mortality rates in captivity outside of zoological gardens. The issue of zoological gardens is becoming increasingly controversial, despite new designs in
group and open habitats. While zoos can perform an important function in the
captive breeding of endangered and threatened species, inadequate budgets and
squalid conditions plague many institutions.
12) Within the United States, the adversary relationship which currently exists
between private conservation organizations and the government agencies involved in conservation activities is, in the main, unproductive. Having worked
with both sectors, it is the author's conviction that individuals dedicated to the
difficult task of solving national and international conservation problems should
work more closely together. While it will doubtless remain necessary for private
organizations to involve some government bureaus in court actions in order to
effect change, NCO's must bear in mind that the government agencies dealing
with conservation issues are bound by federal laws and budget restrictions. Furthermore, despite the pressures for funding and recognition which virtually all of
the private conservation organizations face, their members should adopt more
cooperative attitudes. Assuming that the conservation goals of the private groups
are very similar, one should expect the support of all for worthwhile endeavors.
In conclusion, any activities undertaken by U.S. conservation organizations in
Latin America should first carefully consider the nature of the project and the
country in which it is to be promoted. There are several countries which seem to
offer greater potential for success than others. Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela,
Argentina and Chile are among the nations which already have good infrastructures with which foreign conservation efforts can align their endeavors. While
some other countries may have less than optimal government or private sector
organizations, their needs could therefore be perceived as being greater. Belize a
country which claims 62% of its national territory as wilderness area and which
has minimal development pressure, would provide an excellent focal point for
the development of national parks and related conservation programs.
If the diversity of life as we know it is to survive on this planet, governments
27
in consort with private organizations must establish national guidelines for the
utilization and conservation of all natural resources. The specter that man will
continue to plunder the earth and destroy its other inhabitants along with himself
is a distinct possibility. However, it is also possible that man will yet learn to
share this planet and to discover his place upon it and that all forms of life will
one day be able to "be fruitful and multiply" within the environmental limitations established by Nature.
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Hallagan, J. (1979) No Longer a Wilderness of Monkeys. Conservation News 44(2]: 8-11
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29
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Appendix A
Relevant Institutions and Contact Individuals Concerned with Animal
Issues in latin America. (This is not a complete listing.)
United States of America
Dr. Gerald Bertrand
Office of International Affairs
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Bill Long
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
U S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.
Dr. Richard S Felgar
Senora Desert Museum
Tucson, Arizona 85703
Mr. Curt Freese
Office of International Affairs
U S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, D.C.
Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy
World Wildlife Fund
Washington, D.C.
Ms. Shirley McGreal
International P'rimate Protection League
P 0. Drawer X
Summerville, South Carolina 29483
Mr. John Walsh
International Society for the Protection
of Animals
29 Perkins Street
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts 02130
Dr. Gary Wetterberg
Division of International Park Affairs
National Park Service
Washington, D.C.
Mr. R. Michael Wright
Director
International Program
The Nature Conservancy
Arlington, Virginia
Nicole Dupla1x
Director
TRAFFIC (USA)
World Wildlife Fund - U.S.
1601 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Europe
Mr. Trevor Scott
International Society for the
Protection of Animals
106 Jermyn Street
London SW1 Y 6E E
England
30
Europe (Continued)
Mr. Karl Frucht
World Federation for the
Protection of Animals
Secretariat
Dreikonigstrasse 37
CH-8002
Zurich, Switzerland
Mrs. Francoise Burhenne
Legal Officer
Environmental Law Centre
International Union for Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources
Adenauerallee 214
D 5300 Bonn, West Germany
Argentina
Sr. Guillermo Anibal Surraco, President
Asociacion de Proteccion al Animal
"EI Refugio"
San Martin 491 (60-21)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lie. Claudio Blanco
)efe de Departamento lnvestigacion y Proteccion
Direccion Nacional de Fauna Silvestre
Subsecretaria de Recursos Naturalis Renovables y
Ecologia
Pase·o Colon 922
2 ° Pi so
BuenosAires, Argentina
Sr. Osvaldo E. Dulom, President
Federacion Argentina de Entidades Protectora de
Animales
Calle Quito 4378/Codigo Postal No. 1212
Dr. Eduardo 0. Gonzales Ruis
Director Nacional de Fauna Silvestre (Int.)
Ministerio de Economia
Secretaria de Estado de Agricultura y Ganaderia
Liga Argentina de Porteccion de Animales
Filial General Roca
General Roca, Prov. de Rio Negro
"Sarmiento"
Sociedad Protectora de Animales
Santiago del Estero 649
Sociedad Argentina Protectora
de los Animales
Lavalle 1334
Oficina 34-piso 30
Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Escobar
Secretaria: Sarmiento 249
Escobar-PCG BM
Argentina
31
Argentina (Continued)
Sociedad Protectors de Animates
"Sarmiento"
Roca 76
Gualequaychu, Entre Rios
Argentina
Belize
Mr. E.O. Bradley, B.S.F.
Principal Forest Officer
Forest Department
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Belmopan, Belize
Mr. H.C Flowers, B.S.F.
Chief Forest Officer
Forest Department
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Belmopan, Belize
Mr. Evan Young
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture, Surveys and Lands
Belmopan, Belize
Bolivia
Lie. Gaston Bejarano B.
jefe del Departamento Vida Silvestre
Parques Nacionales, Caza y Pesca
Centro de Desarollo Forestal
Av. Camacho 1471, 6 ° Pi so
La Paz, Bolivia
Brazil
Clube de Florae Fauna
M. Fritz Muller
Rua Bingen 210
Petropolis, Braz i I
Fundacao Brasileira para a Conservacao
da Natureza (FBCN)
SQS 106- Bloco A
Apto. 207
70.000- Brasilia- DF
Brazil
Dr. Antonio Dantas Machado
Director
Humid Tropic Program
National Council for Scientific and
Technolog1cal Development
Brasilia, Brazil
Maria Tereza Jorge Padua
Directora da Divisao de Protecao da
Natureza- I BDF
Palacio da Desenvolu1mento
13° Andar- IBDF-SBN
Brasi I ia, DF-70,000
Brazil
Dr. Paulo Nogueria Neto
Director
Special Secretariat of the Environment
Ministry of The Interior
Brasilia, Brazil
Dr. Luiz Scaff
Director
Goeldi Museum
Belem, Para, Brazil
32
Brazil (Continued)
Columbia (Continued)
Ecuador (Continued)
Sociedad Paraense de Protecao dos Animais
Avenida Bras de Aguiar 307
Belem, Para
Brazil
Calle 41, No. 44-1\-29
Medellin (Antiguia)
Colombia
Dr. Miguel Morena Espinosa
Executive Director
Museo Historia Naturales de Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
Sociedade Uniao lnternacional Protetora
dos Animais
Rio de janeiro
Brazil
Costa Rica
Uniao lnternacional Protetora dos Animais
Rue Alvaro de Carvalho 238
Sao Paulo
Brazil
Asociacion Nacional Protectora de Animates
P 0. Box 26
San Francisco Dos Rios
San Jose, Costa Rica
Sr. Fernando Ortiz Crespo
lnstituto de Ciencias
Universidad de Ciencias
Apto. 2184
Quito, Ecuador
Chile
Ms. joanna Barnes
Audubon Society of Costa Rica
Apto. 162
Guadelupe
Costa Rica
Comite Pro Defensa de Ia Fauna y Flora
Santiago, Chile
lnstituto de Ecologia
Santiago, Chile
Liga Proteccion al Caballo contra Ia Crueldad
Casilla 3675
Santiago, Chile
Dr. Jurgen Rottman
Jefe, Seccion de Vida Silvestre
Corporacion Nacional Forestal
Avenida Bulnes 285
Depto. 401
Santiago, Chile
Sociedad Amigos de las Animates
Santiago, Chile
Sociedad de Vida Silvestre
Santiago, Chile
Mr. Godofredo Stutzin
Union de Amigos de los Animates
Huerfanos 972
Oficina 508
Santiago, Chile
Colombia
Asociacion Defensora de Animates ADA
Calle 46
No. 22-48
Bogota
Colombia
Dr. Horge Hernandez Camacho
Jefe Division Fauna Terrestre
INDERENA
Avenida Caracas, 25-A-66
13ogota, Colombia
Dr. Jesus M. ldrobo
Institute de Ciencias Naturales
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Bogota, Colombia
Sra. Margarita Manna de Botero
Information Officer
INDERENA
Bogota, Colomb1a
Sociedad Columbiana para el bienestar de
los An1males y Defense de las Plantas
Presidenta Sra. Cecilia de Melendez
Carrera 30, No. 45-A-88
Bogota, Colombia
Asociacion Costarricense para Ia Conservacion
de Ia Naturaleza
San jose, Costa Rica
Lie. Eduardo Lopez Pizarro
Jefe, Departamento de Evaluacion de Recursos
de Fauna Marina y Continental
Direccion General de Recursos Pesqueros
y Vida Silvestre
Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia
Dr. Craig MacFarland
Chief
Wildlands Management Unit
CAT IE
Turrialba, Costa Rica
Dr. Rudolfo Saenz Forero
Vice Ministro de Recursos Naturales
San jose, Cost Rica
Sociedad Protectora de los Animales
Dr. joseph Tosi
Trpical Science Center
Mr. Alvaro F. Ugalde
Director
National Parks Service
San jose, Cost Rica
Dr. Carlos E. Valerio G.
Escuela de Biologia
Universidad de Costa Rica
Ciudad Universitaria
Dr. Gonzalo Vargas Aguilar
President
National Animal Protection Association
Lie. Christopher Vaughan
Escuela de Ciencias Ambientales
Universidad Nacional
Heredia, Costa Rica
NATURA
Quito, Ecuadorsr. Angel Pauoar M.
Seccion Vida Silvestre
Direccion General de Desarrollo Forestal
Quito, Ecuador
Sr. Roque Sevilla L., President
World Wildlife Fund- Ecuador
Padre J. De Velasco No. 167
Apto. 243
Quito, Ecuador
Sociedad de Amigos de Ia Naturaleza
Francisco Campos
Quito, Ecuador
lng. Teodoro Suarez M.
Director General de Desarrollo Forestal
Direccion de Desarrollo Forestal
Quito, Ecuador
El Salvador
Lie. Jose Salvador Flores Guido
Director del Depto. de Biologia
Facultad de Ciencias y Humanidades
Universidad de El Salvador
San Salvador, El Salvador
Lie. Victor Manuel Marin J
lnstituto Salvadoreno de Turismo
Ms. Hmanda Meier
Sociedad Portectora de
Animates de Salvador
35 Calle Ote, No. 626
Lie. Francisco Serrano
Jefe, Unidad de Parques Nacionales
y Vida Silvestre
Servicio Forestal y de Fauna
Direccion General de Recursos Naturales
Renovables
Canton El Matasano, Soyapango
El Salvador
French Guiana
Ecuador
Mr. M. Groene
Director of Agricultural Services
Cayenne
French Guiana
Dr. Misael Acosta-Solis
Presidente
lnstituto Ecuatorano de Ciencias Naturales
lnstituto Georgrajico de Militar
Quito, Ecuador
Prefecture de Region
Direction Departementale de Ia Agriculture
Rue Friedmond
97305 Cayenne
French Guiana, South America
33
Guatemala
Mexico
Bioi. Pablo Herman Kihn
Consultor INAFOR
Catedratico Escuela de Biologia
Universidad de San Carlos
Guatemala
Dr. Emil Arias L.
Depto. Produccion Agricola y Animals
Div. C.B.S.
Camal Nacional y Calzada del Hueso
AP 23-181 UAM-Zochimilco
Boulevard Manuel Avila Aomacho 90
Naucaopan, Mexico F.P. 10
Apartado postal 325
Mexico 23, D.F. Mexico
Dr. jorge Ibarra
Director
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural
Guatemala City
Guatemala
Sr. Andrew Snyder
Maya Audubon de Conservacion para
Ia Naturaleza
Casa Ri Kappe
Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala
Guyana
Dr. P. Fernandes, D.V.M.
Principal Veterinary Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
Georgetown, Guyana
Information Office
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
Georgetown, Guyana
Mr. CA. john, B.Sc.
Conservator of Forests
Georgetown, Guyana
Cde. M. King
Permanent Secretary
Georgetown, Guyana
Professor ) .) . Niles
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Guyana
Georgetown, Guyana
Bhagirath R.B. Persaud
Dept of Health, Science, and Biology
University of Guyana
P.O. Box 844
Georgetown, Guyana
Honduras
Lie. Wilberto Aguilar N.
)efe, Depto. Vida Silvestre
Y Recursos Ambientales
Renovables
Barrio Guacerique No. 1536
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Mr. )ames Barborak
Ministerio de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Tegucigalpa, HonduriJ.S
Lie. jose Luis Erazo Simon
Division de lnspeccion y Control
de Vida Silvestre
Renovables
Barrio Guacerique, Comayaguela D.C.
Honduras
Mr. Paul Purdy
Ministerio de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
34
Asociacion de Lucha para Evitar Ia Crueldad
con los Animales, A.C.
Apdo Postal 23-135
Mexico 23, D.F.
Mexico
Asociacion Humanitaria Mexicana, A.C.
Apdo Postal No. 10-834
Mexico 10, D.F.
Mexico
Asociacion Mexican Protectora de Animales
Calle Aldama 24
Tepepan, Mexico 23, D.F.
Mexico
lng. Cuauhtemoc Cardenas
Subsecretario Forestal y de Ia Fauna
Ministerio de Agricultura
Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Dr. Pedro Castillo
lnstituto de Ecologia
Muses de Historia Natural de Ia Ciudad
de Mexico
Nuevo Bosque de Chapultepec
Apartado Postal 18-845
Mexico 18, D. F.
Mexico
Lie. Adriana Hobbs Guerra
Asesora del Subsecretario Forestal y de Fauna
Ave. Mexico 190 Z.P. 21
Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Mexico (Continued)
Panama (Continued)
Sociedad Mexicana de Arte y
Ciencias Civicas
Apartado Postal M-1 0766
Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Sociedad Amigos de Ia Naturaleza
Panama City, Panama
Sociedad Panamena Protectora
de Animales
Panama City, Panama
Nicaragua
Peru
Lie. Pablo Anderson
Fauna Silvestre
Voluntario Cuerpo de Paz
Apartado 2355
Managua, Nicaragua
Sr. Felipe Benavides
President
PRODENA-WWF
Pasaje las Pinos 164/168
Edifico El Comodore Alfredo Benavides
Miraflores, Lima 18 Peru
Lie. Reynaldo Arostegui
Director, Pargue Nacional Volcan Masaya
Apartado 2252
Branco Central de Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua
lng. Alfredo Grijalva
)efe
Departamento de Areas y Vida Silvestre
Catastro
Managua, Nicaragua
Dr. Jamie lncer B.
Asesor, Proyector Parque Nacional
Volcan Masaya
CICNIC, Banco Central de Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua
Lie. jose Morales Molina
)efe del Zoologico
Direccion de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Managua, Nicaragua
lng. Juan B. Salas Estrada
)efe, Departamento de Vida Silvestre
Direccion de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Managua, Nicaragua
Panama
Sr. Ralph B. Guijarro, Vice-President
Asociacion Portectora de Animales de
Cueravaca, A.C.
Apdo Postal193 y 276 Sue. A.
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
Dr. Allen Lawrence
President
Panama Audubon Society
Box 2026
Balboa, Canal Zone, Panama
Sr. Ignacio lbarrola Bejar
El Director General
Direccion General de Fauna Silvestre
Secretaria de Agricultura y Recursos Hidraulices
Aguiles Serdan 28-f piso
Mexico 3, D.F.
Mexico
Dr. Diomedes Quintero )r.
)efe, Museo Ciencias Naturales
lnstituto Nacional De Cultura
Aptdo. 662, Panama 1
Estafeta Universitaria
Panama, Panama
Ms. Peggy Manning Porteau
Asociacion de Lucha Para Evitar
La Crueldad Con Los Animales, A.C
Cumbres de Acultzingo 135
Mexico 10, D F.
Mexico
Sr. Otto Rudolf, Presidente
Institute de Portecciona Los Animales
Cinco de Mayo 98
Tepepan
Mex1co 23, D.F.
Mexico
Dr. Nicholas Smythe
Smithsonian Institution Tropical
Research Institute
Box 2072
Balboa, Canal Zone, Panama
Lie. Erasmo Vallester
Director de Fauna Silvestre y Parques Nacionales
Direccion Nacional de Recursos Naturales
Renovables
Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuari
Apartado 5390, Panama
Panama
Dr. Napolean Castro
Conservation Branch
Direccion General Forestal y de Fauna
Lima, Peru
Dr. Marc). Dourujeanni Ricordi
Director
Direccion General Forestal y de Fauna
Natalia Sanchez 220-3er Piso
Lima, 11
Peru
Dr. Ramon Ferreyra
Director
Museo de Historia Natural
Lima, Peru
La Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Peru
Lima, Peru
Liga Humanitaria Pro Animales
Chorilla, Peru
Surinam
Henry A. Reichart
Surinam Forest Service
P 0 Box 436
Paramaribo, Surinam
).P Schulz
Director, Foundation of Nature Preservation in
Surinam (STINASU)
P.O. Box 436
Paramaribo, Surinam
Mr. A. Smit
Director of Agriculture
Animal Husbandry & Fisheries
Paramaribo, Surinam
Vereniging voor Dierenbescherming in Suriname
P.O. Box 1406
Paramaribo, Surinam
Uruguay
Asociacion Uruguaya de Proteccion a los
Ani males
Secretary: Mr. john H. Borrows
Mones Roses 6157
Carrasco
Montevideo, Uruguay
San Francisco de Asis
Montevideo, Uruguay
35
International
Venezuela
Asociacion Venezolana de Prevencion
de Ia Crueldad
Apartado No. 2487
Caracas, Venezuela
Sra. Cecilia de Bluhm
Sociedad Conservacionista Audubon de
Venezuela
Apto. 80450
Caracas 108
Venezuela
M. J.C Castaneda
lnstituto de Investigaciones Veterinarias
CENIAP. FONAIAP
Universitad Central de Venezuela
No. 70, Manacay 300
Venezuela
Dr. Arnoldo jose Gabaldon
Ministro del Ambiente y de los
Recursos Naturales Renovables
Caracas, Venezuela
Dr. Rafael Herrera
Centro de Ecologia
lnstituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Cientijicas
Caracas, Venezuela
Dr. Modolfi
Ministerio del Ambiente y de los Recursos
Naturales Renovables
Apto 80.405
Caracas, Venezuela
Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, opened for
Signature at the Pan American Union, October, 1940. Pan American Union, Washington, D.C.
Sr. Hans Neumann
Fundacion para Ia Defensa de Ia
Naturaleza-FUDENA
Apto. de Correo 70376
Caracas ICF, Venezuela
Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Came Mammals, February 7, 1936. A bilateral
agreement between Mexico and the United States. Agreement supplementing the 1936 Convention,
March 10, 1972.
Sr. Luis A. Rivas L.
Director
Revista de Divulgacion Cientificia
de Ia Sociedad de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
Edificio Fundacion La Salle
Av. Boyaca/Mariperez
Apdo 8150
Caracas 101, Venezuela
Lacey Act of 1900 mandated authority to the Department of the Interior (Agriculture prior to 1939
reorganization) for conservation, preservation and restoration of game and other wild birds. Also provided for the regulation of introduced American or foreign birds or animals into new locations. Sections amended over the years since introduction.
Sociedad Venezolana Protectora de Animales
Calle Los Naranjos
Qta, Aptdo 29009
Caracas, Venezuela
The Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, which supplemented the Endangered Species
Preservation Act of 1966, authorized the compilation of a list of wildlife "threatened with worldwide
extinction," prohibiting their importation into the United States, except for certain limited purposes.
Repealed by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, a stronger piece of legislation than the preceding Acts. The 1973
Act includes protection for all members of the animal kingdom and provides for U.S. implementation
of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, October 10, 1978. In addition to the requirement that all
state and federally inspected slaughterhouses in the U.S. use humane slaughtering methods, the law
requires that all meat imported into the U.S. must have been humanely slaughtered.
Argentina
Bibliography of legislation of latin American Nations, the United
States of America, and International Treaties and Conventions Pertaining to latin American Wildlife and Domestic Animals.
The majority of the Latin American Legislation listed in Appendix B was culled from the
eight volumes and card catalogue of the Library of Congress' Index to Latin American
Legislation, which includes the years 1950 through 1979. Although earlier legislation concerning wildlife "conservation" or utilization exists - sometimes originating in the Spanish
colonial period - only the more recent legislation, which includes contemporary concepts
of conservation, is listed.
The designations of Latin American legislation are as follows: 1) Laws are passed by legislatures or national assemblies; 2) Decrees are executive announcements which do not
necessarily require approval by legislatures or assemblies; and 3) Resolutions are administrative announcements issued by government agencies.
The abbreviations given after each article of legislation - e.g. B.O. Oct. 8, 1971 represent the official government publication which announced the legislation and its date
of publication. The abbreviation code is as follows:
Mexico - D.O. (Diario Oficial)
Nicaragua - L.G. (La Gaceta)
Panama - G.O. (Gaceta Oficial)
Paraguay - G.O. (Gaceta Oficial) and
R.O. (Registro Oficial)
Peru - E.P. (EI Peruano)
Uruguay - D.O. (Diario Oficial)
Venezuela - G.O. (Gaceta Oficial)
The following countries and their laws are not included in the Index to Latin American
Legislation: Belize, a British protectorate, with laws dating back to British rule as well as its
own laws enacted since independance in 1973; French Guiana, a department of France,
with French laws; Guyana, formerly a British colony, with new laws enacted by the
Guyanese Parliament; and Surinam, a territory of the Netherlands.
36
United States of America
Animal Welfare Act (1966, Amended 1970 and 1976). Includes regulations concerning animal dealers,
brokers, breeders, pet stores, zoological parks, circuses and research laboratories.
Appendix B
Argentina - B.O. (Boletin Oficial)
Bolivia - G.O. (Gaceta Oficial)
Brazil - D.O. (Diario Oficial)
Chile - D.O. (Diario Oficial)
Costa Rica --' L.G. (La Gaceta)
Ecuador - R.O. (Registro Oficial)
El Salvador - D.O. (Diario Oficial)
Guatemala - E.G. (EI Guatemalteco)
Honduras - L.G. (La Gaceta)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, March 3, 1973. A
trade-oriented treaty seeking to prot~ct endangered species of wild animals and plants from extinction through overexploitation
Hunting Law: Decree 5639 of 3/4/49 established penalties for violations of various decrees and regulations on hunting. (B.O. Mar. 11, 1949
Hunting Law: Decree 22,630 prohibits the hunting of otters in all parts of the Republic. (B.O. Sept 21,
1949).
Hunting Law: Decree 19,334 of 10/14/50 provides that the hunting regulations shall continue until a
new Regulation to Law 13,908 is approved. (B.O. Sept 28, 1950).
Hunting Law: Decree 15,501 of 8/20/53 declares that the protection, conservation and exploitation of
wild animals is of public interest. Forbids fishing and hunting except in the cases specifically authorized by the decree. (B.O. Sept 17, 1953).
Animal Industry: Decree 3083 of 2/26/54 approves a plan to fight depredations on cattle. Program for
eradication of animals that harm cattle such as foxes, and pumas to be initiated on January, 1954, and
for 3 years in the Patagonia. (B.O. Mar. 12, 1954).
Animal Industry: Law 14,346 of 10/27/54 established penalties for people who mistreat animals or
make them victims of acts of cruelty (B.O. Nov. 5, 1954)
Animal Industry: Decree 5,514 of 6/29/61 regulates the transportation of animals and established conditions that must be met by carriers. (B.O. july 10, 1961).
Animal Industry: Law 16,888 of 7/4/66 regulates the slaughter of cattle under the supervision of the
junta Nacional de Carnes. Other provisions on this matter contained herein. (B.O. July 19, 1966)
Conservation: Law 18,594 of 2/6/70 adopts the new law on national parks, natural monuments and national reserves. Repeals Articles 1-19 and 22-32 of Law 12,103 and Articles 1,2,3,6,7 and 8 of DecreeLaw 654 of 1958. (B 0 Feb. 23, 1970).
Conservation: Decree 637 of 2-6-70 regulates Law 18,594 on national parks, natural monuments and
national reserves. (B.O. Feb. 23, 1970)
Conservation: Decree 458 of 7/31/70 adopts the new organic structure of the Servico Nacional Forestal.
(B.O Sept 10, 1970)
Conservation: Law 18,801 of 10/7/70 established the limits of the lguazu National Park and the lguazu
National Reserve. (B 0 Oct 14, 1970).
Animal Industry: Law 18,811 of 10/13/70 authorizes the Executive Power to regulate, throughout the
national territory, the functioning and licensing of establishments engaged in slaughtering animals or
in the manufacture or storage of products of animal origin. The Executive Power shall regulate all
sanitary and hygienic aspects of the manufacture, industrialization and transportation of said products. (B.O Nov. 2, 1970).
37
Animal Industry: Law Decree 1,733 of 10/14/70 regulates Law 18,819 regarding the new procedure for
slaughtering animals. (B.O. Nov. 2, 1970).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 10,127 of 2/18/72 creates the Comites de Defensa de Ia Flora y Fauna
(G.O. Feb. 18, 1972).
Animal Industry: Law 18,819 of 10/14/70 adopts a new procedure for slaughtering animals. Repeals
Laws 16.888 and 18,050 on the subject (B 0 Nov. 2, 1970).
Hunting: Decree-Law 12,301 of 3/14/75 approves the Law of Wildlife, national parks, hunting and
fishing. (G.O. Mar. 17, 1975).
Hunting: Law 19,282 of 10/4/71 approves Argentina's adherence to Agreement on conservation of
vicuna, signed in La Pax on 8/16/69 between Peru and Bolivia. (B.O. Oct 8, 1971).
Brazil
Conservation: Law 19,282 of 10/11/71 approves Argentina's adherence to Agreement on conservation of
vicuna, signed in La Paz on 8/16/69 between Peru and Bolivia. (B 0. Oct 8, 1971).
Conservation: Law 19,292 of 10/11/71 established the boundaries of national parks and reserves therein
listed. (B 0 Nov. 16, 1971)
Conservation: Decree 1591 of 5/23/74 prohibits the slaughter of male horses under 12 years and female
horses under 15 years for commercial purposes and established regulations to protect the species.
(B 0 May 29, 1974).
Conservation: Law 21,676 of 10/31/77 approves the convention on Conservation of Antarctic seals,
signed in London in 1972. (B 0. Nov. 4, 1977)
Conservation: Law 21,751 of 2/17/78 exempts from import, export and other taxes the import and export of animals made by the Municipal Zoo of Buenos Aires resulting from Agreements of exchange
with similar establishments of other countries. (B.O. Nov. 4, 1977).
Hunting: Res. 234 of 2/24/78 established limits on sport hunting of red deer and European wild boar.
(B.O. Mar. 29, 1978)
Belize
Hunting Law: Decree 50,414 of 4/5/61 authorizes the Ministry of Agriculture to establish special groups
in the States and Territories to cooperate in the inspection, control and enforcement of hunting and
fishing laws. (D.G. Apr. 5, 1961).
Animal Industry: Decree 50,620 of 5/18/61 prohibits cock fighting throughout national territory. It also
prohibits any other public entertainment whose main attraction consists in the fighting of animals of
any species. (D.O. May 18, 1961).
Hunting Law: Law 5,197 of 1/3/67 adopts provisions on protection of fauna. (D.O. jan. 5, 1967)
Conservation: Decree-Law 289 of 2/28/67 creates the lnstituto Brasileiro do Oesenvolvimento Florestal
(IBDF) and established its functions. (D.O. Feb. 28, 1967).
Conservation: Decree 62,018 of 12/29/67 approves the regulation of the lnstituto Brasileiro do Desenvolvimento Florestal (IBDF). (D.O. Dec. 29, 1967).
Conservation: Decree-Law 412 of 1/9/69 approves the Agreement on Fishing and Preservation of Living
Resources, entered into with Uruguay and signed in Montevideo on 12/13/68. (D.O. jan. 10, 1969).
Conservation: Decree 76,623 of 11/17/75 promulgates the Agreement on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Ratified by legislation Decree 54 of
6/24/75. (D.O. Nov. 19, 1975).
Cruelty to Animals: Ch. 80, C.L., 1924, established humane guidelines with respect to both domestic
and wild animals and make provisions for the enforcement of the references therein. (Laws of British
Honduras, Vol. Ill, chapter 128, 1960).
Conservation: Legislative Decree 39 of 5/17/76 approves the text of the agreement with Peru on the
conservation of fauna and flora of the territories of the Amazon. Singed in Lima on 11/7/75. (D.O. May
18, 1976).
Wildlife Protection: Ordinance No.5 of 1944 specifies which animals may be hunted with and without
hunting licenses, established seasons on animals, and makes provisions for the enforcement of the
references therein. (Laws of British Honduras, Vol. Ill, chapter 127, 1960).
Conservation: Decree 78,017 of 7/12/76 promulgates the agreement with Colombia on conservation of
flora and fauna in the Amazon territories of both countries. Ratified by Legislative Decree 72 of
12/3/73. (DO. july 13, 1976).
Bolivia
Conservation: Supreme Decree 6883 of 9/11/64 forbids, for the period of 3 years, the hunting of certain
useful wild fauna in some departments of the country. (C.O Sept 23, 1964).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 6935 of 10/23/64 clarifies Supreme Decree 6833 of 9/11/64 excluding
from its provisions the Departments of Beni and Pando, regarding the prohibition for hunting certain
wild species. (G 0. Oct 28, 1964)
Hunting Law: Decree - Law 7,784 of 8/3/66 sets up a chart of fees and imposts on various products
recovered through exploitation of forestry, fishing and hunting, including lumber, plants, gum, furs and
skins, bird feathers, fish and turtles, and others. (G 0. Aug. 31, 1966)
Hunting Law: Decree 8,063 of 8/16/67 imposed taxes on domestic and foreign trading in products from
forests, hunting and fishing. (G.O. Aug. 16, 1967).
Hunting Law: Decree 8367 of 6/5/68 prohibits the hunting of vicuna and the trade in live animals of
the cat family, or in their hides and furs. (G 0 July 5, 1968).
Hunting Law: Decree 8533 of 11/1/68 prohibits exportation, importation and trade in live vicunas, or
any products such as skins, furs, etc. for 10 years because of possible extinction of the animal. (G.O.
Nov. 6, 1968)
Conservation: Decree 8,660 of 2/19/69 stakes out national forest reserves in various zones of the nation
to insure protection of these resources. (G 0. Feb. 19, 1969).
Conservation: Decree 8,731 of 4/9/69 prohibits the hunting, exportation, importation or any kind of
trade with respect to skins, furs, or by-products of the live vicuna. (G.O. Apr.13, 1969).
Hunting Law Supreme Decree 9,141 of 3/12/70 amends Paragraph IV, Chapter VI, Title Ill (Articles
54-61) of Supreme De.cree 7,443 of 12/22/65, to the effect of changing the Direccion Forestal de Caza
y Pesca into the Servicio de Recursos Naturales Renovables. (G 0 Mar. 12, 1970).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 9,320 of 7/23/70 approves the General Regulation of the Guardia
Forestal de Ia Nacion [forest policeJ(G 0. July 24, 1970)
Conservation: Supreme Decree 9,328 of 7/23/70 approves the regulation concerning crimes and violations and the penalties for the same for persons attempting against the renewable natural resources.
(GO July 31, 1970)
Conservation: Supreme Decree 9,370 of 8/27/70 adopts provisions concerning the exploitation of wild
cinchona (quina silvestre) The Ministry of Rural Affairs and Agriculture shall grant exploitation permits under the conditions hereby established. (G 0. Aug. 28, 1970)
38
Chile
Hunting Law: Decree 368 of 3/31/55 prohibits the hunting of birds during nesting season, throughout
the national territory. (D.O May 6, 1955).
Animal Industry: Decree 448 of 5/17/57 repeals Decree 569 of 6/22/54 which prohibited the slaughtering of female cattle. (D.O. june 7, 1957).
Hunting Law: Decree 881 of 11/19/59 prohibits the hunting of the vicuna during any time of the year
because the species is becoming scares. (D.O. Dec. 14, 1959).
Hunting Law: Decree 50 of 1/19/60 prohibits the hunting and sale of rabbits for 6 months in Malleco
provine and Nacimiento department (D 0. Feb. 12, 1960)
Hunting Law: Decree 366 of 5/12/60 prohibits hunting of guanaco. (D.O June 2, 1960).
Conservation: Decree 50 of 1/22/63 regulates the prohibition on the hunting of pheasants. Repeals
Supreme Decree 652 of 8/27/43 (D 0. Feb. 28, 1963).
Animal Industry: Decree R.R.A. 16 of 2/19/63 groups provisions in force on animal protection and
sanitation, cattle branding system and animal transportation permits. Article 2 abolishes bullfights
throughout the country. (D.O. Mar. 9, 1963).
Conservation: Decree 186 of 3/28/63 amends Articles 1 and 2 of Decree Second Section (sic) 4,844 of
11/15/29 regulating Law 4,601 of 7/1/29 (Hunting Law) Articles amended concern periods when the
hunting of wild animals is prohibited. Several decrees herein mentioned are repealed. (D 0 Apr. 4,
1963).
Conservation: Decree 531 of 8/23/67 promulgates the Convention for the protection of the flora, fauna
and the natural scenic beauty of the countries of the Americas, signed in Washington on 10/12/40.
(D.O Oct 4, 1967)
Conservation: Decree 531 of 9/30/66 amends Articles 1 and 2 of Decree 4,844 of 11/15/29). Articles in
question prohibit hunting of the wild mammals herein listed during the period mentioned. (D.O. Oct.
22, 1966).
Conservation: Decree 335 of 7/3/68 amends provisions of the Regulation of the Fishing Law and the
Regulation of the Hunting Law concerning special fishing and hunting permits. (D.O. july 18, 1968).
Conservation: Decree 53 of 1/22/70 amends several articles of the Regulation of the Hunting Law and
repeals Decrees 506 of 7/25/67 and 297 of 8/19/60. (D 0 Feb. 18, 1970)
Conservation: Decree 420 of 11/10/70 approves the regulation on appointment of honorary hunting and
fishing inspectors. (D.O. Nov. 27, 1970).
39
Animal Industry: Decree 79 of 5/20/74 repeals decree 198 of 10/25/73 and established provisions on the
slaughter of animals therein specified on slaughterhouses. (D.O. May 25, 1974).
Conservation: Law 4,551 of 4/15/70 amends extensively the Law on Protection of Wild Animals (Law
2,790 of 7/20/61). Law also repeals Law 2,093 of 12/14/56, (L.G. Apr. 28, 1970).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 141 of 2]18/75 promulgates the Agreement on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Ratified by decree law 873 of 1/20/75.
(D.O. Mar. 25, 1975).
Conservation: Decree 2716-A of 12/19/72 enacts the regulation of the law on conservation of wild
fauna. Repeals Decrees 3 of 7/11/62 and 5 of 6/7/65. (L.G. jan. 10, 1973).
Hunting Law: Decree 381 of 9/1/77 amends Article 1 of Supreme Decree 4844 of 1929, which approved
the regulation of the hunting law. Amendment regulates the hunting of dolphins. (D.O. Sept. 30, 1977).
Colombia
Conservation: Resolution 219 of 10/9/64 forbids for an indefinate period of time the hunting of turtles
of different kinds, as well as their commercial exploitation. (D.O. Apr. 20. 1965).
Conservation: Decree 218 of 2/10/65 regulates Sections (c) and (d), Article 1 of Extraordinary Decree
3,304 of 1963 giving the Corporation Autonoma Regional de los Valles del Magdalena y del Sinu
(C.V.M.), the authority to promote the conservation and development of natural resources within its
jurisdiction. Sections in question concern fishing and hunting. (D.O. Feb. 25, 1965).
Animal Industry: Decree 286 of 2/20/67 authorizes the Associations Specializing in Pedigree Dog
Breeding to keep genealogical records of each breed and issue the corresponding certificates. Creates
the Colombian Canine Association which is charged with everything concerning national and international canine activities. (D.O. Mar. 2, 1967).
Conservation: Decree 842 of 5/26/69 approves the by-laws of the lnstituto de Desarrollo de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (INDERENA). (D.O. June 23, 1969).
Conservation: Resolution 1,003 of 11/25/69 prohibits the hunting of the wild animal species herein
mentioned. (D.O. Feb. 28, 1970).
Conservation: Resolution 20 of 11/27/69 adopts the Statute of Wild Animals and Hunting of the Institute for the Development of Renewable Natural Resources. (D.O. Feb. 28, 1970).
Conservation: Law 5 of 1/23/76 approves the Agreement with Brazil on conservation of the flora and
fauna of the Amazon territories. Signed in Bogota on 6/20/73. (D.O. Feb. 5, 1976).
Conservation: Law 5605 of 10/30/74 ratifies-the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Signed in Washington on 3/3/73. (L.G. Jan. 28, 1975).
Ecuador
Animal Industry: Decree 11 of 6/19/59 approves the text of a basic statute on animal health and
sanitation. (R.O. June 24, 1959).
Natural Resources: Decree 3 of 2/22/51 adopts the basic law on maritime fishing and hunting. (R.O.
Feb. 23, 1951 ).
Natural Resources: Decree 17 of 7/4/59 declares the islands of the Archipelagos of Colon and
Galapagos to be national parks. (R.O. July 20, 1959).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 1.472 of 7/8/64 adopts provisions concerning the conservation and protection of forests. (R.O. July 22, 1964).
Hunting Law: Supreme Decree 2,828 of 12/23/65 enacts the Forestry and Agricultural Developement
Law, which includes hunting regulations. (R.O. Dec. 30, 1965).
Conservation: Law 170-CLP of 8/6/69 prohibits, for five years, the exportation of wild animals. (R.O.
Aug. 14, 1969).
Conservation: Resolution 800 of 10/24/69 issues the regulation on hunting and exportation of wild
animals. (R.O. Dec. 31, 1969).
Conservation: Resolution 99 of 3/11/70 amends several provisions of Resolution 800 of 10/24/69
regulating the hunting and exportation of live wild animals. (R.O. Mar. 18, 1970).
Conservation: Decree 1,449 of 6/27/77 partially regulates section 1, part 5, article 56 of Law 135 of
1961 and Decree Law 2,811 of 1974 regarding conservation of renewable natural resources. (D.O. July
18, 1977).
Conservation: Decree 816 of 11/20/70 established regulations pertaining to the commercial utilization
of the nation's wildlife. The law notes Ecuador's adherence to the Intergovernmental Technical Committee for the conservation of the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Basin. The legislation lists protected species of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Conservation: Supreme Decree 1,306 of 8/27/71 enacts the law on preservation of reserve areas and national parks. (R.O. Sept. 2, 1971).
Animals: Decree 19 of 1/19/54 enacts a Regulation on ownership and keeping of dogs, establishing a
registration and license system. (L.G. jan. 27, 1954).
Hunting Law: Decree 193 of 2/13/74 prohibits the hunting, trading and slaughtering of llamas, as well
as the industrialization and sale of their wool and hides. (R.O. Mar. 6, 1974).
Animals: Legislative Decree 2,093 of 12/14/56 adopts the Law on Preservation of Wild Animal Life. This
includes regulations on hunting for sport, prohibits commercial hunting and creates certain reserved
areas for animal propagation where hunting is totally restricted. (L.G. Dec. 25, 1956).
Conservation: Decree 77 of 1/27/75 ratifies the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Signed in Washington on 3/3/73. (R.O. Feb. 7, 1975).
Animals: Decree 9 of 9/5/57 adopts a regulation on the control and erradication of rabies in animals.
(L.G. Sept. 10, 1957).
Hunting Law: Decree 1 of 2/2/57 creates the Comite Protectors de Ia ·Fauna Silvestre, entrusted with
preservation of wild animal life in Costa Rica. (L.G. Feb. 16, 1957),
Hunting Law: Decree 9 of 7/30/58 prohibits the hunting of squirrels without a license. (L.G. Aug. 2,
1958).
Animals: Legislative Decree 2,391 of 7/2/59 provides that all dogs must be registered, vaccinated and
kept on leashes. (L.G. july 8, 1959).
Hunting Law: Decree 3 of 1/19/61 of the Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia adopts rules for obtaining a hunting permit, the types of weapons to be used, seasons when hunting is allowed, etc. (L.G. Feb.
4, 1961).
Conservation: Law 2,790 of 7/20/61 adopts the Ley de Conservacion de Ia Fauna Silvestre on Law for
the conservation of wild animals. Law covers fishing, hunting, etc. (L.G. july 29, 1961).
Conservation: Decree 3 of 7/11/62 approves the Regulation of Law 2,790 of 7/20/61 or law on conservation of wild animals. Reg-ulation contains provisions governing fishing and hunting. (L.G. Aug. 21,
1962).
Hunting Law: Resolution 0069 of 3/15/75 issues the regulation on control and trade of hunted wild
species. (R.O. Mar. 24, 1975).
Conservation: Resolution 0158 of 4/15/77 issues the regulation on commercial exportation of living or
dead specimens of the wild fauna and the parts theory. (R.O. May 14, 1977).
El Salvador
Conservation: Decree 427 of 12/22/77 prohibits for one year the hunting, sale, exportation, possession
and consumption of turtles and their eggs. (D.O. Jan. 9, 1978).
Guatemala
Animal Industry: Decree 870 of 1/18/52 adopts the law protecting animals of any kind useful for production or reproduction purposes. (E.G. jan. 26, 1952).
Conservation: Resolution of 10/26/71 prohibits for five years the capture, circulation and trade of
green turtles (Chelonia mydas). (E.G. Nov. 2, 1971).
Conservation: Resolution of 12/27/72 creates the Comision Nacional para Ia Proteccion del Quetzal.
(D.C.A. jan. 3, 1973).
Guyana
Conservation: Decree 5 of 6/7/65 issues the Regulation of the Law on Conservation of the wild fauna.
(L.G. June 12, 1965).
Animals: Pounds Act, chapter 71:04 Laws of Guyana. An Act to establish pounds in Guyana and to
make provisions relating thereto. July 1, 1866.
Conservation: Law 3,763 of 10/19/66 approves the convention for the protection of Flora and Fauna
and the natural scenic beauty of the countries of the Americas, signed by Costa Rica on 10/24/40. (L.G.
Oct. 26, 1966).
Wildlife: Wild Birds Protection Act, chapter 71:07, Laws of Guyana. An Act for the protection of certain wild birds against trapping, wounding, killing or exportation. Forty-eight families are absolutely
protected while twelve families are protected during close season. September 30, 1919.
Conservation: Law 4,465 of 11/25/69 enacts the Forestry Law. Repeals Articles 14 and 160-168 of the
Land and Colonization Law. (L.G. Dec. 2, 1969).
Animals: Animals (Control of Experiments) Act, chapter 71:03, Laws of Guyana. An Act to regulate the
practice of experiments on living animals, and matters in connection therewith. july 13, 1957.
40
41
Honduras
Conservation: Decree 11 of 11/17/65 creates the Comite Nacional de Defensa de los Recursos Naturales
for protection of natural resources. (l.G. Dec. 20, 1965).
Mexico
Hunting Law: Law of 12/13/51 enacts a new federal hunting law and repeals the law on 8/28/40. (D.O.
Jan. 5, 1952).
Conservation: Decree- Law 39 of 9/29/66 issues the regulations concerning the national forests, which
are declared of public interest. (G.O. Oct. 26, 1966).
Conservation: Decree 14 of 1/17/67 declares as forest land the areas within the boundaries set by the
nvers lnd1o, Chagres, Pequeni, Aqua, Cara, Gatun and Aqua Sucia. Its exploitation is hereby regulated
(G.O. Mar. 9, 1967).
Hunting Law: Acuerdo of 9/3/54 established open and closed seasons for hunting. (D.O. Sept. 4, 1954).
Conservation: Decree 23 of 1/30/67 creates the National Commission for the Protection of the Wild
Fauna as well as several Provincial Commissions. Forbids or limits the hunting of a number of wild
species. Listed herein. (G.O. Mar. 10, 1967).
Hunting Law: Acuerdo adds provision to acuerdo of 9/3/54 regarding open season for hunting. (D.O.
Feb. 9, 1955).
Animal Industry: Decree 624 of 5/28/70 regulates the veterinary inspection service of the Ministry of
Health in the slaughter houses of the country. (G.O. june 9, 1970).
Hunting Law: Resolution of 12/9/60 creates a consultative Commission on Wildlife (Fauna Silvestre).
(D.O. Dec. 22, 1960).
Conservation: Cabinet Decree 10 of 1/27/72 approves the convention for the protection of flora and
fauna and the natural scenic beauty of the Americas. Signed by Panama on 12/6/65. (G.O. Feb. 8
1972).
•
Conservation: Resolution of 12/12/61 adds provision to Resolution of 8/5/61 establishing seasons for the
hunting of wild animals, to the effect of prohibiting permanently the hunting of bison. (D.O. Dec. 29,
1961).
Horse Racing: Cabinet Decree 14 of 1/27/72 amends articles 2-8 of laws 41 of 12/2/57 imposing stiff
penalties for maltreatment of race horses. (G.O. Feb. 11, 1972).
Conservation: Resolution of 6/26/65 establishes hunting seasons for 1965-66 season for species
representing the wild fauna of the country. Repeals Resolution of 7/15/64 (D.O. 7/27/64). (D.O. july 3,
1965)
Conservation: Law 14 of 10/28/78 approves the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered
Spec1es of the Wild Flora and Fauna. Signed in Washington on 3/3/73. (G.O. Jan. 27, 1978).
Conservation: Resolution of 7/19/66 established the calendar and regulates hunting during the 1966-67
season. Repeal Resolution of 6/25/65 (D.O. 7/3/65) concerning the calendar for the 1965-66 hunting
season. (D.O. july 27, 1966)
Conservation: Decree 18,206 of 5/4/66 regulates the hunting of certain species of wild fowls. (R 0.
1966: II I, p. 34).
Conservation: Resolution of 5/19/69 adopts the calendar for the 1969-70 hunting season and regulates
the same. (D.O. May 27, 1969).
Animal Industry: Decree 11,057 of 3/16/70 requires that animals to be slaughtered for exportation must
be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease. (R.O. 1970: I, p. 486).
Hunting and Conservation: Resolution of 6/23/71 regulates hunting during the 1971/72 season. Repeals
resolution of 4/21/70 (D.O. 4/29/70) which established dates for the 1970-71 hunting season. (D.O. July
10, 1971).
Peru
Hunting Law: Resolution 299 of 9/29/52 issues temporary hunting regulations until the Hunting Law is
enacted. (E.P. Oct. 15, 1952).
Animal Industry: Decree of 11/21/73 creates a federal autonomous public entity to be known as Productora Nacional de Bilogicos Veterinarios. (D.O Dec. 14, 1973).
Animal Industry: Supreme Resolution of 6/19/62 approves the Regulation for the Protection of
Animals. (E.P. July 11, 1962).
Nicaragua
Natural Resources: Decree 2 of 3/24/41 approved a convention on the protection of the flora, fauna
and natural scenic beauties of the American countries. (L.G. May 22, 1946).
Conservation: Decree-Law 14,552 of 7/11/63 creates the Seivicio Forestal y de Caza attached to the
ministry of Agriculture, and established its functions. Repeals Article 8 of Law 7,643 and Law 8,928
and 10,315. (E.P. July 20, 1963).
Hunting Law: Decree 160 prohibits the hunting of wild animals brought in from foreign countries. (L.G.
Dec. 21, 1955).
Animal Industry: Supreme Decree 8 of 3/12/65 adopts rules governing the importation and slaughtering
of cattle for human consumption. Repeals Supreme Decree 36 of 11/23/64. (E. P. Mar. 15, 1965).
Hunting Law: Decree 206 of 10/16/56 issues the basic law on hunting of game. (L.G. Nov. 3, 1956).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 95 of 12/30/66 approves the Regulation on classification and use of
soils based on their agrological quality. (E.P. Feb. 9, 1967).
Paraguay
Hunting Law: Decree 15 of 8/20/58 regulates the hunting season for 1958-59, and assigns dates for
open and closed seasons according to the type of game. Decree 13 of same date sets aside as a refuge
for wildlife the Peninsula de Cosiguina. (l.G. Sept. 2, 1958).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 6 of 1/26/67 approves the Regulation on use of forests and on forestal
industries. (E.P. Feb. 3, 1967).
Hunting Law: Decree 1 of 10/11/60 prohibits hunting of turtles, turtle eggs, animals and sea birds on
the Isla del Venado. (L.G. Oct. 21, 1960).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 322-68-HG of 8/16/68 creates the Consejo Nacional de Conservacion
de Recursos Naturales Renovables and establishes its functions. (E.P. Aug. 17, 1968).
Hunting Law: Decree 625 of 3/28/77 prohibits indefinitely the capture and hunting of wild animals for
commercial purposes. Decree also prohibits for 10 years the exportation of turtle eggs. (l.G. May 16,
1977).
Natural Resources: Resolution 166-69-VI-SERPAR of 11/18/69 approves the Regulation of Zoological
Parks. (E.P. Nov. 21, 1969).
Conservation: Decree 7 of 6/22/77 ratifies the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Approved in Washington in 1973. (L.G july 23, 1977). Adhered to
CITES by Legislative Resolution 47 of 6/11/77.
Panama
Animal Industry: Decree 248 of 5/25/53 repeals Article 13 of Law 86 of 11/22/52 regarding the sale of
animals and provides for controls and inspection of transportation of meat to prevent illegal slaughter.
(G 0 july 20, 1953).
Animal Industry: Decree-Law 45 of 9/29/53 exempts imports of fighting bulls from payment of customs
duties. This measure'is to encourage the domestic cattle industry. (G.O. Oct. 14, 1953).
Animal Industry: Decree 190 of 9/27/65 regulates cattle slaughter throughout the country. (G.O. Oct.
18, 1965).
Conservation: Decree 153 of 6/28/66 designates a forest reserve zone to be known as National Park
and Biologic Reserve "Altos de Campana," a portion of land described as in the Districts of Capira
and Chame, Province of Panama, which shall be administered by the Forest Service of the Ministry of
Agriculture. (G 0. july 6, 1966).
Conservation: Decree 218 of 8/25/66 creates a Working Commission to study the regulations to be
issued toward the conservation of the wild fauna in the national territory. (G.O. Sept. 14, 1966).
42
Conservation: Decree-Law 21,080 of 1/21/75 approves the Convention on the International Trade of
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Signed in Berne on 12/30/74. (E.P. jan. 22, 1975).
Conservation: Decree-Law 21,147 of 5/13/75 promulgates the Law on forestry and wild fauna. Repeals
Decree-Law 14,552. (E.P. May 15, 1975).
Conservation: Decree-Law 21,670 of 10/26/76 approves the agreement with Brazil on the conservation
of the flora and fauna of the Amazon territories. Signed in Lima on 11/7/75. (E.P. Oct. 27, 1976).
Conservation: Supreme Decree 158-77-AG of 3/31/77 issues the regulation on conservation of the wild
flora and fauna (Decree Law 21,147). (E.P. Apr. 6, 1977).
Uruguay
Conservation: Decree of 4/4/63 prohibits the hunting and trade of all indigenous zoological species exISting 1n the country. Exceptions are made. (D.O. Apr. 17, 1963).
Conservation: Decree 90 of 3/12/64 prohibits the hunt, exploitation and sale of indigenous zoological
species until further notice. Exceptions are made. (D.O. Apr. 1, 1964)
Hunting Law: Decree 142 of 4/1/64 regulates hunting of partridge, nutria, wild duck, otter and
ostriches, including restrictions and prohibitions, and providing ·penalties for violations. (D.O. Aug. 23,
1965).
43
Conservation: Decree 149 of 3/24/66 prohibits until further notice the hunting and trading of all indigenous zoological species existing throughout the national territory, as well as the destruction of
their broods and nests. Exceptions are provided. (D.O. Mar. 30, 1966).
Conservation: Decree 294 of 6/16/66 amends Article 11 of Decree of 6/23/52 regulating Law 9,481 on
the protection of indigenous animals. Article concerns identification of hides and furs. (D.O. July 27,
1966)
Conservation: Resolution RNR of 9/10/70 creates, as an honorary entity, the Consejo Nacional de fa
Fauna Silvestre to advise the Executive Power on matters concerning the protection of wild fauna.
(G.O. Sept. 10, 1970).
Conser~ation: Resolution RNR-5-299 of 12/10/70 adopts rules governing hunting as a sport. Repeals
Resolution RNR-5-355 on the subject. (G 0. Dec. 15, 1970)
Conservation: Decree 193 of 3/16/67 prohibits until further notice, the hunting of ali indigenous
zoological species throughout the national territory. Exceptions are provided (D.O. Apr. 4, 1967).
Conservation: Decree 589of 5/12/71 provides for the functioning of the Centro Naciona/ de InvestigaCIOnes de Fauna Silvestre 1n the D~recc10n de Recursos Naturales Renovables del Ministerio de
Agricultura y cria. (G.O. May 13, 1971).
Conservation: Decree 401 of 6/29/67 amends provisions concerning the exploitation of otters in natural
or artificial nurseries and adopts rules on hunting in this regard. Repeals Decrees of 4/1/49 and
10/16/51. (DO July 4, 1967).
Conservation: Decree Ill of 5/26/7 4 created the Consejo Nacional de Conservacion de los Recursos
Renovables and repeals Decree 112 of 7/31/59, which created the Comision Nacional de Recursos
Renovables. Its duties and functions are included. (G.O. May 27, 1974).
Conservation: Decree 402 of 6/29/67 amends provisions establishing conditions governing the hunting
of indigenous zoological species. (D.O. july 4, 1967)
Hunting: Resolution 483 of 12/29/75 regulates the issuance of hunting licenses issued for scientific
research. (G.O. Dec. 30, 1975).
Conservation: Decree 229 of 3/28/68 prohibits, until further notice, the hunting and sale of all indigenous zoological species throughout the national territory and provides for exceptions. (D.O. Apr.
3, 1968)
Conservation: Law of 5/117/76 approves the Convension on the International Trade of Endangered
Spec1es of the Wild Flora and Fauna. Signed in Washington on 3/3/73 (G 0. June 10, 1976).
Conservation: Law 13,723 of 12/16/68 declares the defense, improvement, enlargement and creation of
forest resources and industries to be of national interest. (D.O. Dec. 20, 1968).
Appendix C
Conservation: Decree 140 of 3/20/69 maintains in force, until further notice, the prohibition against the
hunting and sale of all indigenous zoological species. Exceptions are provided. (D.O. Mar. 25, 1969).
List of Endangered Animal Species in Latin America
Conservation: Law 13,776 of 10/17/69 ratifies the text of the Convention for the Protection of the
Fauna and Natural Scenic Beauty of the Countries of America, signed by Uruguay on 11/20/40. (D.O.
Oct. 31, 1969).
Animal Industry: Decree 431 of 9/10/70 established fines to be imposed for violations to sanitary provisions on animals. (D 0. Sept. 17, 1970).
Many authorities consider all of Latin America's wildlife to be threatened due to the ever-increasing
destructiOn of the1r habitats: The spec1es l1sted as endangered in the three appendices of the Convention on International Trade 1n Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) represent those
most often utilized 1n legal and illegal trade activities. The following list, although not definitive, is
compiled from a vanety of sources. Unless otherwise indicated, the animals listed below generally
range throughout Central and South America.
Conservation: Decree 486 of 10/15/70 determines the functions and jurisdiction of the Direccion
Forestal, Parques y Fauna and the Direccion de Contra/or Legal of the Ministry of Livestock and
Agriculture in matters concerning the national fauna. (D.O. Oct. 22, 1970).
Mammals
Conservation: Decree 116 of 3/5/70 prohibits the hunting and trade of all zoological indigenous species
and provides for exceptions. (D.O Mar. 11, 1970)
Common Name
Conservation: Resolution RNR-5-543 of 11/11/65 prohibitS all kinds of commercial operations with
wild animals, whether dead or alive, and their products. (G.O. Nov. 13, 1965)
Anteater, collared (Tamandua)
Anteater, giant
Armadillo, giant (Peruvian Amazon)
Armadillo, naked-tailed (Costa Rica)
Armadillo, naked-tailed (Uruguay)
Armadillo, pink fairy (Argentina)
Bat, white-lined (Uruguay)
Bear, Mexican grizzly (Mexico)
Bear, spectacled (Ecuador and northern Peru)
Bobcat, Mexican (Mexico)
Cat
Cat, Andean
Chinchilla (all South American species)
Civet, banded palm
Coatimundi
Deer, marsh (South America)
Deer, pampas (South America)
Dog, Bush
Dolphin (La Plata River)
Fox, Argentine gray
Grison
Huemal (North Andean)
Huemal (South Andean)
jaguar
jaguarundi
Jaguarundi
Jaguarundi
)aguarundi
Conservation Law of 8/11/70 enacts the law on protection of wild animals. Repeals the hunting law of
8/10/44, (G.O Aug. 11, 1970).
Manatee, Amazonian (Amazon and Orinoco river basins)
Manatee, West Indian (eastern Central America)
Hunting: Decree 204 of 3/16/72 keeps in force until further notice the prohibition of hunting and
trading indigenous zoological species throughout the national territory (D.O. Mar. 21, 1972).
Hunting and Conservation: Decree 273 of 4/4/74 adopts regulations concerning prohibition of hunting
and commercialization of all indigenous zoological species living in the natural territory Exceptions
and penalties are included. (D.O. Apr. 23, 1973).
Conservation: Law 14,205 of 5/8/7 4 approves the agreement on the Convention on the International
Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Signed in Washington on 3/3/73. (D.O. june 12,
1974)
Conservation: Decree 437 of 6/4/74 approves the season for hunting otters and foxes in the national
territory temporarily and according to regulations provided therein. (D 0. june 12, 1974).
Hunting: Decree 241 of 3/20/75 establishes provisions regulating the hunting of native zoological
species in the national territory, with penalties for violators. (D 0. Apr. 10, 1975).
Hunting: Decree 604 of 7/31/75 permits termporarily, until 9/30/75, the hunting of otters and wolves in
the national territory, according to regulations therein established. (D.O. Aug. 8, 1975).
Venezuela
Animal Industry: Decree of 3/24/53 prohibits hunting, sale and export of indigenous species of animals.
(G 0 Apr. 7, 1953)
Hunting Law: Resolution of 3/2/55 provides that hunting licenses that had been granted by civil
authorities are canceiled and limitations imposed upon those granted by the Department of Fish and
Hunting of the Ministry of Agriculture until a study is made of causes of near extinction of some
species. (G 0 Mar. 4, 1955).
Hunting Law: Resolution of 3/3/55 declares closed season for deer between March 1 and September 30
of each year. (G.O. Mar. 4, 1955).
44
Scientific Name
Tamandua tetradactyla chapadensis
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Priodontes giganteus (Maximus)
Cabassous centra/is
Cabassous gymnurus (tatouay)
Chlamyphorus truncatus
Vampyrops lineatus
Ursus arctos nelsoni
Tremarctos ornatus
Felis (Lynx) rufa escuinapae
Felidae (all species)
Felis jacobita
Chinchilla spp.
Hemigalus derbyanus
Nasua nasua solitaria
Blastoceros dichotomus
Ozoteceros bezoarcticus
Speothos venaticus
Pontoporia (Stenodelphis) blainvil!ei
Dusicyon griseus
Galictis al!amandi
Hippocamelus bisulcus
Hippocamelus bisulcus
Panthera onca
Felis yagouaroundi cacomitti
Felis yagouaroundi fossata
Felis yagouaroundi panamensis
Felis yagouaroundi tolteca
Trichechus inunguis
Trichechus manatus
45
Common Name
Scientific Name
Otter, marine
Otter, southern river
Porcupine, prehensile-tailed
Porcupine, thin-spined (eastern Brazil)
Prairie dog, Mexican
Pudu
Pudu
Puma, Costa Rican
Rabbit, volcano
Rat, Phillips Kangaroo
Saki, white-nosed
Sloth, Brazilian three-toed
Sloth, three-toed
Sloth, three-toed (western Amazonia)
Sloth, two-toed
Squirrel
Tamarin (Brazil)
Felis wiedii nicaraguae
Felis wiedii salvinia
Callithrix flaviceps
Callimico goeldi
Cebuella pygmaea
Callithrix aurita
A lovatta pigra
Alovatta palliata (vil/osa)
Saimiri oerstedii
Ateles geoffroyi frontatus
Ateles geoffroyi panamensis
Brachyteles arachnoides
Felis pardalis mearnsi
Felis pardalis mitis
Bassaricyon gabbii
Bassaricyon sumichrasti
Pteronura brasiliensis
Lutra /ongicaudis (including L. platensis
and L. annectens
Lutra felina
Lutra provocax
Coendou spinosus
Chaetomys subspinosus
Cynomys Mexicanus
Pudu mephistophiles
Pudu pudu
Felis concolor costaricensis
Romerolagus diazi
Dipodomys phillipsii phil!ipsii
Chiropotes albinasus
Bradypus torquatus
Bradypus griseus
Bradypus boliviensis
Ch/oepus hoffmanni
Sciurus deppei
Leontopithecus (Leontideus) spp.
Tamarin, golden-headed
Tamarin, golden-lion
Tamarin, golden-rumped
Tamarin, pied
Tamarin, white-footed
Tapir (Central American)
Tapir (South American or Brazilian)
Tapir; mountain (Colombia and Ecuador)
Uakari (Amazonia)
Uakari, bald
Uakari, black
Uakari, red
Vicuna
Wolf, gray
Wolf, maned (central South America)
Leontideus chrysome/as
Leontideus rosalia
Leontideus chrysop ygus
Saguinus bico/or
Saguinus leucopus
Tapirus bairdii
Tapirus terrestris
Tapirus pinchaque
Cacajao spp. (all species)
Cacajao ca/vus
Cacajao melanocephalus
Cacajao rubicundus
Vicugna vicugna
Canis lupis
Chrysocyon brachyurus
(all species)
Birds (NOTE: Migratory birds are generally protected by the laws of each country where they are
found in season as well as by bilateral treaties and international conventions)
Blackbird, saffron-cowled (Uruguay)
Bobwhite, masked
Cardinal, yellow (Uruguay)
46
Scientific Name
Birds (Continued)
Mammals (Continued)
Margay
Margay
Marmoset, buff-headed (Amazonia)
Marmoset, Goeldi's (Amazonia)
Marmoset, pygmy (Amazonia)
Marmoset, white-eared (Amazonia)
Monkey, black howler
Monkey, howler
Monkey, red-backed squirrel (Costa Rica and Panama)
Monkey, spider (Costa Rica and Nicaragua)
Monkey, spider (Panama)
Monkey, wooley spider (southeastern Brazil)
Ocelot
Ocelot
Olingo
Olingo
Otter, giant (northern South America)
Otter, long-tailed
Common Name
Xanthopsar flavus
Co/inus virginanus ridgwayi
Cubernatrix cristata
Cock-of-the-rock
Cock-of-the-rock (Peruvian)
Condor, Andean
Cotinga, banded
Cotinga, white-winged
Curassow, great (Costa Rica)
Curassow, red-billed (eastern Brazil)
Curlew, eskimo
Duck, Mexican
Eagle
Eagle, harpy
Falcon
Falcon, peregrine
Flamingo, Andean
Flamingo, Chilean
Flamingo, James
Grebe, Atittan (southwest Guatemala)
Guan, black-fronted piping
Guan, horned
Harriers
Hermit, hook-billed (Hummingbird)
Macaw
Macaw, glaucous
Macaw, indigo
Macaw, little blue
Macaw, scarlet
Mitu
Parakeet, golden
Parakeet, ochre-marked
Parrot, red-browed
Parrot, red-capped
Parrot, red-spectacled
Parrot, thick-billed
Parrot, vinaceous breasted
Quail, Montezuma
Quetzal, resplendent (Costa Rica)
Quetzal, resplendent (Central America)
Raptors (Costa Rica)
Rupicola rupicola
Rupicola peruviana
Vultur gryphus
Cotinga maculata
Xipholena atro-purpurea
Crax rubra
Crax blummenbachii
Numenius borealis
Anas diazi
Aquilla spp. (all species)
Harpia harpyja
Falconidae (all species)
Falco peregrinus
Phoenicoparrus andinus
Phoenicopterus chilensis
Phoenicoparrus jamesi
Podilymbus gigas
Pipile jacutinga
Oreophasis derbianus
Circus spp. (all species)
Ramphodon dohrnii
Ara ambigua
Anodorhynchus glaucus
Anodorhynchus /eari
Cyanopsitta spixii
Ara macao
Mitu mitu mitu
Aratinga guaruba
Pyrrhura cruentata
Amazona rhodocorytha
Pionopsitta pileata
Amazona pretrei pretrei
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha
Amazona vinacea
Cyrtonyx montezumae mearnsi, C.m.
merriami and C.m. montezumae
Pharomachrus mocinno costaricensis
Pharomachrus mocinno mocinno
Accipitridae (all species native to
to Costa Rica)
Rhea, common (Uruguay)
Rhea, common
Rhea, Darwin's (Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay)
Siskin, red
Siskin, yellow-faced
Swan, black-necked
Swan, coscoroba
Tinamou, red-winged
Tinamou, solitary
Turkey, ocellated (Central America)
Woodpecker, imperial
Rhea americana
Rhea americana albescens
Pterocnemia pennata garleppi, P.p.
pennata
Spinus cucullatus
Spinus yarrellii
Cygnus melancoryphus
Coscoroba coscoroba
Rhynchotus ruyescens maculicollis,
R.r. pallescens, R.r. ruyescens
Tinamus solitarius
Agricoharis ocellata
Campephilus imperialis
Reptiles
Alligator
Boas
Caiman, Apaporis River
Caiman, black
Alligatoridae (all species]
Boidae (all species)
Caiman crocodilus apoporiensis
Melanosuchus niger
47
Common Name
Scientific Name
6) Please include any statistical information you may have when noting animal-related activities
such as exports, domestic consumption, etc.
Caiman latirostris
Cyclagras gigas
Crocody/idae (all species)
Crocodylus moreletti
Crocodylus intermedius
Heloderma spp. (all species)
Iguana spp. (all species)
Amblyrhynchus c1istatus
Dracaena guianensis
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus
Tupinambis spp. (all species)
Crocodilurus lacertinus
Pseudoboa cloelia
Thamnophis e/egans hammondi
Geochelone (Testudo) e/ephatopus
Testudinidae (all species)
Lepidochelys kempii
Trionyx ater
Chelonia mydas
Eretmochelys imbricata
Dermochelys coriacea
7) Please list any relevant publications (books, magazines) with title, author, publisher, year and
country of publication.
Reptiles [Continued)
Caiman, broad-snouted
Cobra, South American false
Crocodile
Crocodile, Morelet's [Guatemala and Belize)
Crocodile, Orinoco {South America)
Gila monster and beaded lizards
Iguana
Iguana, Galapagos marine
Lizard, caiman
Lizard, orange-throated
Lizard, tegu
Lizardet, dragon
Snake, mussurana
Snake, two-striped garter
Tortoise, Galapagos
Tortoise, land
Turtle, Atlantic ridley
Turtle, Cuarto Cienegas
Turtle, green
Turtle, hawksbill
Turtle, leatherback
Turtle, loggerhead
Turtle, olive ridley
Turtle, sea
ISAP is requesting information concerning the following matters (you may place information after
each 1tem or use a separate sheet of paper):
Animals and Legislation
A.
Does your country have legislation dealing with wild animals and ...
1.
2.
___ Proposed
___ Existing, but being revised
___ None
Trapping?
___ Existing
___ Proposed
___ None
a. Are there trapping seasons and if so, when are they?
b. Which animals are included?
3.
The live animal trade for pets, zoos and laboratory research? ___ Existing ___ Proposed
___ Existing, but being revised ___ None
a. Which species of live animsl, ifany, ar exported legally?
b. Which species of live animals are usually exported illegally?
c. Approximate prices paid for exported live animals?
d. How are live animals transported to the departure point and the final destinations?
e. Which countries receive legally exported live animals?
f. Which countries receive illegally exported live animals?
Caretta caretta
Lepidochelys o/ivacea
Cheloniidae (all species)
g. For what purposes are exported live animals used?
h. Which countries, if any, serve as stop-over points for legally and/or illegally exported live
an1mals?
Amphibians
Frog, Panamanian golden (Panama)
Salamander, axolotl [Mexico)
Salamander, Lake Patzcuaro
Toad, Monteverde (Costa Rica)
Toad, Sonoran green (Mexico)
Hunting? ___ Existing
a. Are there hunting seasons and if so, when are they?
b. Which animals are included?
i. Doesyour country belong to the Convention or International Trade in Ednagered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?
plans to join
Ate/opus varius zeteki
Ambystoma mexicanum
Ambystoma dumerilii
Buyo periglenes
Buyo retiformis
___yes
___no
___plans to join
___no
j. Are efforts underway or porposed to utilize or domesticate any wild animals in your
country?
4.
The skin trade?
___None
___ Existing
___ Proposed
___ Existing,but being revised,
a. Which species of animals, if any, are exported legally for their skins?
Appendix D-
b. Which species of animals are usually exported illegally for their skins?
Project Questionnaire Form, English and Spanish
c. Approximate prices paid for animal skins at source and at destination (if known).
d. Countries receiving legally exported skins.
5.
e. Countries receiving illegally exported skins.
The protection of endangered, rare and threatened species ...
a. From hunting?
___None
Request For Information
___ Existing
b. From live animal trade?
revised ___ none
___ Proposed
___ Existing
___Proposed
___ Existing, but being
The Institute for the Study of Animal Problems - I SAP (a division of The Humane Society of the
United States). requests your participation in a research project which it is conducting on the problems, activities and legislation concerning the welfare status of domestic animals and wildlife in latin
America. As evidenced by the questions which follow, you will see that the main concern of ISAP is
the welfare of individuals and not necessarily the conservation of species.
c. From the skin trade?
___None
1) If you do not have information on each area, please respond to those items in which you are
knowledgeable. We would appreciate your sending the enclosed extra copies of this form to those individuals or agencies able to provide additional assistance.
e. Does your country maintain a list of endangered, threatened and rare animal species?
___yes __no _plans to ___no plans to
2) Whenever possible, please send or arrange for ISAP to receive copies of appropriate legislation
and information pertaining to the topics included in the questionnaire. Please list legislation by name
and year of enactment, whenever possible.
3) Please provide the names and addresses of other individuals and agencies (government and private) relevant to this study who may be able to assist us.
4) You are invited to add your own comments concerning the various areas of this questionnaire
wherever you feel they would be appropriate.
5) When referring to animals, please identify the types as fully as possible (e.g., use both common
and Latin names).
48
___ Existing
d. From habitat destruction?
revised ___None
B.
___ Proposed
___ Existing
___Proposed
___ Existing, but being
Does your country have humane laws dealing with dostic animals and their use ...
General anti-cruelty legislation? ___ Existing ___ Proposed ___ Existing, but being
rev1sed ___None
2. In the food industry? ___ Existing ___Proposed ___ Existing but being revised
___None
1.
a. Methods of transportation before slaughter. ___Existing
ing but being revised ___ None
b. Methods of slaughter
___None
___ Existing
___ Proposed
___ Proposed ___ Exist-
c. Kinds of animals and approximate numbers used in food production?
49
3.
4.
As pets? ___Existing ___Proposed ___Existing, but being revised _None
a. What kinds of animals and how many are kept as pets?
b. Is there a major problem with feral and stray animals?
c. What control measures are commonly used?
In scientific laboratory research? ___ Existing ___Proposed ___Existing, but
being revised ___ None
a. What kinds of laboratory animals are commonly used?
b. What breeding programs and how many are established?
c. What are the major research activities involving laboratory animals? (e.g. production of
vaccines and other biologicals, drug research, cancer research, infections disease research,
etc.)
5. In sporting events such as horse racing, bullfights and rodeos? ___Existing ___Proposed ___Existing, but being revised ___ None
Which government agencies are charged with enforcing legislation relating to:
1. Wildlife?
2. Domestic animals?
D. Which government agencies are involved with matters concerning:
1. Wildlife?
E. Which private organizations in your country are involved with matters concerning:
1. Wildlife?
C.
Solicitud De lnforme
El Institute par el Estudio de Problemas de Animales - ISAP (una division de Ia Sociedad
Humanitaria de los Estados Unidos) solicita su participacion en un proyecto para estudiar los
problemas, actividades y legislacion concerniente al bienestar de los animales domesticos y silvestres
en latinoamerica.
Como es evidente en las siguientes preguntas, usted podra ver que el interes principal de ISAP es el
del bienestar de los individuos animaies y no necesariamente Ia conservation de las especies.
Quedaremos sumamente agradecidos si usted nos ayuda de Ia siguiente manera:
1) Si usted no tiene Ia informacion requerida en alguna de las siguientes areas, apreciariamos que
enviara los formularies adjuntos a individuos o agencias que podran proveer asistencia.
2) En cuanto le sea posible, sirvase a enviar o haga arreglos para que ISAP reciva copias de las
legislaciones correspondientes o informe perteneciente a los temas incluidos en el questionario. Favor
de listar Ia legislacion con nombre y ano de decreto cada vez que sea posible.
3) Favor de proveer nombres y direcciones de otros individuos y agendas (de gobierno o privadas)
relacionados con este estudio que podriam asistirnos.
4) Usted esta invitado a anadir su comentario a las diferentes areas de este questionario en donde
lo crea necesario.
5) Cuando haga referenda a un animal, favor de identificarlo al maximo (ejm., use el nombre
comun y el nombre en latin).
6) Favor de incluir cualquier informacion estadistica que tenga cuando haga referenda a
actividades animales tales como exportacion, consume domestico etc.
7) Liste cualquier publicacion (libros, revistas) con titulo, autor, publicador, ana en que se publico, y
pais que hizo Ia publicacion.
!SAP solicita formacion concerniente a las siguientes materias: (Puede anadir el informe despues de
cada temar o usar una hoja adicional.)
Animates Y Legislacion
A.
50
Tiene su pais legislacion que trate con animales y...
1. Caza? ___ Existe ___ Propuesto ___ Existe, esta en revision ___No hay
a. tTienen temporada de caza? Si Ia respuesto es si, tCuando?
b. tCuales animales son incluidos?
2. Jaeces? ___ Existe ___ Propuesto ___ Existe, esta en revision ___ No
a. tHay temporada de jaeces? Si Ia respuesta es si, tCuando?
b. tCuales animales estan incluidos?
3. El comercio de animales para uso domestico, en zoologicos y para estudio en laboratories.
___Existe ___Propuesto ___ Existe, esta en revision ___ No
a. tQue especies de animales vivos se exportan legalmente?
b. lQue especies son generalmente exportados en forma ilegal?
c. Precio aproximado que se paga par los animales vivos exportados.
d. tComo son transportados los animales a su destinacion?
e. lQue paises reciben animales vivos legalmente exportados?
f. tQue paises reciben animales exportados ilegalmente?
g. tPara que propositos son empleados los animales vivos que se exportan?
h. tQue paises sirven, (si cabe), como escala para los animales vivos que se exportan legal y/o
ilegalmente?
i. tPertenece su pais a Ia Convencion del Comercio lnternacional de flora y fauna silvestre y
especies amenazados (CITES)? __si ___ no _planea ___unirse
_ n o hay planes de union.
j. tExiste alguna propuesta o se considera utilizar o domestical algun animal salvaje en su
pais? __se planea _propuesto ___no se hay considerado.
4. El Comerico de pieles? ___existe _propuesto ___existe, esta en revision
_no
a. tQue especies de animales, si hay, son exportados legalmente para su piel?
b. lQue especies so usualmente exportados en forma ilegal para su piel?
c, Precio original que se paga para Ia piel del animal y precio que se paga en su Iugar de
destino (si se sabe).
d. lQu• paises reciben pieles exportados legalmente?
e. lQue paises reciben pieles exportados ilegalmente?
5. Proteccion para especies en peligro de extincion, especies raras y especies amenazadas por ...
a. Caza? ___existe ___ propuesto ___existe, esta en revision ___ no hay
b. El comercio de animales vivos ___existe _propuesto ___existe, esta en
revision _ n o hay
c. El comercio de pieles ___existe _propuesta ___existe, esta en revision
_ n o hay
d. Destruccion por el media ambiente ___existe _propuesto ___existe, esta en
revision _ n o hay
e. Mantiene su pais un registro de las especies que corren peligro de extincion, especies raras
y especies amenazadas? __si _ n o __se planea _ n o hay planes
B. tTiene su pais leyes humanitarias que traten con animales domesticos y su usa ...
1. Legislacion general contra Ia crueldad? ___existe _propuesto ___existe esta en
revision _ n o hay
2. En Ia industria alimenticia ___existe ___ propuesto ___existe, esta en
revision _ n o
a. En los metodos usados en el transporte de los animales a los mataderos___existe
~ropuesto ___existe, esta en revision _ n o
b. En metodos de carnear usados? ___existe _propuesto ___esta en
revision ___ no
c. Tipos de animales y aproximado numero, usados para Ia produccion de alimentos
3. Como mascotas? ___existe _propuesto ___existe, esto en revision _ n o
hay
a. tQue tip de animales y cuantos son usualmente mantenidos como mascota?
b. tRepresentan un gran problema los animales extraviados?
c. tQue metodos de control se emplean?
4. Su uso para estudio en laboratories, cientificos? ___existe _propuesto
___existe, esta en revision ___ no existe
a. lQue animales son comunmente utilizados en laboratories?
b. lQue programas y cuantos, hay establecidos para Ia reproduccion de animales?
c. tCuales son los principales studio que envuelven el usa de animales en Laboratories
cientificos? (ejm. Produccion de vacunas, estudio de drogas, estudios sobre el cancer,
estudio de infecciones contagiosas, etc.)
5. Actividades deportivas tales como carreras de caballos, corrida de toros, rodeos
___existe _propuesto ___existe, esta en revision _ n o hay
51
C.
iQue agencias de gobierno estan encargadas de hacer cumplir legislaciones relacionadas con:
1. vida silvestre?
2. animales domesticos?
D.
iQue agencias de gobierno estan relacionadas con asunto concernientes a:
1. vida si lvestre?
E.
1Que organizaciones privadas en su pais se relaccionan con asuntos que conciernen:
1. vida silvestre?
Appendix E
A Discussion of the Status of Domestic Animals in Latin America
and Recommendations to The Humane Society of the United States
While there is no dearth of information and activity concerning the status of wildlife in Latin
America, the problems of animal welfare and humane legislation - regarding both wild and domestic
animals - are areas that require urgent attention and assistance from U.S.-based organizations such
as The Humane Society of the United States. With the exception of rather limited activities in these
areas by the International Society for the Protection of Animals (I SPA). the World Federation for the
Protection of Animals (WFPA), and the Fund for Animals, virtually no activities from outside Latin
America are being undertaken to relieve the situation.
Some forty-two animal welfare agencies are listed as operating in the twenty-one nations of Latin
America (see Appendix A). The majority of these occur in Mexico, Brazil. Argentina and Chile. Legislation on the conservation and hunting of wildlife far outnumbers that regarding the welfare of domestic animals (see Appendix B).
An attitude exists among many individuals involved with U.S. animal welfare activities that the
countries of Latin America are hopelessly behind the United States, Canada and Europe in regard to
humane legislation and animal welfare concepts. But considering that the United States passed its first
federal humane slaughter act in 1958 - some seventy-five years after similar legislation was enacted
by Switzerland - Latin America may be seen as being less than a generation "behind" the United
States. Indeed, existing humane legislation in some Latin American nations can provide a foundation
upon which future efforts can be based.
At the same time, there is a consensus among the individuals interviewed in the U S which is also
based on the author's discussions with Latin American <~uthorities, that both private organizations and
state and federal government agencies in Latin America would benefit from the assistance - legal,
financial and moral - that U S. organizations can provide. Assistance is needed to help Latin
American organizations promote the concept of animal welfare as well as to help governments formulate new laws and comply with new regulations, such as U.S government legislation prohibiting the
importation of meat products not slaughtered under humane guidelines
A notable contact person developed during the course of the project is Dr. Braulis Orejas-Miranda,
Scientific Affairs, Organization of American States (OAS). An eminent authority on animal problems in
Latin America, Dr. Orejas has repeatedly expressed his desire to cooperate with The Humane Society
of the United States in establishing liaison with both government and private agencies involved with
animal issues throughout Latin America. Two recent meetings could lead to further involvement of the
humane movement in North America. One, the "Technical Meeting on the Conservation of Migratory
Animals of the Western Hemisphere and their Ecosystems," convened in Panama City on June 4-8,
1979, and was the fourth in a series of meetings attempting to bolster the 1940 Convention on Nature
Protection and Wild Life Preservation. The Panama meeting was organized to lay the foundation for
the second meeting, an assembly of the OAS legal department, scheduled for July 24-27, 1979, in
Washington, D.C.
It is recommended that the humane movement consider the implementation of a Latin American
program through which the OAS and private and government agencies in Latin America can be encouraged and assisted in the promulgation of animal welfare and conservation activities. The success
of such a program could possibly lead to the establishment of a "Pan American Humane Association."
52

Edging Toward Extinction: The Status of Wildlife in Latin America

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