Retrospective and current trend of wild‐cat trade in Peru

Abstract

Abstract Several species of wild cats are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, persecution or retaliatory killing by humans as a result of real or perceived livestock depredation, and illegal trade. The trade of individuals or their parts has been a recurring threat over the years, especially prior to the establishment of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 1975. We assessed the extent of trade of wild cats in Peru (eight species) using export records available from 1946 to 1973, before the establishment of CITES and after the implementation of CITES using confiscation data available for 2001–2020. The ocelot and the jaguar were the most exploited species for their skins in the pre‐CITES period, with 228,376 and 17,301 individuals, respectively; as well as post‐CITES, although at significantly lower levels, with 67 individuals and 107 body parts, and 27 individuals and 99 body parts, respectively. Post‐CITES trade, however, shows an increasing trend for the jaguar and all wild cat species. Currently in Peru, the illegal wildlife trade is considered opportunistic, but its impact on wild populations has not been properly documented. We recommend improving knowledge regarding population status of wild cats to inform conservation status, and to increase efforts to reduce illegal trade at both national and regional level.

Keywords

• felids
• illegal
• jaguar
• ocelot
• Peru
• wildlife trade