Prisoners ‘trading rare jaguar parts for fashion items’

Newswise — Researchers investigating reports of illegal trading at Mocoví prison in Trinidad, Bolivia, have uncovered a disturbing trend: prisoners are engaging in the illicit trade of jaguar skins and other wild animal body parts to produce items such as wallets, hats, and belts for sale in local markets. The trade extends to the illegal exportation of jaguar fangs and bones, which are sought after for their use in traditional Asian medicine. This rampant trade not only endangers the future of the jaguar species but also undermines its ecological and cultural significance in Bolivia.

The jaguar (Panthera Onca), the largest big cat in the Americas, faces multiple threats, including habitat loss and the domestic and international demand for its body parts. Despite being legally protected against commercial trade internationally since 1975 and nationally since 1986, the illegal market persists.

Inmates at the Bolivian prison are purchasing jaguar skins and other animal products, such as boa constrictor snakes (Boa constrictor), directly from local traders in nearby markets. They then sell these fashion items at a profit, generating income for their daily sustenance.

The researchers—Neil D’Cruze, Angie Elwin, Eyob Asfaw, and Roberto Vieto—highlight in their publication in Oryx, published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Fauna & Flora, that large orders for these wildlife products are being received from international clients outside of Bolivia. This indicates that the illegal trade network reaches beyond national borders, exacerbating the threat to these vulnerable species.

Videos shared on social media as recently as February of this year have revealed concerning footage. The director of Mocoví prison in Bolivia can be seen inviting the public to attend a craft fair held within the facility. At this fair, wildlife products, including those made from jaguar parts, are available for purchase, further highlighting the extent of the illegal trade.

Dr. Neil D'Cruze, the Head of Wildlife Research at the international NGO World Animal Protection, commented on the findings. He confirmed that Bolivian inmates are indeed involved in the production of jaguar wallets, hats, belts, and purses from their prison cells. Surprisingly, the footage provided no evidence of coercion, contradicting previous anecdotal reports. Instead, an inmate stated that they willingly engaged in this illegal activity to earn a living for their daily sustenance.

The illegal wildlife trade remains one of the most urgent threats to wildlife conservation. To strengthen the ongoing efforts to protect jaguars and other wildlife in Bolivia, it is crucial to enhance law enforcement and foster political will to take decisive action against illegal activities. Additionally, raising awareness about the production process of wildlife products and the detrimental impact it has on both wildlife and the individuals involved is essential.

All the information gathered by the authors of the report, which is peer-reviewed and published in Oryx – The International Journal of Conservation, has been passed to the Bolivian authorities.