To combat biopiracy, illegal transportation of wood, and international trafficking of animals, Brazil’s Federal Police, in partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), started today Operação Rosa dos Ventos II (Operation Wind Compass).
Over 500 police will be stationed in ports, airports, and open-air markets around the country. Places with a history of wild animal sales will also be inspected.
The Federal Police calculates that trafficking of wild animals accounts for US$ 15 billion in business, annually. Of this total, 15% involves animals from Brazil.
It is estimated that 12 million animals are captured illegally in Brazil each year and that 30% of them are shipped abroad.
ABr