Is Chinese investment driving a sharp increase in jaguar poaching?

[UngulateNerd92]

• A 200-fold increase in the number of trafficked dead jaguars seized by authorities in Central and South America between 2012 and 2018 has been reported in a new study.
• Researchers suggest the major surge in the trade may be facilitated by Chinese investment networks in Latin America.
• Corruption and low incomes in source countries also are likely a significant factor boosting trafficking.
• Acting on the paper’s findings, initiatives organized by nations, states, municipalities, NGOs, universities and research institutes could help improve collaborative regional efforts to combat the illicit trade.

Is Chinese investment driving a sharp increase in jaguar poaching?

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

I think that in the coming decades this is going to become a serious issue in the region and I know that a lot of conservationists who work with jaguars are becoming increasingly worried.

But its not just the jaguar and I also think that the poaching of spectacled bears for their body parts to be sold to the Chinese for use in traditional medicine could have the potential to grow as the region experiences greater influence from China.