protecting jaguars in the Americas

We trained law enforcement and judiciary to detect and prosecute wildlife crime.

Problem 

Jaguars are the largest felines in the Americas. Although they are a protected species, in countries such as Bolivia, Suriname, Peru and Guyana, we have seen increasing incidents of jaguars being poached for their skin, fangs, and other body parts. These are then primarily used to make jewelry and traditional medicine. 

Seizure data shows a significant rise in jaguar trafficking since 2012, and we are starting to see that jaguar body parts and products are being sold more openly—particularly on online platforms. 

Additionally, overseas and domestic investors in many South American countries have set up huge projects for agriculture, mining, highway construction, and other infrastructure. This has given poachers easier access to previously isolated jaguar habitats.

Solution 

Operation Jaguar was a joint project of IUCN NL, IFAW and Earth League International and was made possible by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. Our aim was to reduce poaching and the illegal trade in jaguar parts, so that this apex predator can continue to fulfill its vital role in the ecosystem. To achieve this, we worked on the following interventions: 

• collected and analyzed information 
• improved protection of jaguar habitats 
• professionalized law enforcement systems 
• mobilized the public and politicians 

For this project, IFAW worked with law enforcement officers, customs agents, public prosecutors and judges across Guyana, Peru and Suriname to improve their capacities to better detect, investigate and prosecute wildlife crime. 

Impact

IFAW organized several trainings and workshops in each country, where participants learned how to identify common species traded in the region, check if wildlife trading permits are legitimate, detect smuggled wildlife, and uphold protocols for the management and welfare of seized animals. The trainings also covered critical skills such as investigative strategies and evidence collection, and interviewing and working with witnesses.

To further aid law enforcement agencies, IFAW and IUCN NL ran a pilot with Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs to show authorities how detection dogs can help them detect wildlife specimens at seaports and airports. Detection dogs Bruce and Boris were trained to use their superb sense of smell to detect jaguar parts in boxes, packages, cars and containers. The pilot sessions were successful and have motivated local authorities to consider expanding their resources with trained detection dogs to help combat wildlife trafficking, especially in jaguars.

Read more about the specific project activities and achievements.