The social implications of vicuña trafficking

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is a charismatic high-alpine camelid known for its fine wool. Vicuña poaching is a serious problem in Latin America and the primary threat to this species. Despite relatively successful conservation efforts around this highly sought-after animal, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) South American Camelid Specialist Group estimates that over 5,000 vicuñas have been killed for their wool over the past eight years.

Addressing the issue is legally and socially complex.

Many Latin American countries fail to adequately recognise illegal hunting as a serious crime that warrants considerable fines and imprisonment. Enforcement is difficult to achieve due to the geographical characteristics of the region, human and technical resource deficiencies and limited coordination of security forces within and between countries. Many residents don’t report poaching activities out of fear of retaliation from hunters. One country representative from the South American Camelid Specialist Group was held at gunpoint by vicuña hunters early last year. There aren’t strong incentives to develop legal vicuña use but illegal vicuña use can be profitable.

For successful action against vicuña poaching at the national level, law enforcement officials need to be adequately trained to identify illegal vicuña products and on related legislation. Awareness campaigns about illegal vicuña products should target touristic sites and airports.

At the international level, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to control demand for vicuña wool. The South American Camelid Specialist Group aims for CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) resolutions that require countries to ensure that imported vicuña wool is certified to be legally and sustainably harvested, and that non-certified vicuña wool is seized.

It’s important to ensure that actions against illegal vicuña use do not negatively impact native Andean communities, whose cultural traditions include live-capture for sustainable use of Vicuña wool. The cultural traditions of these communities need to be considered and supported.

The U.S. State Department is supporting Chile to investigate vicuña poaching and treat it like the crime that it is. Other members of the 1979 Vicuña Convention have taken note and are soliciting increased coordination between national police forces and international agencies.

For more recommendations on local, national and international level action against vicuña poaching, please see the South American Camelid Specialist Group report.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the main issues that will be addressed at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016. Register for the Congress before 31 May to take advantage of early-bird rates.