theguardian.com
Social Media Fuels Illegal Wildlife Trade in Brazil
Two baby parrots and two young toucans, rescued from wildlife traffickers in Brazil who advertised them for sale on social media, are recovering at a wildlife conservation center in São Paulo; a report highlights social media's role in the illegal wildlife trade, with 78% of adverts for protected species found online.
- What is the impact of social media on the illegal wildlife trade in Brazil?
- Two baby parrots and two young toucans, rescued from wildlife traffickers in Brazil, are recovering at CeMaCAS wildlife center. Police monitoring social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp led to their rescue. The birds were underfed and showed signs of neglect, highlighting the cruelty of the illegal wildlife trade.
- What are the long-term implications of the increasing use of online platforms for the illegal wildlife trade?
- Social media companies must increase efforts to detect and remove illegal wildlife trade advertisements. While some platforms have implemented measures, such as Facebook's removal of 7.6 million posts in 2023, experts argue that more resources and stricter enforcement are needed. Failure to address this issue contributes to biodiversity loss and threatens the survival of endangered species.
- How are social media companies responding to the problem of wildlife trafficking advertisements on their platforms?
- The traffickers used social media to advertise the endangered birds for sale, demonstrating how online platforms are facilitating wildlife crime. A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational and Organized Crime found that 78% of 477 adverts for protected species in Brazil and South Africa were on social media. This shift online followed crackdowns on street markets.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily from the perspective of law enforcement and conservation groups, highlighting the dangers of wildlife trafficking and the need for social media companies to take action. While this is important, it could benefit from including perspectives from other stakeholders, such as traders or consumers, to provide a more balanced understanding.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "snatched by poachers" are descriptive and emotionally impactful but do not cross into inflammatory or biased territory. The use of quotes from experts lends credibility and avoids subjective interpretations.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the role of social media in wildlife trafficking but doesn't explore other contributing factors, such as the demand for exotic pets or the involvement of criminal networks beyond online platforms. The lack of discussion on these aspects presents an incomplete picture of the problem.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked parrots and toucans, contributing to the conservation of these species and protecting biodiversity. The efforts of CeMaCAS and law enforcement directly support SDG 15, Life on Land, by combating wildlife crime and promoting species preservation.