Have wild animals as pets Not only is it a risk for the survival of species, It causes imbalance to ecosystems.
“All wildlife species play an important role in the ecosystem, so they must remain free, in their natural habitat and not be extracted. They are indispensable to maintain ecological balance, as they fulfill various functions. For example, some are seed dispersers, pest or pollinator controllers, ”says Norma JoJ, social communication of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP).
“Wild animals, product of illegal traffic and trade, suffer abuse and cruelty, since they are placed in boxes or cages in inappropriate conditions and without food. Sometimes, they are chained, ”he adds.
In addition to the alteration of ecosystems, wildlife extraction from their natural habitat triggers zoonotic diseases to the human being. Taking them home generates illegal hunting and trafficking, which reduces the natural populations of animals and will prevent them from reproducing or contributing their genes, which contributes to the extinction of the species, says Joj.
He illegal wildlife trade It occupies the fourth place of the most lucrative criminal activities in the world, Only after drugs, traffic of people and weapons. In Guatemala, species More threatened are birds such as parrots, pericas and macaws; mammals such as jaguar and white tail deer, and reptiles such as turtles, iguanas and heloderms -poisonous
“No kind of wildlife should be pet. When they are extracted from nature for this purpose, most of the time they are babies, so, usually, they must kill the mother to capture them, ”says Dennys Marroquín, veterinarian, specialized in wild animals and wildlife and director of Mayavet Expedits. In addition, when these animals arrive in homes, people are not trained to provide them with the appropriate essential care in terms of food, space, ambient temperature or socialization. There are people who keep paradies and parrots in small cages, where they cannot even extend the wings.
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If they survive after being extracted from nature, transported and far from others of their species, these animals will suffer from stress. The majority of wild animals in captivity manifest repetitive stereotypes or behaviors without apparent function, As oscillatory movements in mammals and in the case of birds, the feathers are started or automated. Inappropriate feeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and stress will depress the immune system.
One of the species most threatened by illegal trafficking is the paradies. Free Press Photo: Shuttersock
You also have to take into account that animals that have been captured They can no longer be released in nature, because they have become accustomed to life with the human And they have not developed the skills they need to survive in their habitat, which should be taught by their parents. If they become released because they don’t want them anymore, They can cause imbalance to the habitat to which they reach and become invasive species.
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People do not take into account, in addition, that when they reach the stage of sexual maturity, they become aggressive and defend themselves from humans, which can cause these serious injuries and even death.
“Conap calls for not being part of the illegal, denounce those who attempt against the country’s natural heritage and not buy parts and derivatives of wildlife. Wild animals are not pets, they are not trophies. We emphasize its incalculable value and promote actions to protect and conserve them, ”says Joj.
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“Having wild species as pets is something negative because it goes against nature and against the nature of animals. The lack of education and knowledge only contributes to Extinction of wild species“Moroccan refers. “It is essential to promote respect for nature within children’s education programs to eradicate this custom and be aware that there are other ways to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, he adds.
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