World
Species trafficking in Costa Rica: a threat in one of the world's most biodiverse countries
A beetle, a morphic butterfly and even the fangs of a jaguar. Objects like these were confiscated from travelers and traders in Costa Rica. Although many acquire them as memories, their purchase and unauthorised transport feeds illegal trafficking in species. This crime represents a serious threat to the country's biodiversity. Costa Rica houses about 6 per cent of the species on the planet and the authorities warn that illegal wildlife trade risks this natural heritage, which is key to its ecosystems and sustainable tourism.