This project will strengthen ARCAS's efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals confiscated by Guatemalan government authorities from traffickers. It will strengthen enforcement of wildlife laws, supporting anti-trafficking patrols and strengthening legislation, and will support research, educational activities and publicity campaigns to address the root causes of wildlife trafficking.
Wildlife trafficking is decimating populations of wild animals throughout Guatemala. The Maya Biosphere Reserve In the northern Peten region of the country is home to the largest remaining tropical forest tract in Mesoamerica and source of much of the wildlife trafficked in the region. Animals trafficked include parrots, monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas. On the Pacific coast, the yellow-naped amazon and the sea turtle being decimated by the illegal wildlife trade.
ARCAS is a Guatemalan NGO dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. It receives 250 - 500 confiscated animals per year, including white-fronted and red-lored parrots, yellow-naped amazons, scarlet macaws, coatimundis, spider and howler monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, margays, jaguars, raccoons and kinkajous. This project will support the feeding and medical costs of animals undergoing rehabilitation in ARCAS's three main project sites: the Pacific coast, the altiplano and Peten.
This project will support the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild animals at ARCAS's rescue centers. It aims to conserve endangered species and its habitat, preserving this rich legacy of Guatemala for future generations. It supports ecotourism, birdwatching, handicrafts production and other sustainable ways to take advantage of this rich biodiversity without destroying it.
