7 Initiatives Created in Latin America to Protect Animals

Threats to animals have increased over time. Through global warming, the destruction of ecosystems and hunting, innocent creatures lose their homes and, with it, the possibility to grow in their natural habitat. The number of species that are in danger of extinction is increasing, and we human beings must start taking responsibility for what we are causing. Fortunately, there are many countries that have decided to give this issue the importance it deserves.

O awesome.club decided to talk about Latin American initiatives that seek to defend and assist endangered animals.

30 years ago, Chile and Argentina decided to unite to preserve endangered species and, in this case, the condor. This bird is quite unique and its specimens are few, as it can take up to 6 years for a chick to fully develop.

It was in 1991 that the Binational Program for the Conservation of the Andean Condor Chile-Argentina began. The initiative managed to introduce up to 167 specimens around the Cordillera. Its main objective is to assist and protect the birds to ensure their survival and reproduction.

In 2017, Panama’s criminal law changed. In its penal code, stricter ideas on the mistreatment of animals were established. Many people do not respect the lives of these creatures and do not realize the seriousness of their actions, so the law must ensure that this does not happen and that people are held accountable for their actions.

By changing law 457, an attempt was made to demonstrate how serious it can cost someone to harm these innocent beings: a penalty ranging from 18 to 24 months in prison for mistreatment of animals was established.

The northern jaguar reserve, in Mexico, is part of the “Northern Jaguar Project”, whose main objective is to conserve this animal and its respective ecosystem. The territory has almost 22 thousand hectares of pure diversity, and is also home to a wide variety of birds and mammals.

In 2011, the Armadillo Conservation Program began operating in Brazil, with the aim of studying the ecosystem of these animals.

Thanks to several researchers, specialists were able to understand how to preserve specific habitats and, in this way, are able to promote the care of these beings. The task is to ensure the conservation of its unique and extraordinary biodiversity.

Colombia surprises with the amount of reserves it has. Its Environmental Ministry is in charge of up to 33 Regional Autonomous Corporations and 5 research institutes for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In the same way as in Brazil, the research carried out seeks to select information in order to be able to know and maintain the biodiversity of each region. There are indigenous reserves and wild territories that must remain intact, according to conservation laws.

In Costa Rica, animal welfare is a top priority. Therefore, together with the Humane Society International, from Latin America, and with the National Animal Health Service, are working to change legislation and human thinking about wildlife. It is essential to conserve the biological and cultural capital represented by animals in the country. To achieve this, efforts are made to stop major threats, such as physical abuse, illegal trade and trafficking.

Cosmetic experiments on animals began years ago. However, in 2017 Guatemala decided to stop this practice, becoming the first country in Latin America to completely ban the use of animals in the cosmetic industry.

Endorsed by the Guatemalan Constitution, the Animal Welfare Law seeks, above all, to protect the country’s animals. Poisoning, selling, and cruelty to them are considered assaults. To address mistreatment, the law enables the person or company responsible to be penalized.

Are you involved in animal protection projects? What other ideas do you have for helping endangered species? Tell us in the comments section!