Journey To Death: Trafficking of Exotic Frogs From Colombia To the World

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. This has always meant a high potential for illegal wildlife trade. Historically, different species of frogs have been poached in Colombia in such large and incalculable quantities that they've almost become extinct. Europe and the United States are the main markets that manage and keep alive the illegal trade of amphibians from the Amazon.

This investigation looks into the illegal trafficking of frogs from the Colombian Amazon to different parts of the world to satisfy and meet, on the one hand, tastes and eccentricities and, on the other hand, scientific and pharmaceutical needs.

The endemic frogs of the Colombian Amazon (visually beautiful, with attractive and unique colors) have become the main victims of illegal wildlife trafficking in the country, ahead of birds, turtles, and lizards. This phenomenon has negative effects on the environment and local ecosystems, ranging from genetic erosion and reduced biodiversity to declining animal populations and vulnerability to extinction.

This investigation addresses issues of conservation and environmental impact, protection of endemic species, threats of extinction, hunting, and the trade and transportation of these tiny amphibians at the center of transnational industries.