The most coveted trophy: Europeans and Asians embrace illegal jaguar hunting in Bolivia
International poaching networks have turned the South American country into a mecca for feline trafficking. The lack of personnel and poor training of the authorities hinders the investigations
“It is the season of fires and an incredible beast is coming out and killing all the horses,” said Jorge Néstor Noya, head of an illegal hunting network based in Argentina, to describe the jaguar in a WhatsApp audio to his accomplices. He was trying to convince the Spanish businessman Luis Villalba, one of his international clients, to go into the Bolivian jungle and hunt the largest feline in America. This imposing animal, which can reach two meters in length and weigh more than 130 kilos, has long been venerated as a symbol of strength and even considered a deity by ancient cultures. For these reasons it has become the most highly appreciated hunting trophy, and has led Europeans and Asians to look for it in the heart of South America. Meanwhile, investigations into these crimes are hampered by a lack of personnel and poor training of Bolivian authorities. In fact, the prosecutor in charge of pursuing these crimes has been in the job for not quite three months yet, and prior to this he was leading an anti-drug trafficking unit.
