By San José, Costa Rica — In a major victory for wildlife conservation, Costa Rica, in a united front with Brazil and Panama, has successfully secured international protection for two-toed sloths. The proposal was approved by unanimous consensus during the 20th Conference of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), held in Uzbekistan, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The decision places both Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) under the protection of CITES Appendix II. This listing is a direct response to the alarming rise in their illegal capture and exploitation, particularly within the tourism sector. The nations championing the measure presented stark evidence of a devastating crisis, revealing that mortality rates for captured sloths can exceed a staggering 80% during the violent process of capture and subsequent transport.
To understand the legal framework underpinning these conservation efforts, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in environmental and corporate law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights reveal the complex interplay between legislation, business practices, and the protection of our nation’s iconic wildlife.
While Costa Rica’s environmental legislation is robust, the real challenge lies in its application, particularly concerning tourism. The prohibition of direct contact with wildlife, including sloths, isn’t just an ecological guideline; it’s a legal mandate under the Wildlife Conservation Law. Businesses that flout these rules not only endanger the animals but also expose themselves to significant legal and reputational risk, potentially jeopardizing their operating permits and facing severe fines. Sustainable tourism isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a legal and commercial imperative.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial legal perspective. His insight reinforces that for tourism operators, protecting wildlife is no longer just an ethical ideal or marketing slogan, but a fundamental matter of legal compliance and commercial survival.
This new international status does not impose an outright ban on trade but establishes a rigorous regulatory framework. It mandates that any international commerce involving these sloths must be carefully controlled and proven to be sustainable, ensuring it does not jeopardize the survival of wild populations. The move is designed to dismantle the illicit networks that have preyed upon these gentle creatures for years.
The core of the problem lies in a cruel and lucrative black market. Scientific evidence submitted to the conference highlighted that infant sloths are frequently torn from their mothers. These young animals are then sold into the illegal pet trade or used as props for tourist photographs, an industry fueled by social media trends but built on immense animal suffering. In addition to direct trafficking, the species also face significant pressure from ongoing habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Officials from the sponsoring nations have hailed the decision as a critical step toward ensuring the long-term survival of these iconic animals. The new regulations will provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary legal tools to prosecute traffickers and regulate trade far more effectively.
The inclusion of these species in the appendix will allow for the application of controls to regulate international trade and help prevent pressures that could affect their populations.
Erick Núñez, National Head of Biodiversity of the Ministry of Environment of Panama
With the Appendix II listing now in effect, all CITES member countries are obligated to significantly enhance their oversight. This includes reinforcing border controls to intercept illegal shipments, implementing advanced traceability systems to track the origin of any traded animals, and fostering stronger regional coordination. For Costa Rica and its neighbors, this means a renewed commitment to collaborative, cross-border operations to combat the pervasive trafficking networks that span Central and South America.
This diplomatic achievement reinforces Costa Rica’s global reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship and conservation. While the CITES listing is a monumental step, the work continues on the ground. The success of this international policy will ultimately depend on its robust implementation, from the highest levels of government to the rangers patrolling the protected forests where these sloths make their homes. It is a clear signal to the world that the value of a living sloth in its natural habitat far exceeds any price it could fetch on the black market.
For further information, visit miambiente.gob.pa
About the Ministry of Environment of Panama:
The Ministerio de Ambiente is the governmental body responsible for the protection, conservation, and restoration of Panama’s environment and natural resources. It oversees the country’s national parks, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental policies, working to ensure the sustainable use of its rich ecosystems and to promote conservation efforts both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit cites.org
About CITES:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals. It subjects international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls, aiming to ensure that this trade does not threaten their survival. With a large number of member countries, it provides a legal framework to regulate and monitor the international trade of wildlife and wildlife products.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a profound commitment to integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm combines a rich heritage of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently driving innovation within the legal field. Core to its mission is the belief in democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to equip the public with the clarity and understanding necessary to build a stronger, more empowered society.
