Understanding consumers' motivations and suppliers' needs in the illegal wildlife trade in Brazil

Wildlife trafficking represents a serious threat to Brazilian biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems. Developed within the scope of project IWTE0V17, this article aims to understand the motivations of consumers and the needs of suppliers involved in this illegal market, focusing on vulnerable communities that depend on this activity as a source of income. The study adopts a qualitative approach, based on interviews with consumers and suppliers of wild fauna, combined with an analysis of secondary data. The results reveal a diversity of motivations among consumers, ranging from affection and cultural tradition to the pursuit of status and exoticism. On the supplier side, socioeconomic vulnerability and the lack of alternative income-generation opportunities stand out as the main recruitment factors. We conclude that effective strategies to tackle wildlife trafficking should integrate educational, enforcement, and social actions, promoting sustainable alternatives for the populations involved and behavior-change campaigns aimed at reducing demand