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| HSI |
| ARCAS' Fernando Martinez cradles a rescued margay. |
The small jungle cat pictured at left came to the Asociacion de Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS) rescue center after an elderly gentleman, concerned for her fate, purchased her from a wildlife vendor on the streets in Guatemala. One can only guess what happened to her mother, who most likely also fell victim to wildlife poachers. But thanks to the existence of the wildlife rescue center run by ARCAS, this margay may have a chance at living out her life as nature intended: in her natural habitat.
Victims of Illegal Trade
Shown here in the capable hands of wildlife veterinarian Fernando Martinez, this infant feline’s story is all too familiar. Each year, hundreds of animals are brought to the ARCAS rescue center, located in the northern region of Guatemala. Victims of the illegal trade in wildlife (an activity that supports the illegal national and international pet trade), as well as hunting and loss of habitat, these lucky few find their way to ARCAS, where they enter the rehabilitation process with the hopeful goal of being released back into the wild.
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This story is not only familiar in Guatemala, but throughout Central America. Unfortunately, unlike Guatemala, most other Central American countries do not have wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities as well-run, well-financed and well-equipped as ARCAS to handle the wild animals who are confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. And although ARCAS is a good facility, it still faces challenges, which is why Humane Society International and the U.S. Department of State have been working with the center since 2005.
Workshop Allows Brainstorming
In order to address the growing concern of what to do with confiscated wildlife in Central America, and as part of HSI’s program to stop the illegal trade in wildlife in Central America and the Dominican Republic, HSI, with funding from the U.S. State Department, brought together stakeholders from the region to discuss the issues surrounding confiscated species and to explore "best practices" for wildlife rescue centers. ARCAS was chosen as the host organization for the event due to their successful operation. It is important to note that what works for one country will not necessarily work for another, but the venue allowed workshop attendees to explore the possibilities.
Thirty-two participants, representing both governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) throughout Central America and the Dominican Republic, came together for this capacity building workshop, which was delivered by HSI staff and HSI consultant/rescue center expert Maria Elena Sanchez. On the first day of the workshop, topics ranged from CITES and confiscated species to the role of rescue centers, and the importance of coordination between government and NGOs (including several combined management models) to the requirements for running a rescue center, including sustainability and possible funding sources. The participants then gathered in country-specific groups to discuss the current situation of each country in regards to rescue centers, as well as brainstorm ideas and make suggestions for the future.
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| HSI |
| HSI's Grettel Delgadillo demonstrates proper handling. |
ARCAS: A Model for Success
The second day of the workshop took place at the ARCAS rescue center, in order for participants to observe and learn first-hand how that particular facility is managed. One of the major concerns each of the countries faces with respect to rescue centers is a lack of funding. ARCAS has been able to develop a very successful volunteer program that brings students from around the world to the rescue center. These volunteers pay for the experience of working at ARCAS. The purpose of showing the workshop participants this aspect of the program was to demonstrate that there are ways to generate a sustainable source of income for these projects. Implementing a volunteer program is not easy, but if properly managed, it is one feasible source of both income and labor.
During the tour, the workshop participants were taken through the same process as a newly-arrived animal. The first step is to conduct an evaluation of the animal to determine the likelihood of rehabilitation. Then it is on to quarantine, followed by the rehabilitation process, which determines the next steps.
This final portion of the workshop was a detailed animal handling session that covered several species from reptiles to parrots. Said Guisella, a young administrator from the rescue facility Zoo Ave in Costa Rica, “The experience was invaluable and extremely eye-opening. The chance to meet people from around the region facing similar challenges was heartening, and to be able to offer them useful suggestions in addition to creating a communication network with these individuals, shows that we can really make a difference for wildlife in the region.”
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| HSI |
| Infant margay at ARCAS awaits re-release. |
More Still to Do
One very clear conclusion of workshop attendees is that there is still a considerable amount of work to be done. The participants, however, demonstrated that the dedication and willingness to work hard on these issues is present in the region, a prerequisite for making the goal to effectively and appropriately deal with confiscated wildlife a possibility.
Within a few weeks, the female infant margay will no longer be allowed any human contact. When she is weaned and desperate for attention, the volunteers will find the separation very difficult. The ARCAS staff will explain to them, however, that this is a necessary step in preparing her for her eventual release back into the remote regions of Guatemala. Through the joint efforts of ARCAS, HSI, and the U.S. State Department, animals like this margay will have a chance to remain wild.
