A resort in Bodoquena, Brazil, has been fined R$ 60,000 by Ibama for commercially exploiting wildlife images and allowing direct contact with native wildlife.
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) has imposed a fine of over R$ 60,000 on a resort in Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, for the commercial exploitation of native wildlife, specifically for allowing tourists to interact with wild animals like macaws and a capuchin monkey. The region, often referred to as the 'Brazilian Thailand' due to its stunning crystal-clear rivers and rocky cliffs, has attracted significant tourist interest. However, the resort's practices have raised environmental concerns, leading to the enforcement action by Ibama.
During inspections, Ibama agents discovered that the resort was engaging in the practice known as 'ceva', where food is provided to attract wildlife. Tourists were seen feeding macaws and a capuchin monkey with fruits like watermelon and bananas, as well as sunflower seeds and peanuts. The animals displayed signs of domestication, with one macaw named Esmeralda responding to its name, indicating a troubling level of habituation to human interaction.
Ibama's findings highlight the potential stress inflicted on wildlife due to tourist interactions and the alarming trend of normalizing human-animal contact in tourist settings. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife protection laws and the need for responsible tourism practices, as the ecosystem in Bodoquena is valuable both for its natural beauty and biodiversity. This story underscores the ongoing struggles between tourism and conservation, illuminating the responsibilities of both businesses and visitors in maintaining ecological integrity.
