Brasília, February 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) is conducting a campaign this Carnaval to educate people who are traveling by car not to buy animals from roadside traffickers.

Using the slogan "Don't buy wild animals from roadside traffickers. Denounce this environmental crime," Ibama warns that the purchase of animals, even if motivated by solidarity, can be characterized as complicity with animal trafficking, which constitutes an environmental crime.

Ibama points out that wild animals can only be bought from legalized, licensed breeders. Any other form is illegal and transforms dealers and buyers into violators of the law, liable to fines and jail sentences.

It is estimated that 12 million wild animals are captured each year to supply the domestic and international market. Most fail to survive the conditions under which they are captured and transported. The traffic of wild animals around the world is only surpassed by arms and drug trafficking. It is estimated that the illegal trafficking of animals amounts to around US$ 10 billion, annually. Brazil is responsible for 10-15% of this total. (DAS).