W

South America

Colombia

Colombia is the most biodiverse country in the world by species per square kilometre — and one of the most active source countries for trafficked parrots, primates and reptiles bou

A winding tributary of the Amazon basin in southern Colombia photographed from the air, with intact rainforest stretching to the horizon

Colombia is a Latin American country at the top of global biodiversity rankings; WARN's planned work focuses on parrot and macaw trafficking interdiction and soft-release, primate sanctuary support, and pink river dolphin and Amazonian aquatic-mammal triage in partnership with established Colombian rescue organisations.

Key Facts About Colombia

  • Most biodiverse country in the world by species per square kilometre.
  • Major source country for trafficked parrots and primates.
  • Home to scarlet and military macaws, the spectacled (Andean) bear, jaguars and titi monkeys.
  • Pink river dolphin populations in the Putumayo and Amazon are increasingly stressed.
  • Our planned Colombia work funds macaw triage and large soft-release aviaries.

What is the wildlife situation in Colombia?

Colombia spans the Amazon basin, the Andes and two coastlines. The Amazon basin and the Pacific lowlands are major sources of trafficked exotic birds and primates. Domestic markets in Bogotá, Cali and Medellín continue to drive the live-pet trade.

What is WARN preparing to do in Colombia?

Funding parrot triage, large soft-release aviaries, intelligence-sharing with enforcement authorities investigating the export pipeline, and supporting restrictions on the domestic sale of native wildlife. The parrot appeal is WARN's primary South America focus.

Why Colombia and Peru together

The Amazon basin does not respect borders. Many of the species and many of the trafficking routes span both countries. Our planned South America operations are designed to interoperate.

Key Species in Colombia

Least Concern (but heavily trafficked)

Scarlet macaw

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Vulnerable

Spectacled (Andean) bear

Near Threatened

Jaguar

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Vulnerable / Endangered

Titi monkey (multiple species)

Endangered

Pink river dolphin

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Colombia FAQ

What is the main wildlife trafficking problem in Colombia?
By volume, the parrot and macaw trade. By high-value items, jaguar teeth and skins. See our jaguar trade briefing for the trafficking pipeline.
Are pink river dolphins endangered?
Yes. The IUCN lists them as Endangered, with population declines driven by mercury contamination, hydropower disruption and fisheries bycatch.

Help the Animals of Colombia

Your donation funds the rescue teams, sanctuaries, and programmes protecting wildlife and street animals across Colombia.

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