Some 7 million animals are smuggled out of Colombia each year, stripping the nation of its rich biodiversity, according to a new report by Colombia’s Environment Ministry and state security police. About 80 percent of the smuggled animals die en route to Asia, Europe, or the U.S. because of mistreatment and bad conditions. The black market in wildlife trade generates about $40 million in sales each year. Animals prized by smugglers include crocodiles, black alligators, turtles, iguanas, serpents, and wild birds.
