Abstract Wildlife crime, including illegal harvesting, poaching, use, and trade, is a global issue. While studies on wildlife crimes have been performed on a global scale, it is also essential to assess their impact on native species at national scales. Investigating illegal activities involves analyzing law enforcement and seizure data, especially in areas with high biodiversity. In this study, we analyzed the effects of wildlife crime on native wild vertebrates of Oaxaca, southern Mexico, from 2004 to 2018. We used data from law enforcement by Mexican authorities on activities that affect vertebrates: trafficking, illegal possession, exploitation, breaking of hunting laws, permit breaches, and illegal scientific collecting. Oaxaca has a high incidence of wildlife crime, and illegal trading accounts for 38% of wildlife law violations (62% are other illegal activities). In addition, 8,047 specimens of 226 species were seized during the study period, of which 54% are considered endangered in Mexico or worldwide. Reptiles accounted for the highest number of individual specimens, while birds recorded the greatest range of species. The main species seized were green iguana (Iguana iguana), black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata), Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), orange-fronted parakeet (Aratinga canicularis), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Many of these seizures were made close to roads. Our results support the understanding that illegal trade reports are underestimates. This study allows us to have a greater understanding of the real magnitude of the problem. We hope this research will inform policies and strategies to combat the illegal activities that affect wildlife in regions with high biodiversity.

中文翻译：

---

评估墨西哥生物多样性高的地区的野生动物犯罪

摘要 野生动物犯罪，包括非法采伐、偷猎、使用和贸易，是一个全球性问题。虽然在全球范围内对野生动物犯罪进行了研究，但在国家范围内评估它们对本地物种的影响也很重要。调查非法活动涉及分析执法和缉获数据，尤其是在生物多样性高的地区。在这项研究中，我们分析了 2004 年至 2018 年野生动植物犯罪对墨西哥南部瓦哈卡州本土野生脊椎动物的影响。我们使用了墨西哥当局执法部门的数据，涉及影响脊椎动物的活动：贩运、非法占有、剥削、破坏狩猎法、许可证违规和非法科学收集。瓦哈卡州野生动物犯罪率高，非法交易占野生动物违法行为的 38%（62% 是其他非法活动）。此外，在研究期间缉获了 226 个物种的 8,047 个标本，其中 54% 被认为在墨西哥或世界范围内濒临灭绝。爬行动物占个体标本数量最多，而鸟类记录的物种范围最大。检获的主要物种为绿鬣蜥（Iguana iguana）、黑鬣蜥（Ctenosaura pectinata）、鳄鱼（Crocodylus moreletii）、橄榄龟（Lepidochelys olivacea）、橙额鹦鹉（Aratinga canicularis）和白尾鹿（Odocoile处女座）。其中许多缉获物是在靠近道路的地方进行的。我们的结果支持非法贸易报告被低估的理解。这项研究使我们能够更好地了解问题的真正严重程度。我们希望这项研究能够为打击影响生物多样性高地区野生动物的非法活动的政策和战略提供信息。