Wildlife trading: a conflictive relationship between human and fauna Tráfico de animales silvestres: una conflictiva relación entre los humanos y la fauna

This study re analyzes the participation of bioethical issues involved in the conflicts that come out from the relationship between humans and wildlife, as a consequence of the smuggling in Colombia. This proposal of theoretical approach characterizes the trade of wildlife in the country. It also describes and analyzes some of the problems associated with this activity. The results showed that there is a lack of knowledge regarding ecosystem elements as well as the existing legislation in this matter. This causes an inappropriate use of the biotic resources. This study also found that the trade of goods from wildlife derived resources can contribute to have a more sustainable environment and to improve the living conditions of the communities involved. To obtain these benefits, it is necessary to develop strategies where the different participants get together and come out with an educational and joint plan that targets preventive measures.It is further proposed that the humanity is directly responsible for safeguarding and the proper use of wildlife, thus, ethical responsibility and authority in this regard should be shared by the human groups affected, as wells as the governmental institutions. This attitude aims to harmonize the conflictive relationship between humans and the biological resources, since this may be the only way to maintain ecosystemic balance and thereby protect the human communities associated. This approach will lead to the preservation of diversity not only in biological but also in cultural terms. Finally, we propose that an ethical intervention of current and future professionals is required, so they can make joint decisions in which the non-human world is also considered. El presente estudio analiza la participación de los aspectos bioéticos en el abordaje de los conflictos que emergen de la relación entre los humanos y la fauna silvestre, producto del tráfico ilegal en Colombia. La propuesta de corte teórico caracteriza el comercio de animales silvestres en el país, además de describir y analizar algunas de las problemáticas asociadas con dicha actividad. Los resultados obtenidos permiten verificar que el desconocimiento del valor intrínseco de los elementos ecosistémicos así como de la legislación existente, ocasionan que los recursos bióticos sean utilizados de manera inadecuada. Asimismo, identifica que el comercio de los bienes derivados de la fauna silvestre, puede contribuir a hacer más viable la conservación de áreas naturales, además de mejorar el bienestar de las poblaciones humanas vinculadas, para lo cual, se requier