Drug Trafc Imperils Birds.

DRUG traffic; BIRD habitats; ENVIRONMENTAL degradation; SENIOR centers; LAND clearing

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found that cocaine trafficking is posing a significant threat to critical bird habitats in Central America. Two-thirds of the most important areas for forest birds in the region, including 67 species that breed in the US and Canada, are increasingly at risk due to drug trafficking activities. The study highlights the link between drug trafficking and biodiversity loss, as traffickers clear land for their operations, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. The researchers suggest that a more proactive approach is needed to address this issue, including empowering local communities, developing alternative income sources, and resolving land tenure issues. [Extracted from the article]

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