A team of scientists and a 3D printer have reconstructed this abused toucan.
In the heart of Brazil, a story of resilience and innovation is unfolding, painting a vivid picture of how scientists can harness technology to aid in wildlife conservation. This story revolves around a toucan named Tieta, who, after falling victim to the brutalities of illegal wildlife trafficking, found new life through the wonders of a 3D printer.
Illegal wildlife trade is booming in Brazil
Wildlife trafficking is a significant problem in Brazil, posing a serious threat to the country’s rich biodiversity. Various species, including turtles, fish, jaguars, frogs, insects, primates, songbirds and parrots, are illegally targeted and removed from their natural habitats. animal rights group, WWF, estimates that 38 million animals are stolen from Brazil’s forests each year, posing a significant threat to regional and global biodiversity.
One of the main threats is unsustainable wildlife harvesting and trade. This illegal wildlife trade is often fueled by criminal networks that exploit the country’s vast and diverse ecosystems.
Social media and the illegal capture of toucans and other wildlife in Brazil
The use of social media platforms often facilitates wildlife trafficking in Brazil. These platforms offer traffickers a simple and anonymous way to connect with buyers and sell their illegal goods. In response, authorities are increasingly monitoring these platforms to identify and apprehend those involved in this illicit trade.
Conversely, relevant actors use the same social platforms to launch public awareness campaigns. The goal is to educate users about the devastating effects of wildlife trafficking. Ultimately, combating wildlife trafficking in Brazil requires a holistic effort, leveraging technology as a tool for both law enforcement and education.
How economic hardship often leads to wildlife trafficking
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Economic difficulties during the pandemic have led to a significant increase in wildlife trafficking. From January to August 2020, traffic stops across Brazil led to the recovery of more than 25,000 illegally transported exotic animals.
The crisis has highlighted the urgent need for more robust measures to combat wildlife trafficking. In response, Brazilian authorities have stepped up their efforts, implementing stricter controls and increasing penalties for wildlife trafficking. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on international cooperation to address this global problem, as wildlife trafficking often crosses national borders.
How Brazilian authorities hope to stem the problem
Ongoing efforts are underway to combat the problem of illegal capture and trade of native animals. For example, Brazilian police have turned to nuclear science to combat wildlife trafficking. This innovative approach makes it possible to identify the geographical origin of trafficked animals, to help them return to their natural habitats and to prosecute the traffickers.
Despite these efforts, wildlife trafficking remains a pervasive problem in Brazil, undermining conservation efforts and economic growth. This is a complex issue requiring a multi-pronged approach, including tougher laws, improved enforcement, increased public awareness and international cooperation.
About the toucan that needed a new beak
In the bustling metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, a female toucan, Tieta, was discovered in a pitiful condition in March 2015. She was malnourished and had lost the upper part of her beak, an essential tool for her survival. The circumstances surrounding the loss of his beak remain unclear. It could have resulted from a skirmish with another toucan during transport in a cramped box, or perhaps she was subjected to cruelty from ruthless animal traffickers.
Whatever the cause, Tieta’s recovery has become a focal point for a wildlife management organization, Instituto Vida Book. In collaboration with three Brazilian universities, they embarked on a mission to restore the lost beak of Tieta. The solution they arrived at demonstrates the power of technology in the service of wildlife conservation: a 3D-printed prosthetic beak. She underwent breakthrough surgery on July 27, 2015.
Speaking of a Costa Rican case of a toucan with a severed beak, the founder of Animal Rescue Denis Janickexplained the importance of the beak to this beautiful bird:
“For a toucan, losing its beak is like being without arms, lips and teeth.”
This case highlights the potential of 3D printing technology in creating prostheses that can significantly improve the quality of life of injured animals. Tieta’s new beak, a lightweight plastic prosthesis weighing just 4 grams, has made all the difference in her daily routines. It took the 3D printer about two hours to fabricate the prosthesis.
Before receiving his prosthetic beak, Tieta had to toss his food into the air and attempt to catch it with the lower part of his beak. Needless to say, the method was not always successful.
Watch this heartwarming video to see the team attach their prosthesis:
The prognosis of Tieta, the toucan with the prosthetic beak
With his new beak, Tieta could easily feed and groom himself. Her prosthetic A 3D printer’s beak would also mean mating and caring for its chicks like any other healthy toucan.
However, despite these upgrades, Tieta will not return to the wild as she cannot survive independently. Instead, she will reside in an educational zoo. Under their care, her story can serve as a powerful message about the devastating effects of animal trafficking.
Final thoughts on the toucan that got a new beak thanks to a 3D printer
Tieta’s story is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect wildlife from illegal trafficking and other harm. It also highlights the potential of technology, such as 3D printing, to aid wildlife conservation efforts. While it’s heartening to see such innovative solutions being used to help individual animals like Tieta, it’s crucial to remember that the ultimate goal should be to prevent such harm from happening in the first place.
To achieve this, we must raise awareness of the devastating effects of wildlife trafficking. We must also continue to advocate for stronger laws and enforcement to deter such activities. Additionally, we must support organizations that work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife affected by these illegal activities.
No matter how small, every effort can help protect and preserve our precious wildlife.
