Amazonas is the largest state of Brazil, with a total area of 1.6 million km² (Divino and McAleer 2009). Around 77% of the Amazonas state forest remains intact and includes scenic natural landscapes, that not only serves as habitat for wild fauna but also as an enticing tourist attraction (Divino and McAleer 2009). The capital of Amazonas state is Manaus [estimated population, 2,094,391 (IBGE 2016)], which is at the confluence of the two main tributaries of the Amazon River, where the black water of the Rio Negro and the yellowish-brown water of the Rio Solimoes join to form the Amazon River (Divino and McAleer 2009). Located close to intact Amazonas state forest, Manaus has an airport that can receive full-size jet aircrafts and is connected to wildlife tourist destinations by paved highways and larger riverboats (Divino and McAleer 2009).

Tourists typically arrive by air in Manaus, are taxied to the port, and taken by boat to floating hotels or hostels located on the river edge (Figure 1; Hoefle 2016). Wildlife ecotourism excursions can be booked before and after arrival in Manaus, through tour agents that operate indirectly online and directly via local branches (Figure 1). Tour guides and boat operators are employed to accompany tourists on excursions with the size of transport crafts ranging from covered outboard-powered boats up to small cruise ships (Figure 1; Hoefle 2016). Luxury jungle lodges are also located along the Negro River in Iranduba and Novo Airão municipalities, upstream from Manaus (Hoefle 2016). This route has been described as one of the most scenic of the Amazon tributaries with forests that are largely intact and black water that produces ‘beautiful reflections’ (Hoefle 2016, Lohmann and Dredge 2012).

Figure 1.

Stakeholder map / operating model.

We used online search engines to identify boat tour companies operating from Manaus that specifically advertised wildlife ecotourism. We conducted fieldwork in Manaus between October 4^th and November 18^th 2016. We gave each wildlife boat tour a unique identification code noting: the date of the tour; the name of the tour company; the price of the tour [(in Brazilian Reals (BRL)]; the number of other tourists present; and documented the types of wildlife ecotourism activities provided. Whenever opportunities for close and or direct physical contact with wildlife were provided, we recorded the geographic location (via GPS Garmin model GPSMAP64), species; estimated age class (juvenile or adult); and the number of animals involved. We also recorded whether these types of activities were actively encouraged or discouraged by the official tour guide, taking photographic images and other qualitative observations.

We identified relevant legislation to fully understand the legal status of any close and or direct contact opportunities observed during our fieldwork via online search engines and consultation with relevant government agencies. This included legislation relating, but not limited, to wildlife management, conservation, national red lists of endangered species, animal welfare, tourism, environmental crime, and jurisprudence. As part of our subsequent review, we included national legislation such as constitutions, laws, decrees, resolutions, and regulations, normative instructions in addition to any international treaties and relevant case studies of legal precedence. Using these sources, following our fieldwork we specifically evaluated three types of activity: (1) baiting of wild animals for tourists (i.e. provision of food to attract); (2) capture (and subsequent captivity) of live animals for tourists; and (3) handling by tourists.

We observed four aggregations of free-ranging pink river dolphins that have been conditioned to human contact through provisioning of fish (Figure 4). Tourists were able to feed, touch, and swim with these animals with access provided via four floating structures (Figure 2). During all dolphin interactions, we observed local staff baiting dolphins so that they could hold them in position out of the water for tourist photo opportunities; (Figure 4). On two of these floating structures we observed tourists feeding adult pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) with fish tied to the end of bamboo poles. We also observed one troop of squirrel monkeys that had been conditioned to human contact through provisioning of food so that tourists could feed, touch and have photo opportunities with these animals.

Figure 4.

Example images of species provided to tourists for photo prop opportunities when visiting Manaus, Brazil. A Common caiman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) B Brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) C Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus); and D Pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). Image by: Neil D’Cruze / World Animal Protection.

We observed captive live animals being made available for handling by tourists, particularly for use as photo props, on and around three floating structures that serve as debarkation points for access to an unprotected area of forest known locally as ‘Januari Ecological Park’ (Figure 2). Here, we observed two adult captive green anacondas in general poor body condition showing specific signs of dehydration and bearing wounds indicating prior physical trauma. During all excursions, we observed handlers restraining the snakes by tightly gripping their neck whilst they were either touched or held by tourists (Figure 4). Both captive common caiman (n = 2) observed during excursions were restrained using a rubber band around their jaws (Figure 4); with one animal kept in a small broken fridge when not being handled by tourists. Similarly, we observed a total of 9 individual captive brown-throated three-toed sloths (2 adult and 7 juveniles) two of which were tied to a tree with rope when not being handled by tourists.

Although not a primary focus of our study, we also observed several different wildlife based products being sold as souvenirs to visiting tourists during these boat tours. Key points of sale include craft markets located at access points to Januari Ecological Park, on floating restaurants, and floating platforms used for pink river dolphin interactions (Figure 5). Three craft markets are operated by individuals belonging to Tatuyo, Tuyuca and Dessano tribes, typically visited by tourists before and after performances and photo opportunities involving individuals wearing traditional dress (Figure 2). We observed preserved fish [including catfish (e.g. Pterygoplichthys anisitsi) and piranha (Serrasalmus spp.) being commonly sold as ornaments at these craft stalls. On one occasion, we also observed a pink river dolphin, two common caiman skulls and an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) skull on sale at a Tuyuca craft stall (Figure 5).

Figure 5.

Example images of wildlife products available for purchase by tourists when visiting Manaus, Brazil. A Pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) skull B Floating Structure C Catfish (Liposarcus anisitsi); and D Common caiman skull (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus). Image by: Neil D’Cruze / World Animal Protection.

We found no specific laws regulating the baiting of free-ranging wildlife in Brazil. However, national legislation relating to environmental crimes [Federal Law 9,605/1998 (Appendix II)] states that it is illegal to pursue, capture, or kill any specimen of wild fauna in Brazil without due permit, license or authorisation from a competent authority (Suppl. material 1). Additionally, The Hunting Act [Federal Law 5,197 (Appendix II)] also strictly forbids any such activity ‘involving wildlife living naturally outside of captivity’ which are deemed property of the State (Suppl. material 1). Designated fines per specimen are 500 BRL (150 USD), however, this can reach up to 5,000 BRL (1,500 USD) per specimen if they are included on the Brazilian list of endangered species [Federal Decree 6,514 (Appendix II)] (Suppl. material 1). With regards to the species observed during our study, only the pink river dolphin is currently included on the Brazilian list of Threatened species; where the species is classified as ‘Endangered’ [Federal Law 6,938 (Appendix II)] (Suppl. material 1).

However, there are a few notable exceptions. For example, a Normative Ruling [(IBAMA 26/2002 (Appendix II)] establishes rules for the sustainable use (capture and killing) of non-endangered indigenous Brazilian wildlife conventionally used by ‘traditional populations’ in a minority of ‘Nature Conservation Units’ specifically designated as ‘Extractive Reserves’ (a type of ‘sustainable-use’ protected area, Figure 2) (Suppl. material 1). The Hunting Act also enables the federal government to issue species-specific time-bound permits for such activity where ‘regional peculiarities accommodate hunting activities’ [Federal Law 5,197 (Appendix II)] (Suppl. material 1). Additionally, another normative ruling (IBAMA 07/2015) permits the private ownership and commercial use of certain species, provided that the wild animals have been bred in captivity and their owners can provide adequate proof of origin to the relevant authorities (Suppl. material 1). Another ruling [394/2007 (Appendix II)] aims to establish the criteria needed to determine the wild species that can be utilised in this manner (Suppl. material 1).

It is worth noting that none of the tour boat destinations visited during our study were in the ‘Extractive Reserves’ mentioned above. The destinations were surrounded by protected areas of stricter sustainable-use categories (areas numbered 2–10, Figure 2) and several were located within 10km of one ‘core’ or fully protected area, the most stringent class of ‘Nature Conservation Units’ (Proteção Integral, 1, Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, Figure 2).

The majority of species that we observed being used for wildlife ecotourism activities in Manaus are not currently considered to be of high conservation status, from either an international or a national perspective. None are currently considered as Threatened according to the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2017) and only the pink river dolphin is currently listed (as Endangered) on the Brazilian Red List of Threatened Species (Portaria No 444, 2014). However, it is important to note that internationally the pink river dolphin is currently considered as Data Deficient, the green anaconda has not yet been assessed, and it is acknowledged that existing common caiman assessment requires updating for the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2017). As such, at least from a local population perspective, the conservation impact of this emerging commercial activity on these species should not be completely disregarded as their use may already be or could become a potential threat to the survival of wild populations in future.

The unregulated killing of wild animals and subsequent sale of their body parts as tourist souvenirs (e.g. pink river dolphin skulls) is of potential concern in terms of its sustainability and negative conservation impact. However, photo prop tourism in Manaus also appears to involve the repeated long-term removal of individual animals from wild populations and associated mortalities. Taking the use of brown-throated three-toed sloths as a case in point; a total of six sloths were observed being used in this manner during our main fieldwork, however none of these same animals were observed just five months later during a brief reconnaissance in April 2017. Although it was not possible for us to specifically determine the fate of these animals, mortalities are a distinct possibility given the relatively low reported survival rate of this species at rescue and rehabilitation facilities (Moreno and Plese 2006) and the technical challenges associated with successful wild release (IUCN 2017).

From an animal welfare perspective, the handling and use of captive wild animals as ‘photo props’ has become a particularly controversial tourism activity (Idfwru 2013). Prior research has already highlighted how this type of practice can severely compromise the physiological and psychological well-being of wild animals during capture, restraint and subsequent use (e.g. Baker et al. 2013). Our field observations also support existing concerns regarding how such repeated handling, combined with poor husbandry, exposure to continual flash photography, and unnatural surroundings could lead to stress, disease, injury and associated mortalities (Idfwru 2013). For example, given the observed frequency of use and key traits of their natural history [e.g. cryptic, arboreal behavior and relatively low metabolic rate (Fowler and Cubas 2001, Munaó Diniz and Oilveria 1999)] the use of brown-throated three-toed sloths for this type of tourism is perhaps of particular concern.

Although it involves free-ranging individuals, human baiting and associated direct contact (e.g. touching) with wildlife such as dolphins and primates has also become a controversial tourist activity (Orams 2002, Moorhouse et al. 2015). Despite the economic benefits, the baiting of pink river dolphins has already been identified as being of potential animal welfare concern (Alves et al. 2011). Escalation of pink river dolphin behavior from habituation to increased confidence, assertiveness, ‘pushiness’ and potential eventual aggression, towards conspecifics has been observed during previous studies (Alves et al. 2011). Similarly, cases of potentially harmful human behaviour have also been observed (for example, attempting to restrain or ride the dolphins, striking the dolphins and feeding inappropriate objects) (Alves et al. 2011). Consequently, because of poor management, such activity could result in net negative impacts on the welfare of the animals involved (Alves et al. 2011).

Despite the potential risks imposed to dolphins, there are no specific laws regulating baiting, touching and swimming with wild pink river dolphins in Brazil (Alves et al. 2011). In fact, the official tourism website for Brazil actively promotes such wildlife ecotourism activity; citing that it generates income and encourages cetacean protection amongst fishermen in the region (Visit Brazil 2017). However, Federal decree number 6514 article 30 states that the intentional disturbance of any species of cetacean in Brazilian waters is forbidden with lawbreakers subjected to fines. Also, more broadly speaking, while no specific legislation prohibits wildlife baiting within Brazilian conservation units, this type of activity is prohibited by the internal regulations of some national parks [e.g., Serra dos Órgãos National Park (IBAMA 2010)]. In these cases, those who ignore these regulations may be subject to fines. When taking this legislation into account, the pink river dolphin tourism activities observed in Manaus could be interpreted as legal infringements (Alves et al. 2011).

In contrast, the illegality of advertising and providing captive wildlife for handling and associated ‘photo prop’ tourism in Manaus is demonstrated by ‘Operação Teia’, an enforcement action taken during the course of our study. In November 2016, following complaints against tour operators and evidence obtained from social media platforms, intelligence agents from the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) and police from the Environmental Battalion, issued six tourism companies fines totalling $R 1.3 million (≈ 425,000 $USD) using Federal Law 9,605 and Federal Decree 6,514. As part of this operation the authorities confiscated six captive wild animals from January Ecological Park, directly returning five of them to the wild [two green anaconda, two common caiman and one boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)]. A juvenile sloth was also forwarded to IBAMA’s Centre for wild animals [(Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS)] for rehabilitation (Acritica 2016, IBAMA 2017). But, despite this enforcement operation we observed photo-prop tourism, using these same species, at this same location five months later during a reconnaissance visit in April 2017.

Our fieldwork was limited to a select number of tours in Manaus, during two months of one dry season in 2016, and a brief reconnaissance in 2017. Therefore, this represents only a momentary glimpse into a complex and varied industry. It is reasonable to assume that additional wildlife-focused ecotourism activities, involving a wider range of wild animal species, at additional geographical locations, are currently being offered that went unobserved by us. Standards and practices will inevitably vary between tour operators, and our research methods restricted our ability to make a full and detailed assessment of the impacts on individual animals and species. However, our study provides an important initial insight into wildlife-focused ecotourism in Manaus that can serve as the foundation for further research. Based on our field observations and concerns already raised in the existing literature, we suggest that longer and more detailed animal welfare and conservation impact assessments of species-specific activities (such as pink river dolphin swims and brown-throated three-toed sloth photo-prop tourism) are required. Increased information on how wild animals are being sourced, kept and disposed would prove particularly useful.

Our study also highlights existing legislation relating to wildlife ecotourism can be ambiguous, inaccessible and/or conflicting (TRAFFIC 2008). For example, the legal status of wildlife ecotourism activities in Brazil can vary, depending on how a wild animal is sourced, how they are used, who is using them, and where (Table 1). Increased clarity regarding the legal status of baiting pink river dolphins with food for close interactions is particularly needed to help regulate and mitigate any negative impacts both on these Endangered cetaceans. Although there is more clarity regarding the illegal status of captive wildlife handling and ‘photo-prop’ tourism in Manaus, it is apparent from on-going activity, post Operação Teia, that enforcement action alone will not be enough to halt this illegal use of wildlife. Rather, a wider and more holistic approach that includes education and human behaviour change focused initiatives targeting both local communities, operators and in particular, tourists is required to prevent potential negative impacts from inevitable ecotourism expansion in the Amazon.

Increased research focused on the attitudes of tourists is required to inform the development of effective public awareness initiatives aimed at reducing demand for harmful wildlife ecotourism both in Manaus and elsewhere in the Amazon region. In the absence of global regulatory authorities, and given their wide global audience (e.g. TripAdvisor 2016), the dissemination of relevant information via international online travel websites could also prove highly impactful in achieving positive human behaviour change in this regard (Moorhouse et al. 2016). On a national level, Brazil already has a National Tourism Plan [Plano Nacional do Turismo, 2013 (Federal Decree 7,994/2013]. However, we note that neither the current plan nor its associated guidelines (Ministério do Turismo 2016) appear to contain any specific guidance regarding the proper regulation of wildlife ecotourism in Brazil. Given that the National Tourism Plan is revised every four years, we recommend that such information should be included in future plans to help balance and manage growing tourist interest in wildlife ecotourism and wider wildlife protection goals.