Planet Money Supply, demand, extinction
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Jun 30, 2023 In 1998, a wildlife rescue center in Bogota found itself overwhelmed by hundreds of brightly colored poison frogs, sneaking a peek into the underground frog black market. Ivan Lozano Ortega took on the challenge of saving these endangered species from poaching by legally breeding and selling them. As he navigated the complexities of wildlife conservation, he faced unexpected hurdles with ethical dilemmas and market demands. This riveting tale highlights both the urgency of conservation efforts and the intricate balance of protecting vulnerable species while tackling illegal wildlife trade.
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The Frog Smuggling Discovery
- Ivan Lozano Ortega, head of Bogota's Wildlife Rescue Center, received calls from the airport about smuggled poison frogs.
- Hundreds of endangered, brightly colored frogs were being poached from the Colombian rainforest.
Journey to the Frog's Habitat
- Stan Alcorn traveled to the Anchicaya Valley, the only habitat of the Ufaga lemani frog.
- He hiked with a guide, Luceli Lopez, to find this critically endangered frog.
The Economics of Frog Smuggling
- Smugglers paid locals a few dollars per frog, leading to the capture of around 80,000 frogs.
- The Ufaga lemani is a Veblen good; its high price increases demand, unlike typical goods.