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Sanctions and Reparation in Judgments for Wildlife Crimes: A Descriptive Analysis with Institutional Triangulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The study assessed the coherence between the seriousness of wildlife crime offenses and the severity of judicial responses, while triangulating institutional perceptions. Five judgments issued between 2018 and 2020 were systematized and functional interviews were analyzed. Offending conduct, evidentiary elements, aggravating circumstances, penalties, fines, reparation, date, jurisdiction, and evidentiary observations were compared using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of categories (trafficked goods, affected species, and custody procedures). Three patterns were identified: predominance of bushmeat and anatomical parts over live animals; high variability in fines and in the definition of reparation; and recurrent deficiencies in the chain of custody and expert reports. The severity of sanctions revealed heterogeneity in relation to aggravating circumstances. A checklist is proposed to support proportionality in sanctioning and standardization in reparation. The comparative matrix used is replicable at the cantonal level and useful for future provincial comparisons.

Source: Universidad Ciencia y Tecnología

DOI: 10.47460/uct.v30i130.1032

Authors: Carlos Alfredo Bunay Ormaza, Jonathan Lorenzo Anoceto, Samantha Castillo H., Camila Sthefanny Sucuy Bonilla

Institutions: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes

Language: English

Topic: Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7125592363

FWCI:

Cites: 16

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Related to: 10