Authorities in Brazil recently concluded a large-scale illegal logging sting in the northern state of Para, snagging 105,944 cubic feet of timber-mostly ipé-worth about $2.5 million and shutting down an illegal timber yard, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
More than 90 percent of the seized timber was ipé, which AFP characterized as "a large tropical hardwood tree prized for its durability, strength and natural resistance to decay and insect infestation." The news agency also pointed out that ipé is an endangered species and carries the nickname "Amazon gold" since it is worth more than $1,300 per cubic meter.
AFP noted that, in 2009, timber from the Amazon represented a $2.5 billion market. Also, experts in Brazil believe that 40 to 60 percent of the timber taken from the world's largest rainforest is illegal; 10 years ago, that figure was 80 percent.
The high degree of illegal logging is a result of insufficient enforcement resources, AFP also noted. "In Trairao National Park, just two [government officials] must monitor 257,000 hectares (635,000 acres), and in the Riozinho do Anfrisio park, two other must keep an eye on 736,000 hectares," AFP wrote. And on the local level, citizens must usually decide between compliancy with illegal loggers or poverty.
The operation was named "Captain of Forest 2" and it involved members of Brazil's federal police, military and forest protection agencies; it was launched Nov. 18 and concluded Dec. 8.
