Brazilian Journal of Enviromnent
Open Access Journal
CiteScore
0.5
Indexada na
SCOPUS
QUALIS
B2
2021-2024
quadriênio
Open Access Journal
0.5
Indexada na
SCOPUS
B2
2021-2024
quadriênio
Planejamento e Meio Ambiente | Vol. 14 Issue 2 (2026)
Published in August 05, 2026
● 
https://10.66205/rvbma.v14i2.2151
Fines are the main monetary penalty against wildlife trafficking, yet little is known about what drives their value. This article examines the valuation logic of fines linked to fauna seizures in Brazil, comparing the removal of specimens from nature with the return obtained as fines. We analysed 33,279 IBAMA records (2014-2024), obtained through the Access to Information Act, using Gamma generalised linear models and the per-specimen fine cross-referenced with conservation status. The fine increased positively but sublinearly with quantity, anchored at the statutory floor of R$ 500 per individual, and partially internalised conservation value: threatened species reached up to R$ 16,000 per individual. However, against the market value of songbirds, which reaches tens of thousands of reais, the penalty remained limited. The administrative valuation shows partial normative coherence but is insufficient to deter the high-value trade.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maurivan Vaz Ribeiro