The freshwater pirarucu is a large fish found in a lawless part of the Amazon jungle where Brazil, Peru, and Colombia meet, particularly in the Javari Valley. It is highly valued for its taste and beauty, making it a favorite target for poachers. The pirarucu has been a staple food for Indigenous people living in the Javari Valley, who hunt the air-breathing fish in the lakes of the region. The increasing demand for pirarucu has led to its inclusion on the menus of gastronomic and fusion restaurants in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, and Lima. This rising popularity has … Continue reading Poachers, Politics, and Pirarucu: The Fight to Save a Prized Amazonian Fish