Final answer:
True. Animal smuggling in Brazil is illegal, and this represents ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and adhere to international conservation agreements. Studies have documented the impacts of the illicit wildlife trade, especially in the bird markets, and there's an ongoing battle against these illegal activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animal smuggling in Brazil is indeed illegal. Laws and regulations have been established to combat the illegal trade of wildlife, recognizing the impact it has both on conservation efforts and on the welfare of individual animals. Research studies, such as those conducted by Alves and Brooks (2010), as well as Regueira and Bernard (2012) have highlighted the consequences of this illegal activity, particularly on the bird trade in specific regions such as the Caatinga in northeast Brazil. These studies quantify not only the ecological impact but also shed light on the scale of the problem, which remains challenging due to the illicit nature of the activity.
Smuggling and illegal immigration are closely monitored due to the potential for crime and exploitation, which can result in severe risks for both wildlife and people. The examples in history, such as the late outlawing of the international slave trade, reflect a broader context wherein illegal smuggling can have profound societal impacts. Nowadays, Brazil continues to fight against these illegal practices to protect its biodiversity and uphold international agreements aiming to preserve wildlife.