The Colombian police arrested two people who were trying to smuggle out of the country, hidden in their underwear, six sedated monkeys, including specimens of endangered species. The unusual operation was discovered on Friday, May 2nd at the José María Córdova airport, located in Rionegro, near Medellín.
The primates were going to be transported to the Dominican Republic, but the authorities’ intervention thwarted the trafficking attempt. Unfortunately, two of the animals did not survive the conditions of the transport and died. The other four were transferred in critical condition to a veterinary hospital.
Javier Valencia, director of Cornare —the regional environmental authority of Antioquia—, expressed his concern about the increase in wildlife trafficking. “We cannot allow this trafficking to continue growing in our country and on our planet,” he stated in a press release.
A Crime Leaving Innocent Victims
The detainees will face charges for illicit exploitation of natural resources and wildlife trafficking, crimes that in Colombia can lead to up to 12 years in prison and hefty fines. The authorities reported that the rescued animals —two white-faced capuchins and four cotton-top tamarins— show signs of abuse and malnutrition, according to the veterinarian Camilo Muñoz, in charge of their care.
Cornare confirmed that the surviving specimens will begin a recovery and rehabilitation process, and if they manage to stabilize, they will be released into their natural habitat.
The White-Faced Capuchin: Intelligent and Vulnerable
The white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus), also known as the capuchin monkey, is a species native to the tropical forests of Central America and northern South America. It is recognized for its remarkable intelligence, light fur around the face, and social skills.
Although not critically endangered, its populations have decreased due to deforestation, hunting, and illegal trafficking. Its capture as an exotic pet has affected its presence in several natural habitats. Additionally, forest fragmentation complicates its mobility and reproduction in the wild.
These primates play a key role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations, making their disappearance have negative effects on local biodiversity.
The Cotton-Top Tamarin: On the Brink of Extinction
The cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Endemic to the Colombian northwest, it only inhabits small areas of tropical dry forest. Its main characteristic is the striking crest of white hair running across its head, in contrast to its dark face.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species is classified as critically endangered due to the accelerated loss of its habitat and illegal trafficking for the pet trade.
It is estimated that less than 7,000 individuals survive in the wild. Conservation initiatives focus on preserving the forest fragments it still inhabits and promoting environmental education campaigns to reduce illegal demand.
Colombia, Diverse yet Threatened
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to thousands of unique species. However, wildlife trafficking remains one of the main threats to its natural heritage. According to the Ministry of Environment, in 2022 an average of two animals victims of trafficking were released every day.
This case, besides being enraging due to its cruelty, reminds us of the urgency to strengthen border controls, criminal penalties, and awareness campaigns to protect the species still inhabiting our ecosystems.
Source: El Universo.
