The Government of Mendoza transferred 48 rescued birds from the illegal trafficking to San Luis, where they will complete their rehabilitation to be released in a natural environment compatible with their species.
The measure represented a case of cooperation between provinces in terms of environmental protection. The specimens arrived in Mendoza after controls and operations carried out on routes and sanitary barriers.
The authorities detected situations related to the illegal trade of wildlife during these procedures. The rescued birds received initial veterinary care at the Mendoza Ecopark.
Subsequently, they continued their recovery at the Rescue Center of the YPF Foundation. The process allowed stabilizing their health status before the definitive transfer.
The rescued birds to be transferred for release
The group of rescued birds consists of species whose natural distribution includes the province of San Luis. The selection of the destination was based on biological and conservation criteria.
The transferred specimens are:
- 22 red-crested cardinals
- 20 blue-black grassquits
- 4 forest kingfishers
- 2 firewood-gatherers
Although it cannot be determined with certainty their place of origin, the release in San Luis will allow strengthening populations in compatible habitats. The rescued birds will integrate into ecosystems where these species are naturally distributed.
Interinstitutional operation against trafficking
The operation involved the intervention of Iscamen, the Ministry of Security and Justice, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the National Gendarmerie. These agencies participated in both the control tasks and the safeguarding.
The transfer was carried out with specific protocols to ensure the animals’ welfare. The authorities coordinated each stage of the rehabilitation process with specialized technical teams.
The key: a sustained policy of environmental protection
From the Ministry of Energy and Environment, they highlighted that this type of actions is part of a sustained policy against the illegal trafficking of wildlife.
The initiative is part of a coordinated effort between different areas of the State.
In the last decade, the authorities have carried out more than 5,000 interventions in Mendoza. These operations have allowed rescuing more than 16,000 animals, mostly birds.
The specimens mainly came from illegal trade or poaching. The rescued birds represent the majority of the cases handled by the wildlife protection programs.
The case demonstrates the importance of interprovincial cooperation for the conservation of wild species. San Luis will receive the specimens to complete their rehabilitation in specialized centers.
The release in suitable habitats will allow these birds to reintegrate into natural populations. The process contributes to the preservation of species affected by illegal trafficking.
The authorities will continue with the controls on routes and sanitary barriers to combat wildlife trade. The coordination between provinces strengthens the region’s environmental protection policies.
