Animal trafficking is a problem present in almost every country. An example of this is Colombia, more precisely its capital, Bogotá. There, authorities seized about 25 products made from animals such as boa constrictors, red squirrels, turtles, armadillos, caimans, and macaws, all wild species.
These items were found in a commercial establishment located in the Ciudad de Bolívar neighborhood, in the south of Bogotá, while being exhibited by those trying to commercialize the parts of these animals.
Among the seized material were a macaw shell, a toucanet shell, another from squirrels, caimans, and boa constrictors. Also found were three armadillo shells, a hawksbill turtle head, a honey bear skin, an ocelot skin, two giant anteater skins, three ocarro shells, one and a half white-tailed deer antlers, and five heads of this same species.
These items were made from parts of wild animals, which only serve to highlight the serious non-compliance with laws aimed at protecting biodiversity.
The work of the Environmental Secretariat to stop animal trafficking
In this sense, the Colombian Environmental Secretary, Adriana Soto, stated that her department will continue to work to prevent wildlife trafficking. This crime not only threatens wildlife and the environment, but also sustains one of the most profitable illegal businesses worldwide.
For this reason, authorities consider it important to work together with all district and national entities to achieve seizures. In addition, the Environmental Secretariat stated that they reiterate their commitment to fighting this crime and called on citizens to report any activity related to the use, commercialization, or transportation of protected species.
Where did the seized items end up?
The Environmental Secretariat indicated that they sent the seized items to the District’s Wildlife Care and Valuation Center, where experts will analyze the material to determine its origin and then decide on the final disposition of these items, according to endangered species handling protocols.
On the other hand, the involved establishment will have to face the corresponding administrative sanctions. The illegal trafficking of wild species is one of the main threats to the conservation of these animals and the ecosystem in general. This is because this activity affects both the species involved and the ecological balance, and the deterioration of natural resources.
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