This Tuesday, illegal bird trafficking suffered a new blow: 50 specimens of smuggling were intercepted at the border between Argentina and Chile.
The work was carried out by the National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (Senasa) and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile, at the Cristo Redentor Integrated System.
Now, the specimens of exotic ornamental birds will be returned to Argentine territory for their recovery.
Coordinated operation between Argentina and Chile against illegal bird trafficking
The operation began when the Chilean SAG, acting as Senasa in Argentina, detected the illegal entry of the birds at the border.
After the discovery, the neighboring country’s entity contacted Senasa to coordinate the immediate return of the birds.
The main objective was to return the animals to their habitats “within the framework of the sanitary protocols and wildlife conservation“, detailed the national control authority.
The Biodiversity Directorate of Mendoza received the birds in coordination with the Cuyo Regional Center of Senasa.
The participation of this entity was key “in the reception and safeguarding of the specimens”.
The work of the Biodiversity Directorate of the border province was especially necessary due to “the adverse weather conditions in the Horcones Complex, a high mountain area”, which “posed a risk to the survival of the animals”.
The birds rescued from smuggling
Among the specimens rescued by Senasa and the SAG, are:
- cardinals;
- reina mora;
- spirus barbatas;
- goldfinches;
- brasitas;
- corbatitas, and;
- cabecitas negra
As detailed by the authorities, the traffickers were transporting the birds in “extreme overcrowding conditions” inside small juice boxes.
However, after their rescue and seizure, the animals were safely transferred “to a rescue center in Mendoza, where they received specialized care”, reported official sources from the provincial agency.
The strong impact of bird and species trafficking on wildlife
The illegal trafficking of wild species threatens regional biodiversity and generates health risks.
This activity can cause the spread of avian diseases among domestic and wild populations.
In this operation, the joint work between the sanitary services of both countries allowed to preserve the integrity of the specimens and prevent their illegal commercialization in Chilean territory.
Argentine authorities plan the return of the birds to their natural habitat once their recovery is complete.
The process includes veterinary evaluation, observation period and assisted release in appropriate areas.
Senasa maintains cooperation agreements with sanitary agencies of neighboring countries to prevent illegal wildlife trade.
These agreements facilitate early detection and information exchange across borders.
