National Gendarmerie carried out a rescue operation this week that saved 13 talking parrots from being victims of illegal wildlife trafficking.
The specimens, belonging to the species Amazona aestiva, were traveling in a private vehicle on National Route 34.
The driver was traveling with the 13 birds without any authorization for their transport, while also not complying with animal protection regulations.
After the seizure, the Ministry of Environment of Jujuy intervened immediately. It did so through the team of the Native Fauna Care Center of Jujuy (Cafaju).
The talking parrots were transferred to the center’s facilities. There, they received specialized veterinary care to assess their health status.
How the rescue of the talking parrots in Jujuy was
The rescue of the talking parrots in Jujuy occurred during a routine check carried out by officers of the Argentine National Gendarmerie.
Upon stopping the vehicle, the personnel noticed that the wild birds were traveling in conditions that violated all current wildlife protection regulations.
After the discovery, sources from the operation confirmed the seizure of the birds and their immediate referral to Cafaju.
Thus, this rescue of talking parrots adds to the ongoing actions against illegal wildlife trafficking in the province.
The rehabilitation and future of the specimens
Once at Cafaju, veterinary specialists began the clinical process to assess the health of the 13 rescued specimens.
In particular, their goal is to facilitate the rehabilitation process of the rescued talking parrots and achieve an eventual reintegration.
“Today, the animals are under veterinary care and professional evaluations, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat when they are ready,” detailed the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Jujuy.
Following this, the authorities emphasized a clear message: “We remind that wildlife is not a pet. Its possession and sale are prohibited and cause harm to the animals and the ecosystems.”
What the rescued talking parrots are like
The talking parrot (Amazona Aestiva) inhabits the forests and jungles of central and northern South America.
In particular, this species is characterized by its ability to reproduce human sounds, making it one of the most popular birds in the illegal pet trade.
Its main physical characteristics are:
- Predominantly green plumage
- Blue patch on the forehead
- Yellow areas on the head
- Size between 35 and 37 centimeters
- Approximate weight of 400 grams
The species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This means that there are strict controls over its capture and sale internationally.
In addition to illegal wildlife trafficking, the decline of its natural habitats due to deforestation and agricultural expansion represents another significant threat to the survival of this species.
Legal framework and a call to report
Provincial law No. 3014 declares of public interest the protection, conservation, restoration and propagation of all terrestrial wildlife species inhabiting Jujuy.
Therefore, the authorities reminded that the possession, transport, and commercialization of these species are prohibited by law.
Following this case, the Ministry of Environment reinforced the request for citizen collaboration in the face of new alerts.
“We urge the community to report any situation related to illegal wildlife trafficking or the presence of injured wild animals by calling the cell phone 388-4409250,” reiterated official spokespersons.
Thus, the rescue of these talking parrots on Route 34 demonstrates the importance of systematic controls and coordinated action between organizations to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in Argentina.
