Wildlife trafficking, which involves animals and plants, is one of the most lucrative and destructive environmental crimes in the world.
Each year, this activity generates an estimated money flow of 20,000 million euros, a figure comparable to the trafficking of weapons and drugs.
Peru, epicenter of wildlife trafficking
Despite the environmental risks, the illegal trade of species continues to be a widespread practice in Peru, a country identified in 2019 by the Traffic study as the center of illicit trade of wild birds in South America.
The city of Lima has become a key point for the transit of animals captured in Peru and neighboring countries, bound for international markets.
Police operation and bird rescue in Andahuaylas
On April 1st, the Peruvian Police seized 32 live parrots in the city of Andahuaylas, in the southern part of the country.
The species, illegally extracted from the Amazon, were being transported for sale as pets, something that is prohibited by law.
After a veterinary evaluation, it was found that the yellow-chevroned parakeets (Brotogeris sanctithomae) and white-winged parakeets (Brotogeris versicolurus) presented:
- Severe malnutrition.
- Fractures in wings and head due to poor transport conditions.
So far, only 17 of the specimens have survived and are being treated at rescue centers.
Judicial sentence and fight against illegal trade
For this case, the Peruvian justice system sentenced two men to three years and nine months in prison for wildlife trafficking and animal abuse.
Although bird trading is prohibited, its commercialization persists in black markets, where some traffickers claim “traditional” uses of animal parts, risking not only wildlife but also public health.
A call to action against illegal trafficking
The head of the Ornithology Department at the Museum of Natural History of the National University of San Marcos, Letty Salinas Sánchez, emphasized the seriousness of this crime: “Wildlife trafficking is one of the most ruthless acts that humans have devised for profit”.
In Lima, a large part of the illegal trade flows through:
- Airports and vessels destined for foreign countries.
- Accidental or voluntary releases, leaving animals stranded in the city.
Combating this issue is essential to protect biodiversity and prevent the collapse of wild populations.
Cover photo: Mongabay
