A joint operation by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) allowed to rescue 3,427 hatchlings of freshwater turtles (Trachemys venusta), known as slider turtles, during a roadside inspection at kilometer 46 of the San Cristóbal – Chiapa de Corzo highway, in the state of Chiapas (Mexico).
The hatchlings were being transported in cardboard boxes without ventilation, in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and without documentation proving their legal origin. The alleged perpetrator, identified as José “N”, was arrested in flagrante delicto and was handed over to the Federal Public Ministry.
Rescue, evaluation, and protection measures
Authorities reported that the turtles were immediately:
- Transferred to a registered Environmental Management Unit (UMA)
- Subjected to veterinary assessment and specialized care
- Evaluated for their possible reintroduction to their natural habitat
The objective is to ensure their welfare and survival, while determining the conditions for their controlled reintegration into the ecosystem.
Wildlife trafficking: a persistent threat in Mexico
This case highlights the impacts of illegal wildlife trade, which:
- Reduces natural populations
- Alters entire ecosystems
- Compromises the country’s biological heritage
The slider turtle, native to the humid regions of southeastern Mexico, is particularly vulnerable due to its demand in the exotic pet market, leading to its indiscriminate capture and a concerning population decline.
Institutional commitment and citizen’s call
Profepa has initiated an administrative sanctioning process and is collaborating with the FGR to strengthen the investigation. The public has also been urged to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking through official channels.
“The coordinated actions between authorities reflect a growing effort to combat environmental crime, although there is still much to be done to dismantle the trafficking networks operating in the country”, highlighted by Profepa.
