The Misiones Police carried out a rescue of parrots in Iguazú during a raid that aimed to locate a macaw with irregular possession.
The operation concluded with the seizure of four talking parrots and falsified documentation.
The procedure was carried out this Sunday in a house on San Lorenzo Avenue in Puerto Iguazú.
It occurred within the framework of an investigation for an infringement of the Law 22.421 on the Protection and Conservation of Wildlife.
The Directorate of Environment and Rural Crimes acted in coordination with the Ministry of Ecology of Misiones to execute the judicial measure.
The unexpected discovery of talking parrots in Misiones
The initial objective of the raid was to locate a macaw parrot (Ara ararauna) reported for irregular possession.
However, the occupants of the residence stated that the bird “flies and returns”, so it was not present during the inspection.
The officers from the First Sectional Police Station of Regional Unit V conducted a thorough inspection of the property.
During the tour, the agents confirmed the presence of a cage with four talking parrots (Amazona aestiva), whose possession is prohibited -in Misiones and throughout the country- without the corresponding permit.
Due to the irregularity, the specimens were rescued and preventively seized to ensure their well-being.
Transfer to conservation center and irregular documentation
The rescued birds were transferred by staff from the OHANA Wildlife Conservation Center, led by Fernando Piesco.
The center assumed the veterinary care of the four talking parrots to assess their health status.
This rescue of parrots in Iguazú highlights the issue of illegal wildlife possession in the border region.
During the operation, documentation related to the sought macaw was also seized, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of Paraguay.
The Paraguayan certification lacks validity in Argentine territory, as it does not comply with the permits and procedures required for the legal possession of protected wildlife.
The species involved and the legal framework
The species involved in this case of parrot rescue in Misiones have particular characteristics:
- Talking parrot (Amazona aestiva): protected species whose possession requires official authorization
- Macaw (Ara ararauna): large bird sought by the operation but not located
- Both species are covered by the National Law 22.421 on wildlife
The Argentine regulations establish penalties for those who keep specimens without the corresponding permits granted by competent authorities.
The trafficking and illegal possession of wildlife constitute federal crimes that can lead to prison sentences and significant fines.
Ongoing investigation for the parrots found in Misiones
The actions of the parrot rescue in Iguazú were left at the disposal of the intervening Court to continue the judicial process.
The investigation remains open with two main objectives:
- determine the whereabouts of the reported macaw;
- establish the responsibility of the property owners.
The environmental authorities of Misiones are strengthening controls in border areas to prevent the trafficking of wildlife, particularly of protected species like parrots.
This operation demonstrates the coordination between police and environmental agencies to combat the illegal trade of animals in the province.
