In the town of Los Berros, province of San Juan, an operation was carried out against wildlife trafficking, including native birds and illegal dog racing. The intervention was led by the Sarmiento Police, through the Rural Unit 4 El Acequión, as part of an investigation for violation of the native wildlife protection law.
During the raids, 55 specimens of different species were recovered, including great kiskadees, red-crested cardinals, diucas, goldfinches, and long-tailed meadowlarks. All these specimens are protected by national and provincial regulations that prohibit their capture, possession, and commercialization.
Additionally, more than 70 cages, traps, and carriers were seized, along with items related to illegal greyhound racing, including muzzles and a modified bicycle frame.
A crime that threatens wildlife
The trafficking of native species is one of the main environmental crimes in Argentina. Every year, thousands of birds are taken from their natural environment to be sold as pets or used in competitions, causing a serious harm to ecosystems and wild populations.
These animals suffer stress, malnutrition, and injuries during their capture and transport. Most do not survive the conditions of captivity nor manage to readapt to their habitat if released.
Ecologically, the loss of specimens disrupts food chains, affects pollination and seed dispersal, and contributes to environmental imbalance. Protecting these species not only preserves their well-being but also maintains the health of the ecosystems that sustain life in the region.
The legal consequences of wildlife trafficking
National and provincial laws for the protection of native wildlife provide severe penalties for those who capture, commercialize, or keep wild species in captivity.
The Article 24 of the National Law No. 22,421 establishes penalties that include fines, confiscation of specimens, and imprisonment for up to four years for those responsible. These measures aim to discourage pet keeping and illegal trade, as well as ensure the recovery and reintegration of the rescued animals.
At the provincial level, authorities can also apply administrative sanctions, such as disqualification from engaging in animal-related activities or closing establishments that violate the rules. Citizen collaboration through reports is key to detecting and stopping these practices.
How trafficking affects species and their habitats
Each captured animal represents a loss for its natural environment. Birds, for example, play essential roles in pest control, forest regeneration, and soil stability.
When they are removed from their ecosystem, ecological relationships are broken that take years to reestablish. Additionally, illegal trade introduces diseases and exotic species that threaten native fauna and local biodiversity.
Wildlife trafficking is not only a matter of conservation but also of environmental balance and public health, as improper contact with wild animals can promote the transmission of viruses and parasites to humans.
Commitment and citizen reporting
The fight against wildlife trafficking requires everyone’s participation. Authorities urge the population to not buy or keep wild animals as pets, and to report any suspicious activity related to their capture or sale.
Those wishing to report cases can contact the Rural Units 1 and 2 at the phone number (264) 583-2804, or with provincial environmental control agencies.
Protecting wildlife is protecting the country’s natural identity. Each rescue and each report contribute to stopping the advance of a crime that threatens not only animals but also the balance of the ecosystems we all share.
