Wildlife poaching continues to be an environmental concern in San Juan, especially during this winter season when illegal captures increase, mainly of birds.
This was confirmed by Ezequiel Salomón, Director of Conservation at the Secretariat of the Environment, to Diario La Provincia SJ, who pointed out that approximately 100 infraction reports have already been filed in 2024, with a majority linked to trafficking of live captured birds.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have not stopped detecting infractions. The peak occurs in winter, when poaching activity intensifies,” explained Salomón. Among the most affected species are ventebeos, goldfinches, and diucas, captured for illegal commercialization as pets.
Areas of greatest conflict and expanded territorial deployment
Operations are focused on departments considered “hot zones”, such as Caucete, Albardón, 25 de Mayo, and Ullum. The increasing number of reports —higher than in previous years like 2022 and 2023— is due, in part, to the increase in controls and territorial coverage, including areas that were previously not monitored.
The interventions include:
- Checkpoints on provincial roads.
- Raids carried out with the Police, often as part of investigations into other crimes.
- Survey of anonymous reports, which help detect cages and captured specimens.
Fines and enforcement of anti-poaching regulations
As Salomón explained, sanctions are determined by the Traffic or Peace Courts, depending on the jurisdiction. “From the Environment department, we prepare the reports, but we do not have the authority to set fines,” he clarified.
The capture, possession, and commercialization of wildlife are prohibited by law in San Juan, and non-compliance constitutes a serious environmental offense.
A call to citizens: report illegal pet-keeping
Authorities emphasized that illegal pet-keeping remains deeply rooted in the culture, which perpetuates these practices.
From the Environment department, the public is urged to report any suspicious situations, to contribute to the protection of local biodiversity and halt the trafficking of native species.
