A serious case of wildlife possession in Colombia made headlines around the world. Authorities in Sevillano, in the municipality of Ciénaga, managed to rescue 14 pink flamingos and nine seagulls that were being held in a house.
According to reports, they were being kept for human consumption. The operation was carried out jointly between Corpamag and the National Police, through their Carabineros and Environmental Protection Section.
The wildlife possession operation in Colombia
The operation concluded with the rescue of 14 pink flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) and nine seagulls (Larus atricilla), that were found in a house.
Authorities suspect that the birds were captured for human consumption, an illegal practice that puts local wildlife at risk and affects the region’s biodiversity.
The intervention was carried out due to the lack of justification from the homeowners, who could not explain why these species were there.
The birds were transported to the Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Center, where they received medical attention for their recovery.
Specialists are now evaluating their health status to ensure that once they are rehabilitated, they can be released back into their natural habitat.
According to local Penal Code, illegal possession of wildlife can carry sentences of up to seven years in prison. Faced with this situation, Corpmag called on the community to report any wildlife trafficking cases and collaborate in environmental protection.
The importance of these birds for environmental balance
Pink flamingos and seagulls play a fundamental ecological role. The flamingos, by feeding on organisms in the waters of marshes and lagoons, help regulate water quality. While seagulls control fish and small invertebrate populations.
The loss of these birds could destabilize these ecosystems and affect communities that depend on them for sustenance.
Furthermore, they contribute to biodiversity balance, promoting the regeneration of aquatic habitats and natural pest control, benefiting the environment’s health and local species.
