In a joint operation carried out a few days ago, the San Martín de los Andes Game Wardens and the Rural Brigade conducted inspections in the Meliquina area and in various gastronomic establishments in San Martín de los Andes. During the checks, irregularities related to poaching and the sale of wildlife were detected.
In Meliquina, the agents seized a quarter of red deer that did not have the necessary documentation to support its origin. This lack of registration constitutes a violation of current regulations regarding the protection of wildlife.
Furthermore, in the inspections carried out in commercial establishments that sell or produce products derived from wildlife, non-compliance with Provincial Law No. 2,539 was confirmed, leading to the preparation of corresponding infringement reports.
According to article 54 of the aforementioned law, violations can be punished with various measures, ranging from a warning to fines ranging from five to a thousand fine units. Other sanctions include the performance of community work related to wildlife protection, the confiscation of live or dead species, the seizure of weapons and tools used for illegal hunting, as well as the temporary or definitive closure of infringing establishments.
Illegal Fishing in the Collón Curá River
On the other hand, during the past weekend, the Provincial Directorate of Wildlife, Protected Natural Areas, and the Center for Applied Ecology of Neuquén (CEAN) carried out an operation in the Collón Curá River area. During the inspection, the presence of illegal fishermen and campers in unauthorized areas was detected, resulting in the issuance of 10 infringement reports and the seizure of 20 illegally obtained trout.
Likewise, five fires lit outside authorized areas were extinguished. The risk of forest fires in the region is high at this time of year, so offenders were warned about the importance of respecting camping and fire use regulations.
Biodiversity Protection
The actions of the game wardens seek to ensure compliance with current legislation to preserve wildlife and its habitat. Both poaching and illegal fishing represent a threat to the ecological balance of the mountainous region, renowned for its natural wealth and attractiveness for sustainable tourism.
Authorities reiterated the importance of reporting any suspicious activity related to illegal hunting and wildlife trade, as these practices affect not only biodiversity but also the sustainable development of the region.
What are the dangers of poaching?
Poaching is dangerous because it threatens the survival of animal and plant species and contributes to biodiversity loss, as it is one of the main causes of species extinction, alters the flora and fauna of forests, reduces populations of animals in the wild and the size of protected areas.
Furthermore, it threatens ecosystems by destroying them, altering predation and seed dispersal patterns, while also posing a threat to rangers working to protect animals.
Moreover, poaching is an animal welfare issue, as it is traumatic for animals. It also negatively affects wildlife tourism destinations and reduces employment opportunities in tourism.
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