As part of two operations against wildlife trafficking, the Colombian Navy, in coordination with environmental authorities, rescued 107 animals found under illegal possession in Cartagena - Bolivar and the municipality of Toluviejo – Sucre.
Thanks to the operation carried out by troops of the Navy Infantry Battalions No.12 and No.14 of the Naval Institution, it was possible to recover a sloth bear, an anteater, a guartinaja, 37 specimens of reptiles such as lizards, snakes, iguanas and turtles. In the same way, 67 birds of different specimens were recovered, including blue jays, canaries, mockingbirds and an owl, which allegedly would be traded illegally, putting their conservation at risk.
The recovered specimens were distributed to the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Sucre – CARSUCRE and the Environmental Public Establishment – EPA Cartagena, who after verifying the good health of each of the animals, rescued them into safe areas constituted as their natural habitat.
It should be mentioned that, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC, wildlife trafficking is the fourth most profitable illicit business in the world, after drug, firearms and human trafficking.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
