In less than 24 hours, agents from the Nature Protection Division (Diprona) rescued 26 wild birds in two operations carried out in Petén and in zone 1 of the capital, and captured three alleged traffickers linked to the illegal trade of protected species, the National Civil Police (PNC) reported this Friday, May 15.
Among the rescued birds are red-fronted parrots, royal parrots, and white-headed and red-headed parakeets, species threatened by illegal trafficking and the destruction of their habitat.
The most recent case occurred at the crossing towards the village of Sabaneta, Poptún, Petén, where police captured Jairo “N”, 23 years old, and Melvin “N”, 21, who were traveling on a motorcycle without a license plate and illegally transporting three red-fronted parrot chicks.
According to the authorities, both people were placed at the disposal of the competent court to resolve their legal situation.
Last Thursday, another Diprona operation allowed the rescue of 23 wild birds on 10th Avenue and 16th Street in Zone 1 of the capital, where Edy “N”, 43 years old, was arrested and accused of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Among the birds located were royal parrots, white-headed parakeets, and newborn red-headed parakeets, which were allegedly sold on the illegal market.
The birds were transferred to the National Council of Protected Areas (Conap), the entity in charge of their protection, evaluation and recovery.
In addition, the authorities established that the detainee had two outstanding arrest warrants for desertion and manslaughter.
Increases traffic during nesting season
Environmental authorities indicated that during May and June trafficking in wild birds increases, because many species are born at this time and traffickers stalk the nests to extract the young.
Parrots and parakeets are captured when they are still chicks because it is easier to sell them as pets.
Experts point out that many of these species are in serious danger of extinction, mainly due to illegal hunting and the constant looting of nests.
Trafficked birds are usually transported in inadequate conditions, which put their lives at risk. In some cases, traffickers sedate them to prevent their sounds from alerting authorities during transfers.
Diprona and Conap called on the population to denounce the illegal wildlife trade and avoid the purchase of animals taken from their natural habitat.
According to a publication by InSight Crime, Guatemala is considered one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in America, along with Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela.
The country is home to at least 192 species of mammals, 486 varieties of birds and 27 species of amphibians; However, this natural wealth is in danger due to the existence of networks that operate in the east and north of the country, dedicated to the extraction of wildlife for illegal commercialization in Mexico, the United States, Spain, Holland and Australia.
Many of the specimens stolen from the jungles, including parrots and parakeets, end up becoming pets in homes.
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