Chilean Customs inspectors reported the seizure of a stuffed armadillo carried in a suitcase by a Peruvian woman. The operation took place at the Chacalluta complex (Arica) while carrying out the usual control task to prevent smuggling at the border.
Protected and undeclared species
In this regard, the Regional Director of the Arica Customs, Hugo Yávar Oñate explained that the armadillo is an animal protected by the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of the Child. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) “and since last year, Law 20.962 regulating the application of CITES has been in force in Chile.”
On the other hand, the woman had not reported the species in the sworn statement that the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and Customs give to passengers. According to the Peruvian woman's explanation to the inspectors, she had acquired the species in Bolivia in 2014 and kept it in her house in Arequipa, Peru, from where she decided to take it as a lucky charm for an altar she wanted to set up in a house in Arica.
Following the incident, Customs proceeded to seize the armadillo for smuggling and reported the case to the public prosecutor on duty, who instructed that the animal be sent to the Customs warehouse and that the passenger be warned.
Details of the armadillo
The quirquincho or Andean armadillo lives in the Puna of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and ArgentinaIt is a nocturnal and omnivorous animal, that is, it feeds on insects and seeds. Considered endangered species affected by poachingIts body is used for the construction of charangos, matracas or as an amulet. It is listed in the CITES appendix.
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