Inspectors from the National Customs Service of Chile reported this Wednesday (26.02.2025/XNUMX/XNUMX) on a new case of illegal trafficking of protected fauna. On this occasion, a wild boar was rescued. red-masked parrot at the El Loa outpost, a checkpoint located south of Iquique. The bird was being transported illegally by a Venezuelan citizen, hidden in a small cage. The species, protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is under strict regulation to prevent its trafficking and exploitation.
El Regional Director of the Iquique Customs, Cristian Molina Silva, explained that the discovery occurred during the inspection of an interprovincial bus bound for Santiago.During the inspection, a passenger tried to avoid X-ray screening by carrying a bulky blanket. Upon checking its contents, inspectors found the bird in a dormant state inside a hidden cage.
When questioned, the passenger claimed that the parrot was his pet; however, he did not present veterinary documentation nor could he prove that it had legally entered the country. For this reason, and considering the precarious conditions in which the animal was found, Chilean Customs decided to charge him with smuggling.
Customs officials provided the parrot with a special cage, providing it with food and water. After resting, the bird showed signs of recovery, moving with greater energy and being playful.
Authorities said that "the red-masked parrot, native to the jungles of Ecuador and Peru, is listed in CITES Appendix II, which implies that its trade must be strictly regulated to prevent its risk of extinction."
After the case was detected, the police and the prosecutor on duty were informed. Finally, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) removed the bird to assess its fate and ensure its well-being.
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