From January to September, the National Environmental Protection Police Unit has rescued and detained 4,735 wild animals, 47 more individuals.
Ecuador is a megadiverse country in flora and fauna. This is precisely what makes it a target for wildlife trafficking networks. This is reflected in the numbers of animals rescued and retained, which have been increasing, for example: in 2018, 3,817 individuals; in 2019, 4,082; in 2020, 4,645; and, in 2021 (Jan-Sep), 4,735, according to police records.
William Reyes, head of the National Police Unit for Environmental Protection, spoke with EL UNIVERSO about this phenomenon and the controls they carry out.
Why is there an increase in these figures?
Because control was increased in 2019. In 2020, we imagine that due to a pandemic there would be fewer (trafficked) animals, but it turns out that trade increased. Due to economic necessity, which occurred in all social strata. Maybe people saw that it was lucrative.
What species are the most removed from their habitat?
Birds, macaws, toucans. There are other species such as charapas turtles. They take their eggs to keep them small, traffic them or for consumption.
What complications do they have to combat wildlife trafficking?
For example, our laws state that certain species can be hunted for the subsistence of nationalities, but that does not mean that, perhaps, these species are not being commercialized in restaurants. It is not legal for business.
There are also species that are taken out of the country …
There are beetles, tarantulas, there are insects. They are sold elsewhere as a pet, as part of some kind of collection. There are also activities related to beetle fights, for example. They come here and take them away. There are people who have a lot of money and want to have these animals in a personal zoo.
What actions is your unit taking at this time in conjunction with other institutions?
We have increased patrols to combat logging (home to countless species), forest logging inspections, we headed to the final destinations with officials from the Ministry of the Environment. We have the operations on the highways that link the provinces, in markets, airports and ports.
How many servers are there in the unit?
234.
More cases of fauna affected by species trafficking, fires and logging during the pandemic in Ecuador
Is that number of specialized agents enough?
It would be fantastic if there were more police personnel and MAE technicians to be able to act in a wide territory, in protected areas, taking into account that each place has its own problems, like the East.
Perhaps the concern is for armed people, linked to illegal logging and hunting?
We have come across armed groups where they cut down or camp. There are armed people trying to take care of themselves, not only from the Police, but from the natives. (I)
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