Merida, Yucatan — Mexican environmental authorities seized 103 protected animals in Yucatan state following a series of inspections prompted by citizen complaints about illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) conducted nine inspection visits in Merida and surrounding areas to verify the legal status of animals reportedly held and sold without proper authorization.
Officials found that the animals’ keepers lacked permits from the Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat (Semarnat) and could not provide documentation proving legal acquisition. Authorities seized the animals to ensure their protection.
The seized wildlife includes various psittacine birds (parrots and macaws), a white-tailed deer, a collared peccary, a sea turtle, and several reptiles of different species.
Profepa also conducted surveillance patrols in municipalities with high rates of illegal hunting and bird capture. While no violations were detected during these patrols, environmental officials said they will maintain a constant presence to deter biodiversity trafficking in the region.
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