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Mexico Seizes 482 Protected Plants and Animals in Seven-State Wildlife Trafficking Sweep

Profepa officials with seized protected animals and plants during an operation in southeastern Mexico

Villahermosa, Tabasco — Mexico’s environmental enforcement agency has seized 482 protected plants and animals in a coordinated operation across seven states targeting illegal wildlife trafficking.

The Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) announced the results of its second operation against wildlife trafficking in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, Veracruz and Tabasco. In Tabasco alone, authorities confiscated 53 turtles and parrots.

During the operation, inspectors checked 119 vehicles and seized psittacines (parrots, parakeets and macaws), turtles, two spider monkeys, an ocelot, a jaguar, and various protected wild plant species including orchids, bromeliads and cacti.

Profepa said it strengthened inspection and surveillance operations in the region because the breeding season for wild species — especially birds, reptiles, mammals and psittacines — sees a spike in illegal extraction and transport to clandestine markets.

By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx