Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — Environmental authorities have disabled 12 traps in the nesting areas of the casquito turtle in Puerto Vallarta. The traps were disabled to curb the illegal poaching of turtles.
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) disabled 12 illegal traps during an operation carried out jointly with the Ministry of the Navy (Semar) in four nesting areas of the casquito turtle (Kinosternon vogti) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
The operation was carried out on the night of October 22nd with the intention of countering illegal wildlife trafficking and the plundering of turtles in their natural habitat. As a result, in addition to the disabled traps, two captured specimens were released.
At the first site, eight traps were secured and disabled. While at the site, officials reported finding belonging left behind by looters. They also encountered a captured turtle, a Kinosternum integrum turtle, that was found in one of the traps and released.
In the second, four traps were found which were also disabled and secured by authorities. In addition, a baby crocodile was found with a trap stuck in its mouth. It was rescued and later released.
Finally, at the third and fourth sites, no traps were found in the nesting areas and no species were captured.
The Vallarta turtle is a species endemic to Mexico and considered endangered, according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. It is also listed in CITES Appendix I, which grants it maximum protection against international trade.
Profepa will continue to protect species whose habitats are threatened by illegal acts through these wildlife operations.
