Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, February 25 – Following a citizen complaint, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) secured several taxidermied wild animals and two live Kramer’s parakeets (Psittacula krameri) of Asian or African origin, from a private residence in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The inspection took place on February 11.
Illegal Wildlife Trophies Discovered
During the inspection, PROFEPA personnel discovered taxidermied heads of American Bison (Bison bison), Greater Kudu Antelope (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), and Canadian Deer (Cervus canadensis), along with a complete skin of a Brown Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). Additionally, two live Kramer’s parakeets were found.
All items were seized because the homeowner was unable to provide documentation proving their legal origin, as required by current environmental legislation. It is suspected that the taxidermied animals, or trophies, were acquired in the United States through auctions.
Administrative Procedures Initiated
PROFEPA has initiated the corresponding administrative procedure and will continue to monitor the case to determine the legal status of the seized items and, if applicable, the responsibilities that may arise.
Python Rescue in Tepoztlán
In a separate but related incident, PROFEPA reported that four pythons of various species, recently taken into custody, are continuing to receive specialized medical attention. Following their rescue, the environmental authority sought medical review by a veterinarian experienced in wildlife, a standard procedure for all animals secured by PROFEPA under any circumstances.
Health Concerns for Rescued Pythons
It was discovered that a Burmese python (Python biviattus) exhibited poor body condition, dehydration, and retained shed, along with some purple spots that could indicate bruising or septicemia. A Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) suffered from stomatitis, an inflammation of its mouth, pneumonia, and a lesion on the tip of its tail. One of the Ball pythons (Python regius) had retained shed, was underweight, and had pneumonia.
These three pythons are responding favorably to treatment, but their health remains at risk due to the conditions in which they arrived and how they were handled.
The second Ball python was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and respiratory distress. An X-ray revealed fluid in its lungs, indicating a chronic condition.
These pythons were seized during the Tepoztlán carnival in Morelos, where an individual was displaying them without the necessary permits for such activity and an approved management plan from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) to ensure adequate conditions and humane treatment.
The individual who displayed the pythons has been linked to a process for the crime of possession of wildlife specimens subject to special protection or regulated by an international treaty to which Mexico is a party, in accordance with the Federal Penal Code and the General Wildlife Law.
PROFEPA will continue to monitor the animals’ response to medical treatments and will collaborate with the relevant authorities to ensure the legal process continues.
Source: Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA)
