In the photo, a specimen of a boa victim of wildlife trafficking networks, taken to the Paso del Dagma Home by units of the Fire Department.
- So far in 2024, the Administrative Department of Environmental Management (Dagma) has cared for 30 boas at its Paso Home, victims of wildlife trafficking networks.
- Poor storage conditions cause boas to become infected with the meningitis virus.
- More than 200 wild animals, victims of illegal trafficking, have been cared for this year by the Dagma.
Santiago de Cali, June 5, 2024
Units of the Cali Fire Department delivered to the Administrative Department of Environmental Management (Dagma) a juvenile specimen of Boa constrictor. So far in 2024, the Step Home of the local environmental authority has attended 30 boas victims of wildlife trafficking.
According to the first veterinary medical evaluations, which are routinely performed for the beginning of the quarantine, the boa admitted presented neurological signs that suggest possible contamination with the meningitis virus. For now, results of laboratory tests are awaited that will allow defining a care protocol.
According to Delio Orejuela, veterinarian at the Hogar de Paso del Dagma, it is common for wildlife traffickers to have mixed boas of different origins and pythons in the same container. He explains that this causes boa hybrids, which makes their future release impossible, and contamination with meningitis, since pythons carry the virus.
The official invited citizens to enjoy wildlife in freedom and avoid being part of networks that traffic life. “Trafficking networks are ready to satisfy the desires of collectors and people with eccentric tastes, who only to show off, attract attention or for status, seek wild and exotic fauna”Orejuela argued.
Of the more than 1,026 wild animals that so far in 2024 the Paso del Dagma Home has received, for its assessment and care, 214 They come from illegal wildlife trafficking networks.
Every day, the group of Wildlife The Dagma deploys an operational team in the territory that carries out inspection, surveillance and control activities (IVC), responding to any new traffic complaints and rescue situations.
Keep in mind…
1. In Colombia, wildlife trafficking is an environmental crime. According to Law 2111 of
2021people who commit this crime can receive a prison sentence of 5 to 11 years and financial fines of up to 35,000 current legal monthly minimum wages.
2. To report or voluntarily hand over wildlife, citizens can approach the Paso del Dagma Home (2N avenue # 36A-40), which operates from Monday to Sunday 24 hours a day. They can also be contacted by phone. 602 524 05 80, extension 3 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm); to the WhatsApp line 313 780 75 32; or write to email [email protected].
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