Exotic parrots have been discovered and rescued from smugglers on the U.S.-Mexico border.
what happened?
Three live parrots were found in a car in South Texas trying to enter the United States from Mexico, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Two people hid red parrots among personal belongings in their car on the border in Laredo, Texas. Smugglers can be fined or even imprisoned for smuggling.
Why is animal trafficking a concern?
Red parrots are native to Central and South America. Although not listed as an endangered species, their numbers are declining and they are protected by federal regulations.
“The smuggling of birds poses a huge risk,” Laredo Port Director Alberto Flores said in a news release.
“Birds can carry a variety of diseases that threaten native wildlife and U.S. agriculture, which could result in serious economic impacts.”
Smuggling or poaching animals for parts always hurts their chances of survival, especially when they are already in danger.
A species may even become endangered due to smuggling. Transporting them outside their native habitat also allows them to invade new ecosystems.
Invasive species may prey on native species and compete with them for resources. They can spread pests and diseases to animals and humans in the area. This can cause great damage to the ecosystem and disrupt the ecological balance.
What measures can be taken against animal trafficking?
Border Patrol officers located the birds and turned them over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for inspection and care. The driver and passengers of the car were arrested on suspicion of illegal smuggling.
“Across the border at land, air and sea ports of entry, including Laredo, CBP officers and agricultural experts continue to fulfill CBP’s agricultural mission and prevent harmful pests and diseases from being introduced into the United States,” the release said.
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