In a heartwarming effort to combat animal trafficking, 236 taricaya turtles were rescued from black market trading and given a second chance at life.
Turtles, in particular, are highly vulnerable to this trade. They are targeted for their perceived value as pets or food and are often smuggled across borders, further endangering their already vulnerable populations. Poachers harvest not just the eggs, but also take away the nesting turtles. This exploitation not only threatens individual species but also undermines Peru’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Podocnemis unifilis or taricaya turtles are classified as “vulnerable” according to the IUCN and listed in Appendix II of the International Convention on Trafficking of Endangered Species (CITES).
Thanks to the collaborative work of SERFOR, UPA, LATAM Airlines, and the dedicated team here at La Isla de los Monos, these turtles are now settling into their new home in the Amazon.
Animal trafficking continues to be a major threat to Peru’s incredible biodiversity, with countless species taken from their habitats to be sold illegally. These turtles were seized in two separate operations: 182 turtles were rescued in Huancayo and another 54 in Arequipa, where they were to be sold as pets.
These tiny taricaya turtles, a vulnerable species, were lucky to be intercepted before being permanently removed from their natural environment.
With the help of LATAM Airlines’ solidarity plane, the rescued turtles were flown to Iquitos. Their journey didn’t end at the airport -once they arrived, the turtles were transported to the La Isla de los Monos rescue centre, where they would be semi-released into a safe and natural environment.
The rescued turtles have been carefully introduced to the island’s natural lagoons, where they can live in conditions as close to the wild as possible. This semi-release strategy allows the team to monitor the turtles and ensure their safety while giving them the freedom to thrive in their new home.
The lagoons offer a perfect environment -rich in natural resources and protected from predators -where the turtles can grow and regain their strength after their ordeal.
Animal trafficking is a cruel and illegal practice that continues to threaten Peru’s wildlife. Every year, countless animals are taken from the wild to be sold as pets or used for profit. Efforts like this rescue operation highlight the importance of standing up against such practices and protecting the country’s unique species.
According to Interpol, the black market for illegal wildlife products is worth up to $20 billion per year, and is pushing many species to the brink of extinction (link..).
Seizure data between 2012 and 2019 states that the largest illegal wildlife trade in the Brazilian Amazon, by volume, is the smuggling of river turtle eggs (link to report).
In Bolivia’s Amazon forest, illegal turtle and egg trafficking is rampant, with smugglers targeting these species due to their high demand. According to recent investigations, traffickers transport eggs and turtles to local markets, where they are sold as delicacies or pets, fuelling a black market that undermines conservation efforts (link to article).Collaboration between organisations like SERFOR, UPA, and La Isla de los Monos shows that there is hope. By working together, we can continue to give animals like these turtles a second chance at life.
This rescue would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of staff, volunteers, and supporting organisations. Everyone came together to ensure the turtles were safely transported, cared for, and released.
It was an inspiring morning as the team worked tirelessly to give these turtles a new start. Watching them glide through the lagoons was a moment of triumph and hope for the future of conservation.
If you’d like to support efforts to combat animal trafficking and protect Peru’s wildlife, consider donating to organisations like La Isla de los Monos or volunteering your time.
Together, we can create a brighter future for vulnerable species like the taricaya turtles.
