The absence of natural resource protection agencies causes the trafficking of exotic species for consumption to continue, which impacts wildlife, said Tomás Jesús Ávila Argáez, president of the Ecological Center “Isla del Carmen A.C.”, who explained that specimens such as white-tailed deer, various species of turtle, armadillo and others, are acquired clandestinely on the Island.
He recalled that a large part of the municipality, including the regions of Atasta, Sabancuy and Mamantel, are immersed in the Flora and Fauna Protection Area “Laguna de Términos”, so the predation of wild species is very regrettable.
“There are those who maintain the idea that turtle eggs are aphrodisiacs, which is a lie, but this belief allows the species to be preyed upon.”
He maintained that as long as there is a market, wild species in danger of extinction will continue to be at risk.
The environmentalist said that this problem increases due to the absence of an office in the area. of institutions for the protection of natural resources.
“Before, there was a Profepa office, which was closed and now there is no one to protect it, since the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Crimes and Crimes against Animals also does not have a head or person in charge on the island.”
Source: lajornadamaya
