The University Center of the Coast (CuCosta) of the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) reported to municipal, state and federal authorities that in the early hours of January 13, 55 specimens of the Vallarta shell turtle (Kinosternon vogti) were stolen from the facilities of the campus conservation ark.
The theft, which was filed in file 99/2025/NJ, would also involve trespassing, fraud and breach of trust. It was allegedly perpetrated by at least two subjects who entered CuCosta posing as inspectors from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).
It is the second robbery
This is the second robbery committed at the CuCosta facilities, despite the fact that video cameras were installed, after the first theft of specimens of the endangered aquatic species, which Profepa has under guard in the UdeG conservation ark, committed on December 9.
“The university center will continue with the information and ratification of the complaint, as required, and is in constant communication with the authorities of the three levels of government.
They will reinforce security
In addition, the university authorities spoke with the municipal authority so that during the surveillance tours of the preventive police they reinforce security at the university center and its infrastructure, the UdeG reported in a statement.
Since 2019, academics attached to the Department of Biological Sciences at CuCosta have been working on projects related to the ecology and conservation of this turtle. The lines of research delve into the conservation of endangered species, the evolutionary biology of reptiles, and the conservation of tropical vertebrates.
The Vallarta casquito is an endemic species, found only within the urban area of the Bahía de Banderas region.
The discovery of this reptile involved various challenges related to its conservation, especially due to real estate pressure as a constant threat to its habitat.
Source: jornada
