‘He intended to sell it to a friend’
Authorities face legal consequences after discovering a endangered spider monkey stored in the vehicle during a routine examination on the US-Mexican border. The case emphasizes the increasing concern about illegal wildlife smuggling and public safety and harmful fluctuation effects on the environment.
What’s happening?
According to a criminal complaint, Juan Manuel Valdez was entering the United States when a secondary vehicle control by US Customs and Border Protection. The agents found a hidden backpack in their car and discovered a spider monkey wrapped in a blanket inside.
Accordingly Myrgv.comValdez agreed to kidnap the animal. “Valdez said that he had bought a monkey in Mexico and aims to give it to his children, but later he aims to sell it to a friend in the US.” He said. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the Ministry of Agriculture did not have any permission or licenses required for importing or selling the monkey.
Why is wildlife smuggling?
Spider monkeys are not unique to the US, but although Introduced in places like Florida. Beyond obvious persecution, it weakens the illegal smuggling efforts of animals and may spread diseases. Once you have met the habitats you do not know, they may disrupt local biological diversity or die inadequate.
Trade also endangers the survival of the already on the verge of the species. Spider monkeys are considered critical due to loss of habitat, illegal hunting and exotic domestic trade. When people buy wildlife, sell or exploit, they accelerate population drops and cause long -term ecological damage.
What to do about wildlife smuggling?
Valdez is in custody of the US Marshals service until the case was passed from the court system.
On a wider scale, US federal agencies increase execution efforts and are trying to better monitor entrance ports. More strict arrangements and better technology has helped to identify more cases, but the public awareness is equally important.
If you suspect that someone has illegally importing or having exotic animals, you can report this to the USFWS or local wildlife authority. If you want to support animal protection, consider donating to organizations struggling with wildlife smuggling World Wildlife Fund.
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