Gendarmerie rescues 25 talking parrots from illegal bird trafficking and releases nine specimens into their natural habitat

This week, Gendarmería dismantled two cases of illegal bird trafficking in Salta and Catamarca.

There, they rescued 25 talking parrots and released nine wild specimens into their natural habitat.

The operations were carried out in compliance with the National Law No. 22.421 on Wildlife Conservation.

Salta: 25 rescued from illegal bird trafficking

The first operation occurred in the Paraje Senda Hachada, province of Salta. Personnel from the Section “Senda Hachada” of Squadron 52 “Tartagal” were patrolling the National Route No. 34 when they detected suspicious activity.

The gendarmes observed two men hiding in the bushes and, upon approaching, discovered they were trying to hide 25 specimens of parrots of the species Amazona aestiva.

These are popularly known as talking parrots.

There, the birds were confined in three boxes, which shows the precarious conditions of the illegal bird trafficking in the region.

After the discovery, the Embarcación Criminal Prosecutor’s Office ordered the immediate seizure of the specimens and the arrest of those involved.

A successful operation against illegal trade

This case reflects the persistence of illegal bird trafficking in northern Argentina.

Currently, the species Amazona aestiva faces constant pressure due to its value in the black market, where it is sold as a pet.

Talking parrots are especially vulnerable due to their ability to mimic human sounds.

This characteristic makes them a frequent target for traffickers operating in rural and border areas.

Authorities emphasize that illegal bird trafficking poses a serious threat to regional biodiversity.

Therefore, each captured specimen affects the ecological balance of its natural habitat and compromises the survival of wild populations.

Catamarca: how talking parrots were rescued from illegal bird trafficking

In parallel, the province of Catamarca was the scene of a positive conservation operation. Members of the Section “Santa María” of the Squadron 23 “Tinogasta” accompanied the Flora and Fauna Delegation.

The procedure took place in the Paraje Entre Ríos, where nine wild birds previously recovered from captivity were released. The return to their natural habitat was successfully carried out.

How the operations were conducted

The two procedures demonstrate the institutional commitment to environmental protection, as the actions included:

• Preventive patrolling on national routes
• Detection and arrest of traffickers
• Seizure of protected species
• Collaboration with wildlife authorities
• Successful reintroduction of rescued specimens

Now, the National Gendarmerie continues intensifying controls to combat illegal bird trafficking throughout the territory.

These operations ensure the preservation of protected species and strengthen the legal framework for conservation.

In light of this, authorities urge the citizenship to report any suspicious activity related to the capture, possession, or commercialization of wildlife.

In particular, Law No. 22.421 establishes criminal penalties for those involved in these illegal practices.

The return of the nine birds to the natural environment represents a significant achievement in the recovery of populations affected by captivity.

These specimens will be able to reproduce freely and contribute to the balance of their original ecosystems.