The Cusco Provincial Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Environmental Crimes has obtained a sentence against those responsible for the capture and mistreatment of an Andean condor, an endangered species.
The Fifth Single Criminal Court of Cusco, sentenced Raquel Flórez and Amador Flórez to four years of suspended imprisonment and a joint civil reparation of S/ 3,000 for the illegal capture and possession of an Andean condor (Vultur gryphus).
The Public Prosecutor’s Office, represented by prosecutor Relgis Dueñas, demonstrated that on July 29, 2017, during the Marcapata festivities, A condor was captured and exhibited in a bullfight, resulting in injury from the attack of a bull. Investigations revealed that the accused did not have permits for the capture or possession of wildlife, and that the condor, a species listed as ‘endangered’ according to Supreme Decree No. 004-2014-Minagri and protected by the CITES Convention, had been used without proper care.
The report of the National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) confirmed the bird’s injuries and highlighted its ecological importance. The Andean condor is an emblematic species, and its capture not only represents a serious environmental crime, but also a significant threat to its survival.
During the trial, the defense argued the existence of cultural and traditional practices that justified the capture of the condor. However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office stressed that No custom can be above the laws that protect natural resourcesbiodiversity and the environment.
The ruling sets an important precedent in the fight against the predation of protected species and the effective implementation of environmental law.
“The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Crimes of Cusco reaffirms its commitment to the protection and conservation of wildlife, urging the population to respect current regulations and to denounce any act that puts our natural heritage at risk,” cited the prosecutor in charge of the case.
