Agents of the Environment Police Station rescued, on Tuesday (5), 90 wild birds and arrested two men carrying birds in the trunk of a car. They were caught on the descent of Serra de Petrópolis, in the mountainous region of the state of Rio. The action was carried out in conjunction with the Military, Federal and Federal Highway police.
The investigations pointed out that the criminals left Minas Gerais to Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense, where the birds of the trinca-iron species would be sold in a free fair. Investigations identified the relationship of criminals with the illegal trade of wild animals
The birds were found in small cardboard boxes, characterizing abuse. The seized wild birds will be sent to the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) in Rio de Janeiro.
The names of the prisoners were not revealed.
Flagrant
The two criminals were charged in the act for crimes of qualified reception, criminal association and animal abuse. Investigations continue to identify and hold others involved in the criminal scheme. The penalty for those who traffic wild animals range from six months to a year in prison and fine.
It is estimated that about 38 million wild animals are removed from Brazil annually for illegal trade, which is the third largest unlawful activity in the world, losing only to arms and drug trafficking. The National Network to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (Runnings) considers that this illegal trade moves between $ 10 and $ 20 billion a year worldwide, and 10% of this amount corresponds to BRASil.
Origin
Trinca-iron is a native species of Brazil. Its popular name refers to the strength of its beak, capable of cracking fruits and seeds.
The bird is appreciated by its melodious singing and target of wildlife trafficking.
Due to the singing, the ferro crab is clandestinely marketed at free fairs assembled on weekends in the municipalities of Baixada Fluminense.
