Mexico wildlife agency seizes parakeets, animal parts in Hidalgo market

Mexican environmental protection agency Profepa seized three green parakeets and 28 wildlife products, including deer antlers and an armadillo shell, at a market in Actopan, Hidalgo. The individual selling the items could not prove their legal origin, resulting in the confiscation of the wildlife and the arrest of the seller.

The parakeets were sent to a rescue unit in Pachuca for care. Profepa filed a criminal complaint for possessing endangered species listed under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. The agency emphasized that parakeets, parrots, and macaws are severely threatened by illegal trafficking and habitat destruction.

During the operation on July 8, Profepa also found other wildlife products whose legal provenance could not be verified. These included deer antler keychains, an armadillo shell handbag, a hawk taxidermy, and skins from various animals like martens, raccoons, and coyotes. All confiscated items are now under Profepa's disposition as administrative procedures begin.