Rescued endangered snake returned to its natural habitat in Paraguay
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A female "mbói jagua" snake, rescued with injuries from a fishing net in Canindeyú, Paraguay, has been successfully treated and released back into its natural habitat.
- The snake, measuring 3.6 meters and weighing 20 kilograms, received specialized veterinary care, including surgery, at the Itaipu Binacional's Wildlife Research Center.
- The successful rescue and release highlight the importance of collaboration between authorities, researchers, and local fishermen in conserving endangered species.
A female "mbói jagua" snake, an endangered species in Paraguay, has been successfully rescued, treated, and returned to its natural habitat in Canindeyú. The snake was found entangled in a fishing net, sustaining several injuries.
Professionals from the Itaipu Binacional's Wildlife Research Center (Ciasi) provided specialized veterinary care to the reptile at their facility in Hernandarias. The treatment included wound cleaning and a surgical procedure to suture the injuries. After a comprehensive clinical evaluation, the 3.6-meter-long, 20-kilogram snake was deemed healthy enough for release.
The habitat is a wetland, as it is a species that is primarily aquatic. The release was carried out without any problems, and we saw that the mbói jagua was able to move without difficulty, which indicates that it was able to recover satisfactorily.
Flavia Netto, a biologist with Itaipú, confirmed the snake's good health and stated that the release received authorization from Paraguay's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The snake was released into a wetland habitat, its primary environment, and showed no difficulty moving, indicating a satisfactory recovery. Park ranger Wilson Vega praised the collaboration of local fishermen who initially alerted authorities to the injured animal, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in conservation efforts. Vega also urged fishermen to exercise caution with nets in protected areas to prevent accidental harm to wildlife.
The rescue was done while we were patrolling the area, and we were alerted by people who were in the place. The collaboration of everyone is very important for conserving the ecosystem.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.