Bolivia and Argentina are jointly investigating a hunting network accused of illegally killing jaguars. The network, led by Caza & Safaris, offered costly hunting packages to wealthy clients from the U.S. and Spain. Recent police actions yielded over 3,000 seized trophies and several arrests, including key figures Jorge Néstor Noya and Luis Villalba Ruiz, who are facing serious charges related to wildlife crimes.
Authorities in Bolivia and Argentina are investigating an illegal hunting network responsible for the deaths of multiple jaguars. The Argentine company Caza & Safaris marketed expensive hunting packages to affluent clientele from the U.S. and Spain, leading them to hunt endangered species in Bolivia. Recent operations by the Argentine Federal Police uncovered thousands of hunting trophies and resulted in charges against several individuals linked to this illicit activity, including Jorge Néstor Noya and Luis Villalba Ruiz, who face significant prison time for their roles in this network.
Photographs showcasing hunters with jaguar carcasses have incited outrage across Bolivia. Noya, the alleged mastermind of the network, is arrested in Argentina while inquiries into his activities continue. Investigators are keen to determine the whereabouts of Spanish national Villalba, accused of killing five jaguars and described as a prominent bow-and-arrow hunter. Officials are pressing for more information regarding his movements into Bolivian territory.
The network has been in operation since 1979, facilitating numerous hunting trips to Bolivia while collecting and processing trophies illegally. Noya gained clientele through his participation in various hunting conventions, which have drawn interest from international hunters. Authorities have indicated that public officials were likely cognizant of the operations, as evidenced by the dismissal of the head of Bolivia’s National Service of Protected Areas.
The Argentine police raids not only seized numerous vehicles and properties associated with the hunting enterprise but also revealed the scale of crimes committed against wildlife in the region, including the illegal killing of deer and other protected animals. The depth of complicity within governmental structures raises questions about the enforcement of conservation laws in these countries, prompting further scrutiny of their wildlife management policies.
The illegal hunting network explored in this investigation highlights troubling practices regarding wildlife exploitation in South America. Caza & Safaris has reportedly generated significant profit by catering to clients willing to pay large sums for the chance to hunt endangered species. The emergence of social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying public awareness of this issue, closely monitoring the activities of hunters within protected areas. The involvement of international clients complicates the enforcement of laws and highlights a demand for broader regulatory measures in wildlife conservation.
The investigation into the illegal hunting network involving Caza & Safaris underscores both the severe threat to endangered species such as the jaguar and the inadequacies in wildlife conservation enforcement in South America. The introduction of international hunters exacerbates these vulnerabilities and stresses the importance of cooperative efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Efforts to hold responsible parties accountable will be crucial in curbing such illicit operations and preserving biodiversity in the region.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
