The Mérida City Council has shown total disinterest in stopping the illegal trade of protected species in public spaces.
The excessive capture and the illegal wildlife trade have generated a decline in the populations of many endangered speicies such as Cardinals in Yucatan.
This type of business is also visible in municipal markets and flea markets across Merida and the rest of the state.
Members of Tlacuatzin A.C. have denounced the complicity between municipal authorities and illegal wildlife sellers, after paying a “fee” for a space to sell illegal fauna in flea markets.
Just a week ago, in the Francisco Villa and San Roque flea markets, birds protected by an Official Mexican Standard were exhibited for sale, and on Sunday, April 14th, also in the Francisco I. Madero flea market, endangered species such as cardinals, bluebirds and other wild birds could be observed in broad daylight.
It is important to remember that both the Mérida Fauna Protection Regulation and the General Wildlife Law (LGVS) prohibit the sale of wild animals on public roads, even more so when these are protected endangered species.
“Unfortunately, both municipal inspectors, federal authorities, and the State Government seem to completely ignore these regulations,” an activist from Tlacuatzin A.C. stated.
“Greater surveillance and rigidity from the authorities in public spaces to stop this illicit activity is necessary”, the activist continued.
“It is time for the authorities to go from using the protection of the environment and fauna as an argument in their political speeches, to taking concrete actions that guarantee their protection,” another activist from Tlacuatzin A.C concluded.
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