Investigation Launched Over Illegal Jaguar Hunting Network in Bolivia and Argentina
Authorities in Bolivia and Argentina are investigating an illegal hunting network tied to the company Caza & Safaris, accused of facilitating illegal hunts for jaguars and other endangered species. Charges have been filed against key individuals, including Jorge Néstor Noya and Luis Villalba Ruiz, amidst evidence of complicity and widespread illegal operations within protected areas.
Bolivia and Argentina are conducting an investigation into an illegal hunting network accused of killing jaguars. The network, linked to the Argentine company Caza & Safaris, had been offering lucrative hunting packages to wealthy foreign clients, allowing them to hunt endangered species in Bolivia for up to $50,000. Recent viral images have emerged showing hunters proudly posing with jaguar carcasses, further intensifying scrutiny on the organization.
In August 2024, Argentine authorities seized over 3,000 hunting trophies and charged seven individuals as part of a police operation. In Bolivia, officials are targeting Jorge Néstor Noya, the alleged leader of the network, and his Spanish client Luis Villalba Ruiz, who reportedly hunted five jaguars in September 2023. The duo faces severe charges including biocide and could face up to 19 years in prison.
Noya lured clients by showcasing his services at hunting conventions, including events in the United States and Spain. Recently, investigations indicated that Villalba, originally from Spain, utilized his hunting skills to enter Bolivia illegally. Photos have surfaced that implicate several other foreign hunters, including Eduardo Romero Nieto and Diego Romero Ferragut, raising questions about their involvement in these illegal activities.
The network has reportedly been operational since 1979, conducting numerous excursions into Bolivian territory to hunt various wildlife, including endangered species like jaguars. The remains of hunted animals were often taxidermied in illegal workshops and shipped abroad as trophies. There are concerns that certain public officials may have colluded with the hunters, as evidenced by recent personnel changes within Bolivian wildlife enforcement agencies.
The article highlights the serious issue of illegal hunting networks operating in South America, specifically concerning the endangered jaguar population. Caza & Safaris is identified as a central player in this illicit activity, targeting affluent foreign hunters attracted to exotic species. The involvement of various authorities and the potential complicity of some public officials underscore the complexity of enforcing wildlife protection laws in the region.
The investigations indicate that illegal hunting networks pose a significant threat to endangered wildlife, like jaguars, in South America. Authorities in both Bolivia and Argentina are stepping up efforts to address this issue, and the ongoing inquiries may lead to stricter enforcement of wildlife protection regulations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the global ramifications of wildlife crime and the importance of international cooperation in conservation efforts.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
