Customs officials from the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba recently intercepted an illegal attempt to smuggle a bird and several eggs out of the country. These items were concealed in luggage bound for the United States from Havana's José Martí International Airport.
Wiliam Pérez González, the First Deputy Chief of the General Customs of the Republic, shared on the social media platform X that the bird was hidden inside a medicine container, violating both the international CITES convention and national regulations. He noted that "stringent measures" were enforced following the detection of this infraction, though he did not specify the bird species or provide details about the passenger involved.
Images released showed the bird placed inside a perforated jar to allow for breathing. Additionally, at least five eggs were concealed, though the exact number of specimens wasn't disclosed. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly regulates the movement of protected species between countries, with Cuba being a signatory state.
Cuba has long been a hotspot for attempted wildlife smuggling, with numerous documented cases highlighting the ongoing nature of this illegal activity. In 2019, Cuban authorities seized luggage containing 277 live birds, including species such as tocororos, cardinals, and grassquits, all of which were being smuggled out of the country without authorization. Many of these birds are endemic and constitute part of Cuba's natural heritage.
Two years later, Spanish Civil Guard intercepted 161 wild birds at Manises Airport in Valencia, transported by a passenger arriving from Havana. The birds, hidden in suitcases and lacking legal documentation, had successfully passed through both Cuban and Spanish customs, raising concerns about flaws in the detection of such trafficking.
More recently, in April, a ranger operation in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, led to the release of several wild birds kept in captivity for sale on the informal market. Although the species and number of animals were not specified, this incident underscored that internal wildlife trafficking continues to be driven by demand and the lack of economic opportunities for many people.
Illegal Wildlife Trafficking from Cuba
What is CITES and why is it important?
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is a global agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species from exploitation.
How prevalent is bird smuggling in Cuba?
Bird smuggling in Cuba has been a persistent issue, with multiple attempts documented over the years. The country's rich biodiversity makes it a target for illegal wildlife trade, impacting its endemic species and natural heritage.
What measures are in place to prevent wildlife trafficking in Cuba?
Cuba has regulatory measures aligned with international conventions like CITES to prevent wildlife trafficking. However, the effectiveness of these measures is challenged by the ongoing illegal trade, highlighting the need for improved enforcement and public awareness.