Ideflor-Bio and BPA monitor illegal hunting of turtles in the Araguaia River
The action was carried out to protect these species, which are in the nesting period, as well as to educate the population
With the aim of raising awareness among the population and protecting the Amazon turtles and tracajás during the reproductive period, the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio) and the Environmental Police Battalion (BPA) carried out monitoring actions against the illegal hunting of turtles in the Araguaia River, in São Geraldo do Araguaia, southeastern Pará region.
According to the manager of the Araguaia Administrative Region of Ideflor-Bio, Laís Mercedes, the action was important to ensure the protection of the species and educate the population. “The partnership with the BPA is essential for these animals to have a safe nesting, allowing us to curb environmental crimes, protect the turtles and their nesting areas. In addition, we combine monitoring with environmental education and legal action in a coordinated manner,” she emphasized.
The biologist from Ideflor-Bio, Daiana Amorim, highlights that monitoring during this period plays an important role due to the nesting of the Amazon turtles and tracajás. “Monitoring on the beaches at this time of year is vital because it coincides with the nesting and incubation period of the turtles. It is at this moment that the eggs are most exposed and vulnerable to collection and predatory capture, which are crimes provided for by law,” pointed out the specialist. According to her, the nesting period usually occurs between September and January and can vary according to the river level and climate.
Awareness - Daiana Amorim also emphasizes that environmental education among the local population contributes to the ecological balance of nature. “In addition to protecting the species, this type of action promotes ecological balance and environmental education for the population. Thus, it is possible to conserve habitats and help discourage illegal collection and other infractions, strengthening compliance with environmental law,” added the biologist from Ideflor-Bio.
Corporal of the Military Police of Pará, Ana Moraes, stated that the BPA is working together with Ideflor-Bio in São Geraldo do Araguaia to suppress environmental offenses, such as predatory hunting and fishing, and the capture of turtles and their eggs.
“These practices constitute environmental crimes, and after the guidance phase has been exhausted, we are now moving to the monitoring stage, with the apprehension of those responsible. Unfortunately, in recent years, we no longer see nests, hatchlings, or the same number of tracajás in the Araguaia River. Therefore, the BPA was called to ensure the protection of wildlife during this critical period,” emphasized the public security agent.
Text in collaboration with Sinval Farias (Ascom/Ideflor-Bio)
