Wildlife protection: Bird rescues in Argentina and hunting bans in Spain

In Catamarca, Argentina, authorities discovered clandestine depots containing over 50 wild birds held in overcrowded and poor conditions. The raids, conducted in the Capital and Valle Viejo areas following anonymous tips, revealed animals suffering from severe malnutrition and physical damage. While the rescued specimens will undergo rehabilitation, specialists warned that some may never be able to return to their natural habitats due to irreversible physical consequences of captivity.

Environmental groups have criticized the Ministry of Water, Energy and Environment for insufficient patrolling in rural areas and provincial access points. Legal actions are underway to dismantle the commercial networks exploiting regional biodiversity, with current regulations allowing for heavy fines and arrests for the illegal possession or sale of protected species.

In Spain, the High Court of Justice of Madrid has issued a precautionary measure suspending the hunting of nine bird species, including quail, red partridge, and thrush, due to declining populations. This judicial intervention follows a request by SEO/Birdlife to prevent irreversible population loss while legal challenges against hunting permits are resolved. The Spanish Hunting Federation has expressed strong opposition, citing potential economic damage to hunting estates.