In 2002, one of Peru’s most severe ecological crimes, the slaughter by poachers of 148 sea lions, occurred on San Gallán Island, Paracas National Reserve. However, the press did not receive notice of this crime until more than 3 months had passed. Furthermore, local police have not been successful in capturing those responsible for the crime. It is presumed the criminals are part of a trafficking network dedicated to the commercialization of sea lions genitalia. In Asia, there exist a large number of highly demanded aphrodisiacs, which are created using sea lion genitalia.
Sea lions represent one of the principal attractions of Paracas National Reserve, attracting millions of tourists each year. The existence of the areas strong tourism industry is dependent on the presence of this and similar species. This crime also sabotages to the economy of Perú.
The Peruvian Congressional Commission of Ecology and the Environment resolved to investigate the massive killing of the sea lions in Paracas. A taskforce headed by Maruja Alfaro (PP) and Víctor Noriega (PAP) was created to oversee the investigation. Considering the gravity of the crime, Dr. Fabiola Morales, the commission’s president, condemned the Department of Public Ministry for closing the case without identifying the proper authorities. The commission insisted on overseeing the investigation, and on January 24, 2003, traveled to Paracas in order to confirm the facts of the investigation and if possible, to take action.
The current level of security at Paracas National Reserve is insufficient to ensure protection of its natural resources. In response to the killings, a new master plan of the protected area outlines both target improvements for park management and plans establish a guard station and point of control on San Gallán Island. Engineer Rafael Tamashiro, serving as both director of Paracas National Reserve and regional INRENA representative, affirmed that there had been a killing. Moreover, at the local level, he felt confident that more than 10 individuals are responsible for perpetrating the crime.
This crime coincides with the next ParksWatch evaluation of Paracas National Reserve, ParksWatch officials will begin working in the area on Monday, January 27th.
(Photo from El Comercio newspaper, January 19th, 2003. INRENA officials inspecting the area.)
ParksWatch: January 2003