32 Galápagos Marine Iguanas Seized from Russian Passenger at Quito Airport
Ecuadorian police detained a Russian woman at Quito airport after finding 32 dehydrated Galápagos marine iguanas in her luggage.
Ecuadorian authorities have detained a Russian national at Quito's international airport after discovering 32 Galápagos marine iguanas concealed in her luggage. The woman was preparing to board a flight to Iceland when police intercepted her on Saturday.
The reptiles were found packed inside eight plastic containers within a single suitcase, according to Ecuador's national police. Environmental officials were immediately called in, and the animals were examined under a specialized care protocol.
Wildlife officials described the iguanas as being in a state of "weakness and dehydration." A team of veterinarians has since transported them to a conservation center in Pichincha province, where they will receive treatment until their condition stabilizes.
The Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that charges for wildlife trafficking will be filed against the unidentified woman. Her legal status in Ecuador will be determined in the coming hours.
The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is endemic to the archipelago and is classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species faces threats from human activity and introduced predators, according to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The Galápagos Islands, located roughly 1,000 kilometers off Ecuador's Pacific coast, were designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1979 for their unique biodiversity.