MINEC reinforced surveillance in Apure to dismantle illegal Arrau turtle traps

Published at: 14/05/2026 11:08 PM

With the objective of protecting the arrau turtle, an endangered species, the Ministry of Power for Ecosocialism (MINEC) intensified surveillance efforts in the Apure state by carrying out a deployment specifically in the Santa María del Orinoco sector, Pedro Camejo municipality, an area that houses the Wildlife Refuge and Protected Area of this reptile.

To carry out this day, the MINEC, on its website, reported that a civic-military-police alliance was formed that included members of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), Park Rangers and prosecutors from this Ministry.

The teams inspected the perimeter to ensure safe conditions during the species' current breeding season.

The general director of Monitoring and Control of Environmental Impacts of the MINEC, César Solís, stressed that these actions seek to prevent illegal activities that could alter the peace, tranquility and natural development of the arrau turtle.

“Ongoing monitoring is essential to mitigate any practice that puts this emblematic Orinoco species at risk,” he said.

During the operation, traps, illegal fishing items, improvised pots and chinchorros were dismantled, elements that represent a direct threat to aquatic fauna and to the ecological balance of the refuge.

MINEC, working together with regional authorities, maintains vigilance to strengthen environmental awareness in coastal communities, and thus ensure the preservation of the arrau turtle and the ecosystems associated with the Orinoco River.