Overview
- In the past two years, authorities intervened 10,113 wildlife specimens nationwide, including 2,319 tied directly to so‑called good‑luck rituals.
- Peruvian law treats possession, use or trade of protected fauna as a serious offense with steep fines and possible depredation charges carrying prison sentences of up to five years.
- SERFOR officials report quirquinchos are taken from burrows and kept in unsanitary conditions without food or water, causing severe stress, high mortality and potential zoonotic risks.
- In Arequipa, 11 quirquinchos were recovered over the last three years (three alive and eight taxidermized) and at least nine people were identified for sanctions, with new checks planned in fairs and markets with police support.
- Animal‑protection advocates cite weak oversight in informal and rural markets and urge stronger coordination, while SERFOR asks the public to report cases via Alerta SERFOR at 947 588 269.