Russian woman detained in Quito for attempting to export Galapagos iguanas
Ecuadorian authorities arrested a Russian national at Quito airport for trying to smuggle at least 32 marine iguanas to Iceland.
At Quito's airport, law enforcement stopped a Russian woman who was attempting to transport a minimum of 32 marine iguanas from the Galapagos Islands to Iceland. The animals were found hidden in eight plastic containers inside a suitcase, prompting their seizure. Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment reported that the iguanas were frail and suffering from dehydration, and a team of veterinarians transferred them to a conservation facility until they recover.
Police announced plans to charge the woman with wildlife trafficking, an offense that could result in up to three years of imprisonment. The marine iguana, native to the Galapagos, is classified as vulnerable and the islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 for their unique biodiversity. The case highlights ongoing challenges in protecting the archipelago’s endemic wildlife from illegal trade.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the threat of illegal wildlife trade to vulnerable species and the enforcement efforts to protect the Galapagos ecosystem.
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