Analysis of reptile records submitted to the Cauca Regional Autonomous Corporation during 2020 and the first half of 2025

Abstract

Colombia is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. However, processes such as habitat loss, illegal trafficking, and intolerance have placed significant pressure on wildlife, especially vulnerable groups such as reptiles. In the department of Cauca, as part of the Comprehensive Wildlife Resource Project of the Corporación Autónoma Regional del Cauca (CRC), we analyzed records of reptile care during the period 2020 and the first half of 2025, in order to identify the most vulnerable groups and guide conservation actions. Information was collected on 536 individuals belonging to the orders Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodylia, distributed across 16 families, 31 genera, and 43 species. The most represented genera were Chelonoidis, Trachemys, and Kinosternon (Testudines), as well as Iguana, Bothrops, Erythrolamprus, and Micrurus (Squamata), which indicates the existence of significant illegal trafficking. The mechanisms of entry corresponded to recoveries, voluntary surrenders, and seizures. As for the final destination, 85.8% of the specimens were released, 8.8% remained in custody, and 5.4% died. The year-on-year analysis showed that voluntary surrender consolidated its position as the main source of recovery influenced by illegal trafficking, while recoveries played a significant role in the release of highly vulnerable species. These results highlight the importance of strengthening environmental education, rescue, and professional monitoring programs, integrating the expert vision of biology professionals with the knowledge of the communities themselves. This, in turn, allows for the prioritization of conservation efforts for turtles and snakes, the groups most affected by trafficking and mortality in southwestern Colombia.