In the images, the animal was close to the surface when it was pierced by a man whose identity was not revealed. Another video, recorded by people in the region, shows the lifeless animal being removed from the river bank and placed in the ravine.
Known as the true black caiman or simply the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), it is one of the largest species of alligators in the world. They can reach a considerable size of up to 6 meters
MP will investigate
The Manoel Urbano Cumulative Prosecutor’s Office of the Public Ministry of Acre (MP-AC) issued a note this Monday (25) stating that it will initiate a procedure to investigate a possible environmental crime.
“The videos also show the already dead animal being removed to the surface by residents. Substitute Prosecutor Wendelson Mendonça da Cunha informed the municipality’s Civil Police so that, within 10 days, a preliminary investigation into the possible environmental crime and its authorship could be carried out”, added the note.
Environmental crime
Killing, persecuting, hunting, catching, using specimens of wild fauna, whether native or on the migratory route, without due permission, license or authorization from the competent authority, is a crime, according to article 29 of the Environmental Crimes Law.
According to legislation, the penalty is imprisonment for six months to one year, in addition to a fine. Anyone who modifies, damages or destroys a nest, shelter or natural breeding site or sells, exposes for sale, exports or acquires, keeps, has in captivity or deposit, uses or transports eggs, larvae or specimens of wild fauna also incurs the same sanctions.
The fine is R$500 per individual of a species not on official lists or threatened with extinction
