It's highly illegal to trade in jaguar pelts but that's what one woman did when she posted on Facebook that she had just such a pelt for sale.
That triggered the forestry department to launch an operation following several tips and concerns from the public, conservation groups, and stakeholders. Forest officers found Lidear Lino in possession of the pelt she advertised. She has been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act and the pelt was confiscated and secured as evidence. Preliminary assessments suggest the pelt was taken from a juvenile or female jaguar, a strictly protected species in Belize.
And, in case you didn't know - it is illegal to possess any wildlife, wildlife parts (such as pelts, teeth, or feathers), nests, eggs, or other wildlife derivatives. There are no permits that authorize individuals to keep wildlife parts under any circumstances. Offenders are liable to a fine of $10,000 dollars.
