A clandestine market for exotic skins thrives between Tamaulipas and Guanajuato as illegal crocodile trade expands.
An investigation into the exotic skin trade reveals a significant clandestine market operating between the southern rivers of Tamaulipas and León, Guanajuato. A merchant named Eduardo, who has spent four decades in the business, sources skins from the southern regions of Tamaulipas, San Luis PotosÃ, and Veracruz. These skins are transported raw and covered in salt to prevent odors during the journey to Guanajuado, where they are tanned and sold to the footwear industry. Veterinarians and legal experts note that while many skins are sold legally in markets like Mercado La Luz, a large portion of the trade remains outside of official channels. The illegal trade is driven by high demand for luxury goods like shoes and belts. Experts suggest that the current number of inspectors from the Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) is insufficient to monitor the vast region. Without proper regulation and enforcement, the illegal trade continues tose to impact wild ecosystems and animal populations.