The Galapagos Conservation Trust found an illegal shipment of over 3,500+ Sea cumbers on the 22nd. This shipment for mainland Ecuador consisted of mainly 2 species Isostichopus horrens and Isostichopus fuscus.
All Sea Cumbers are protected in Galapagos water and the main fishing season for them is closed to allow breeding for these endangered animals. Fuscus is listed as endangered due to a population decline of at least 60% across its entire range in the last 30-50 years. Horrens is listed as data deficient as it is often misidentified. Previously not a high value species in fisheries, in Galapagos, this species has increased in value due to the decline of the brown sea cucumber. This species just goes to show when people talk of the illegal wildlife trade its not always rhino horns and exotic birds, all ecosystems and animals are potentially threatened by the illegal trade.