Mexico City, Jul 27 (IANS/EFE): More than 180 animals, including a boa constrictor, crocodile and owl were confiscated by Mexican authorities from vendors at a street market here that specialises in products associated with folk medicine and the occult.

Several of the animals rescued belong to endangered species, the Attorney General's Office said.

Among the animals rescued from Mexico City's Sonora market are 170 tortoises, an owl, a crocodile, a boa constrictor, two other snakes and seven black iguanas.

In addition, 17 tortoise shells and 12 skins of different animals such as lynx, anteater, jaguar and black iguana, as well as stuffed skins of toucans were also seized, the AG's office said.

The market is a traditional sales location for animals, amulets, lotions and herbs used by healers and shamans against the evil eye, to attract lovers or luck.

The operation was part of a nationwide sweep conducted from July 21-24 in which 5,571 examples of flora and fauna were seized, the AG's office said.