Over 900 Endangered Wildlife Seized in Thailand to Return Home to Madagascar

[snoop1130]

 

In an unprecedented move, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has announced that over 900 rare wildlife species, illegally smuggled into the country, will be sent home to Madagascar. In a significant push against wildlife trafficking, the operation sets a benchmark for international collaboration to preserve endangered species.

 

The 963-strong troupe of animals seized includes ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises. Attapol Charoenchansa, the chief of DNP, made the announcement on November 18th, noting that the animals are currently being taken care of by officials. "This is a form of international collaboration to protect and preserve threatened animal species. It also demonstrates our commitment to fighting crimes against wildlife," Attapol emphasised.

 

The animals were confiscated from a smuggling operation in Chumphon province in May following a tip-off about illicit wildlife transportation from Indonesia to the southern Thai province of Satun. The subsequent crackdown saw the interception of four vehicles laden with a shocking total of 1,117 live and dead animals. As a result, six culprits fell into the hands of law enforcement.

 

 

Madagascar, known for its diverse and unique proliferation of wildlife, most of which are native to the island, will play a pivotal role in the repatriation process. Many of the confiscated species are classified as near-extinct or threatened under Annex I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

 

The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development in Madagascar, Max Andonirina Fontaine, is expected to supervise the proceedings, which kick-off with a ceremony at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Thailand. Three separate flights facilitated by Qatar Airways will transport the rescued animals back to their indigenous land. Fontaine is poised to accompany the first batch of wildlife on the journey back home, with departures pencilled in for November 28th, November 30th, and December 2nd.

 

The impending return of these critters to Madagascar emphasises a promising stride in international efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and preserve endangered species. This landmark action is set to serve as a testament to global solidarity against ecocrimes.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-19

 

 

[dinsdale]

Smuggled in yes. Thailand final destination maybe not. On the way to China is my guess.

As for these bits of flowery rubbish I'm pretty sure everyone's sick of it.

13 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The subsequent crackdown saw the interception of four vehicles laden with a shocking total of 1,117 live and dead animals. As a result, six culprits fell into the hands of law enforcement.

 

15 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The impending return of these critters to Madagascar emphasises a promising stride in international efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and preserve endangered species. This landmark action is set to serve as a testament to global solidarity against ecocrimes.

It's like reading a cheap novel.