Latest seizures & other reports
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A compilation of seizures and prosecutions reported in the TRAFFIC Bulletin 1997-2007 (PDF, 850 KB)
Oil palm expansion threatens Orangutans
Deforestation for conversion to palm oil plantations is threateneding one of the world's largest populations of wild Orangutans in Central Kalimanatan, Indonesia, which is declining at more than 9% per year, reports AFP
TRAFFIC
in Mammals - primates, Forestry - including illegal logging
Almost half a tonne of reptiles seized in Cambodia
24 pythons and 257 turtles have been seized 300 km from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, whilst they were awaiting transport to Thailand then Viet Nam, reports AFP
TRAFFIC
in Herpetological, Smuggling in Asia, enforcement
Rhino poaching not abating in Assam
In 2008, poachers have killed up to 6 one-horned rhinos in Assam, compared to 16 animals killed by poachers in 2007. The level of poaching is attributed to the soaring price of rhino horn on the black market, reports The Times of India
Rebels and villagers kill 14 elephants in DRC
Since 14 April, 14 elephants were killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The upsurge in poaching in the region is said to be in reponse to the arrival of Chinese ivory buyers, reports AFP
TRAFFIC
in Ivory, Mammals - elephants, Smuggling in Africa
Man fined for illegal possession of ivory, Zimbabwe
A man was convicted for illegal possession of after 1.2 kg in Zimbabwe and fined ZWD25 billion, reports AllAfrica.com
WCCB acts to save Tigers in Corbett National Park, India
One person was detained by the Indian Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and found to possess materials for Tiger poaching in Corbett National Park, India. His two accomplices escaped, according to a Ministry of Environment and Forests press release
TRAFFIC
in Smuggling in Asia, Mammals - tigers, enforcement
Two fined in Australia for abalone offences
Two men from Adelaide, Australia, have been fined more than AUD15,000 (USD14,000) for illegal abalone fishing, reports ABC
TRAFFIC
in Smuggling in Australasia, Invertebrates, Fisheries - general
Testing the water for toothfish farming
The Chilean Government and 4 companies are investing more than USD2 million to research the feasability of farming Patagonian Toothfish, reports Fish Farming Expert
Tibetan Antelope numbers triple at key Chinese Nature Reserve
Improved anti-poaching measures are credited with leading to a tripling of Tibetan Antelope numbers to 60,000 animals at Hol Xil Nature Reserve, reports XinhuaNet.com.Numbers were decimated in the late 1990s after armed poachers targeted the animals for their valuable wool used to make shahtoosh shawls.
Wildlife smuggler suspects arrested in Zhengzhou, China
9 suspects have been arrested by the Zhengzhou branch of the Henan Forest Police, China, and 3 monitor lizards, 76 pangolins, 59 giant salamanders and 100 bear paws seized. The police said pangolins and bear paws were illegally traded in Weisanlu Aquatic market, from where they were regularly transported by rental car to destinations including Beijing, Zhengjiang, Shandong and Guangdong.
TRAFFIC
in Herpetological, Smuggling in Asia, Mammals - pangolins, Mammals - bears, enforcement
13 elephant tusks seized in Cameroon
Rangers, acting on a tip-off, have seized 13 elephant tusks from a remote village in Cameroon. Two men were arrested and a third suspect is sought, reports AllAfrica.com
Turtle makes welcome reappearance
The Giant Vietnamese Turtle Rafetus swinhoei has been rediscovered by US biologists in Viet Nam, after it was believed extinct in the wild, reports ABC Radio. Just two captive specimens exist, both in China.
Concern over legal ivory fuelling illegal trade
The South African Government has confirmed that China would be a potential destination for its legal ivory, if China gains approval as a trading partner from CITES this July, reports Business Day
Two Leopard skin dealers arrested in Cameroon
Two dealers of Leopard skins have been arrested in Douala, Cameroon, and if convicted face up to 3 years in jail plus a possible fine of up to CFA10 million (USD24,300), reports AllAfrica.com
TRAFFIC
in Mammals - leopards, Smuggling in Africa, enforcement
Tiger skins and other wildlife products seized in India
Police in Uttar Pradesh, India, have arrested two men who were apparently attempting to smuggle 22 Tiger, Leopard and python skins to neighbouring Nepal, according to an AP report
TRAFFIC
in Herpetological, Smuggling in Asia, Mammals - tigers, Mammals - leopards, enforcement
