Latest news with #ConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpecies
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait hosts the 22nd GCC Wildlife Conservation meeting
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states underscores the ongoing commitment to environmental cooperation and the protection of the Gulf's natural heritage. Acting EPA Director General Nouf Behbehani told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the meeting, which commenced in Kuwait today, aligns with directives from GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental efforts, preserve natural resources, and ensure biodiversity sustainability across the region. The gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental experts, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Key agenda items include updating the regional environmental operational plan through 2030, discussing Kuwait's proposal to establish technical working groups for biodiversity-related environmental agreements, and preparations for the inaugural Gulf Wildlife Conference. The conference will focus on enhancing cooperation in implementing international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Additionally, discussions will cover the approval of a unified logo for Gulf Wildlife Day and the development of new mechanisms for transferring ownership of falcons and protecting wildlife. The meeting is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations and executive plans, including the adoption of a unified framework for accrediting electronic permits under the CITES Agreement and the approval of upcoming training workshops focusing on protecting threatened species and rehabilitating ecosystems. Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, emphasized the significance of the meeting in achieving wildlife conservation goals and praised Kuwait's proactive role in implementing international environmental agreements. He commended the continuous efforts of GCC representatives, environmental experts, and the General Secretariat in safeguarding the Gulf environment and promoting sustainable development for future generations. The 22nd meeting reflects the GCC's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and regional collaboration in preserving the Gulf's rich biodiversity.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Two TN natives apprehended in Bengaluru for smuggling exotic turtles from Malaysia
CHENNAI: In yet another case of wildlife smuggling from southeast Asian countries involving Tamil Nadu natives, customs officials at the Bengaluru international airport apprehended two men from Thanjavur and Tiruvarur, who had brought 2,952red-eared slider turtles in their check-in luggage on an IndiGo flight from Malaysia, in the early hours of Wednesday. Sources said Bengaluru Customs apprehended Manivelan Gopinath (41) of Thanjavur and Govindasamy Sudhakar (56) of Tiruvarur, who landed in Bengaluru on the 6E-1038 flight from Kuala Lumpur late on Tuesday. Their check-in baggage contained 1,652 and 1,280 turtles respectively, for which they had no official documentation. The turtles were seized and deported back to Malaysia on the next flight, and the duo has been detained for interrogation, sources added. Though red-eared slider turtles are commonly smuggled from Malaysia to India, it is not yet protected under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) or the Wildlife Protection Act. There are research papers indicating that it has become an invasive species in some waterbodies of India. It may be noted that the Bengaluru Customs had earlier seized nine Wagler's pit vipers, a venomous snake native to southeast Asian countries, a common cuscus and a possum from Coimbatore native Jagadeesh Raman who landed from Thailand, a week ago. Customs also arrested the alleged receiver of the wildlife, Yogesh P (36), who runs a pet shop in Bengaluru.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Officials uncover horrifying international scheme hidden behind online pet ads: 'A global criminal organization'
Spanish authorities seized 19 exotic cats from Majorca and arrested the couple who allegedly intended to sell them, The New York Times reported. A Russian couple was arrested on charges of operating a smuggling ring in multiple continents. On the island, police arrested the two suspects and seized exotic felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrids. Caracals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. In the raid, authorities uncovered travel documents for more than 40 other animals to countries including Russia, Belarus, and China. "The detainees sold various animal species internationally through internet portals, including white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas," they said in a statement, according to the Times. "The operation has uncovered a global criminal organization involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians." According to Panthera, the illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion dollar market. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are a sought-after commodity across the globe. Unusual pets have become popular on social media, too. For example, the Persian Gulf is a big market for exotic pets, with the crown prince of Dubai having shown off his pet lion, Moochi, on social media. The World Wildlife Fund found that "online platforms are now the dominant market for the trafficking of live wildlife for exotic pets and wildlife products." The World Economic Forum reports that 4,000 animal and plant species are affected by illegal trade. According to a United Nations report, it is part of a larger problem that puts over one million species at risk of extinction. In captivity, cats can become distressed and harm themselves and others. In South Africa, a captive tiger chewed through its own front legs. Wildlife trafficking doesn't just put those animals at risk; since they are taken out of their habitats and upset ecosystems, plants, other creatures, and insects are also in danger. Invasive species threaten ecosystems, human health, and the economy as well, causing over $423 billion in losses annually throughout the world. Even domestic cats are considered an invasive species, as they can impact bird species in certain countries. Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes No It depends on the animal It depends on the person Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Because animal trafficking is an international affair, conservationists say, curbing it requires a unified global approach," Ephrat Livni wrote for the Times. Roughly 5,800 animals, including tigers and caracals, are protected by CITES. In 2022, the United States passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which provides protections for exotic cats against trade, purchase, breeding, and possessing. Despite this, wildlife trafficking still happens. However, authorities do make stops. In Israel, officials discovered exotic cats were being trafficked with the use of heavy-duty drones. In Canada, a woman was fined $15,000 for illegally breeding Savannah cats. In 2024, a global operation saved more than 20,000 endangered animals, including 18 big cats. "Efforts to combat wildlife trafficking call for a decisive shift toward harmonized and dissuasive criminal sanctions at the international level," wildlife conservation specialist Meganne Natali said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Print
19-05-2025
- The Print
Man held with 36 exotic reptiles at Mumbai international airport
The passenger was intercepted by officials on Sunday night after they noticed unusual movement in his bag during scanning, an official said. They include 28 live, two dead orange-bearded dragons, and six white iguanas. Mumbai, May 19 (PTI) The Customs officials seized 36 exotic reptiles from a passenger who landed at the Mumbai international airport from Bangkok and arrested him. A wildlife rescue team from RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) was called for assistance in opening the consignment, identifying and taking care of the species until further actions were to be initiated, said an official from the Forest Department. The Wildlife Crime Control has already issued orders for deporting the live reptiles under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), officials added. PTI ZA NSK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Arab Times
Thai police rescue 2 baby orangutans and arrest trafficking suspect
BANGKOK, May 17, (AP): Two baby orangutans have been rescued from being sold in Thailand's capital Bangkok and a suspected trafficker arrested, police said. The orangutans were seized Wednesday night and the alleged courier for the seller was arrested at a gas station, police said. The suspect was charged with illegal possession of protected wildlife and faces up to four years in prison if convicted. Police said orangutans generally sell for 300,000 baht ($9,000) each. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists orangutans as critically endangered, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) prohibits cross-border trade in the animals. Orangutans are found only in the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, but their habitat is shrinking due to the growth of agricultural land, making them more vulnerable to poaching. Thailand over the past two decades has repatriated dozens of orangutans to Indonesia. U.S. Immigration and Customs' Enforcement and Interpol, the international police organization, estimate the annual value of the illicit wildlife trade at $10 billion to $20 billion. Police handed over the two orangutans to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for care and safekeeping.
