Help Stop Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

The Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) recently responded to several calls via Wildlife Alliance’s 24 hour rescue hotline number reporting wildlife being kept as pets. The nationwide hotline number is an important tool for the WRRT as it allows the general public to provide information on wildlife crimes. Without these tips, it would be impossible for the team to conduct nearly as many raids and rescue operations. These particular calls resulted in the rescue of several animals that were kept in appalling conditions. In Phnom Penh, a python and young macaque were rescued, both suffering from injuries and malnutrition. The next day, the WRRT received information concerning two different residents of Prek Khmeng village that were illegally keeping a leopard cat kitten and a rare lesser adjutant. The team successfully confiscated both animals, and educated the owners about the consequences of illegally keeping wildlife. All the animals were taken to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC), where they are being rehabilitated.

The Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team often comes in contact with residents that keep wildlife as pets. Due to lack of education and knowledge of laws governing wildlife, these animals are often kept in horrendous conditions, subjected to cramped spaces and poor diets. We also receive many donations of animals that have been kept as pets until the owners realize they cannot control a wild animal. Their misguided attempts to change the animal’s natural behavior often leads to mistreatment or confinement. However, due in part to Wildlife Alliance’s Anti-Trafficking Campaign, using billboards and Public Service Announcements, there has been a marked increase in the number of calls reporting on illegal wildlife activity by the general public. This shows that awareness about the wildlife trade is growing, and continued efforts must be made to educate the public on the issue. Help the WRRT prevent another wild animal from ending up a pet by making a donation today!

In early July, the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) received information from an informant regarding a Vietnamese wildlife trader believed to be regularly traveling to Cambodia to purchase wildlife before returning to Vietnam where the wildlife was sold. The information suggested the trader was operating at various locations a short distance inside the Cambodian border in the province of Takao.

The WRRT commenced an investigation that included long hours of patrolling and surveillance before identifying the suspected trader. The suspect was operating from a roadside location approximately 4.5 miles from the Vietnam border and just off National Road #2 in Kampong Village of Takao Province. Surveillance indicated she was buying wildlife from a number of people who regularly visited her stall. Local residents informed the team that she was trading fish, eel and frogs.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2013, the WRRT apprehended the trader at the above location and rescued 57 spotted doves, 27 red collared doves, 1 water snake, 5 rat snakes. Several bags of chequered keelback snakes, white spotted slug snakes, common blind snakes and common blackhead snakes, weighing in at 41 lbs were also found.

When questioned, the 28 year old female trader confessed to purchasing the wildlife from various local sources with the intention of selling the animals in Vietnam. Indications are that the trader had been offered some level of protection by authorities on both sides of the border. In order to avoid any interference in the operation, the trader was transferred 19 miles to the local Forestry Administration office and the prosecutor was called to ensure the trader was dealt with in accordance with the law. When questioned further, the trader also informed the team that she was well known to authorities stationed at the border checkpoint and was never stopped or searched while crossing back into Vietnam.

As all of the species rescued were classified as common, the trader received a fine of 4,500,000 Riel ($1,125 USD). Rescued snakes were later released into suitable habitats, and as some of the doves had clipped wings and others appeared injured, all were transported to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) to be assessed prior to release.

The recent acceleration in demand for wildlife in countries like Vietnam and China requires us to expand our efforts and impact. It is critical for us to continue to protect these animals.

Links:

• Wildlife Alliance Page
• Project Page