MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – A Washington state man accused of helping kill thousands of birds pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to shooting eagles on an American Indian reservation in Montana and selling their feathers and body parts on the black market. Travis John Branson pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking and two counts […]
Tag: illegal trade
Houston Woman Sentenced for Illegal Sale of Endangered Animals
A recent case in Houston has highlighted the grim reality of the illegal wildlife trade, particularly concerning endangered species. Savannah Nicole Valdez, a 21-year-old woman, has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in the illegal sale of exotic animals, including a spider monkey and toucans. Valdez’s sentencing came after a thorough investigation initiated in […]
Organized Crime in Cyprus Kills Over 400,000 Songbirds
A recent report has revealed a grim reality: over 400,000 songbirds were trapped and slaughtered in Cyprus during the autumn of 2023, marking a distressing surge in wildlife crime. The findings, compiled by BirdLife Cyprus with Support from the RSPB and the Committee Against Birds Slaughter (Cabs), shed light on an ongoing issue that threatens […]
Online trade in Philippine hornbills threatens birds and forests
MANILA – Hornbills in the Philippines already suffer from habitat loss and forest conversion, but the illegal sale of these endangered birds in the online market could further plunge their numbers in the wild, according to a recently published study. This possible decrease in their populations due to poaching could have a knock-on effect on […]
3D Printed Replicas Ensure a Sustainable Future for Wildlife
In the lush rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh, India, where majestic tigers, clouded leopards, eagles, and hornbills roam, lies a treasure trove of cultural heritage held dear by the Nyishi community, the largest Indigenous tribe in the state. Among their traditions is the donning of a byopa, an intricate handwoven cane cap adorned with the upper […]
Thai Poaching Kingpin Sentenced to Prison
After years of investigations and appeals, Bach “Boonchai” Mai, the alleged leader of a major international wildlife trafficking ring, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Thai Supreme Court. Mai was convicted of attempting to smuggle 14 rhino horns into Thailand, but his network, Hydra, has been involved in trafficking ivory, rhino […]
Urgent Measures Needed to Prevent the Extinction of Hippos, a Vital Species in African Ecosystems
Hippos are one of the most iconic and beloved animals in the world. But they are also facing a dire situation that could push them towards extinction. Despite a population decline in recent years, the United States continues to import hippo parts at an alarming rate. Between 2009 and 2018, the US imported over 9,000 […]
A Cuban Crocodile Gallops Like a Horse in Pursuit of a Man in a Florida Theme Park
Just a few weeks ago, an image of a handbag made of crocodile skin on exhibit at the London Zoo drew the attention of many on social media. Instead of a live Siamese crocodile inside the glass enclosure, the zoo has chosen to display the handbag with a placard that reads: “This bag used to […]