China’s plans to trace wildlife trade risks inflaming trafficking, critics warn

China’s plans to trace wildlife trade risks inflaming trafficking, critics warn

Chinese authorities are considering changes to wildlife trade regulations that govern the live trade in 18 parrot and reptile species, several of which are gravely threatened by poaching and illegal trade. The proposals involve the implementation of a “special marking system” of ID tags on bird leg rings or microchips inserted in reptiles to enable […]

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Madagascar lemurs, tortoises seized in Thai bust reveal reach of wildlife trafficking

Madagascar lemurs, tortoises seized in Thai bust reveal reach of wildlife trafficking

In May, authorities in southern Thailand arrested six people for illegally transporting 48 lemurs and more than 1,200 critically endangered tortoises, all of which had reportedly been obtained from the wild in Madagascar. The seizure is the latest in a string of illegal wildlife trade busts in Thailand. Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens), monitor lizards, snakes […]

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Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Illegal Exotic Animal Parts

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Illegal Exotic Animal Parts

A recent case in Brooklyn sheds light on the disturbing illegal trade in exotic animal parts. Usher Weiss, a 26-year-old resident, pleaded guilty after being caught selling items including a mounted cougar head and other prohibited wildlife products to an undercover officer from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The undercover operation […]

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Houston Woman Sentenced for Illegal Sale of Endangered Animals

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 […]

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